Precast modular deck construction has been used successfully since 1967. It is still used in a modest but affective fashion, as exemplified by several installations. The details used to connect the panels to the supporting structures, provide composite action, permit vertical adjustment, and develop shear resistance between adjacent panels are critical. A deck protection system to prevent chemical penetration should be incorporated in the design. Construction costs were estimated for four design examples and compared with costs of conventional cast-in-place construction. In each case, the modular system proved to be more economical. Benefits of precast, prestressed decks include greater structural efficiency, reduction in the number of support elements required, less construction time, reduction in interruption to traffic for replacement decks, potential for increasing capacity of existing structures through reduction in dead load, and better quality control.

Current practice in the construction of concrete bridge decks supported by a structural framing system uses cast-in-place reinforced concrete. This is predominantly used for bridge deck replacement and for new bridge construction. Some of the problems generated by this construction technique have been overcome through the development of new matcrialo and improved procedures, such as concrete overlays, epoxy-coated rebars, and stay-in-place forms. However, others have not. These include the very time-consuming and labor-intensive procedures inherent in the use of cast-in-place concrete and the inefficient use of the materials that occurs when the full advantage of the compressive strength of concrete is not exploited. One alternative to conventional cast-in-place bridge deck construction that could be more cost efficient is full-depth, precast, prestresssed bridge deck panels. This system is equally adaptable to new construction and to deck replacement projects.