Abstract: A prestressed or post-tensioned composite structural system for bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, building floors, building walls, or similar structural elements. The structural system comprises a composite structure comprising an unfilled grating as a base component, and a prestressed, post-tensioned reinforced concrete slab as a top component. The base grating component is preferably a plurality of main bearing bars without any distribution bars or tertiary bars. The upper portions of the main bearing bars are embedded in the concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete.

Abstract: A prestressed or post-tensioned composite structural system for bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, building floors, building walls, or similar structural elements. The structural system comprises a composite structure comprising an unfilled grating as a base component, and a prestressed, post-tensioned reinforced concrete slab as a top component. The base grating component is preferably a plurality of main bearing bars without any distribution bars or tertiary bars. The upper portions of the main bearing bars are embedded in the concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete.

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.