Design of Prestressing Tendons for Strengthening Steel Truss Bridges

Abstract

The paper introduces a design space for the design of prestressing tendons concentric with members for strengthening steel truss bridges. The design space contains all feasible solutions for the cross-sectional area of the tendon and the level of prestressing that satisfy the following criteria: (1) tendon yielding; (2) member buckling; and (3) member fracture and yielding. In the tendon design, two options for the degree of prestressing and backup are available. The prestressing option controls the amount of fatigue crack propagation under cyclic loadings, while the backup option provides the tendon area capable of replacing or backing up the member.