Serviceability problems of damaged prestressed concrete box-girder bridges

Abstract

In this report the results of case study of continuous three span (62+100+62 m) box-girder bridge is presented. Long-term investigations were carried out to determine the causes and consequences of web cracking and long-term deflections of superstructure. It was concluded that after 33 years in service bridge does not meet today’s standard serviceability requirements and was recognized as unsafe with high accidental probability. Closure of the bridge leads to considerable costs for bridge users’. Analysis of loading was carried out in order to envisage the minimum traffic restrictions during the pre-rehabilitation period. Remaining of two traffic lines in operation can reduce the live load on the bridge and result in significant cost savings by avoiding the need for closing the bridge.