Grossversuche an Spannbetonträgern

Abstract

In 1959 road beams were built at Südtirolerplatz in Vienna. They had to be removed because of the construction of the new Vienna main station. The evidence of the structural safety according to the currently valid standard works could not be provided. To analyse the real capacity of those beams, particularly the shear force resistance, the ÖBB Group (Austrian Railway Company) decided to carry out destructive load tests in collaboration with the Technical University of Vienna. Subsequently, the actual losses concerning the prestressing force were determined in separate experiments. With the results new verification methods can be developed or existing standards reviewed.<br />Since quite a few prestressed concrete beams are still in use from the 50s this research will help to gain experience for the evaluation of these structures. This thesis contains the results of load tests and prestressing force tests. In addition, there are theoretical calculations of the shear force resistance in accordance with current standards and in accordance with the applicable standards found 50 years ago. Also results of FEM simulations have been inserted. The simulations were undertaken after the completion of all tests so accurate data, like the existing prestressing force and actually empirically determined material parameters, could be incorporated. This work has been complemented with an overview of the theoretical foundations of shear force design.