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Published in:
2016 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
1. Introduction to Contemporary Post-tensioned Concrete and Fire
Authors : John Gales, Kathleen Hartin, Luke Bisby
Published in: Structural Fire Performance of Contemporary Post-tensioned Concrete Construction
Publisher: Springer New York
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Abstract
In contemporary buildings, less is more. With new construction technologies and building materials, structures are being built with open floor plans and larger than ever before spans. Post-tensioned (PT) concrete is excellent at optimizing material usage, which helps designers meet stringent sustainability objectives while creating desirable large open spaces. PT concrete uses high strength cold-drawn prestressing steel tendons that are tensioned inside ducts in the concrete after casting. This compresses the concrete prior to loading and results in excellent control of in-service deflections which is far superior to that of conventional (non-prestressed) reinforced concrete. This tensioning process results in secondary support reactions in structural systems that balance deflection from loading. The post-tensioning process reduces the use of building materials enabling large spans. Typical PT concrete structures include bridges and buildings.