Behavior of Prestressed Concrete Non-Prismatic Double Tee Beams

Abstract

One advantage of using prestressed concrete structural elements is the control of deflection under normal service load levels. Prestressing permits the use of smaller cross-sections by keeping the section uncracked through design load levels. Also, an uncracked section is particularly desirable where exposure to a corrosive environment is a factor of concern.In the present study, experimental test results are presented for three non-prismatic prestressed concrete beams. The chosen beam shape was the double tee beam, for its wide applicability and in situ performance. The chosen beams had different span length, geometric ratio, amount of prestressing area, loading arrangement and procedure for applying the load. All the tested beams have been cast in the same circumstance in which they were designed to function. The first beam was cast during the time of the present research, and the others were being on storage. The last two beams have been chosen from groups of storage beams, to satisfy the objective of the research. Those beams were fabricated at Al-Rasheid State Contracting Company and were tested in its labs.