Recommendations for Longitudinal Post-Tensioning in Full-Depth Precast Concrete Bridge Deck Panels

Full-depth precast concrete panels offer an efficient alternative to traditional cast-in-place concrete for replacement or new construction of bridge decks. Research has shown that longitudinal post-tensioning helps keep the precast bridge deck in compression and avoid problems such as leaking, cracking, spalling, and subsequent rusting on the beams at the transverse panel joints. Current design recommendations suggest levels of initial compression for precast concrete decks in a very limited number of bridge configurations. The time-dependent effects of creep and shrinkage in concrete and relaxation of prestressing steel complicate bridge behavior, making the existing recommendations for post-tensioning in precast deck panels invalid for all bridges with differing girder types, sizes, spacings, and span lengths. Therefore, the development of guidelines for levels of post-tensioning applicable to a variety of bridge types is necessary so designers may easily implement precast concrete panels in bridge deck construction or rehabilitation.

To fulfill the needs described, the primary objective of this research was to determine the initial level of post-tensioning required in various precast concrete bridge deck panel systems in order to maintain compression in the transverse panel joints until the end of each bridge's service life. These recommendations were determined by the results of parametric studies which investigated the behavior of bridges with precast concrete decks supported by both steel and prestressed concrete girders in single spans as well as two and three continuous spans. The three primary variables in each parametric study included girder type, girder spacing, and span length. The age-adjusted effective modulus method was used to account for the ongoing effects of creep and shrinkage in concrete. Results from the Mathcad models used in the parametric studies were confirmed through comparison with results obtained from finite element models generated in DIANA.

Initial levels of post-tensioning for various bridge systems are proposed based on the trends observed in the parametric studies. The precast decks of the simple span bridges with steel girders and the one, two, and three span bridges with prestressed concrete girders needed only 200 psi of initial post-tensioning to remain in compression under permanent and time-dependent loads throughout each bridge's service life. The precast decks of the two and three span continuous bridges with steel girders, however, needed a significantly higher level of initial compression due to the negative moments created by live loads.