Prediction of Restraint Moments in Precast, Prestressed Structures Made Continuous

This paper studies restraint moments developing in simple-span precast, prestressed beams made continuous. Methods of evaluating restraint moments produced by creep and differential shrinkage are presented. Shrinkage and creep properties of composite structures, beam and deck parts were tested and compared to values defined according to Eurocode models. Finally, the restraint moments were calculated with both material models for the two-span parking deck structure. The study confirmed the findings of previous studies: that the methods that are used overestimate the negative restraint moment produced by differential shrinkage.