Behavior and durability of multi-span bridges with full-span prestressed concrete form panels
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the behavior and durability of multi-span bridges constructed with full-span prestressed concrete form panels. The use of full-span prestressed concrete form panels for bridges with spans of 40 ft. or less is an economical method of construction due to the reduction of on-site form work and associated labor required by alternate cast-in-place systems. In this research, two bridges were subjected to 5 million cycles of repeated service loading prior to a final loading to failure. In addition, one bridge was exposed to 48 weeks of southern exposure cycling. This weekly cycle consisted of 4 days of exposure to a 15% sodium chloride solution followed by 3 days of drying at a minimum of 100$\sp\circ$F. The durability of these bridges was assessed by determining the potential for the build-up of chlorides at the interface of the prestressed panels and cast-in-place topping, and the resistance to chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion for this structural system. This study showed that adequate long-term performance could be achieved with bridges constructed using this method. The 5 million cycles of repeated service loading did not reduce the continuity between adjacent spans. Durability cycling revealed that an accumulation of chlorides at the interface would not lead to a diminished load-carrying capacity of the structure. Severe corrosion occurred at the positive moment connection in the diaphragm of the test bridge. The connection detail should be modified before this construction method is implemented in the field.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Ramirez, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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