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Structural Failure of Pretensioned Concrete Sleepers under Cyclic Loading Due to Water Flow in Cracks

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
C
Cesar Bastos, Josue *
M
Marcus S. Dersch
J
J. Riley Edwards
DOI:10.1061/JTEPBS.TEENG-9247delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Pretensioned concrete sleepers are vulnerable to structural failure when flexural cracks develop in moisture-rich environments. This study presents experimental evidence showing that water ingress in cracked regions leads to accelerated degradation under cyclic loading. Tests conducted on full-scale sleepers and small-scale prisms revealed that (1) debonding between tendons and concrete significantly increases compressive stresses, and (2) moisture reduces the concrete's compressive strength. Notably, post-tensioned sleepers exhibited greater resistance to failure under similar conditions. Tendon corrosion, while a long-term concern, was not a contributing factor within the observed failure timeframe. These findings support recommendations for improved drainage and favoring unbonded post-tensioned systems in high-moisture settings.
Keywords:
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
FRACTURE INTERACTION
PRESSURE

Journal

J
Journal of Transportation Engineering Part A-Systems
IF:
2.1
Papers:
123
Citations:
1.9K

Organization

University of Illinois System cover
University of Illinois System
Scholars:
6.8W
Papers: 6.1W
Citations: 644
U
university of illinois urbana-champaign
Scholars:
2.1K
Papers: 1.1K
Citations: 0