- Title
- Structural performance of 45 year old corroded prestressed concrete beams
- Creator
- Pape, Torill M.; Melchers, R. E.
- Relation
- 22nd Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials ACMSM22. From Materials to Structures: Advances through Innovation. Proceedings of the 22nd Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, ACMSM 22 (Sydney, Australia 11-14 December, 2012) p. 325-332
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/b15320-56
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Resource Type
- conference paper
- Date
- 2013
- Description
- The performance of older prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges has gained more prominence in recent times, with the need for more accurate condition inspection techniques and structural assessments to ensure safe and economic management of these structures. The location of a structure in an aggressive marine environment is an additional consideration, particularly as corrosion of the prestressing steel is known to cause loss of wire ductility and thus influencing performance. Load tests conducted on 3 full-sized, 45-year-old prestressed concrete bridge beams of varying condition has given a unique insight into this area, with results reported herein. All beams failed to achieve the anticipated ultimate load capacity based on current design theory and actual material properties. The beam failure mode depended on the degree of corrosion of the prestressing wire. The tensile failure of the prestressing wires from all three load tests commenced earlier than anticipated and was progressive. Unusual corrosion observations are noted. Possible reasons for the observed behaviour and the practical implications are discussed.
- Subject
- structural performance; prestressed concrete (PSC); corrosion; marine environments
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1061038
- Identifier
- uon:16863
- Identifier
- ISBN:9780415633185
- Language
- eng
- Reviewed
- Hits: 695
- Visitors: 834
- Downloads: 3
Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format |
---|