Full Scale Testing of Prestressed, High Performance Concrete, Bridge Girders

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the current design specifications for use on prestressed, High Performance Concrete (HPC) bridge girders. An AASHTO Type IV and modified BT-56 girders were constructed with a 10,000 psi HPC to which a composite 7000 psi HPC deck was cast on top. The composite girders were tested in flexure, with the Type IV being tested to failure. The results of the flexure tests showed that the current AASHTO Specification for cracking moment and ultimate capacity are conservative. In addition to flexural testing, each composite girder was studied with respect to the deck contraction induced girder deflection. Each deck and girder were instrumented with strain gauges and string potentiometes. The results of the study indicated the induced deflections are significantly greater than deflections from the deck dead load, and should be considered to accurately predict bridge deflection.