Deflection Prediction and Cracking of Beams Prestressed with Unbonded Tendons

Abstract

The paper presents results of an experimental and analytical study to predict the serviceability behavior of simply supported high strength concrete (HSC) beams prestressed with unbonded tendons. The use of high strength concrete allows engineers to design beams with longer spans using the capacity of the beam and thus using higher amounts of prestressing strands or higher effective prestressing values. The research discussed in this paper provides a better understanding of cracking and serviceability deflection behavior of HSC beams post tensioned with unbonded tendons.