Effect of Supplemental Bonding of External Tendons and Addition of Internal Tendons on the Strength and Ductility of Post-Tensioned Segmental Bridges

Abstract

This paper reports tests of a three span reduced scale segmental box girder bridge model post-tensioned with external tendons. The objectives of this study included the determination of the effect of using external tendons discretely bonded at an intermediate diaphragm in each segment and/or using grouted internal tendons on the strength and ductility of external tendon bridges. The scope included experimentally determining and analytically predicting the external tendon maximum stress and the flexural capacity of the bridge.