Study on the performance of pretensioned girders connection system via precast cross beam

Abstract

For a PC connected girder bridge, a new connection system that pretensioned girders were connected via precast cross beam supported on bearings (SCBR Method) was proposed. As for the proposed structure, construction cost was reduced in comparison with conventional structures, and maintenance became also easy. In this study, to apply this connection method to pretensioned hollow girders and pretensioned T-shaped girders, loading tests on the connection parts using full-size test specimens were carried. As a result, sufficient distributions of cracks and enough ultimate strength was confirmed. In addition, Non-linear FEM analysis in comparison with the experiment was carried out to establish a performance evaluation method of the proposed structure using the analysis.