This paper details the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials�? AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications time-dependent analysis method used for determining the loss of prestress in pretensioned bridge girders. The fundamental mechanics on which the method relies are explained in detail. New concepts introduced as part of the 2005 interim revisions are clarified. This paper aims to make the loss of prestress method more widely understood and more accurately applied in practice.
