Development and application of a hybrid prestressed segmental concrete girder utilizing low carbon materials

A hybrid prestressed segmental concrete (HPSC) girder utilizing low carbon materials was developed in this paper. This paper introduces the hybrid prestressing concept of pre-tensioning the center segment and assembling all segments by post-tensioning, as well as the development process of the low carbon HPSC girder. First, an optimized mix proportion of 60 MPa high strength concrete containing high volume blast furnace slag was developed, then its mechanical properties and durability characteristics were evaluated. Second, the mechanical properties of 2,400 MPa high strength prestressing strands and the transfer length characteristics in pre-tensioned prestressed concrete beams were evaluated. Third, using those low carbon materials and the hybrid prestressing concept, the HPSC girders were manufactured, and their structural performance was evaluated. A 30-m long HPSC girder for highway bridges and a 35-m long HPSC girder for railway bridges were designed, manufactured, and structurally confirmed as having sufficient strength and safety. Finally, five 35-m long HPSC girders were successfully applied to an actual railway bridge for the first time.