Coupling Joint Behavior in Segmental Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridges

摘要

The discovery of large cracks in the construction and coupling joint vicinity of segmentally erected post-tensioned concrete bridges in Europe led to comprehensive field investigations and analytical studies to determine the state and behavior of the tendon coupling regions. Construction practice in the U.S. typically calls for overlapping tendons in the construction joints of segmentally erected bridges rather than for the coupling elements in the construction joint preferred in Europe. This joint NSF/Industry research project was conducted to establish the basis for the application of new prestressing technologies in the U.S. and to mitigate possible problems with tendon couplers through a detailed understanding of the construction/coupling joint behavior.