Evaluation of the Superiority of Lightweight-Aggregate-Concrete Prestressed Box Girders in Terms of Durability and Prestress Loss

This case study aimed to compare the differences in durability and prestress loss between normal-weight-concrete (NC) lightweight-aggregate-concrete (LWC) prestressed box girders, which were constructed at same time area, so as verify superiority of using synthetic lightweight aggregate (LWA) made from reservoir sediments bridges. For NCs LWCs used basic mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural splitting tensile elastic modulus) tested, well (chloride ion penetration resistance rapid chloride permeability). Then, through prestress-monitoring system, losses two groups girders tracked. The results test confirmed that LWC can inhibit air, water, ions by strengthening interfacial transition zone cement paste, thereby improving its durability. Moreover, magnetic-flux NC girder reached 8.1%. In contrast, on both sides 4.6% 4.9%, respectively. verified that, under environmental conditions, use produced less a than NC.