Investigation of Damaged 12-Year Old Prestressed Concrete Box Beams
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13, Issue 2
Abstract
An investigation was conducted of unexpected damage to a pair of three-span continuous-spread prestressed box beam bridges after 12 years of service. Routine inspection had revealed cracks in the box beams near the piers and abutments. An investigation was conducted to assess the condition of the beams in the bridges as well as their as-built properties and remaining strength. The investigation showed that the beams were built in accordance with the design drawings and specifications. One beam was tested under a combination of flexure and shear. These tests showed that the effective prestress was lower than standard design estimates. Measurable slip of the strands initiated as shear or flexure-shear cracks developed; however, the bond strength was sufficient for the strands to fail by fracture. The measured ultimate strength exceeded the analytical estimates by 7 to 9%. The conclusion of the investigation is that the cracks in the beams developed from a combination of conditions created by the design, detailing, and production of the beams.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to acknowledge Professors Stephen Pessiki and Robert Connor for their contributions to the field investigations described in the paper. Contributions from the engineering staff of Gannett Fleming, Inc., and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are also acknowledged. The writers are grateful to the technical staff at Lehigh University for their contributions to the investigation. This study was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in the paper material are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of others acknowledged here.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 13 • Issue 2 • March 2008
Pages: 139 - 148
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Dec 28, 2006
Accepted: May 23, 2007
Published online: Mar 1, 2008
Published in print: Mar 2008
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