Title:
Camber Variation in Precast Girders
Author(s):
Nur Yazdani, Primus Mtenga, and Nigel Richardson
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
45-49
Keywords:
camber, girder bridges, precast concrete; prestressed concrete; pretensioning
DOI:
Date:
6/1/1999
Abstract:
Precast prestressed concrete girders are frequently used in highway bridge superstructures in Florida. These girders are subjected to camber due to the application of the prestressing force. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has experienced deck construction problems, which may be attributed to camber variations in prestressed girders. A study was undertaken to monitor actual camber values from the precast yard. A total of 34 girders, including AASHTO types III, IV, and modified VI, were monitored for up to 4 months. Data was collected at various intervals, which were the initial condition, at prestress transfer, after transport from the bed to storage, and at 1 month intervals thereafter. Theoretical camber values were generated through a software program used by the FDOT, and were compared with actual measured camber. The results show that both the actual and theoretical camber grow significantly with time.