A Combined Experimental–Numerical Framework for Assessing the Load-Bearing Capacity of Existing PC Bridge Decks Accounting for Corrosion of Prestressing Strands

Bridges constitute important elements of the transportation network. A vast part of the Italian existing infrastructural system dates to around 60 years ago, which implies that the related bridge structures were constructed according to past design guidelines and underwent a probable state of material deterioration (e.g., steel corrosion, concrete degradation), especially in those cases in which proper maintenance plans have not been periodically performed over the structural lifetime. Consequently, elaborating rapid yet effective safety assessment strategies for existing bridge structures represents a topical research line. This contribution presents a systematic experimental–numerical approach for assessing the load-bearing capacity of existing prestressed concrete (PC) bridge decks. This methodology is applied to the Longano PC viaduct (southern Italy) as a case study. Initially, natural frequencies and mode shapes of the bridge deck are experimentally identified from vibration data collected in situ through Operational Modal Analysis (OMA), based on which a numerical finite element (FE) model is developed and calibrated. In situ static load tests are then carried out to investigate the static deflections under maximum allowed serviceability loads, which are compared to values provided by the FE model for further validation. Since prestressing strands appear corroded in some portions of the main girders, numerical static nonlinear analysis with a concentrated plasticity approach is finally conducted to quantify the effects of various corrosion scenarios on the resulting load-bearing capacity of the bridge at ultimate limit states. The proposed methodology, encompassing both serviceability and ultimate conditions, can be used to identify critical parts of a large infrastructure network prior to performing widespread and expensive material test campaigns, to gain preliminary insight on the structural health of existing bridges and to plan a priority list of possible repairing actions in a reasonable, safe, and costly effective manner.

Flexural Behavior of Unbonded Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation on the flexural behavior of unbonded prestressed concrete (PC) T bridge girders. Three unbonded PC T bridge girders with different prestress degrees spanning 3 m were selected to perform four-point bending tests and then determine the flexural performance. Flexural capacity, crack development and failure mode, load-deflection curves, strain in longitudinal rebars, and stress in prestressing strands of unbonded PC T bridge girders are experimentally analyzed. Subsequently, three-dimensional finite element (FE) models are built and validated by experiments to investigate the effect of different design parameters on flexural behavior of bridge girders. Results generated from experiment and numerical studies show that the flexural destruction behavior in unbonded PC T bridge girders experiences elastic, elastic-plastic, and ductility stages, similar to that of PC T bridge girders. The prestress degree and load location have significant influence on the destruction process in unbonded PC T bridge girders. A lower effective prestress degree can reduce the distribution range in cracks and also increase the width of cracks. Stress in prestressing strands under anchor increases rapidly after concrete presents obvious cracks, and the fracture area within prestressing strands increases with the elevation of prestress degree. The aim of this study is to provide a reference for the design and practical application of unbonded PC T bridge girders.

FEM study of internal stresses evolution in prestressing strands

This paper describes the results of modeling when the processes of stranding, reduction, straightening and thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) of prestressing strands were simulated with the help of finite-element method. The distribution of residual stresses used in the simulation models refers to the stresses created at the preliminary stage of wire drawing. The simulation study looked at the effect of thermo-mechanical treatment on the internal wire stresses: residual stresses resultant from the drawing process and further stranding stresses. All studied methods demonstrated a positive effect not only in terms of eliminating internal stresses, but also from the point of view of their redistribution. Reduction of a strand in a solid tool at the ratios of 1–3 % allows to create tensile stresses at the surface of the wire and retain compressive stresses in its core. Straightening in a 5-roller group helped reach a double relaxation in outer wires. TMT, a process combining different physical effects, enabled to control within a broad range the redistribution of residual stresses in steel that was subjected to prior drawing at high deformation ratios. Such residual stresses occur as a result of stranding stresses that accompany the stranding operation and can affect the geometry of the strand. The study showed that tension as a TMT parameter plays a greater role in the elimination of longitudinal residual stresses. That’s why, at the minimum tension, almost no redistribution of residual stresses occur either in the central or in the near-surface layers irrespective of the TMT temperature regime applied. However, when the tension exceeding 70 kN is applied at the temperatures of 380–400 °C, the central and surface residual stresses balance off in the wire or almost disappear. This research was carried out under the Decree No. 220 dated 9th April 2010 of the Government of the Russian Federation (Contract No. 075-15-2019-869 dated 12th May 2019) and was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (Project No. 20-69-46042 dated 20th May 2020) and by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science with the goal of developing high-tech production (contract nos. 02.G25.31.078, December 1, 2015; and MK204895, July 27, 2015).

Theoretical study of the prestressing strand's stress by computer modeling methods

The modern construction industry widely uses reinforced concrete structures, where high-strength prestressing strands are used. Key parameters determining strength and relaxation resistance are a steel microstructure and internal stresses. The aim of the work was a computer research of a stage-by-stage formation of internal stresses during production of prestressing strands of structure 1х7(1+6), 12.5 mm diameter, 1770 MPa strength grade, made of pearlitic steel, as well as study of various modes of mechanical and thermal treatment (MTT) influence on their distribution. To study the effect of every strand manufacturing operation on internal stresses of its wires, the authors developed three models: stranding and reducing a 7-wire strand; straightening of a laid strand, stranding and MTT of a 7-wire strand. It was shown that absolute values of residual stresses and their distribution in a wire used for strands of a specified structure significantly influence performance properties of strands. The use of MTT makes it possible to control in a wide range a redistribution of residual stresses in steel resulting from drawing and strand laying processes. It was established that during drawing of up to 80% degree, compressive stresses of 1100-1200 MPa degree are generated in the central layers of wire. The residual stresses on the wire surface accounted for 450-500 MPa and were tension in nature. The tension within a range of 70 kN to 82 kN combined with a temperature range of 360-380°С contributes to a two-fold decrease in residual stresses both in the central and surface layers of wire. When increasing temperature up to 400°С and maintaining the tension, it is possible to achieve maximum balance of residual stresses. Stranding stresses, whose high values entail failure of lay length and geometry of the studied strand may be fully eliminated only at tension of 82 kN and temperature of 400°С. Otherwise, stranding stresses result in opening of strands.

Design of Prestressed Concrete Beams for Specific Performance

The Florida International University's 2020 Big Beam Team greatly appreciated the opportunity to participate in this competition. The presented report is a step by step design procedure for designing prestressed concrete beams which is expected to perform and fail in a predefined load. The chosen design was a I‐shaped member composed of four straight prestressing strands, and incorporating two compression longitudinal bars. The beam was designed supported span of 18 ft., center-to-center of bearing, and a total length of 19 ft. The loading consists of two point loads as live load and the beam self-weight as dead load. The beam is designed to remain uncracked under the unfactored live load of 20 kips (10 kips at each point) and have capacity of more than factored live load of 32 kips. The final capacity should be less than 40 kips. The team predicted the cracking load, failure load, and ultimate deflection of the beam using a moment‐curvature analysis.