EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD OF PRESTRESSING FORCE MONITORING

Abstract

In recent years, lots of researchers have given attention to prestressing evaluation in existing prestressed concrete structures. In Europe, many existing prestressed concrete bridges are about to reach their limit of service life and exhibit signs of deterioration. Therefore, reliable, and effective methods for determining the actual state of prestressing are needed. Indirect methods represent a valuable tool for the structural assessment of prestressed concrete members in service. These methods include, e.g., Saw-cut method, Structural response method, Barkhausen noise technique, or Wire-cutting method. The presented paper summarises indirect measurements focused on prestressing force monitoring using the aforementioned techniques performed in the Laboratory of Civil Engineering of the University of Žilina.