End-region splitting cracks (Fig. 1) typically form
during or in the weeks following prestress transfer.
This paper focuses particularly on end-zone splitting
cracks in the web. These cracks form due to vertical
tensile stresses induced from the distribution of prestressing
forces from the bottom flange to the remainder of the
cross section. Some degree of web cracking is expected
and generally accepted in the end region of pretensioned
girders. Web splitting cracks typically do not impair girder
capacity. They do, however, provide entry points for chlorides
and other deleterious materials, which can negatively
affect serviceability and service life.