The 10 Steps in Design of

Post-Tensioned Floors

Dr Bijan O Aalami
Professor Emeritus,
San Francisco State University
Principal, ADAPT Corporation; bijan@PT-structures.com
301 Mission Street
San Francisco, California
www.adaptsoft.com High Seismic Force Region

Column supported multistory

building

Four Seasons Hotel; Florida Two-way flat slab construction

High Wind Force Region
 Post-Tensioning Systems
Unbonded System

12.7 mm
(0.5"*)
CORROSION PLASTIC
WIRE INHIBITING SHEATHING
COATING
NOTE: * NOMINAL DIAMETER

(a) STRAND (b) TENDON

Multi-level parking structures GREASE FILLED PLASTIC CAP

SHEATH TUBE
One-way beam and slab design

STRAND

(c) ANCHORAGE ASSEMBLY

Example of a Floor System using the Unbonded Post-Tensioning Systems

Post-tensioning System Grouted System

An example of a grouted
system hardware with flat duct
 Example of a Floor System Reinforced Preliminary Considerations
with Grouted Post-Tensioning System Design of Post-Tensioned Floors
™ Dimensions (sizing)
¾ Optimum spans; optimum thickness
™ Structural system
¾ One-way/two-way; slab band
™ Boundary conditions; connections
¾ Service performance; strength condition
™ Load Path; Design strips
™ Design sections; design values

Preliminary Considerations Preliminary Considerations

Design of Post-Tensioned Floors Design of Post-Tensioned Floors
™ Selection of load path for two-way
‰ Dimensions (sizing)
¾ Optimum spans; optimum thickness systems – Design Strips

™ An optimum design is one in which the

reinforcement determined for “service
condition” is used in its entirety for
“strength condition.”

™ PT amount in service condition is

governed mostly by:
¾ Hypothetical tensile stresses (USA), or
crack width (EC2)
¾ Tendon spacing (USA)
™ Common spans: 25 – 30 ft (8 – 9 m)
Subdivide the structure into design
™ Span/thickness ratios strips in two orthogonal directions
(Nahid slab)
¾ 40 - 45 for interior
¾ 35 for exterior with no overhang
 Preliminary Considerations Preliminary Considerations
Design of Post-Tensioned Floors Design of Post-Tensioned Floors
™ Subdivide the floor along support Subdivide slab along support lines in design
strips in the orthogonal direction
lines in design strips
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
A
A
B
B
C

C
D

D
E

F
E Y
X
F
An important aspect of load path selection in a
Y
two-way system is that every point of the slab
X G should be assigned to a specific design strip. No
portion of the slab should be left unassigned.

Preliminary Considerations
Design of Post-Tensioned Floors
™ Design sections ™ Design values
¾ Design sections extend over the entire ¾ Actions, such as moments at each design
design strip and are considered at critical section are reduced to a “single”
locations, such as face of support and representative value to be used for design
mid-span

559 is the area (total) value of bending

moment at face of support
 10 Steps Step 1
Design of Post Tensioned Floors Geometry and Structural System

™ Select design strip and Idealize

¾ Extract; straighten the support line;
1. Geometry and Structural System square the boundary
2. Material Properties
3. Loads
4. Design Parameters
5. Actions due to Dead and Live Loads
6. Post-Tensioning
7. Code Check for Serviceability
8. Code Check for Strength
9. Check for Transfer of Prestressing
10. Detailing

Step 1 Step 2
Geometry and Structural System Material Properties
™ Select design strip and Idealize
¾ Extract; straighten the support line; ™ Concrete
square the boundary
¾ Weight 24 kN/m3
¾ Model the slab frame with a row of ¾ 28 day cylinder 40 MPa
supports above and below. This
represents an upper level of multi-story ¾ Elastic modulus 35,220 MPa
concrete frame. ¾ Long-term deflection factor 2
ƒ Assume rotational fixity at the far
ends; ™ Non-Prestressed reinforcement
ƒ Assume roller support at the far ¾ fy 460 MPa
ends
¾ Elastic modulus 200,000 MPa

™ Prestressing
¾ Strand diameter 13 mm
¾ Strand area 99 mm2
¾ Ultimate strength 1,860 MPa
¾ Effective stress 1,200 MPa
¾ Elastic modulus 193,000 MPa

View of idealized slab-frame

 Step 3 Step 4
Loads Design Parameters
™ Selfweight
¾ Based on member volume ‰ Applicable code
¾ ACI 318-11; EC2 EN 1992-1-1:2004
™ Superimposed dead load ¾ IBC 2012
¾ Min (partitions) 1 kN/m2 ¾ Local codes, such as California Building
Code (CBC 2011); or otherwise

™ Live load
¾ Residential 2.0 kN/m2
‰ Cover for protection against corrosion
¾ Office 2.5 kN/m2
¾ Shopping mall 3.5 kN/m2 ™ Cover to rebar
¾ Parking structure 2.0 kN/m2 ¾ Not exposed to weather 20 mm
¾ Exposed to weather 50 mm
™ Lateral loads
¾ Wind
¾ Earthquake ™ Cover to tendon
¾ Not exposed to weather 20 mm
™ Example assumes ¾ Exposed to weather 25 mm
¾ Superimposed DL SDL= 2 kN/m2
¾ Live load LL = 3 kN/m2

Step 4 Step 4
Design Parameters Design Parameters

‰ Cover for fire resistivity ‰ Cover for fire resistivity

™ Identify “restrained” and “unrestrained
™ Identify “restrained” and “unrestrained panels.”
panels.”

Restrained or Cover Thickness, mm. for

Aggregate Type
Unrestrained Fire Endurance of

1 hr 1.5 hr 2 hr 3 hr 4 hr
Unrestrained Carbonate - - 40 50 -
Siliceous - - 40 50 -
Lightweight - - 40 50 -

Restrained Carbonate - - 20 25 30
Siliceous - - 20 25 30
Lightweight - - 20 25 30

™ For 2-hour fire resistivity

¾ Restrained 20 mm.
¾ Unrestrained 40 mm
 Step 4 Step 4
Design Parameters Design Parameters
‰ Allowable Stresses or Crack Width
Selection for Two-Way System ‰ Allowable deflections (EC2/ approx. ACI)
™ Based on ACI
¾ Total load case ™ For visual impact use total deflection
Tension 0.5√f’c
¾ Span/250
Compression 0.60f’c ¾ Use camber, if necessary
¾ Sustained load case
Tension 0.5√f’c ™ Total deflection subsequent to installation of
members that are likely to be damaged
Compression 0.60 f’c
¾ Span/350
™ Based on EC2 ™ Immediate deflection due to live load
¾ Frequent load case ¾Span/500
Tension Ft = 0.30 fck (2/3)
Compression 0.60fck ™ Long-term deflection magnifier 2. This brings
¾ Quasi permanent load case the total long-term deflection to 3,
Tension Ft = 0.30 fck (2/3)
Compression 0.45fck
¾ Crack width normal exposure (?)
Unbonded
Bonded

Step 5 Step 5
Actions due to Dead and Live Loads Actions due to Dead and Live Loads

‰ Analyze the design strip as a single ‰ Analyze the design strip as a single level
level frame structure with one row of frame structure with one row of supports
supports above and below, using above and below.
™ In-house simple frame program
(Simple Frame Method; SFM); or
™ in-house Equivalent Frame Program (EFM);
™ Specialty commercial software

™ All the three options yield safe designs.

But, each will give a different amount of
reinforcement.
™ The EFM is suggested by ACI-318. To some
extent, it accounts for biaxial action of the
prototype structure in the frame model.
™ Accuracy and ability of commercial software
for optimization varies
 Step 6 Step 6
Post-Tensioning Post-Tensioning

™ Selection of PT force and profile

™ Selection of design parameters ¾ Two entry value assumptions must be made to
initiate the computations. Select
precompression and % of DL to balance
™ Selection of PT force and profile
™ Effective force/tendon selection option
- force selection

™ Calculation of balanced loads;

adjustments for percentage of load
balanced

™ Calculation of actions due to balanced

loads

Step 6 Step 6
Post-Tensioning Post-Tensioning

¾ Assume simple parabola for

™ Selection of design parameters hand calculation
¾ Select average precompression 1 MPa
¾ Target to balance 60% of DL
™ Selection of PT force and profile
¾ Assume simple parabola mapped within
the bounds of top and bottom covers
Force diagram of simple parabola
 STEP 6 STEP 6
Post-Tensioning Post-Tensioning
™ Calculation of balanced loads; ™ Calculation of balanced loads;
adjustment of % of DL balanced adjustment of % of DL balanced
F121_ACI_PT_2_way_082012

Assume P/A =150psi[1MPa]

1 F121_ACI_2-way_PT_force_082012
Select critical span

2 Select max drape using tendons

Select max drape from critical span

Calculate %of DL balanced

(%DL)
Calculate %of DL balanced
(%DL)
Yes No
%DL < 50%?

No No Yes
P /A<300ps i [2MP a]? %DL > 80%?
%DL > 80%?
Yes No
Yes

Increase P/A
P/A>125psi [0.8MPa]?

No Yes Is it practical to reduce

P/A or tendons?
Reduce drape Reduce P/A
No Yes

Reduce P/A or tendons to

Rais e tendon to reach
Go to next span %DL balanced ~ 60% ;
%DL ~ 60%
P/A >= 125 psi [0.8 MPa]

Move to next span Exit after last span

Member with widely
different spans

STEP 6 STEP 6
Post-Tensioning Post-Tensioning
™ Calculation of balanced loads ™ Calculation of balanced loads
¾ Lateral forced from continuous tendons ¾ Lateral forced from continuous tendons
¾ Lateral force from terminated tendons ¾ Lateral force from terminated tendons
¾ Moments from change in centroid of ¾ Moments from change in centroid of member
member
‰ Force from terminated tendon
‰ Example of force from continuous tendon

P = 500 k
a = 93 mm ; b = 186 mm ; L = 9 m ;
c = {[93/186]0.5/[1 + (93/186)0.5]} * 9.00 = 3.73 m L = 10 m ; a = 93 mm ; P = 119 kN; c =0.20*10 = 2.00 m
Wb = (3 * 119.0 * 2 * 93 / 1000) / 2.02 16.60 kN/m ↓
Wb/tendon = 2 P*a/c2 = 119.0 kN * (2*93/1000)/3.732
Concentrated force at dead end = 2*16.60 = 33.20 k ↑
= 119.0 kN / tendon * 0.013 / m =1.59 kN/m / tendon
 STEP 6
Post-Tensioning
™ Calculation of balanced loads
¾ Lateral forced from continuous tendons
¾ Lateral force from terminated tendons
¾ Moments from change in centroid of member
‰ Example of force from change in member
centroid
Moment at face of drop = M
M = P * shift in centroid =P * (Yt-Left – Yt-Right)
P = 23*119 kN; Yt-Left = 120 mm ; Yt-Right =
146 mm
M= 23*119(120 – 146)/1000 = -71.16 kNm
STEP 6
Post-Tensioning
™ Calculation of actions due to balanced loads
¾ Obtain moments at face-of-supports and mid-spans
¾ Note the reactions. The reactions are hyperstatic
actions.
Comments:
Moments and precompression will be used for serviceability check.
Reactions will be used for Strength check.
STEP 6
Post-Tensioning
™ Calculation of actions due to balanced loads
¾ Check balanced loads for static equilibrium
¾ Determine moments/shears from balanced loads
applied the frame used for dead and
live loads
¾ Note down reactions from balanced loads
STEP 7
Code Check for Serviceability
™ Code requirements for serviceability
¾ Load combinations
¾ Stress/crack width check
¾ Minimum reinforcement
¾ Deflection check.
™ Load combination
¾ Frequent (Total) load condition
1.00DL + 0.50LL + 1.00PT
¾ Quasi Permanent (Sustained) load condition
1.00DL + 0.30LL + 1.00PT
™ Stress check
Using engineering judgment, select the locations th
likely to be critical. Typically, these are at the face of
and for hand calculation at mid-span
At each section selected for check, use the design a
applicable to the entire design section and apply tho
the entire cross-section of the design section to arri
the hypothetical stresses used in code check.
σ = (MD + 0.5ML + MPT) / S + P/A
S = I/Yc ; I = second moment of area of ;
Yc = distance to farthest tension fiber
 STEP 7 STEP 7
Code Check for Serviceability Code Check for Serviceability
™ ACI Minimum Reinforcement ™ ACI 318-11 Minimum Reinforcement
¾ Rebar over support is function of geometry of the
F114_041112
design strip and the strip in the orthogonal
ACI Minimum Rebar direction
for two-way systems
¾ Rebar in span is a function of the magnitude of
1 ` the hypothetical tensile stress
PT system?
2 9
Unbonded
Bonded

3 At supports Calculate the cracking

`
As = 0.0075Acf moment Mcr at 10
supports and spans

In span calculate 11
4 hypothetical tension Does Mcr exceeed
stress ft 1.2xmoment capacity?

No Yes
5
ft ?
tension stress 12

No added rebar Add rebar to increase

6 Moment capacity to
required
1.2 Mcr
ft > 2 root 'c ft =< 2 root 'c
7
[ft > 0.17 root f'c ] [ ft =< 0.17 root f'c ]

Add rebar to resist No added rebar

8 force in tensile zone required

As = 0.00075 * Acf
EXIT As = Area of steel required
Acf = Larger of cross-sectional area of the
strip in
direction of analysis and orthogonal to

STEP 7 STEP 7
Code Check for Serviceability Code Check for Serviceability
™ ACI 318-11 Minimum Reinforcement
¾ Rebar in span is a function of the magnitude of the
hypothetical tensile stress
™ EC2 Minimum Reinforcement
¾ Minimum based on cross-sectional area
¾ Minimum based on hypothetical tensile stress
In span, provide rebar if the hypothetical
tensile
stress exceeds 0.166√f’c • Based on cross-sectional “area” of section

The amount of reinforcement As is Asmin ≥ (0.26* fctm *bt*d / fyk) ≥ 0.0013* bt

given by: *d
As = N / (0.5*fy)
where N is the tensile force in tension
•Based on value of hypothetical tensile stresses
for crack control
one ƒ Check probable crack width
ƒ Add rebar based using the code

h = member thickness; b = design section

width
 STEP 7 STEP 8
Deflection Check Strength Check
™ Read deflections from the frame analysis of the ™ Steps in strength check
design strip for dead, live and PT; (ΔDL , ΔLL , and ΔPT ). ¾ Load combinations
™. Make the following load combinations and ¾ Determination of hyperstatic actions
check against the allowable values for each case ¾ Calculation of design moments (Mu)
¾ Calculate capacity/rebar for design moment Mu
¾ Total Deflection ¾ Check for punching shear
(1 + 2)(ΔDL + ΔPT + 0.3 ΔLL ) + 0.7 ΔLL < span/250 ¾ Check/detail for unbalanced moment at support
This is on the premise of sustained load being 0.3
time the design live load. It is for visual effects; ™ Load combinations (EC2)
Provide camber to reduce value, where needed and U1 = 1.35DL + 1.50LL + 1.0HYP
practical
where, HYP is moment due to hyperstatic actions
¾ Immediate deflection from live load from prestressing
Δimmediate = 1.00ΔL < span/500
This check is applicable, where non-structural ™ Determination of Hyperstatic actions
members are likely to be damaged. Otherwise, ¾ Direct Method – based on reactions from balanced
span/240 applies loads
¾ Indirect Method – Using primary and post-tensioning
¾ Presence of members likely to be damaged from moments
sustained deflection
(1+ 2)(0.3 ΔLL ) + 0.7 ΔLL < span/350

STEP 8 STEP 8
Strength Check Strength Check
™ A comment on capacity versus demand
™ Determination of Hyperstatic actions ¾ Post-tensioned members possess both a positive
¾ Direct Method – based on reactions from balanced and negative moment capacity along the member
loads length
¾ Rebar needs to be added, where capacity falls short
of demand
¾ First, find the capacity and compare it with demand
 STEP 8 STEP 8
Strength Check Strength Check
¾ The figure below shows the forces on a PT member.
In calculating the force from PT tendons, use either ™ Check for adequate ductility
the code formulas or the following simplified
procedure, based on parametric study of common ACI
building structures can be sued. ¾ Ductility is deemed adequate, if c/dt <= 0.345
EC2
¾ Ductility is deemed adequate, if c/h<= 0.43
h = member thickness

This condition guarantees that steel will yield,

before concrete in compression crushes.

¾ USING EC2
¾ Assume tendon stress under service condition 1,200 MP
¾ Assume tendon stress at ultimate limit state 1300 MPa

¾ USING ACI
¾ Tendon Length ≤ 38 m for single end stressing; ; length
35 m ≤ length ≤ 75 m double end stressing
¾ fps is conservatively 1,480 MPa if span is less than 11 m
¾ fps is conservatively 1,340 MPa if span is greater than

STEP 9
Punching Shear Design
Check for Transfer of Prestressing

PUNCHED OUT
At stressing:
‰ Tendon has its maximum force;
COLUMN REGION SHEAR STRESS
DUE TO kM u
Mu
‰ Concrete is at its weakest strength; and
‰ Live load to counteract prestressing is absent
D108/SLIDES/060591

Hence the member is likely to experience stresses

SHEAR STRESS
DUE TO Vu
more severe than when in service
Vu
¾ Add rebar when “representative”
CRITICAL SURFACE
(hypothetical) tension stresses exceed
a threshold
¾ Do not exceed “representative”
hypothetical compressive stresses

TWO-WAY SLAB

ILLUSTRATION OF CRITICAL SURFACE

FOR THE EVALUATION OF PUNCHING SHEAR STRESSES

Refer to ACI 318-11 section 11.11

 STEP 9 STEP 10
Check for Transfer of Prestressing Detailing

™ Load combination ™ Position of rebar

MID-SPAN
SUPPORT SUPPORT
¾ U = 1.00*Selfweight + 1.15*PT
SEE PLAN
EQ. EQ. EQ. EQ.
™ Check for allowable stresses EQ. EQ.
STAGGER

STAGGER
¾ Tension stress
TOP REBAR AT
SUPPORT TYP.
¾ Compression stress
DROP CAP WALL
9 If tension exceeds, provide rebar in tensile
COLUMN BOTTOM
zone to resist Nc
PLAN
9 If compression exceeds, wait until concrete
gains adequate strength Lc/6 Lc/6
POST-TENSIONED
SLAB

*
Lc/3
DROP Lc
Ld

COLUMN SUPPORT LINE

ELEVATION

Thank you for listening.

www.adaptsoft.com;
bijan@adaptsoft.com