Experiment and analysis of flexural capacity and behaviors of pre-stressed composite beams

At present, there is no design specification for the pre-stressed composite beam. To research the bending mechanical behaviors of pre-stressed steel–concrete composite box beams and provide corresponding design specification and requirements, the tests of ten pre-stressed composite box beams were finished, and the effects on flexural behaviors were given for different initial pre-stress levels, the forms of reinforcement placement and loading method and so on. Design calculation methods under serviceability and bearing capacity limits were mainly discussed. Test results indicated that the pre-stressed composite beam displays a lot of advantages compared with ordinary composite beams. The flexural capacity of the composite beams through using pre-stressed technology was greatly increased. The elastic-plastic analysis of the pre-stressed composite beams was finished; whatʹs more, the equations of deflection and elastic bearing capacity with consideration of interface slip were derived out. Calculating equations for ultimate banding capacity were derived with consideration of pre-stress increments. Finally, the calculated values met precise requirements when compared with the test results. This study provides advisory opinions for the designer to analysis and design of the pre-stressed composite beams.