the member ends.

The desired jacking force is provided by the deviation blocks, or deflectors,

fastened at the high and low points of the structure. A common approach to strengthening
concrete beams by external prestressing is shown in Fig. 4.16. The deflectors help position the
cables in a manner that produces the net forces in the desired direction, as shown in Fig. 4.17.

FIGURE 4.16 Strengthening concrete beams by external prestressing.

FIGURE 4.17 The resultant of the forces applied by external prestressing counteracts the applied
loads.

External prestressing has been extensively used in bridge rehabilitation, but it is also a cost-
effective method of strengthening building components. The advantages of this reinforcing
method are its simplicity, ease of inspection, and the ability to replace tendons if needed. The
disadvantages are a need for corrosion protection in exterior and aggressive environments, a need
to protect the system from fire, and vulnerability to acts of vandalism. All three potential
drawbacks can be mitigated by encasing the post-tensioning system in concrete or shotcrete.19
Obviously, this substantially increases the sizes of the reinforced members, a situation that may
or may not be acceptable. Additionally, the use of this system requires unfettered access to the
sides (and perhaps to the ends) of the members; this might be difficult in existing buildings.