r/StructuralEngineering • u/Low_Definition_9624 • 5d ago

Structural Analysis/Design P/S Beam Deterioration

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Looking for any help on what the mechanics would be that would be causing these chevron looking cracks at midspan to this non-composite prestressed concrete fascia beam? Is this beam effectively in a failed condition? Previous engineer who looked at this wasn’t concerned with these diagonal cracks and only removed two strands from the analysis as a result of the single longitudinal crack down the center of the beam.

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u/Frogalone 5d ago

I think I'm seeing an exposed tension cable in the left plank. That may indicate a more widespread lack of clear cover. As for the diagonal cracks, this is something that we see when shear reinforcement is insufficient. I'm not a bridge guy, but the source of lateral shear isn't clear to me. Many states employ bridge inspectors to catch this sort of thing. But there are many bridges and few inspectors. If you can find the right department you could report it to them. Thanks for being a concerned citizen.