Method to Evaluate Remaining Prestress in Damaged Prestressed Bridge Girders

In assessing damage to a prestressed bridge girder, it is often necessary to determine the prestress remaining in the strands. A device was developed to estimate stress level in strands in damaged bridges. A lateral load is applied to a strand exposed by virtue of damage to the concrete and the resulting displacement is measured. A series of tests were performed to calibrate the device and to determine its accuracy. Comparisons were made with techniques used in devices available commercially or developed by other researchers. Their special features of the device developed in this project are its simplicity, portability, and versatility.