José R. Martí-Vargas
Juan Navarro-Gregori
Pedro Serna
Ester Giménez-Carbó
M. Carmen Castro-Bugallo
Juan A. Mateu-Sánchez1
Abstract
In the prestressing design, the designer must set the prestressing force introduced to the concrete member and estimate both the short- and the long-term prestress losses, so that the structure meets its requirements over its service life. Since construction practice has commonly not considered the use of devices for monitoring after casting, prestress losses are usually unknown, and therefore the residual prestressing force. Hence, this paper presents the basis of a research project motivated by the need to formulate reliable assessments in the field of existing prestressed concrete structures (EPCSs. The project aims the implementation of a specific methodology for the diagnosis of the residual stress-deformational state of EPCSs, and is based on the potential synergy of the Isolated Concrete Block Method (ICBM) as an empirical basis and a multi-level structural modelling strategy following the latest trends. With a schedule developed through six tasks, it is intended to follow a working methodology that integrates the design/modelling and experimental aspects, so that there is an almost continuous feedback between both. According to the expected impact of results, the ICBM, which has a clear potential to become a reference non-destructive, practical, economical and reliable method, is suitable to promote an active approach to EPCSs maintenance.
Keywords
Concrete; Structure; Prestress; Loss; Test; Cut; Assessment
