Assessment of Crack Width Prediction Methods for Post-Tensioned Beams

Abstract

The paper reviews a research project developed at the University of Texas at Austin to investigate the durability of structural concrete elements having bonded posttensioning. The study included a level of prestressing as a variable,and provides a substantial wealth of crack width data for partially posttensioned sections. A follow up study was conducted at Penn State University for structural members with a combination of pretensioning and posttensioning, such as found in spliced girder applications. This study also included an investigation of cracking behavior. This paper compares the measured crack width data to existing crack width prediction models along with a discussion of the effectiveness of each method.