Financial viability of TPSM applied continuous composite bridges

The negative bending moment near the intermediate supports of continuous composite girder bridges induces tensile stresses in the concrete deck and transverse cracks are repeatedly reported. The cracks rapidly deteriorate the concrete deck, giving rise to frequent need for maintenance work. Prestressing methods are usually utilized in this kind of situation for the concrete structures, but no effective and feasible method has yet been proposed for steel-concrete composite structures. A new type of prestressing method, entitled TPSM (Thermal Prestressing Method) has been proposed for innovative construction of continuous composite girder bridges by Kim et al. (2007), for effective prestressing of the deck at the negative bending moment regions. This study describes the methodology for the economic analysis of TPSM applied bridges and introduces case studies for demonstration of the financial viability of the TPSM applied bridges compared to conventional continuous composite girder bridges.