Title: Externally Prestressed Concrete Slab Bridges: Model Test Results

Author(s): Christian Menn and Paul Gauvreau

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 120

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 289-304

Keywords: bridges (structures); concrete slabs; durability; models; composite construction (concrete and steel); concrete slabs; durability; models; prestressed concrete; scale (ratio); serviceability; tests; unbonded prestressing; Design

DOI: 10.14359/3266

Date: 6/1/1990

Abstract:
A research project is currently underway at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, to establish the feasibility of an alternative structural system for short-span highway bridges. Concerns over the long-term durability of structural systems currently used in the 25 to 40 m span range provided the primary motivation for the study. The proposed system consists of a solid concrete slab that is externally prestressed. The external tendons are deviated at the third points of each span using struts. A 1:3-scale model bridge has been constructed and is currently being tested to verify the behavior of the bridge under permanent, service, and ultimate static loads, as well as dynamic and fatigue loads. The favorable results obtained thus far have confirmed the feasibility of the proposed structural system, and will serve as a basis for extending the concept to spans greater than 40 m in length.