Course work - CVE 514

Expansion induced load Expansion induced load

A
36kN/m
300kN 300kN

A
Post-tensioning
Bridge pier Bridge pier

20m

100mm

Expansion induced load

1.5m
Post-tensioning

100mm

0.9m

Section A - A

A 20m long bridge is comprised of a reinforced concrete deck supported by solid 1.5m deep x 0.9m wide
post-stressed concrete beams (see sketch above) at 3.0m centres. Under working conditions, in addition to
its own self-weight, the beam carries an imposed UDL of 36KN/m from the bridge deck, together with an
axial load of 300KN from expansion forces. This expansion load is applied 100mm down from the top of the
beam. The beam is post-tensioned by tendons located 100mm up from its soffit. The beam is constructed of
grade C40/50 concrete and will not be post-tensioned until the concrete has reached its characteristic
strength; the concrete must not be in tension under working loads. At transfer a tensile stress of 1.0N/mm2 is
permissible in the concrete. The pre-stressing tendons have the following characteristics:





The external load, which is not applied until after the post-tensioning is completed, should be regarded as a
permanent (working) load:
(a) Determine the required pre-stress assuming 20% losses
(b) Estimate the bending capacity at the mid-span of the beam at the Ultimate Limit State