Testing of 45 year-old post-tensioned concrete bridge beams from the Sorell Causeway Bridge

The 45 year old Sorell Causeway Bridge was demolished in 2002 due to concerns regarding the corrosion of prestressed tendons. Three beams of varying condition were salvaged from the demolition process and were relocated to the Structural Laboratory at the University of Newcastle. The beams were examined for load capacity and load deflection behaviour, as well as being subject to very detailed investigations. This paper provides the first set of findings from initial investigations carried out in November-December 2005, in particular providing comment on the load characteristics of the beams and instances of corrosion observed. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214936.