ELIMINATION OF DRAPED STRANDS IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE GIRDERS

The object of the tests reported was to study and ascertain the effects of the elimination of draped strands in prestressed concrete girders. Specifically, the elimination of draped strands is accomplished through the use of straight strands having certain unbonded lengths thus creating so-called phantom draped strands. The unbonded lengths were obtained through the use of plastic tubing, often referred to as blanketing. The effect of these phantom draped strands on the flexural strength and behavior of prestressed concrete bridge girders was the essence of this investigation. Specimens tested included half-scale Type III AASHO girders and full-size Type II AASHO girders. The specimens were all loaded statically in flexure. Direct considerations of shear and fatigue were not a part of this investigation.