An Exodermic™ (or “composite, unfilled steel grid”) deck is comprised of a reinforced concrete slab on top of, and composite with, an unfilled steel grid. This maximizes the use of the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of steel.
Why Use an Exodermic™ Deck System?
Exodermic™ deck panels placed on the Robert C. Beach Memorial Bridge near Morgantown, WV.
Reduced Dead Load
By reducing dead load, an Exodermic™ deck permits a bridge to achieve a higher live load rating. An Exodermic™ deck typically weighs 35% to 50% less than the equivalent rebar reinforced concrete slab specified for the same span.
Rapid Installation
An Exodermic™ deck can often be erected during a short, overnight work window using precast panels. Cast-in-place panels also offer increased installation rates with nearly all the formwork already in place.
The D.S. Brown Company is the patent holder and an informational source for Exodermic™ bridge deck technology, providing printed and computer-based design aids, suggested specifications, informational materials, and technical assistance to bridge engineers, owners, and contractors. The grid portion of an Exodermic™ deck is available from multiple licensed suppliers.