What property of concrete makes it suitable for bridge deck construction?

Concrete's suitability for bridge deck construction is largely attributed to its resistance to deformation. This property allows concrete to maintain its shape and structural integrity under various loads and environmental conditions, which is crucial for the safety and durability of a bridge. When a bridge is subjected to traffic loads, temperature changes, and environmental factors, the ability of the concrete to resist deformation ensures that the bridge can effectively support these forces without experiencing significant warping, cracking, or other structural issues.

In addition to this resistance to deformation, concrete provides excellent compressive strength, enabling it to bear heavy loads, which is vital for bridge structures. While other materials might be more flexible or lighter, the inability of those materials to resist deformation under heavy loads makes them less suitable for the rigorous demands placed on bridge decks. Therefore, the property of resistance to deformation makes concrete an ideal choice for ensuring the longevity and safety of bridge decks.