STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT- AN APPROACH IN FRANCE

The importance of bridges providing clear indications of impending collapse, even after the end of their planned design life, is emphasised. The weak element in prestressed or post-tensioned structures is considered to be the prestressing elements (generally wires or strands). The importance of post-tensioning specialist companies, quality assurance procedures, the use of several barriers to protect steel components, improvements in cement grouting/bonding, the inclined tube test, the use of external prestressing, and improvements in the ducts for holding prestressed components are discussed. Combining internal and external tendons in the same structure is recommended. For the covering abstract see ITRD E114200.