POST TENSIONED BRIDGE ANCHORAGE FAILURE

In 1999, a post tensioned bridge under construction experienced an explosive failure of a cable anchorage due to a design defect.  No injuries resulted from the explosive release of tension energy.  L. J. Mott, PE, confirmed by computer simulation that a design defect was responsible for the event.  A change in Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) specifications eventually addressed the issue.