Strengthening and Rehabilitation of U-Shaped RC Bridges Using Substitute Cable Ducts

Figure 12

Expression of the prestressing effect on the beam structure cross section. The beam cross section and its internal forces (pure bending) (a) before and (b) after application of prestressing force. The cross section is now eccentrically in compression (a combination of bending moments and axial force), thus increasing the load-bearing capacity of the cross section.

(a)

(b)