Calculation Technique of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Beams Reinforced by Prestressed Composite Materials

The paper provides a rationale for the calculation technique of concrete beams reinforced by prestressed composite materials. Three stages of the stress-strain state of a bending reinforced concrete element are considered. The first stage includes forces affecting the main beams from full design constant loads, the second stage is the action of forces from the preliminary stress of polymer composite materials; the third stage is the ultimate state taking into account the stress-strain state of the two previous structures. Stress-strain curves are obtained for different stages, taking into account the beam reinforcement. Purpose: Substantiation of the calculation technique for the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams reinforced with prestressed polymer composites for the restoration and improvement of their performance characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: The analysis of numerical models of elements under loads and comparison of the obtained results with the laboratory experimental data. The limit-statebased analysis utilizes nonlinear deformation models of concrete and reinforcement. The calculation technique is verified by the laboratory tests. Research findings: Theoretical and experimental studies substantiate the proposed calculation technique for reinforced concrete bridge beams reinforced with prestressed composite materials. Practical implications: The calculation technique show a high accuracy in comparison with laboratory research. Originality/value: Previously, there is no calculation technique for reinforced concrete beams reinforced with prestressed composite materials.