INTRODUCTION TO CAMBER CONTROL, PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE GIRDERS

Abstract

When designing a bridge, serviceability usually controls and is a more important factor than the ultimate capacity of the bridge or the allowable stresses. Therefore, the behaviour of the bridge girder deflection and camber must be predicted as accurately as possible. Therefore, excessive camber has become one of the most common problems when constructing concrete bridges. Different methods have been developed to overcome this problem. The most common and widely used is using haunch with adjustable pedestals to overcome the excessive camber. However, this method has limitations that must be considered. Therefore, this study is evaluating the effectiveness of using post tensioning jacking strands at the top flange of simply supported bridge girders to reduce the excessive camber and make it equal to the design camber.