Endverankerungen bei Ertüchtigung von Brücken mit externer Vorspannung

Anchorages of external tendons for strengthening reinforced concrete bridges

Additional prestressing of existing reinforced concrete bridges using external tendons represents an efficient method of structural retrofitting. The installation of external tendons leads to a reduction of deficiencies in safety, serviceability and durability, thus increasing the expected lifespan of the bridge. A scientific research project was initiated to analyze potential vulnerabilities of such measures - especially at the anchorage devices-, considering the insights from several recently retrofitted bridges. Based on the results from this study new concepts for the anchorage of the significant external prestressing forces into the existing superstructure are introduced. Common solutions of this detail are examined and improvements are proposed. Furthermore several tools have been developed to facilitate and standardize the planning process.