Release Methodology of Prestressed Strands

Project summary:

The principal objective of this research will be to investigate analytically, experimentally, and by field observation the causes of vertical cracks that have been observed at the end of prestressed girders as the strands are cut at release. The research will center on the effect of debonding and supplementary reinforcing as potential solutions to this problem. The effect of these cracks and debonding on the shear capacity of these girders will also be studied analytically. Alternative solutions will be proposed if the cracking mechanism is found not to be responsive to the debonding or supplementary reinforcement solutions.