Numerical simulation of full-scale load tests on 50-year-old PC bridge deck beams under flexural- and shear-dominant failures

Resumen

Computational methods and modeling criteria for life-cycle design, assessment, maintenance, and management of aging structural systems require robust parameter calibration and model validation based on data and information gathered from existing structures and experimental tests. This paper provides a contribution along these lines based on criteria, methods, and tools for computational modeling and experimental validation of nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PC) structures. Structural modeling is developed with RC/PC beam finite elements and bi-dimensional finite elements for plane-stress analysis, formulated in accordance with the Modified Compression Field Theory. The formulations are applied to numerical simulation of full-scale load tests on 50-year-old PC bridge deck beams under different loading conditions intended to promote flexural- or shear-dominant failures. The models are informed by the results of laboratory tests on material mechanical properties and residual prestressing stress. The comparison of numerical and experimental results of the full-scale load tests allows to validate the nonlinear analysis methods and structural modeling strategies and contribute to the successful implementation in practice of life-cycle-oriented models for deteriorating RC/PC structures.