DEFORMATION OF SEGMENTAL POST-TENSIONED PRECAST BRIDGES AS A RESULT OF CORROSION OF THE TENDONS.

The sudden collapse of Ynys-y-Gwas Bridge as a result of corrosion and fracture of post-tensioned tendons where they crossed the segmental joints caused concern for other bridges of similar construction. This Paper describes load tests on the edge beams taken from the bridge, and a supporting analytical study. The objective was to determine whether or not tendon failures in segmental structures can be detected at an early stage by monitoring structural deformation. (Author/TRRL)