Analysis of Tensile Stresses in Transfer Zone of Prestressed Concrete U-Beams

Abstract

Prestressed U-beam bridges compare favorably in cost and appearance to traditional concrete I-beam bridges. Consequently, U-beam bridges are gaining in popularity and usage, especially when aesthetic issues are deemed important. U-beam bridges first appeared in Florida in 2000; however, during construction, cracks developed in the webs of the U-beams. This paper presents results of an analysis of representative cracking of U-beams and proposes a practical method for the transfer zone stirrup design. For the purpose of the analysis, the U-beam is divided into a series of finite shell-plate elements, and the prestressing tendons are simulated as a number of concentrated forces. Two different mechanical models of the U-beams are developed on the basis of the stages of construction. Analytical results show that high tensile stresses occur in the end zone of the U-beam because of the prestressing tendons and that these tensile stress must be properly considered in bridge design. The research results are applicable to the design of prestressed U-beams and similar types of prestressed girders.