Strengthening of Prestressed Concrete Bridges by External Tendons

Abstract

<p>Prestressed concrete bridges built in the late last century are essential elements of the highway network. However they need to be retrofitted to ensure their continued operation under the increasing traffic loads. The retrofitting of these structures with external tendons requires the careful design of the end anchorage of the cables. The presently used anchorage concepts in Germany were investigated and evaluated. As a result some risks of this construction method could be identified.</p><p>Based on this study new and improved end anchorage concepts were developed and their feasibility and effect on the existing superstructure was assessed. Finally the paper highlights crucial points in both design and construction of end anchorages for external tendons.</p>