NCHRP Research Report 1161: Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements presents state-of-the-art guidelines to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. The guidelines were developed based on extensive analytical and testing programs and review and study of the state of practice. In addition to the guidelines and design examples, modifications to the current Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) bridge design and construction specifications were identified. The findings will serve as a valuable resource for bridge owners, consultants, fabricators, and contractors.

The majority of bridges built in the United States utilize concrete bridge elements with prestressed uncoated steel strands that are susceptible to corrosion leading to structure deterioration. Delaying strand corrosion will reduce maintenance needs, extend the bridge service life, and enhance safety. Therefore, DOTs have been investigating alternative strand materials such as stainless steel to address steel strand corrosions. However, there are no national standards or specifications to support bridge owners in using stainless steel strands. Research was needed to develop requirements and guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements. 

Under NCHRP Project 12-120, “Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements,” the University of Houston was asked to develop guidelines for the applications of stainless steel strands for prestressed concrete bridge elements and recommend modifications to the current LRFD bridge design and construction specifications for consideration by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. To demonstrate the application of the new guidelines and the proposed modifications, the research team developed supporting design examples.

In addition to NCHRP Research Report 1161, the materials listed below are available at https://doi.org/10.17226/29245. The following deliverables are available on the National Academies Press website (nap.nationalacademies.org) by searching for NCHRP Research Report 1161: Stainless Steel Strands for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Elements.

•  Appendix A: Review of Previous Work
• Appendix B: Experimental Testing Program, Results and Discussions
• Appendix C: Finite Element and Numerical Simulations
• Appendix D: Reliability Analysis