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The 6th Tongji Forum on Bridge Engineering Science and Technology Development and Innovation, co-hosted by the Department of Bridge Engineering at Tongji University's School of Civil Engineering and the Tongji Prestress Technology Journal, is scheduled to take place from September 6, 2025 in Shanghai. The forum is free of registration fees, and we warmly welcome participants from all sectors!
Prestress Technology has added Prof. Luc Taerwe from Ghent University, Belgium as Co-Editor-in-ChiefOn November 13, 2024, it was decided at the meeting of the editors-in-chief of Prestress Technology that Prof. Luc Taerwe would be added as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal, injecting a new force into the international development of the journal. Previously, Prof. Luc Taerwe was a member of the Editorial Board of Prestress Technology.
Prestress Technology : An International Journal (PT) is an Open-Access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles which contribute new results in prestressing fields of the Civil Engineering,Nuclear Engineering, Energy Engineering. The journal is devoted to the publication of high quality papers on theoretical and practical aspects of Prestress technology. The goal of this journal is to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to focus on prestress technology advancements, and establishing new collaborations in these areas. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews are invited for publication in all fields of prestress technology.
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2025,3(02):1-15 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.001
Abstract:In this study, an innovative split precast assembly technique for bridge cap beams is proposed, and its structural performance is investigated via experimental testing and finite element analysis. A scaled (1:3.6) sample was tested to evaluate the flexural behavior, crack resistance, and ultimate capacity of the split precast cap beam. The results indicate that the proposed technique achieves moderately reinforced flexural failure at cantilever roots with satisfactory ductility, with average crack resistance and safety reserve coefficients of 1.15 and 1.74, respectively. Strain analysis confirmed effective composite action between the precast components and the postcast strip, validating the space plane-section assumption. The experiment reveals localized stress concentrations at the beam ends and cantilever roots that require special reinforcement detailing. A nonlinear finite element model was developed and validated against test data, which showed good agreement and successfully captured behavior, including crack initiation and failure modes. The split precast technique has been successfully implemented in approximately 40 cap beams for the Outer Ring East Section traffic improvement project in Shanghai, China. The findings provide both theoretical and practical foundations for optimizing and promoting this efficient construction method in bridge engineering applications.
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2025,3(02):16-29 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.002
Abstract:This paper focuses on the challenge of insufficient transverse seismic capacity in urban elevated twin-column pier bridges. By conducting finite element simulations, it studies how externally reinforcing pier columns with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP), Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), and Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) affects their bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation. The results indicate that UHPC significantly enhances the bearing capacity of concrete columns, while both ECC and UHPC effectively improve ductility and energy dissipation. In contrast, FRP reinforcement shows no significant effect on bearing capacity, stiffness, or ultimate deformation. These findings provide reference data for strengthening similar projects.
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Changyan Niu, Yongcheng Lu, Jianguo Dai
2025,3(02):30-42 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.003
Abstract:Using a practical engineering project as an example, this study analyzes a self-anchored suspension bridge under two different restraining systems: a fully floating system and a semi-floating system. This investigation focuses on static performance, overall stability, wind resistance, and seismic behavior. The static characteristics and dynamic responses of the self-anchored suspension bridge under different restraining systems are obtained, and the influence of the tower–girder constraint conditions on the mechanical behavior of the structure is discussed.
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2025,3(02):43-53 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.004
Abstract:The focus of this study is the transition pier of the main approach bridge in a newly constructed project in Chengdu. It begins by introducing the configuration strategy for the prestressed tendon layout. A comparative analysis of sectional stresses is then conducted under prestress loading conditions and at the completed bridge stage, using both spatial frame models and spatial solid models. Special emphasis is placed on investigating the torsional shear stress induced by structural and loading asymmetry in the L-shaped cap beam. The results show that the spatial frame models could meet practical engineering requirements. These findings provide valuable references for the design analysis of similar engineering projects.
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2025,3(02):54-68 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.005
Abstract:The J.P. Magufuli extradosed bridge is currently under construction. This bridge crossing Lake Victoria has an overall length of 3,000 m and a deck width of 28.45 m to accommodate 4 lanes of 3.5 m wide carriageways of vehicular traffic, a shoulder of 2.5 m+2.5 m for emergency parking and vehicle breakdown on each side, a 2.5 m+2.5 m footpath for pedestrians on each side, and a median of 2.45 m. The structural arrangement of the main bridge is 100 m+160 m + 160 m+100 m = 520 m, and the approach bridge prestressed concrete (PSC) beam bridge L = 2,480 m (including 31@40=1,240 m on each side). The superstructure is an extradosed bridge with an RCC deck with three RCC pylons 18.856 m in height. The girder heights at the mid-span and end-span are 5.4 m and 3.2 m, respectively. This paper discusses the construction aspects of the J.P. Magufuli bridge along with the details of a special traveling formwork (Form-Traveller) that is used to enable balanced cantilever construction, Pylons, PC House construction for the Pile Cap, and Deck Slab Partial Depth Panel for Deck Slab Construction.
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2025,3(02):69-79 ,DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.02.006
Abstract:
Volume 3,2025 Issue 02
>Scientific Research
>Design and Construction
>Project Report
>Biography
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Seyedmilad Komarizadehasl, 沈周辉, 夏烨, Al-Amin, Jose Turmo
Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.001
Abstract:Shear failure in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, characterized by their sudden and brittle nature, often results from inadequate shear reinforcement or degradation due to aging or increased loading demands. To enhance shear capacity, various retrofitting techniques have been developed, with external prestressing bars recognized as an effective solution. These bars apply an active clamping force to improve shear resistance and delay the formation and propagation of diagonal cracks. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of experimental investigations and numerical models, such as strut-and-tie and damage-plasticity approaches, to evaluate shear strengthening with external prestressing bars. In this review, early exploratory studies, the evolution of experimental programs, and the development of analytical and finite element models for predicting the behavior of strengthened beams are examined. Particular attention is given to validating numerical models against experimental data, focusing on load-sharing mechanisms, ductility, failure modes, and serviceability. Practical design implications are evaluated, research gaps are identified, and recommendations for future studies are proposed to advance the implementation of this technique. Findings from authoritative sources are integrated to provide a definitive reference for researchers and engineers seeking sustainable and efficient shear retrofit solutions.
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Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.002
Abstract:This paper presents an experimental investigation into the shear capacity of prestressed concrete (PC) hollow core slabs with and without pre-existing oblique crack damage. A salvaged hollow core slab from Taihe Road Viaduct was selected for testing, with one end exhibiting in-service crack damage (T-A side) and the other end remaining intact (T-B side). Both ends were subjected to static loading to failure, and their shear performance was compared. The results indicate that the ultimate shear capacity of the damaged T-A side was approximately 16% lower than that of the undamaged T-B side. The damaged end also exhibited a lower cracking load, greater ultimate deflection, and greater torsional deformation. Both ends failed in a "bond-shear" mode, but the presence of pre-existing cracks on the T-A side exacerbated crack propagation and led to a wider main failure crack. The experimental results were used to evaluate the accuracy and applicability of several shear capacity calculation methods, including JTG 3362—2018, AASHTO LRFD Specifications 2020, ROSS, Naji, and Zhang''s models, and the Response2000 program. The comparison reveals that Zhang''s model and the ROSS model provided the most accurate predictions relative to the experimental values. The AASHTO LRFD method was found to be slightly unconservative for the damaged side (Vt/Vpre = 0.94) while providing a conservative prediction for the undamaged side. This study highlights the detrimental effects of in-service cracks and reveals limitations in some conventional codes for assessing damaged members.
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Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.005
Abstract:This study investigates the construction quality and potential defects of grouted sleeve connections in a prefabricated bridge pier dismantled from a project in Shanghai using section-cutting inspection. Ten samples were examined with a focus on grout compactness, reinforcement anchorage length, and centering accuracy. The results show that the grout within the sleeves was highly compact, and all mechanical performance indices satisfied the relevant specifications and design requirements, indicating overall reliable construction quality. Minor deficiencies, including slightly insufficient anchorage length and deviations in reinforcement centering, were identified but are considered to have negligible effects on load-bearing and deformation capacities on the basis of existing research. The findings suggest that the current construction process generally meets quality requirements; however, improvements in grout mix proportion, construction procedures, and the addition of external threading on the sleeve surface are recommended to enhance bonding with surrounding concrete. This work provides experimental evidence from an actual engineering case to support the safety and durability assessment of grouted sleeve–connected piers and supplements nondestructive testing by revealing internal defects that are otherwise difficult to detect.
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Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.004
Abstract:To evaluate the bonding behavior between ribbed steel bars and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), several pull-out samples were experimentally investigated and presented. The influences of bar diameter and embedment length on the bond failure mode, ultimate bond stress, stress?slip curve and bond stress distribution were investigated. Compared with that of ordinary reinforced concrete, the ultimate bond stress between steel bars and UHPC was increased by 74% under the same conditions. In addition, the bond-slip curve showed a relatively large slope before the ultimate bond stress was reached, and at the same time, the curve showed better ductility after the ultimate bond stress was exceeded. When the sample experiences steel bar yielding or pull-out failure, the bond stress distribution curve exhibits typical multipeak features. As the bar embedment length increased, the bond stress distribution became increasingly heterogeneous, and the increase in the peak number in the bond stress distribution curve reflected this trend. Under appropriate concrete cover thickness, the critical embedment length was between 4d and 6d.
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Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.003
Abstract:To address two critical challenges in the numerical modeling of precast segmental structures—namely, post-tensioned prestress simulation and adhesive joint representation—this study proposes a refined finite element modeling approach. This method incorporates a nearest point matching algorithm during prestress application, resolving issues such as modeling complexity and low computational efficiency in traditional tendon–concrete node matching. For adhesive joint simulation, a cohesive contact element based on fracture mechanics is adopted, enabling the characterization of tensile-shear coupled failure under combined loading conditions. To validate the method, a precast segmental prestressed cap beam from a real-world project was analyzed under prestressing and service load scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is efficient, rational, and practically applicable, providing reliable technical support for high-fidelity numerical simulations of prefabricated structures.
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Available online:August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.59238/j.pt.2025.03.006
Abstract:The Jiasong Highway Bridge over the Huangpu River is located in Songjiang District, Shanghai. It is planned as a secondary highway with six lanes in both directions and non-motorized lanes on both sides. The main bridge design adopts a (130 + 336 + 130)-m self-anchored suspension bridge. In this paper, the bridge construction plan is systematically analyzed and compared with alternative designs, considering aspects such as the overall scheme, main bridge design, and main bridge construction methods. These evaluations are based on construction conditions, such as hydrology, geology, navigation, and the environment. The aim of this study is to provide a reference for the design and construction of similar bridges in the future.
Special Issue
Virtual Special Issue
Executive Editor in chief: Fangyuan Li; Albert de la Fuente
