Structural behaviour of precast segmental concrete bridges with external prestressing and dry joints. Part 1: Beam Tests

Abstract

This work presents a study of the behaviour of segmental concrete bridges with external prestressing, focussing on the response under combined flexure and shear, in the service and ultimate limit states. The possibility of replacing entirely or partially the conventional reinforcement of the segments through the incorporation of steel fibres in the concrete is also evaluated. Tests have been performed on large-scale beams with different levels of prestressing for evaluating the response under flexure and shear. These tests were conducted on conventional and steel fibre reinforced concretes. Significant conclusions have been reached regarding the reinforcement detailing in the segments and the global behaviour of segmental structures with dry castellated joints.