Prestress and Cracking Problems in Concrete Structural Components of an Elevated Rail Transit Guideway System

by Andrew S. V. Sluz, DOT, Transportation Systems Cent, Cambridge, MA, USA,
Eduardo A. B. Salse, DOT, Transportation Systems Cent, Cambridge, MA, USA,
Robert J. Ravera, DOT, Transportation Systems Cent, Cambridge, MA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Fracture Problems in the Transportation Industry

Abstract:

In 1983 the Department of Transportation evaluated the quality of construction of selected structural components on the Dade County Transportation Administration METRORAIL elevated guideways. The problem consisted of evaluating the completed construction based on a review of construction records, visual inspection, and testing of the components. A limited number of the over 7000 structural components were tested using nondestructive methods, physical sampling, and laboratory analysis of cores to determine whether or not the contractors had adhered to construction specifications. Various types of concrete distress and examples of specification non-compliance were found. Specific problems investigated were: prestress level in girders, in-situ concrete quality in columns and footings, steel placement and bonding, internal and external cracking and micro-cracking in concrete, and component dimensioning and tolerances.

Subject Headings: Concrete columns | Rail transportation | Prestressing | Cracking | Structural members | Guideways | Field tests

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