The recent findings of corrosion in longitudinally posttensioned (PT) tendons in several bridges in Florida and other states raised an alarm about conditions of PT bridges in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation Bridge Division in Austin initiated an investigation to assess the actual conditions of three major PT bridges within its area of operation: the US-183 segmental bridge in Austin, the San Antonio Y segmental bridge, and the Veterans Memorial Bridge (cable-stay) in Port Arthur. This investigation consisted of two phases. Phase I included the preliminary evaluation of construction and design details and conducting a detailed walkthrough inspection to evaluate existing conditions visually. The walkthrough inspection was designed to identify any existing potential problems and their locations. The information collected in Phase I was used in developing the testing plan for the in-depth evaluation carried out in Phase II. This paper covers the work performed under Phase II for all three bridges. The objectives of this investigation were to examine these bridges closely to identify any PT-related deficiencies. Observed deficiencies are analyzed to determine their effects on the structural performance and long-term durability of the bridges. The findings from Phase II and recommendations for future actions are presented.
Samenvatting