What overall category does the bridge deck belong to?

The bridge deck is classified as part of the superstructure, which is the portion of the bridge that is located above the bearings and supports the load of the traffic and any other loads the bridge may experience. The superstructure encompasses all components that are directly resilient to the loads applied, including the deck, girders, truss elements, and other supporting beams, all working together to distribute loads down to the substructure below.

The bridge deck specifically is the flat surface on which vehicles and pedestrians travel. It is essential for providing a safe and viable passageway across the bridge. Understanding the role of the bridge deck as part of the superstructure is important for engineers and planners, as it involves considerations such as material choice, load capacity, and maintenance requirements.

Other categories mentioned—such as substructure, foundation, and support system—are related but do not accurately describe the deck’s function or position within the overall structure of the bridge. The substructure typically refers to components below the bridge deck, like piers and abutments, while the foundation is the lowest part that transmits loads to the ground. The support system is a broader term that could encompass various elements but does not specifically identify itself as the deck. Thus, recognizing the bridge deck