Finite Element Analysis of Deep Wide-Flanged Pre-stressed Girders to Understand and Control End Cracking

Hundreds of prestressed concrete girders are used each year for building bridges in Wisconsin. The prestress transfer from the prestressing strands to concrete takes place at the girder ends. Characteristic cracks form in this end region during or immediately after detensioning. Potential solutions to control end cracking were examined via finite element models and the impact of each solution on cracking was evaluated. Modifications to reinforcement bar size, debonding ratios, strand cutting sequence and use of draped strand patterns were simulated by the models. The results from different analyses were compared to quantify the success of each method in reducing strains causing girder end cracks. The tension strains leading to cracks of all types were responsive to debonding some of the bottom flange prestressing strands. Bottom flange cracking can be prevented by methodically debonding exterior strands, keeping the draped strands bonded, and evenly distributing the remaining bonded strands over the bottom flange.

• Record URL:
  • http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/WisDOT-WHRP-project-0092-10-12-final-report.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/25027
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/25026
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Wisconsin, Madison

  Wisconsin Highway Research Program, 1415 Engineering Drive
  Madison, WI  United States  53706

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Division of Business Services, Research Coordination Section
  4802 Sheboygan Avenue
  Madison, WI  United States  53707
• Authors:
  • Oliva, Michael G
  • Okumus, Pinar
• Publication Date: 2011-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 132p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Cracking; Debonding; Finite element method; Flanges; Girders; Prestressed concrete; Prestressing
• Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01361621
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: WHRP 11-06
• Contract Numbers: WisDOT SPR# 0092-10-12
• Files: NTL, TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 2012 7:09AM