transverse connection performance of prefabricated pc box girder bridge with transverse prestress

This paper effectively evaluates the value ranges of various parameters affecting the transverse connection performance of prefabricated prestressed concrete (pc) bridges with transverse prestressed tendons. this work obtains quantitative research conclusions to guide the design. four scale model tests with a scale ratio of 1:4 are carried out considering the influence of the number of transverse prestressed tendons, the transverse prestresses, and the pavement size. the results show that applying transverse prestress is an effective method to enhance the performance of transverse connections. according to the scale model test results, the effectiveness of the transverse connection method and the finite element method is verified. based on the theoretical calculation and model test results, the reduction coefficient considering the longitudinal distribution of interface stress of adjacent beams is obtained. the average value of the longitudinal distribution of the transverse prestress reduction coefficient is 0.48 for the connection model with single transverse prestressed reinforcement; the average value is 0.62 for the connection model with three transverse prestressed tendons in each span. the recommended tensile force of the transverse prestressed reinforcement and the calculation method for the interface shear capacity are given. the relative differences in the interface shear capacity between the calculation method and the results of the model tests and the finite element method are within 12%; the reliability of this method is verified and can be used in the design and calculation of similar bridges.