Analytical Investigation and Monitoring of End-Zone Reinforcement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Super Girders

In this paper, the authors present findings from nonlinear finite element analysis of end zone cracking of deep pretensioned concrete I-girders. They investigate the end zone reinforcement of eight 210 foot long, 100 inch deep super girders used in the construction of the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement in downtown Seattle, Washington. Field observations revealed a similar response by the super girders to the release of pretensioning to that of other commonly-used I-girders. End zone cracking occurred immediately after release, and it included a typical network of splitting cracks along the web height and the web and bottom flange interface. The authors propose a closed-form solution based on shear friction theory that could serve as an alternative for estimating tensile stress in end zone reinforcement along the web and bottom flange interface.