Anchorage System Contribution to Post‐Tensioned Bridge Collapse

ABSTRACT Precast post‐tensioned girder bridges are widely used for short to medium spans across Europe due to their technical and economic benefits. In Slovakia, around 21% of the road network relies on precast prestressed girders. However, many of these structures have been closed due to deteriorating conditions. This paper presents an experimental assessment of a precast girder bridge in Trstena, northern Slovakia, built in the 1960s. It focused on the anchorage system typical of that era's European engineering practices. Closed to traffic in 2019 after a visual inspection, the bridge unexpectedly collapsed in 2020, confirming the earlier safety concerns. Investigation revealed that corrosion had critically weakened the anchorage system, reducing load‐bearing capacity. The wire cross‐sectional area had decreased by 8.23%, and average anchorage efficiency dropped to 79%. Metallographic analysis of steel wedges also showed a lack of hardening, contributing to wire slippage. These findings highlight the structural vulnerability of aging infrastructure and the urgent need for proactive evaluation and maintenance. The study underscores the risks associated with obsolete anchorage systems and offers valuable insight for managing similar bridges built during the 1960s in former Czechoslovakia.