finite element and experimental investigation on the flexural response of pre-tensioned t-girders

A number of analytical and numerical approaches exist for modeling concrete structural members. finite-element analysis (fea) is a numerical method that is widely applied to concrete structures based on the use of the nonlinear behavior of materials. the challenge of modeling prestressed concrete structures lies in the treatment of the interface between concrete and prestressing tendons. the fea-modeling technique discussed in this study is based on general-purpose finite-element packages. this study describes fea of full-scale high-strength self-compacting concrete, hsscc pre-tensioned t-girders and its comparison with experimental results. three 9 m length fully pre-tensioned bridge girders, phsscc were designed and cast using hsscc. the girders were instrumented to monitor deflection, pre-tensioned losses, tendon, steel bar, and concrete strains. the girders were then load tested (until failure), predominantly under flexure, and their service and ultimate results including cracking, flexural stiffness, flexural strength, and different ductility indexes were investigated and compared with fea results. the software package abaqus was used to simulate girders and their bonding conditions to verify the accuracy of fea. a very good agreement was achieved for numerical and experimental crack patterns. the comparison of finite-element modeling (fem) and experimental results of load-upward and downward deflections indicated satisfactory agreement throughout the load history of the beams until failure. comparing fem and experimental results, reasonable agreement was observed for the two methods of ductility indexes. finite-element modeling tends to overestimate stress in prestressed tendons at the ultimate state of specimens.