Transverse Posttensioning Design of Adjacent Precast Solid Multibeam Bridges

Adjacent precast, prestressed multibeam bridges have often been used for medium- and short-span bridges. However, there have been longitudinal cracking problems in shear keys and overlays commonly seen on some adjacent precast multibeam bridges during their service years. The fundamental reason for the problem is the poor transverse connection. Transverse posttensioning is important to the transverse connection design, although the posttensioning varies largely from state to state. Especially for adjacent precast solid multibeam bridges without diaphragms, there are no theoretical justifications for designing the transverse posttensioning. In this study, an approach based on the concept of shear friction, which is used for designing the transverse posttensioning in adjacent precast solid multibeam bridges, is presented. Furthermore, a newly rehabilitated bridge was load tested with the primary purpose of evaluating the effect of transverse posttensioning under truck load. Also, the calibration of a numerical model was conducted. At last, suggestions about design and construction of shear keys, with reference to the experience in other states, are presented for the practice in the state of Maryland.