Anchorage length of patented wire cables in prestressed bridge girders

This paper briefly describes the methodology, performance and the obtained results of unique experiments performed on original I-73 precast bridge girders. The main objective of the experiments was to determine the actual anchorage length of corroded-through fully grouted prestressing reinforcement (prestressing wires), which is important for determination of the residual load-bearing capacity of prestressed structures. Observation probes leading all the way to the prestressing wires were drilled on selected sections of the girders along the length of the prestressing reinforcement. Optical image acquisition devices were then installed at these probes. Subsequently, controlled breakage of the patented wires (corrosion failure simulation) and observation of the changes that occurred in the prestressing wires after relief of stress were carried out. Evaluation of the experiments was then performed by analyzing the images obtained before and after the prestressing reinforcement failure.

REUSE OF BRIDGE GIRDERS AS BRIDGE SPAN STRUCTURES OF TEMPORARY BRIDGES

Introduction. This article presents the results of study of the quality of girders that were used for the construction of temporary road bridge. In the bridge construction practice there is a need to use girders in the construction of road bridges on local roads that can be reused in temporary bridges construction. It is important when using such structures to determine their reliability for long-term operation. The cost of bridge girders is up to 60% of the cost of a new bridge, so the reuse of utilizedsed girders is economically feasible. Utilized girders can be reused on local roads and temporary bridges. Problem statement. To determine the usability of utilized girders in temporary bridges construction and provide recommendations for the girders reuse and possible bridge design structures. Materials and methods. The following works were performed during the inspection: visual inspection of the girders at places of their storage after dismounting; measurement of the basic sizes of girders; determination of concrete strength by non-destructive test method; determination of the number of working reinforcement and the protective layer thickness; measurements of pH of concrete of a protective layer were performed; registration of existing defects was performed. The following measurements were performed during the tests: general displacements and deformations of structural elements of the structures; relative deformations of cross sections; local deformations (displacements in joints). Results. According to the results of tests and calculations, the bearing capacity of the bridge span structure was determined. After analyzing the results of experimental and theoretical studies, conclusions were made regarding the operational performance of the girders of the bridge span structure. Conclusions. Girders in the 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd technical state can be considered suitable for bridge span structures unreservedly. Girders in the 4th technical state, need repairing and reinforcement for reuse in bridge span structures. They cannot be used without repairing. Girders in the 5th technical state cannot be used in the span structures of road bridges. They can be used, for example, as transition slabs, or for pedestrian bridges and crossings, or can be used for testing the technology of bridge structures repairing. Thus, tests of bridge girders and full-size joints testify that the accepted design decision provides the needed bearing capacity of girders and of the bridge span structure as a whole. This confirms the sufficient reliability of utilized girders in the further work. Practice shows that it is also needed to pay great attention to the following: firstly- to the methods of dismantling the girders without damage; secondly — to the proper storage of girders after dismantling.