A REVIEW OF CRACK PREVENTION IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BOX GIRDER BRIDGES

Prestressed concrete box girder is widely applied in bridge structures for its favorable mechanical performance. The cracking prevention in concrete box girder bridges is universally concerned in the stages of structural design, construction and service. Cracks in prestressed concrete box girder are classified into two categories, load-related cracks and load-unrelated cracks. The formation mechanism, properties and the main influential factors of cracks are analyzed. The major crack prevention measures are also discussed. In conclusion, many crucial problems about crack prevention research in prestressed concrete box girders are pointed out from the aspects of design theory, prestress loss evaluation of strands and experimental investigation. Some new suggestions are given for the further study of crack prevention in prestressed concrete box girder bridges.