A variety of materials have been used for wearing surfaces on steel bridge decks. The requirements for these paving materials are identified, the various asphalt-based materials that have been used are described, a description of the construction process is provided, and the expected field performance and maintenance requirements for the most common materials used are discussed. The selection of the wearing surface should be based on life-cycle costs, not just initial construction costs. Life-cycle-cost calculations must include consideration of initial construction costs, expected life, maintenance and rehabilitation costs, and user delay costs associated with the removal and replacement of failed surfaces. The reliability, durability, and skid resistance of the wearing surface are very important to prolongation of the life of the surfacing and minimization of delays to users caused by frequent replacements.

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