Numerical simulations of a benchmark reduced-scale post-tensioned concrete bridge girder with corroded strands.

In Italy, recent studies pointed out the durability and load-bearing capacity reduction of prestressed concrete bridges induced by both grouting defects and gradual decay of prestressing strands’ mechani-cal properties due to corrosion. The present work investigates the flexural response of a reduced-scale post-tensioned concrete bridge girder affected by prestressing strands corrosion through the analysis of different levels and locations of corrosion along the beam length. To this end, two nonlinear finite element (FE) modelling approach, calibrated against experimental data, are compared: (i) a multi-lay-ered shell-element model obtained by using the PARC_CL 2.1 user subroutine and (ii) a solid brick-element model based on the concrete damaged plasticity model. Finally, preliminary conclusions are drawn based on the obtained results, creating the basis for future developments in the field.