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.

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