Numerical Simulation and Prediction of Flexure Performance of PSC Girders with Long-Term Prestress Loss

The purpose of this parametric study was to develop a numerical simulation model calibrated with experimental data to predict the flexural behavior of prestressed concrete (PSC) girders subjected to long-term prestress losses. The model is capable of accurately simulating the flexural behavior of PSC girders using commercial finite-element (FE) software in the ABAQUS/Explicit program. The accuracy of the model was validated by comparing its results with flexural response test data from three post-tensioned girders, with the tendons ultimately having tensile strength capacities of 1860 MPa, 2160 MPa, and 2400 MPa. The comparison demonstrated generally excellent agreement between numerical and experimental results in terms of the load-deflection response and crack propagation behavior, from the onset of first cracking through the maximum load and into the ductile response range. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tendon ultimate strength, amount of long-term prestress loss, grouting defects, degradation-induced reductions in concrete strength, and reductions in tendon cross-sectional area on girder flexural behavior. Through this parametric investigation, the study identified key factors with respect to long-term prestress loss that may influence the flexural behavior of aging PSC structures.