Reliability of Post-tensioned Bridges in Case of Tendon Failure.
What is it about?
SInce 1960's and 1970's the pre-stressing steel used in post-tensioned concrete bridges has been known to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. This phenomenon can endanger the safety of bridge. In this paper the safety levels of post tensioned bridge in case of tendon failure is assessed.
Why is it important?
Aging infrastructure together with increasing traffic loads places demands on analysis methods for safety assessment of post-tensioned bridges. In this paper, the safety level of assessment method is analyzed with case bridges presenting local construction practice in Finland. In study it is found that the ratio between cracking and failure moment is not significantly affected due to loss of tendon if certain conditions are met. Other findings are that the original service-limit-state design criteria has great effect on robustness of structure. In paper the effects of these characteristics are presented.