Monolithic concrete beams with external prestressing cables: an analysis under moving loads

Bridges are exposed to various loading conditions, and influence lines have important applications for the design of beams that are subjected to moving loads. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a transfer matrix method (TMM)-based static analysis of monolithic concrete beams with external prestressing cables subjected to moving loads. This approach is important for helping engineers in the preliminary design and is consistent with the design prescriptions of modern codes. The results, in terms of the load deflections and load increase of cable stress, are presented and discussed. The effects of friction at the deviators on the behavior of the externally prestressed concrete beams were also examined.