LAUSR

Abstract The use of external FRP tendons instead of steel ones for prestressing steel-concrete composite girders is evaluated. A nonlinear model for prestressed steel-concrete composite (PSCC) girders is calibrated against experimental results. Numerical simulations are then performed on singe-span and two-span PSCC girders. The investigated variables are the tendon type and the prestress level. In particular, CFRP, AFRP and conventional prestressing steel tendons are compared for prestress levels ranging from 0 to 60%. The results demonstrate that the behavior of PSCC girders with CFRP and steel tendons is similar, while AFRP tendons result in lower ultimate load and higher deformation capacity. In addition, the influence of prestress level on the moment at the center support of continuous PSCC girders is marginal due to the presence of secondary moments. The study also shows that the influence of secondary moments on moment redistribution is less pronounced in PSCC girders with AFRP tendons than in PSCC girders with CFRP or steel tendons.