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Diagnostic Survey of prestressed concrete bridges in Prague Cover

Diagnostic Survey of prestressed concrete bridges in Prague

Open Access
|Mar 2026

Figures & Tables

Figure 1:

Cross-section of a bridge, where the superstructures consist of I-73 girders (Dopravoprojekt, 1973)

Figure 2:

Reinforcement of the 21-meter-long I-73 girder with prestressing tendons (Dopravoprojekt, 1973)

Figure 3:

Three-span bridge (left) and two-span bridges (right), both located in Prague

Figure 4:

Significant active water leakage into the cells between the I-73 girders. Visible surface degradation of the concrete and exposed reinforcement. Observable paths of prestressing reinforcement (cracks and leachates)

Figure 5:

Presence of non-grouted tendon ducts and corrosion of prestressing strands and wires

Figure 6:

Presence of ungrouted tendon ducts and corrosion affecting the prestressing strands

Figure 7:

Prestressing Reinforcement Condition Evaluated by Girder Location

Condition Assessment of Prestressing Reinforcement

Condition of reinforcementCorrosion damageDamage description
Level 1Reinforcement showing no signs of corrosion.
Level 2The reinforcement exhibits only localized surface corrosion, with no impact on cross-sectional area.
Level 3Surface corrosion is present without accumulation of corrosion products, and its impact on cross-section reduction and mechanical properties is negligible.
Level 4Surface corrosion is fully distributed, with corrosion products peeling off. Cross-sectional area reduction has already reached approximately 2 – 4%; this type of corrosion represents a borderline case in terms of its negative effect on mechanical properties.
Level 5The strand exhibits fully spread surface corrosion, with extensive peeling of corrosion products. Noticeable deformation and cross-sectional area loss are significant, reaching several tens of percent.
Level 6Noticeable deformation of the strand is observed, with some wires broken or fully corroded. Cross-sectional area is significantly reduced, by 50 % or more.

Summary of Concrete Test Results

Bridge no.Structural condition of superstructure (Scale I–VII)Strength class of concreteConversion of Cl- to cement quantity of approximately 420 kg in 1 m3 of concrete [%]Concrete carbonation depth [mm]
ČSN 736221ČSN EN 206+A2Depth 0 – 15 [mm]Depth 15 – 30 [mm]Depth 30 – 45 [mm]
1VIC 45/550.450.320.161 – 7
2VC 45/550.710.580.373 – 6
3VIC 50/601,170.700.353 – 12
4VC 40/500,890.700.444 – 13
5VC 45/550.150.110.072 – 8
6IVC 40/500.250.120.051 – 7
7VIC 45/550.780.590.441 – 9
8VC 35/450.380.300.152 – 10
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/cee-2026-0049 | Journal eISSN: 2199-6512 | Journal ISSN: 1336-5835
Language: English
Page range: 461 - 468
Submitted on: Aug 26, 2025
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Accepted on: Oct 2, 2025
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Published on: Mar 24, 2026
Published by: University of Žilina
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2026 Stanislav Rehacek, David Citek, Milan Holy, Martin Krystov, Adam Citek, Ales Mezera, published by University of Žilina
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.