Dynamic Analysis of Prestressed Girder: Comparative Finite Element Study of RCC and PSC Bridge Systems

The comparative study demonstrates that prestressing significantly improves the structural performance of the selected continuous girder bridge system. Relative to the RCC bridge, the PSC variant shows lower sagging moments, lower mid-span deflection and substantially reduced tensile stress in the deck slab, indicating better serviceability and greater resistance to cracking. Although the PSC bridge develops somewhat higher hogging moments and support reactions near the intermediate pier, these effects are manageable through appropriate detailing. From an engineering viewpoint, the PSC alternative provides a better balance of stiffness, durability and span efficiency for the 40 m + 40 m bridge configuration studied. Hence, for medium-span bridge applications where long-term performance is important, the PSC girder system is preferable to the conventional RCC alternative.

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