Evaluation of Skewed Simple Span Transversely Post-Tensioned Adjacent Precast Concrete Slab Bridges

Abstract

Adjacent precast, prestressed concrete multi-beam bridges have recently become more prevalent due to their rapid construction time and cost effectiveness. However, longitudinal cracking primarily caused by insufficient and/or inadequate transverse connection between the beams has been discovered in the concrete overlays of recently built skewed bridges. Maryland State Highway Administration requested a research project be conducted to determine the cause or causes of the reflective cracking and propose revisions to the current state code concerning the number, orientation, and location of the transverse post-tensioning. This thesis contains a description of the behavior of skewed bridges, a survey of other states' practices, a field test conducted on a local bridge that has exhibited longitudinal cracking, the finite element model analyses simulating the field test and their corresponding results, and a parametric study conducted to determine the best practices for transversely post-tensioning this type of bridge in Maryland.