Modular bridge deck system including hollow extruded aluminum elements

A method of connecting a prefabricated bridge deck to a support girder, comprising the steps of:

• mounting first shear force transfer elements to extend from an upper surface of the girder in a first arrangement;
• mounting second shear force transfer elements to extend from a bottom surface of the bridge deck in a second arrangement different from said first arrangement;
• providing a plurality of leveling elements extending from the upper surface of the girder to define a selected spacing between the upper surface of the girder and the lower surface of the bridge deck;
• providing a set of forms along said upper surface of the girder to define a space which contains the first shear force transfer elements and the leveling elements, the forms including compressible upper edge portions;
• pouring a quantity of a flowable and curable medium into said space so as to surround the first shear force transfer elements and the leveling elements;
• placing the bridge deck so as to support the same by said leveling elements in a manner such that the second shear force transfer elements are submerged in the flowable medium and the bottom surface of the bridge deck contacts the compressible portions of the forms to an extent sufficient to obtain extended contact between the bottom surface of the bridge deck and the uncured flowable medium;
• and
• curing the flowable medium, to thereby form a strong shear force transmitting vertical and horizontal support and connection between the girder and the bridge deck.