Shear Experiments of Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders

For the assessment of existing slab-between-girder bridges, the shear capacity and failure mode are under discussion. Previous research showed that the static and fatigue punching capacity of the slabs is sufficient as a result of compressive membrane action. The girders then become the critical elements. This research studies the shear capacity of prestressed concrete bridge girders. For this purpose, four (half) girders were taken from an existing bridge that was scheduled for demolition and replacement and tested to failure in the laboratory. Two loading positions were studied. The results show that there should be a distinction between the mode of inclined cracking and the actual failure mode. In addition, the results show that for prestressed concrete girders, the influence of the shear span-depth ratio should be considered for shear span-depth ratios larger than 2.5. These insights can be used for the assessment of existing slab-between-girder bridges in the Netherlands.