Analytical study of splitting resistance of precast prestressed ultra-high performance concrete girder end zones

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 289; p. 116314
• Main Authors: Babarinde, Oluwatobi, Sun, Chuanbing Shawn, Farzana, Nahid, Kuruppuarachchi, Dinesha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15-08-2023
• Subjects: Bursting reinforcement; End zone; Finite element analysis; Precast prestressed concrete girder; Splitting resistance; Ultra-high performance concrete; Ultra-high performance concrete; Splitting resistance; Precast prestressed concrete girder; Finite element analysis; End zone; Bursting reinforcement
• ISSN: 0141-0296; 1873-7323
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.116314

•A splitting resistance equation was proposed for highly prestressed UHPC girders.
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has gained popularity gradually because of its superior mechanical properties, including high compressive and tensile strengths, and exceptional durability. Many researchers have explored the possibility of using long, precast prestressed UHPC girders in buildings and bridges. To do so, the girders generally require a large number of prestressing strands, which causes concern about potential cracking in the end zones at prestress release. Currently, there are no specifications or codes on end zone designs for precast prestressed UHPC girders in the United States. Thus, this paper presents an analytical study that explores highly prestressed UHPC girders’ end zone behavior. Finite element analyses were conducted to analyze the end zones of a series of UHPC girders, including one 889-mm-deep and two 813-mm-deep I-girders, and the analysis results were validated with test data. Additional finite element models were developed for other girders with heights of 1,829 mm and 2,743 mm using various reinforcement details. Bursting stress variations in the reinforcement and UHPC were reported based upon the analytical and test results. An equation for splitting resistance attributable to the reinforcement and UHPC was proposed for highly prestressed girders.