Fatigue testing of partial-depth precast concrete bridge deck panels with embedded wire trusses

This thesis covers research into the fatigue behavior of a new precast concrete panel to serve as stay-in-place formwork for the overhang portions of Texas bridge decks. The panel provides structural resistance alongside standard prestressed concrete panels (PCP) to provide formwork across the entire width of a bridge deck. In total, four total specimens were tested for their performance under differing fatigue loading conditions. The specimens were separated into two sets, each with a different type of wire truss. Specimens subjected to low-stress fatigue loading were subsequently tested to failure under monotonic conditions. Test results showed that this new panel has adequate fatigue capacity according to requirements given in AASHTO LRFD. The ultimate strength testing showed that the cycled specimens still reached theoretical ultimate strengths when cycled to stress magnitudes that were below the infinite fatigue life category.