Behavior and Strength of Cast-In-Place over Precast, Prestressed Panel Slabs with High-Strength Reinforcing Bars

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Title: Behavior and Strength of Cast-In-Place over Precast, Prestressed Panel Slabs with High-Strength Reinforcing Bars

Author(s): Yongjae Yu, Dagoberto Garza, Elias I. Saqan, and Oguzhan Bayrak

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 123

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 259-272

Keywords: cast-in-place over precast, prestressed panel (CIP-PCP) slabs; crack control; crack width; high-strength reinforcing bar; serviceability

DOI: 10.14359/51749174

Date: 3/1/2026

Abstract:
Several studies have revealed that slabs with cast-in-place over precast, prestressed panels (CIP-PCP) behave differently from traditional concrete slabs because of the panel joints between the PCP components. While high-strength reinforcing bars can improve load capacity or reduce bar quantity in traditional slabs, limited research has focused on their application in CIP-PCP slabs. This study addressed this gap by conducting four-point bending tests on CIP-PCP slabs with normal- and high-strength reinforcing bars. Two configurations of high-strength steel were used: one with the same bar layout as normal-strength reinforcing bars, and another with increased bar spacing to reduce the bar quantity. Additionally, slab specimens were designed to replicate real-world bridge deck conditions, including longitudinal and transverse joints, for detailed analysis. The results indicated that reducing reinforcing bar quantity by adjusting bar spacing based on the specified yield strength ratio between normal- and high-strength steels maintained a comparable load capacity, with crack widths’ magnitude similar to those in normal-strength steel layout in the service state.

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