Maintenance of Existing PC Bridges with Cracks along PC Cables

Abstract

Initiation of cracks along PC cables is regarded as a cause of degradation of PC bridges. In the presented study the existing PC bridges with cracks along PC cables were investigated, and their visual condition and condition of PC cables and sheath were inspected by means of Non-Destructive Testing and Semi-Destructive Testing methods. The results showed, that there is a strong relationship between presence of water in the sheath and initiation of cracks. Assuming, that expansion pressure of freezing water in sheath is the cause of initiation of cracks, the experimental and analytical study was carried out. The obtained results allowed to clarify the mechanism of cracks’ initiation and to conduct risk assessment of the existing bridges with cracks along PC cables.