External Prestressing - By SCON Infra Prestress LLP at Ratapani, Madhya Pradesh

A critical infrastructure challenge emerged at Ratapani, near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, when a major crack was detected on 12 out of 18 pier caps of the bridge. Upon detailed investigation, the root cause was traced back to improper reinforcement detailing and inaccuracies in the original structural design. The crack posed a serious risk to the stability and durability of the structure, making immediate intervention necessary.

Issue Escalation and Engineering Diagnosis

The problem was escalated to SCON Infra Prestress LLP, known for its specialized expertise in bridge strengthening and rehabilitation. After thorough inspection and evaluation, the SCON engineering team proposed an effective solution using the External Prestressing Method, a proven technique for enhancing existing structures without dismantling or disrupting ongoing traffic.

Scope of Work Executed by SCON

The external prestressing system was implemented across 12 piers at the site. The key components of the solution included:

• Installation of Anchor Boxes directly on the pier caps to facilitate the external tendon system.

• Use of Anchor System 19S15, a high-capacity, multi-strand system designed for post-tensioning applications.

• Precision alignment, tensioning, and anchorage of external tendons to restore and redistribute the structural forces effectively.

  
  

This solution not only addressed the existing cracks but also enhanced the overall load-bearing capacity and service life of the bridge.

Post-Stressing Measures

After the completion of external prestressing, SCON carried out a comprehensive inspection and quality check to ensure the system performed optimally. The intervention eliminated the risk of further structural degradation and stabilized the girder for long-term performance.

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