Comparative Evaluation of The Performance of Reinforced Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Bridge Structures

This study presents a comparative evaluation of reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PSC) bridge systems using two representative case studies in Kaduna, Nigeria: the Queen Amina Flyover (RC) and the Arewa House Overpass (PSC). Structural design documents, material specifications, influence line deflection analysis, visual inspections, and stakeholder perspectives were used to assess span capability, reinforcement demand, concrete grade, serviceability performance, and long-term durability. Results show that PSC demonstrates superior structural efficiency, accommodating longer spans with reduced structural depth and significantly lower mid-span deflection due to prestressing-induced stiffness. PSC also utilized higher concrete grades (C40–C50), resulting in enhanced durability and improved resistance to surface cracking and environmental degradation compared to RC, which employed C30 concrete. Reinforcement density was substantially lower in PSC girders, highlighting improved material economy. Visual and qualitative assessments further confirmed PSC’s reduced deterioration and lower expected maintenance requirements. Despite these advantages, RC remains widely adopted due to lower initial cost, availability of local skills, and reduced technological demands. The overall findings indicate that PSC offers superior life-cycle performance, while RC remains suitable for short-span and budget-constrained applications in developing countries.