Date of Award
5-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Civil Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Ross, Brandon E
Committee Member
Atamturktur , Sezer
Committee Member
Rangaraju , Prasad
Abstract
Web-splitting cracking during and immediately after prestress transfer is a common problem in pretensioned concrete beams, often with lasting effects on the durability and performance. By providing an entry point for chlorides and other corrosives, end-region cracks enable degradation of reinforcing steel and further cracking. Current practices offer a variety of methods for controlling end-region cracking. However, methods for preventing--not just controlling or repairing--end-region cracks are necessary to improve prestressed concrete construction. Vertical end-region post-tensioning is a developing method for preventing web-splitting cracks. The purpose of this document is to explore implementation methods of post-tensioning using the turn-of-the nut procedure, to apply post-tensioning on inverted T-beam specimens, and to develop a finite element model to calculate web-splitting stress distributions. The effectiveness of the post-tensioning is evaluated in terms of its ease of implementations, ability to prevent and control cracking, and impact on sustainability and resilience. Results indicate that end-region post-tensioning can be easily and effectively applied using a calibrated turn-of-the-nut procedure to prevent and control end-region cracking.
Recommended Citation
Willis, Michael, "POST-TENSIONING TO PREVENT END-REGION CRACKS IN PRETENSIONED CONCRETE GIRDERS" (2014). All Theses. 1963.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/1963