DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF A REINFORCED-CONCRETE T-BEAM BRIDGE

A 52-year-old reinforced-concrete T-beam bridge was destructively tested to evaluate the consequence of concrete deterioration on load capacity. Instrumentation included measuring tension and compression rebar strain at midspan, end rotation, and midspan deflection. The single- and double-T test specimens were loaded symmetrically to produce a constant-moment region at midspan. The concrete deck was highly fractured throughout and the cement past severely deteriorated locally. This report's conclusion is that the deterioration noted has no significance with respect to load-carrying capacity of this structure. Based on theoretical arguments, the conclusion is drawn that deterioration sufficient for substantial reduction of the capacity of a structure would be manifested in a local collapse, and that overall failure of reinforced-concrete T-beam bridges need not be a concern.

• Corporate Authors:

  New York State Department of Transportation

  Engineering Research and Development Bureau, 1220 Washington Avenue
  Albany, NY  United States  12232
• Authors:
  • Beal, D B
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: n.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beams; Bearing capacity; Concrete; Concrete bridges; Deterioration; Failure; Mechanical tests; Reinforced concrete; T beams
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete beams; Destructive testing
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390012
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM