Strengthening of a DS-T Segmental Bridge Using the Post-Tensioning Method

Strengthening of a DS-T Segmental Bridge Using the Post-Tensioning Method

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The paper presents a practical application of the post-tensioning method for strengthening of a 1983 segmental bridge over the Bečva River in Valašské Meziříčí, Czech Republic. The existing bridge superstructure consists of prefabricated prestressed DS-T segments with a 19.50 m wide open cross-section (double T). The bridge has four spans of 24.70 + 33.50 (29.50) + 36.00 + 21.20 (25.20) m. The 117-meter-long axis of the bridge has a horizontal curvature of R = 1000 m. It carries a four-lane, 14.25 m wide highway with pavement on either side. In 2019, traffic on the bridge was restricted (to only two lanes) due to its low load-bearing capacity, and later it was decided to strengthen the bridge with the post-tensioning method using substitute cable ducts. The actual strengthening works took place from May to December 2025. Two phases of external prestressing were used to strengthen the bridge, one phase continuous across all spans and the other discontinuous using intermediate anchoring in the concrete infill. At the same time, critical cross-sections above the supports were strengthened with transversely prestressed concrete infill to ensure triaxial stress in these areas. The bridge deck was strengthened with a reinforced concrete composite slab. High demands were placed on site diagnostics, as the substitute cable ducts were drilled using core and carbide drilling methods without damaging the existing prestressing system. The investor's requirements for the bridge's load capacity were met, and the bridge was reopened to all traffic at the end of 2025.

The paper presents a practical application of the post-tensioning method for strengthening of a 1983 segmental bridge over the Bečva River in Valašské Meziříčí, Czech Republic. The existing bridge superstructure consists of prefabricated prestressed DS-T segments with a 19.50 m wide open cross-section (double T). The bridge has four spans of 24.70 + 33.50 (29.50) + 36.00 + 21.20 (25.20) m. The 117-meter-long axis of the bridge has a horizontal curvature of R = 1000 m. It carries a four-lane, 14.25 m wide highway with pavement on either side. In 2019, traffic on the bridge was restricted (to only two lanes) due to its low load-bearing capacity, and later it was decided to strengthen the bridge with the post-tensioning method using substitute cable ducts. The actual strengthening works took place from May to December 2025. Two phases of external prestressing were used to strengthen the bridge, one phase continuous across all spans and the other discontinuous using intermediate anchoring in the concrete infill. At the same time, critical cross-sections above the supports were strengthened with transversely prestressed concrete infill to ensure triaxial stress in these areas. The bridge deck was strengthened with a reinforced concrete composite slab. High demands were placed on site diagnostics, as the substitute cable ducts were drilled using core and carbide drilling methods without damaging the existing prestressing system. The investor's requirements for the bridge's load capacity were met, and the bridge was reopened to all traffic at the end of 2025.

strengthening; post-tensioning; segmental prestressed bridge; diagnostics

strengthening; post-tensioning; segmental prestressed bridge; diagnostics

SVOBODA, A.; KLUSÁČEK, L.; OLŠÁK, M.

11.06.2026

University of Edinburgh, School of Engineering, UK

Edinburgh

0-947644-94-6

Proceedings of STRUCTURAL FAULTS + REPAIR-2026

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