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.