1.

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PAPER

Title: Post Tensioned Trusses: Analysis and Design

Journal Name: ASCE Structural Journal
Date of publication: 1990
Author(s): Bilal M. Ayyub, Ahmad Ibrahim and David Schelling
Volume: 116(6): 1491-1506

2. INTRODUCTION

The United States has over 24,000 steel truss bridges, with more than 80% of them considered
structurally deficient and/or functionally obsolete in 1986. Rehabilitating these bridges is
estimated to cost $2.5 billion. Therefore, there is a need for cost-effective methods to strengthen
them. The FHWA recommends considering rehabilitation before replacement, and posttensioning
is an innovative method that can be used for retrofitting existing truss bridges as well as designing
new ones. A

The paper presents an important and timely study on the use of posttensioning as a cost-effective
method to strengthen steel truss bridges in the United States. The study suggests a method for the
structural stiffness analysis of posttensioned trusses, and develops stiffness matrices for straight,
one-drape, and two-drape tendon layouts. The paper also derives a closed-form solution for the
relationship between the cross-sectional area, posttensioning force of the tendon, and the desired
final member stress after posttensioning for truss member.

The study shows that posttensioning can enlarge the elastic range, increase fatigue resistance,
increase redundancy, and reduce deflection and member stresses. These findings are significant as
they can extend the remaining life of a truss bridge relatively inexpensively.

Overall, this paper provides important insights into the potential of posttensioning as a cost-
effective method to strengthen truss bridges. The paper presents a clear and concise method for
the structural stiffness analysis of posttensioned trusses and provides useful stiffness matrices for
different posttensioned tendon layouts. The closed-form solution derived for the relationship
between the cross-sectional area, posttensioning force, and desired final member stress is also very

1
helpful. The paper is well-referenced and provides valuable information for researchers and
engineers interested in the rehabilitation of existing truss bridges or the design of new ones.

3. OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
• Develop a general method for the analysis and design of posttensioned plane trusses.
• Develop stiffness matrices for three types of tendon elements: straight, one-drape, and two-
drape tendons.
• Analyze and test member forces due to variations in tendon layout, cross-sectional area,
and truss type for statically determinate and indeterminate trusses.
• Discuss the efficiency of the tendon layouts used in posttensioning.

4. STIFFNESS OF POST TENSIONING TENDONS

The stiffness matrix for a straight tendon and a plane truss member is the same.

2
The plane truss member has two degrees of freedom locally and four degrees of freedom globally,
as seen in Figure 2. The stiffness matrix for a straight tendon in global degrees of freedom is given
below.

4.1 Stiffness Matrices of One-Drape Tendon

The one-drape tendon is assumed to be anchored at joints i and k, and to pass over a pulley at joint
j , as shown in Fig. 3. The global stiffness matrix SG is determined by applying unit displacements
to the restrained structure according to the global degrees of freedom (Gu, G2, ..., and Gn). In the
case of the one-drape tendon, the value of n ranges from 1-6, as illustrated in Figure 3. This
stiffness matrix represents the relationship between applied forces on the tendon and the resulting
displacements of the restrained structure. Stiffness Matrices of One-Drape Tendon is:

3
4.2 Stiffness Matrices of Two-Drape Tendon

We can derive the global stiffness matrix of the two-drape tendon in a similar manner to the one-
drape tendon. By assembling the stiffness matrices of the individual elements (tendon elements
and joints) according to their connectivity, we can obtain the global stiffness matrix of the two-
drape tendon system.

5. METHODOLOGY OF ANALYSIS & DESIGN OF POSTTENSIONED TRUSSES

The paper discusses the analysis of posttensioned trusses, which is divided into three stages. The
first stage involves analyzing the truss using only the dead load, while the second stage involves
analyzing it using the dead and posttensioning loads. The third stage involves analyzing the truss
using live, impact, and other loads, with the stiffness of the tendons considered. The stiffness
matrices of the tendons are derived using the direct-stiffness method, with every tendon layout
treated as a separate member. Tendon ends must be anchored to truss joints, and the effect of
posttensioning on the truss is dependent on its type, tendon layout, and posttensioning force. For
a statically determinate truss, a closed-form solution is derived for the relationship between the
cross-sectional area, posttensioning force, and final member stress after posttensioning. The final
truss member stress fm is given by:

𝑇𝐷 𝐴𝑐 𝑇𝐿+1
𝑓𝑚 = − 𝑓𝑐𝑖 ∗ +
𝐴𝑚 𝐴𝑚 𝐴𝑚 + 𝐴𝑐

where TD = the truss member force due to dead load;

Am = the cross-sectional area of the truss member
fci = the applied posttension stress in the tendon
Ac = the cross-sectional area of the tendon
TL+1= the truss member force due to live and impact loads

4
The final tendon stress is

𝑇𝐿+1
𝑓𝑐 = 𝑓𝑐𝑖 + ≤ 𝑓𝑡
𝐴𝑚 + 𝐴𝑐

Where 𝑓𝑡 the allowable tendon stress. Eq. 7 can be rewritten as an inequality in the following form

𝑇𝐿+1
𝑓𝑐𝑖 = 𝑓𝑡 −
𝐴𝑚 + 𝐴𝑐

In Eqs. 6 and 8, two design parameters are identified, which are Ac and/cj. By solving Eqs. 6 and
8, the required cross-sectional area of the tendon is

𝑇𝐷 + 𝑇𝐿+1 − 𝑓𝑚 ∗ 𝐴𝑚
𝐴𝑐 ≥
𝑓𝑡

𝑇𝐷 + 𝐴𝑚 (𝑓𝑡 − 𝑓𝑚 )
𝑓𝑐𝑖 ≤ 𝑓𝑡 [ ]
𝑇𝐷 + 𝑇𝐿+1 + 𝐴𝑚 ∗ (𝑓𝑡 − 𝑓𝑚 )
𝑇𝐷 +𝐴𝑚 (𝑓𝑡 −𝑓𝑚 )
Since the posttensioning force of the tendon (PF)= (𝑇𝐷 + 𝑇𝐿+1 − 𝑓𝑚 ∗ 𝐴𝑚 ) ∗ 𝑇
𝐷 +𝑇𝐿+1 +𝐴𝑚 ∗(𝑓𝑡 −𝑓𝑚 )

6. TRUSS POST TENSIONING EXAMPLE

This article covers three examples of trusses being post-tensioned, with two examples being
statically determinate and indeterminate trusses being post-tensioned internally, while the third
example covers externally post-tensioning a statically determinate truss. The article also explores
how using different cable layouts affects member forces and how truss type plays a role in this
process.

Figure 3: Existing Bridge Truss Configuration

5
 Figure 4: Different Layout of Post tensioning of Truss by Cable

The Truss of figure 3 and figure 4(a) is modeled in ETAB and member force is calculated. The
comparison revealed that the member forces obtained from the ETAB model were equivalent to
those presented in the paper shown in table 1.. This confirms the accuracy of the analysis and
design methodology presented by the authors.

Figure 5: Axial force obtained by modeling the truss in ETAB for DL+LL+IL Combination

6
Figure 6: Axial force obtained by modeling the truss in ETAB for DL+LL+IL+Prestress for straight Cable
Combination

Using internal posttensioning cables can result in a significant force decrease in just the tension
members. If the cable coincides with the truss members, only those members are affected by the

7
influence of post tensioning. Most of the truss members are impacted by posttensioning if the wire
does not coincide with the truss members as shown in Fig. 4(b). The internal cable arrangement,
which does not match the truss members, is less efficient than the external cable layout.

7. MAJOR FINDING OF THE STUDY

• Posttensioning is a cost-effective method for strengthening existing steel truss bridges
and designing new ones.
• Posttensioning can enlarge the elastic range, increase fatigue resistance, increase
redundancy, and reduce deflection and member stresses.
• When the cable coincides with the truss members, only those members are affected by
posttensioning force. However, if the cable does not coincide with truss members, most
members are affected, and compression member forces increase. The internal cable
layout that does not coincide with truss members is less effective than the layout that
does coincide with truss members.
• Post tensioning can lead to a reduction in member force of tension members, but an
increase in member force of compression members of a truss. Hence, caution should
be exercised to avoid any negative impact on the structure.
• The effect of posttensioning on the truss is dependent on its type, tendon layout, and
posttensioning force.

8. LIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH PAPER

• The paper does not provide a detailed analysis and calculation of the given truss.
However, to better understand the paper, the truss was modeled in ETAB and the
member forces were compared to those presented by the authors. The comparison
revealed that the member forces obtained from the ETAB model were equivalent to
those presented in the paper. This confirms the accuracy of the analysis and design
methodology presented by the authors.
• The paper doesn’t provide any example implementation of proposed post tensioning
method of truss through cables on real bridge and what issues can be there while
implementing proposed post tensioning method on site.

8
 • The authors only discuss theoretical study on the potential of using posttensioning with
different tendon layouts to strengthen deficient truss bridges. Various other methods can
be employed to increase the load carrying capacity of bridges, such as adding members
or supports, reducing dead load, providing continuity or composite action, increasing
member cross section, modifying load paths, and adding lateral supports or stiffeners.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most efficient approach
depends on the specific bridge and its condition.
• To ensure effective prestressing at ultimate limit state (ULS), the movement of the
tendon relative to the cross section of the structure should be minimized. Additionally,
special considerations should be given to address the high stress concentrations at
anchorages. Moreover, proper protection against corrosion, accidents, or sabotage is
crucial for the longevity and safety of the tendons.
• There is a difference in opinion among authorities regarding the best alternative for
strengthening works. While some consider the straight tendon to be the ideal option
(Ivanyi & Buschmeyer, 1996), others prefer the parabolic layout (Ojaha et al., 1978).
Ultimately, the most suitable approach will depend on several factors, including the
specific project requirements and the condition of the existing structure.

9. FUTURE STUDY:
• A comprehensive study is needed to understand the buckling behavior of steel truss bridge
members when subjected to prestress and various cable-to-member anchorage methods.
The buckling of a member occurs when it is subjected to compressive forces, causing it to
bend and fail.
• The anchorage method between the cable and truss member plays a significant role in the
overall behavior of the bridge. Different anchorage methods, such as mechanical or
adhesive anchorage, can affect the strength and stability of the truss member under
prestress. Therefore, a study is necessary to compare the performance of different
anchorage methods.

9
 • Furthermore, it is important to investigate the effect of disasters such as cable breakage on
the prestressed truss member failure. When a cable breaks, the prestress force in the truss
member is reduced, which can result in failure due to buckling or other modes of
deformation. Therefore, a study is required to understand the effect of cable breakage on
the prestressed truss member behavior during disasters.

Overall, a comprehensive study on the buckling behavior of steel truss bridge members
under prestress and different anchorage methods is necessary to improve the safety and
reliability of truss bridges. The study should also include the effect of disasters on the
prestressed truss member behavior due to cable breakage.

10. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the reviewed methods for using prestressing can significantly enhance the load
carrying capacity of steel bridges. The paper concludes that posttensioning with internal tendons
results in a significant force reduction in tension members only, while external tendon layouts can
strengthen both compression and tension members. Additionally, the proposed rehabilitation
method offers a cost-effective alternative to bridge replacements, particularly in cases where the
steel components are in a usable or repairable condition and where substructure widening is
economically feasible. Thus, strengthening steel bridges through external prestressing presents an
economical and viable option for repairing bridges in favorable conditions, avoiding the need for
immediate replacement with concrete bridges. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into
the potential of posttensioning as a means of strengthening truss bridges.

10
 REFERENCES
Ojaha, S.K., Ohorey, M.C., & Chatuvedi, D.C. (1978). Prestressing of the steel truss bridge at
Dharasu for increasing its load carrying capacity. IE (I) Journal, 58, 303-308.

Ivanyi, G., & Buschmeyer, W. (1996). Strengthening bridge superstructures due to external
prestressing – experience in design & construction. In Proceedings of FIP Symposium (Vol. 1,
pp. 387-396).

Baron, F., & Venkatesan, A. M. (1971). Nonlinear analysis of cable and truss structures. J. Struct.
Div., ASCE, 97(2), 679-709.

Klaiber, F. W., Dunker, K. F., Wipf, T. J., & Sanders, W. W. (1987). Methods of strengthening
existing highway bridges. NCHRP Rep. No. 293, Transportation Research Board, Washington,
D.C.

11