Anchorage System in Old Post-Tensioned Precast Bridges

The first precast post-tensioned bridges in Slovakia are approaching 60 years of their service life. Facing an aging infrastructure, it is necessary to assess their present structural condition and residual life expectancy. Different types and methods of anchorage system were developed and available for first post-tensioned bridges around the world. The reliability and functionality of anchorages contribute to the proper behaviour of post-tensioning system. The considerable effect of aggressive environment (frost, chloride salts, humidity) and environmental load (CO₂) leads to corrosion of anchorages and prestressing steel with the risk of a sudden unexpected damage to bridge. The research work deals into finding more details of this structural part. During the demolition of damaged post-tensioned bridges built in 1960s several anchorages were removed and analysed. The material properties, size parameters and performed tensile tests of a wedge anchorage system are summarised in this paper. The findings from this study can be used as input parameters for numerical simulation and durability assessment of similar aged existing post-tensioned bridges.