European Journal of Scientific Research

ISSN 1450-216X Vol.83 No.1 (2012), pp.144-154

© EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012
http://www.europeanjournalofscientificresearch.com

A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced Concrete

Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons

Oussama M. Baalbaki
Beirut Arab University, Faculty of Engineering
Beirut-Lebanon-P.O. Box 11-5020
E-mail: ousabaki@hotmail.com

Abstract

One of the most significant reasons for the growth of the post-tensioning system is
that it allows designer to achieve longer spans with shallower concrete sections. Other key
benefits of post-tensioning include reduced deflection, crack control and reduced
maintenance. Generally, strengthening techniques are mainly based on addition of new load
bearing materials which increase the weight and may cause damage to the structural
elements due to anchoring systems. The main focus of this paper is to propose a
strengthening post-tensioning scheme that consists of stressing tendon passing through a
structural beam/element starting from the top/bottom side and traversing the beam to the
bottom/top side and then return back to the original side. The experimental program
consists of testing five beams subjected to bending load to check their flexural behavior. A
comparison was made among the post-tensioned beams and between these beams and the
control beam (without post-tensioning). The advantages of this technique are the increase
of the strength capacity and ductility of the reinforced concrete element without increasing
its dimensions or weight or even without major harming of the concrete section. This idea
may be widened to increase rigidity for the joints by closure of cracks, confinement for the
columns, and improvement of structural members to shear resistance.

Keywords: Post-tensioning, Strengthening systems, Concrete repair, Flexural Strength

1. Introduction
1.1. General
Repair and/or strengthening of existing structures may become necessary due to natural aging, code
changes, inadequate design, poor quality of materials, faulty construction practices, severe
environmental and accidental influences (e.g. overloads, vehicular impacts, strong earthquakes, fire)
changes in use that increase service loads (e.g. load enhancement beyond the original design values),
increased safety requirements, T. Alkhrdaji and J. Thomas (2004). The structural upgrade of concrete
structures can be achieved using one of many different upgrading methods such as span shortening,
external composites (carbon fibers), externally bonded steel, external or internal post-tensioning
systems, Aravinthan T. and Heldt T, (2010), section enlargement, or a combination of these techniques.
Strengthening systems must perform in a composite manner with an existing structure to be effective
and to share the applied loads, L. Krauses (2006). The objective of this study is to propose a technique
that can be applicable for strengthening of damaged reinforced concrete (R.C.) beams. External pre-
stressing was first used in the late 1920’s and has recently undergone a resurgence being used in
A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced
Concrete Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons 145

bridges, A. F. Daly and W. Witarnawan (1997), both for new construction as well as strengthening of
existing structures. Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing and pre-stressing concrete structural
elements to increase its resistance to cracking.

1.2. Post-Tensioning Technique

With the proposed post-tensioning technique, the steel tendon is installed by traversing the concrete
beam from top to bottom through the first inclined conduit along the bending moment zone and then
from the bottom to top through the opposite conduit (Figure 1). The steel tendon is gripped at both
ends, tensioned and anchored to stress the concrete. No bond is existent between the tendon and the
structure, except at anchorage locations. The experimental study focused on the influence of post-
tensioned tendon on the beams flexural behavior and internal stresses. Five full-scale beams specimens
of 1.5x0.12x0.24 m dimensions having rectangular sections were constructed and tested under two
points load in this study. All beams are made with the same concrete mix and have same reinforcement
but differ by one of the following parameters; bottom length of the cable (l1), its angle of inclination (α)
and the value of the post-tensioning force (P1). The behavior and the failure mode of the tested beams
were checked. Theoretical analysis was performed to compare theoretical results to that obtained
experimentally.

Figure 1: Post-Tensioning Scheme (Dimensions in mm)

Anchor

Conduit 4Φ10mm
Φ 8mm@120 Tendon
120 Inclination angle
α 4Φ12mm
l1

30 1440 30 240

2. Theoretical Design of Post-Tensioned R.C. Beams

The post-tensioning tendon is placed partially inside the cross section of the structure near the supports
and externally closed to the bottom in the bending zone. The beam is stressed by the applied external
forces resulting from anchors reactions transferred to the beam prior to applying any bending static
load (2P). The inclined reaction forces (P1) are decomposed into horizontal and vertical components at
the anchors locations (Figure 2). For equilibrium of the system, a line uplift load at the contact of the
tendon with the beam is developed to be in equilibrium with the vertical components (P1sinα).

Figure 2: Loads and Anchors Reactions

P P P1sinα
P1 P1sinα P1
z z
P1cosα
2 2 P1cosα
h=120mm

Uplift line load

α
P
w=2 1
sin α Q
Q x1 l1 l
1

P1sinα P l=1440 mm
Z/2

l1/4
Q
P ⎛l ⎞
2 1 sinα⎜ 1⎟ = P sinα
l ⎜ 2⎟ 1
1 ⎝ ⎠
146 Oussama M. Baalbaki

Where : w: uplift line load from tendon (force/unit length, w = 2P1sinα/l1)

P & Q: Acting load and corresponding reactions at supports (P = Q)
l: clear span of the beam
l1: length of the bottom part of the tendon
z: distance between the two points load
x1: horizontal projection of the inclined tendon distance
The moment at the mid span due to the applied loads is calculated as follows per Equation (1):
⎛ l z ⎞ ⎛ l ⎞ (1)
M = P −
⎜ − P s in α ⎜ 1 + x ⎟
⎟
m id − s e c t ⎝ 2 2 ⎠ 1 ⎜ 4 1⎟
⎝ ⎠
From Equation (1), it is concluded that the moment at center is reduced due to the effect of pre-
stressing force (P1). As P1 increases the resulting moment is decreased.

2.1. Transformed Section Properties

Utilizing the transformed area concept (Figure 3), in which the steel is transformed into an equivalent
area nAs.

Figure 3: Transformed Section

φtend x
h+ h d N.A
2 AS φt
h+ −x d-x
2 n1As
Atend
n2Atend

h:depth of the beam

d:depth of the main reinforcement layer
x: neutral axis distance of the cross-sectional properties
n1 & n2: ratio of elastic modulus of rebar over elastic modulus of concrete for main
reinforcement and tendon
As: total cross section area of reinforcing bars
Atend: cross section area of the tendon
Φt: diameter of the tendon
The distance of Neutral Axis (N.A.) x is determined from Equation (2) based on moment area:
⎛x⎞ ⎛ φt ⎞ E E
bx ⎜ ⎟ − n1 As ( d − x ) − n2 Atend ⎜ h + − x ⎟ = 0 n1 = s n2 = tend (2)
⎝2⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ Where
Ec Ec
The inertia of the system assembly is calculated as follows (Equation 3):
2
1 3 ⎛ φt ⎞
bx + n1 A s ( d − x ) + n 2 Aten d ⎜ h +
2
I = − x⎟ (3)
3 ⎝ 2 ⎠

2.2. Flexural Behavior of Post-Tensioned RC Beams

The analysis of a section implies that the dimensions and steel used in the section in addition of
concrete and steel yield strength. Basic assumption of flexural theory implies that bond between steel
and concrete is assumed to be sufficient to keep them acting under the different load stages. Strain and
stresses progress under loading at different stages. For simplification, the Equivalent Rectangular
Compression Stress Block method is used. The actual second degree parabola of concrete stress-strain
curve is replaced by rectangular stress block (Figure 4). A concrete stress of 0.67β1fcu (crushing stress)
is assumed uniformly distributed to a distance a=β2c from the fiber of maximum compressive strain
A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced
Concrete Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons 147

and bounded at a line parallel to the neutral axis, where c is the distance of neutral axis from the top of
compressive section. For an average stress having the same magnitude and line of action β1=1 and
β2=0.8.

Figure 4: Stress-Strain distribution

At ultimate strength, the maximum strain at extreme compression (εcu) fiber is assumed equal to
0.003. The assumption of proportionality of the strain to the distance from the neutral axis is very
nearly correct at all stages up to flexural failure.

2.2.1. Un-Cracked Stage

When moments are small, compressive strength are very low and the maximum tensile strength of
concrete is less than its rupture strength. In this stage the entire concrete section is effective, with the
steel bars at the tension side sustaining a strain equal to that of the surrounding concrete but the stress
in the steel bars is equal to that in the adjacent concrete multiplied by the modular ratio n.

2.2.2. Cracked Linear Stage

When the moment is increased, the tensile stresses in concrete until they were greater than the modulus
of rupture, and cracks will develop. The neutral axis shifts upward. Cracked concrete below the neutral
axis is assumed to be not effective and the steel bars resist the entire tensile force. The stress strain
curve for concrete is approximately linear up to (0.4 fcu); crushing failure, hence the elastic theory may
be used to analyze all concrete.

2.2.3. Cracked Non Linear Stage

When the maximum compressive strength exceeds 0.4fcu, although strains are assumed to be
proportional to the distance from the neutral axis, the stresses are not. The conventional elastic theory
cannot be used to compute the flexural strength. The internal couple approach will be used. This
approach allows two equations for equilibrium for the analysis and design of structural members .The
compressive force C should be equal to the tensile force T, Equation (4).
M= T.yct=C. yct where T = As fs (4)
where yct is the lever arm, (As) is the steel area and (fs) is the steel stress. Simultaneously, the yield
moment occur and equal the ultimate moment (Mu). Otherwise, if the concrete crushed before the steel
yields, the yield moment will never take place.

2.3. Failure Types of Post-tensioned RC Beams

2.3.1. Compression/Brittle Failure
The section fails suddenly in a brittle fashion if the concrete is not confined and there may be little
visible warning of failure. For a compression failure fs < fy (steel yield stress) anf from equilibrium
system (Figure 5), the maximum brittle/comp failure moment about main reinforcement(Mc) is given in
Equation (5).
148 Oussama M. Baalbaki

⎛ a⎞ ⎛φ ⎞
∑M = M c = Cs ( d − d' ) + ⎜ d − ⎟ + Tc ⎜ c d" ⎟
@As
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝2 ⎠
(5)

Where: γs and γc : Steel and concrete materials factor.

d’ & d” : locations of top and tendon reinforcement
Ts & Tc: Tensile forces of main steel and tendon
Cs & Cc: Compressive force of upper reinforcement and tendon

Figure 5: Equilibrium of Tensile and Compressive Couple Forces

0.67 fcu/γc
d”
Cs Cs=A'sfy
x a Cc
f cu
C c = 0.67 .b.a
γc
fy
d Ts = As
γs
f
ytend
Ts T = At
c γ
s
d”
Tc

2.3.2. Balanced Failure

If the steel reaches the yield strain and the concrete reaches the extreme compression strain of 0.03, the
failure occur simultaneously in compression and tension zone providing a balanced section. From
similar triangle and base on equilibrium system, the balanced moment (Mb) is calculated about the
main reinforcement as per (Equations 6 & 7):
ε d − c
y b (6)
=
0 .0 0 3 c
Where Cb is the neutral axis depth for a balanced failure
C
b 0 .0 0 3 0 .0 0 3 E s 600
= = =
d 0 .0 0 3 + fy 0 .0 0 3 E s + fy fy
600 +
γs
Substituting a = 0.8C
b b
a
b = 0.8 600
d 600 + y f
⎛ fcu ⎞ ⎛ a⎞ ⎛ fy ⎞ ⎛ f ytend ⎞
M = 0.67 ⎜ ⎟ .ba. d − + As ' ⎜ ⎟ . ( d − d ' ) + A ⎜ ⎟ .d " (7)
γ c ⎠ ⎜⎝ ⎟ tend
b 2⎠ ⎜γ ⎟ ⎜ γs ⎟
⎝ ⎝ s⎠ ⎝ ⎠

2.3.3. Ductile Failure

This stage may be considered as the basis for calculating the flexural strength at first yield of the
tension steel known as yield moment (My) where the moment is taken about the concrete compressive
force, Equation (8). When the tension steel reach first reaches the yield strain (εs = εy), the strain in the
extreme fiber of the concrete may be less than 0.003.
⎛ φ a⎞ ⎛ a⎞ ⎛a ⎞ (8)
My = T ⎜ h + t − ⎟ + T d −
c +C
s⎜ −d' ⎟ s⎜ ⎟
⎝ 2 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠ ⎝2 ⎠
A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced
Concrete Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons 149

3. Experimental Program
3.1. Beams Preparation
Five rectangular beams were constructed where four of them were subjected to post tensioning using
one tendon and then tested in this study. All beams have similar dimensions, same concrete mix and
reinforcement. The variable parameters are the length of the cable, its angle of inclination (α) and the
applied tensile force. Making and curing of concrete cylinders and beams were performed in
accordance to ASTM C31. Details of experimental schedule are illustrated in (Table 1).
Where: l1: Bottom contact length of tendon (mm)
α : Inclination angle of tendon (degree)
P1: Pre-stressed force (kN)

Table 1: Experimental Program

Beams Designation B P1/l1/α Post-tensioning (kN) Cable Length (l1 mm) Inclination Angle (α0 degree)
BC (Control Beam) - - -
B10/60/45 10 600 45
B10/120/30 10 1200 30
B10/120/45 10 1200 45
B18/120/60 18 1200 60

3.2. Mixture Proportion and Materials Characteristics

The mixture proportion and materials characteristics are illustrated in (Table 2). (Figure 6) illustrates
the preparation of beams and concrete specimens.

Table 2: Mixture Proportion and Materials Characteristics

Mixture Proportion Kg/M3 Materials Parameters

Water 168 Main Reinforcement
Cement (type I) 350 Yield Strength (MPa) 480
Coarse Agg. 12.5 mm Max 1060 γs (Materials Factor) 1.15
Fine Aggregate (dry) 803 Es: Elastic Moulus GPa 200
Plasticizer (%by cement wt..) 0.4 Tendon
Mix Characteristics Proof Stress (MPa) 700
fcu (MPa) 30 Et: Elastic Modulus (GPa) 200
W/C Ratio 0.5 Concrete
Slump (mm) 100 Ec: Elastic Modulus (GPa) 25

Figure 6: Beams and Concrete Specimens

150 Oussama M. Baalbaki

3.3. Test Set up

The beams were exposed to flexural two points load test. The load-deflection curve was determined
using an automated testing machine. Online measurements of load and deflection were taken from
transducers and transferred to computer through the data acquisition unit. Specialized software allowed
the on-line monitoring of the load deflection curve. The load was acting monotonically at the mid-
length of the specimen through a displacement control method. The load produces single curvature
bending in the beam. (Figure 7) illustrates the description of the test setup.

Figure 7: Test Set Up

3.4. Post-Tensioning (P.T.) Procedure

The tendon penetrates into the beam through the first conduit, traverse the bottom side of the beam and
pass through the opposite conduit. The cable is anchored from one side and tensioned from the
opposite side using the tensile machine grip. Fixation of the beam is provided by the gravity weight of
other beams rested on the edge of the processed beam. The beam is post-tensioned by anchoring the
tendon from one side then tensioning it from the other end. The pull-out force can be indicated in the
gauge as shown in (Figure 8).

Figure 8: Post-Tensioning of the Tendon

4. Experimental Results
4.1. Factors Influencing the Behavior of P.T. Beams
The load deflection curve reflecting the behavior of the beam is affected by the length of the cable in
contact with the bottom of the beam creating the uplift line load. On the other hand, the amount,
position and inclination angles of the reaction forces exerted by the anchors on the top of the are
affecting the loading behavior. The Load-Displacement curves for the specimen can be divided into
two stages (Figure 9). First stage is the elastic phase, the specimen exhibited elastic behavior. The
A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced
Concrete Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons 151

second stage is the softening phase which reflects the stiffness reduction caused by the cracking of
concrete. It is well noticed the performance improvement in terms of flexural load capacity and
ductility provided by the application of post-tension (10 kN) force based on the given geometrical
conditions (l1=1200mm, α=45). Diagonal and vertical flexural cracks appeared in the specimen in
parallel to compression cracks (Figures 9 & 10). These cracks pattern observed in most of the tested
beams indicate the compression failure followed by yielding of the steel. As the load increases, the
cracks are extended from the bottom of the specimen to the loading point at top.

Figure 9: Load deflection curves (a) and monitoring (b) for Post-tensioned and controled beams

a-Load-Deflection Curves b-Monitoring

Figure 10: Failure Mode

a-Top Compression Failure b-Bottom Ductile Failure

4.1.1. Influence of Inclination Angle

Considering the same post-tensioned force (10 KN) and same tendon bottom length (l1=1200 mm), the
behavior of the strengthened beam showed a better resistance when α = 45 in comparison to α = 30.
We consider that there is an optimum value of α which lead to an optimum performance (Figure 11).
152 Oussama M. Baalbaki
Figure 11: Influence of Inclination Angle

4.1.2. Influence of Bottom Tendon Length

When all parameters are constant and the only variable is the length of the bottom post-tensioned
tendon, the increment of length from (600 mm to 1200 mm) positively affected the performance of the
strengthened beam (Figure 12).

Figure 12: Influence of Inclination Angle

a-Load Deflection Curve b- Beam Specimen under Testing

4.1.3. Influence of the Post-Tensioning Force

The increment of the post-tensioning force may have a positive influence on the performance of the
beam to a certain extent. Beyond a critical limit, an increase of this force will create high internal shear
stresses which lead to a premature failure due to high shearing force. The shear cracks appear before
occurrence of any signs of flexural crack (ductile failure) and compression or brittle failure. By
increasing the post-tensioning force up to18 kN, a drop in the ultimate load capacity of the beam was
observed which accelerate the damages in the tested beams (Figure 13).
A Practical Strengthening Scheme of Reinforced
Concrete Beams using Post-Tensioning Tendons 153

Figure 13: Influence of Post-Tensioning Force

a-Load Deflection Curves b-Shear Failure

5. Theoretical and Experimental Results

Based on Equations (5,7 & 8), the critical moment was calculated for the three expected mode of
failure (balanced, ductile and brittle/compression: Mb, My Mc). The critical value which is the lowest
one which corresponds to a brittle failure directly followed by a ductile failure was computed. This was
supported by the observations of the experimented beams showing this type of failure as illustrated in
(Figure 10). The critical load values were deduced from the relationship (Equation 9) between the
moment (M) and the corresponding load (2P). All load deformation values obtained from experimental
tests and from theoretical analysis are expressed in (Table 3). The theoretical critical load/deformation
(Pcr, Δcr) represents the critical failure load. The ultimate experimental load illustrated in the table
indicates the maximum load capacity (Pu, Δu) of the post-tensioned reinforced beams.

Table 3: Experimental and Theoretical Results

Critical Load Ultimate Load

Beam Designation Theoretical Exp. Experimental
B L1//α/P1 2Pcr. (kN) ζxy(MPa) Δcr (mm) Δcr (mm) 2Pu (kN) Δu (mm)
BC (Control Beam) 69.01 1.81 9.72 8.92 85 14.53
B10/60/45 76.5 2.01 9.85 12.15 89 18.02
B10/120/30 78.97 2.07 10.16 12.92 91.22 20.0
B10/120/45 80.66 2.12 10.02 11.80 104.21 17.62
B18/120/60 91.65 2.4 11.48 - 78.12 11.15

It was found that the theoretically calculated load, when displayed on the experimental load
deflection curve (Figures 11 & 12), illustrates the inflection point (end of elastic limit) where the beam
starts loosening its stiffness progressively in a soften manner. The findings related to the effect of (l1)
and (α) resulting from experimental testing were theoretically confirmed.
Moreover, the experimental deflection (Δcr) corresponding to the calculated load is very near to
that obtained from theoretical calculation (Equation 10) based on the geometrical conditions and the
section properties of the composite system (composite modulus of elasticity and inertia of the assembly
system). The shear stress was calculated to check the possibility of shear failure (Equation 11). An
experimental test was conducted on a post-tensioned beam with a high post-tensioned force (18 kN).
Theoretically, the load capacity should increase accordingly to improve the load capacity but actually
the high shearing force resulting from the high post-tensioned force caused a premature shear failure
without any noticeable flexural or compression failure (Figure 13). The shear stress (2.4 MPa)
exceeded the shear capacity of the concrete and stirrups.
154 Oussama M. Baalbaki
⎡ ⎛l ⎞⎤
⎛l⎞ ⎛ l1 ⎞ ⎛ l1 ⎞ ⎛z⎞ ⎢ M + P1 sin α ⎜⎜ 1 + x1 ⎟⎟ ⎥
M = P ⎜ ⎟ − P sin α ⎜ + x ⎟ + P sin α ⎜ ⎟ − P ⎜ ⎟ ⎢ ⎝ 4 ⎠⎥
(9)
⎝2⎠ 1 ⎜ 2 1⎟ 1 ⎜4⎟ ⎝2⎠ P = 2⎢
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ l−z ⎥
⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

⎛l z⎞
P⎜ − ⎟
⎛l z⎞ ⎤
2
Pa
Δ=
24 EI
( 3l − 4a ) = 24EI 3l − 4 ⎜⎝ 2 − 2 ⎟⎠ ⎥
2 2 ⎝ 2 2⎠ 2
(10)
⎥⎦
3Q (11)
τ xy =
2 A
Where: A is the area of the composite section and Q is the shear at support, E and I are the
composite modulus of elasticity and inertia of the system cross section.

6. Conclusions
Five specimens were designed, fabricated and tested to investigate the flexural behavior of reinforced
concrete beams post-tensioned with tendons. The load-deflection curve, crack pattern, and the failure
mode of each specimen were recorded and studied. The total deflection characteristic of R.C. beams
with post-tensioned cable shows that a fairly ductile response with large deflections being achieved in
the plastic zone. The increase in ductility helps in preventing sudden catastrophic failures K. Q. Walsh
and Y. C. Kumara (2004). Therefore, this type of beams may be more suitable in the earthquake prone
zones, L. Panian, M. Steyer & S. Tipping (2007). Theoretical equations were derived to relate the post-
tensioning force (P) to the length of the cable (l1) and its angle of inclination (α). This study led to well
defined guidelines for the proper use of the strengthening of damaged beams by post-tensioning tendon
with adequate length and angle. This scheme of strengthening might be investigated to be used for
enhancement of the shear resistance of structural elements.

References
[1] A.F.Daly and W. Witarnawan, “Strengthening of bridges using external post-tensioning” , Road
Research Development Project, Published Paper PA 11, East 97, Seoul, Korea, 29-31 October
1997.
[2] Aravinthan T. and Heldt T., “Innovative Strengthening Technique using Post-tensioning”,
Austrian Journal of Structural Engineering, 2010, 11 (2), pp. 117-128.
[3] Keven Q. Walsh and Yahya C. Kumara, “Behavior of Un-bonded Post-Tensioning anchoring
Systems Under Monotonic Tensile Loading”, PTI Journal, Winter 2010.
[4] L. Panian, M. Steyer & S. “Tipping, Post-Tensioned Concrete Walls for Seismic Resistance”,
PTI Journal, July 2007, Vol 5, No.1.
[5] Larry Krauses, Repair Modifications and Strengthening with Post-Tensioning, PTI Journal,
July 2006.
[6] Tarek Alkhrdaji, Jay Thomas, “Structural Repair and Strengthening Techniques for Concrete
Facilities”, Journal of Structural Engineer, May 2004.