Load testing and health monitoring of monolithic bridges with innovative reinforcement

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening, and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out. The results of concrete strain and deflection show that the flexural strength and stiffness of the strengthened beam are improved.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. High strength, low relaxation steel strand with high tensile strain and good corrosion resistance were used in this reinforcement. The construction process for strengthening with prestressed steel strand and steel plate was described. Ultimate bearing capacity of the bridge after strengthening was discussed based on finite element model.FindingsThe cumulative upward deflection of the second span the third span was 39.7 mm, which is basically consistent with the theoretical value, and the measured value is smaller than the theoretical value. The deflection value of the second span during data acquisition was −20 mm–10 mm, which does not exceed the maximum deflection value of live load, and the deflection of the bridge is in a safe state during normal use. Thus, this strengthened way with prestressed steel wire rope is feasible and effective.Originality/valueThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. To investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out.

A practical compensation algorithm of stress relaxation due to single tension

PurposeDue to the deformation between the pylon and the girder caused by single tension of cables, the previously tensioned steel strands have stress relaxation, resulting in the actual cable forces being less than the design cable forces. To compensate the stress loss caused by the single tension of cables, this paper aims to present a practical compensation algorithm of stress relaxation during the construction period.Design/methodology/approachFrom the perspective of the essential cause of the stress relaxation, finite element analysis is used to solve the tension control force of each steel strand after a rigorous theoretical formula derivation.FindingsThe deformation and tension control force of each steel strand decrease with the advance of the tension sequence, and the decline rate drops gradually. However, the calculated force values of the steel strand are in good agreement with the measured value as the cable length decreases.Originality/valueThe previous rough calculation methods for the tension force of steel strands cannot meet the accuracy, and the accurate calculation methods often include the solution of nonlinear equations, which complicate the calculating process. Otherwise, there are few studies on the compensation of stress loss by calculating the deformation of the steel strand during the tension process. So, it developed an accurate and efficient algorithm to determine the tension control forces.