AASHTO Prestressed Concrete Allowable Tensile Stress (5.9.4.2.2.)

[Brandon]

Question about the following provision of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications:

Section 5.9.4.2.2 - Tension Stresses

Table 5.9.4.2.2.-1 - Tensile Stress Limits in Prestressed Concrete at Service Limit State after Losses, Fully Prestressed Components​

Other Than Segmentally Constructed Bridges--> Tension in the Precompressed Tensile Zone Bridges, Assuming Uncracked Sections​

Referring to the bolded portions above, this seems to say that this check only need be made at the bottom of the beam location (i.e. the Precompressed Tensile Zone for typical prestressed beams). However, it is conceivable that tension could occur in the top of the beam at the ends at service load, but this is not the "Precompressed Tensile Zone", and therefore the tensile stress check would not apply to the ends of the beam.

Is this generally how others have interpreted this provision (i.e. only check service load tension at the bottom of the beam)?

 

[rapt]

There is normally a requirement for this check at transfer which will control the end zones.

Secondly, don't try to second guess the wording. If it is in tension, check it according to these rules!