Full-scale investigation of post-tensioned prestressed concrete bridge girders subjected to frost heaving in cold regions

•Forensic studies were performed for three full-scale bridge girders with frost heaving damages.•Borehole, anatomy, and flexural tests of post-tensioned prestressed concrete girders were tested.•Effects of frost heaving damages were simulated using eight nonlinear finite element models.•Frost heaving degraded the effective prestress, concrete properties, and concrete-tendon bond.•Frost heaving can significantly reduce the crack resistance and durability of girders.