An Experimental Study on the Precast Segmented PSC Girder with I-Shape and Box-Shape Cross-Section

Abstract

Prestressed concrete (PSC) is a method in which prestressed tendon is placed inside and/or outside the reinforced concrete member and the compressive force applied to the concrete in advance to enhance the engineering properties of concrete member which is weak under tension. In this paper we suggested the precast PSC girder assembled with segments of portable size and weight at the factory. The segments of precast PSC girder will be delivered and assembled as a unit of PSC girder at the site. Consequently, we suggested new-type of precast segmented PSC girder with different shapes of segment cross-section (i.e., I-shape, Box-shape). To mitigate the problems associated with the field splice between the segments of precast PSC girder anchor system is attached near the neutral axis of the girder and relatively uniform compression throughout the girder cross-section is applied. Prior to the experimental investigation, analytical investigation on the structural behavior of precast PSC girder was performed and the serviceability (deflection) and safety (strength) of the girder were confirmed. In addition, 4-point bending test on the girder was conducted to investigate the structural performance under bending. From the experimental investigation, it was found that the precast PSC girder spliced with 3 and 5 segments has sufficient in serviceability and safety conditions and it was also observed that the point where the segments spliced has no defects and the girder behaves as a unit.