WHY CONSIDER THE EXODERMIC™ BRIDGE DECK SYSTEM?

RAPID CONSTRUCTION    

An An Exodermic™ bridge deck is a cost effective, lightweight, modular deck system that lends itself to rapid construction. Exodermic™ decks can often be erected during a short, overnight work window. The deck system is comprised of a reinforced concrete slab composite with an unfilled grid, and makes efficient use of the constituent materials, handling spans in excess of 15 feet between supports, and weighing as little as 40 pounds per square foot.

REDUCED DEAD LOAD

By reducing deck 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 reinforced concrete deck that would be specified for the same span. Reduced dead load can minimize or eliminate structural strengthening that would otherwise be required to achieve a required load rating.

LONG LIFE

Because the welds and punch-outs of an Exodermic™ deck are located near the neutral axis, fatigue considerations rarely control design (see Design Introduction-How it Works). Hot dip galvanizing of the grid provides over 50 years of protection from corrosion (see Galvanized Coating Testing). Epoxy coated or galvanized reinforcing in the concrete component of an Exodermic™ deck provides further protection. A conservative design approach also insures long term field performance.

WE ARE AN INFORMATION SOURCE FOR EXODERMIC™ DESIGN
AND CONSTRUCTION

The D.S. Brown Company is the patent holder and an information 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. Multiple suppliers mean competitive pricing, and avoids restrictions on specification of a “proprietary” product. Please call or e-mail us for the latest supplier information.

Design Assistance – If you are working on a specific project, please contact us. And, if you can supply some basic information about the project and the geometry involved, we would be glad to provide a suggested design, with appropriate calculations, details, and specifications.