Experimental background behind new AASHTO LRFD specifications for partially partially debonded strands

To develop a unified approach for the design of partially debonded strands in prestressed concrete highway bridge girders, a coordinated analytical and experimental investigation was conducted. This investigation examined amounts of partial debonding, distribution of partially debonded strands within the cross section, debonded lengths, locations and staggering of termination of debonded strands, confinement of debonded regions and their termination points, and the impact of adding nonprestressed reinforcement in the region of partial debonding. The results from testing full-scale I- and U-shaped girders indicate that partially debonding strands does not result in deleterious performance if adequate reinforcement is provided to resist the longitudinal tension due to bending and shear. Crack patterns and angles were not noticeably affected by the amount of debonding. Regardless of the debonding ratio, the maximum measured crack widths at the capacities predicted by the eighth edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications remained small. The requirements for debonded strands were revised significantly in the ninth edition of the AASTHO LRFD specifications based on the presented research.