POST TENSIONING CONSTRUCTION:

COMMENTS
Fabricator ON PRODUCTION
and Contractor Comments P
IMPROVEMENTS TO Drawings
on Engineering ENGINEERING
(DESIGN/DRAWINGS)
Prepared and Recorded for the Structural
Engineers Association of Utah

March 2, 2021 SUPERIOR POST TENSION, HENDERSON, NV

January 2021 Superior Post Tension, Henderson,
 David Hohman

• Owner - Superior Post Tension

• Bachelors of Science – Engineering
Management (University of Arizona)
• Member of Post –Tensioning Institute (PTI)
• Seated Voting Member – PTI Board of
Directors
• Seated Associate Member – PTI Slab on
Ground Committee (DC-10)
• Contact
• dhohman@superiorposttension.com
• (702) 565-7866
 Kenneth Quirk

• Commercial Division Manager – Superior Post

Tension
• Bachelors of Science – Engineering Management
(University of Arizona)
• Oversee bids through production of elevated and
barrier jobs
• Notable projects
• Waldorf Astoria: Beverly Hills, CA
• Anaheim Convention Center: Anaheim, CA
• Thor P3 Parking Garage: Minneapolis, MN
• Salt Lake City Terminal Relocation Project Parking
Structure: Salt Lake City, UT
• Resorts World Hotel Casino: Las Vegas, NV
• Contact
• kquirk@superiorposttension.com
• (702) 565-7866
 SUPERIOR
POST TENSION
• Full-Service Unbonded PT Supplier
• 30+ years in business
• Operate (3) PTI-Certified Fabrication
Plants
• Henderson, NV
• Phoenix, AZ
• Tucson, AZ
• Service Utah Projects
• Slab on ground & courts
• Elevated
• Barrier rail
• Repairs
Salt Lake City – Terminal Relocation Project Parking Structure
 AGENDA

GOAL ELEVATED BC

SOG REPAIR
GOAL

Provide structural
engineers with
feedback on typical
drawing practices and
interpretation regarding
post tension fabrication
and field installation in
order to optimize
project pricing,
scheduling, and
construction efficiency.
Pricing
• Clarity
• Limited estimating resources
• Completeness
• Assumptions are conservative
• Hard Bid vs Change Orders
Costs
• Commitment
• Project management time
• Estimated Project Cycle
(Construction Team)
Project Scheduling
• Preconstruction
• Minimize Drafting Time
• Submittals and Approval
• Minimize RFI Submissions/Responses
• Forecast Production Efforts
• More flexibility inside fabrication
window
• Exposure to Price Escalations
• 2018 – Steel Tariffs
• 2020 – Antidumping Investigation
• 2021 – Antidumping duties & global
COVID recovery
Construction Efficiencies
• Forming Delays/Changes
• Inspection Delays
• Fabrication Delays
• Out of state shipping
considerations
• “Losing a day for the crew may
mean losing the crew for two
weeks.”
All while asking engineers to design
during construction.
 “This is the conversation we
never get to have in the middle
of a project.”
 UNBONDED
MONOSTRAND
POST TENSION
SYSTEMS
REFRESHER
Unbonded
Reinforcing strand travels freely in plastic
sleeve. Stressed and anchored once
concrete has cured to strength.

• One 0.5” strand per sleeve

(monostrand)

• Tendons may be destressed and

replaced, as needed.

• Economical – materials, equipment,

labor
Bonded

Duct is grouted after tendons are stressed

• Multiple 0.5” stand per sleeve

(multistrand)

• Minimal maintenance

• Less economical PT system –

materials, equipment, labor
Code Governance

• ICC

• ACI

• Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI)

• Local codes
• PT Tendon

• Definition: a complete
assembly of a prestressing
element consisting of
anchorages and couplers,
prestressing steel, and
sheathing or duct with PT
coating for unbonded
applications.

• Prestressing Steel (Strand)

• PT coating
lubricant/”grease”
Prestressing Steel (Strand)

• ASTM A416, 270 KSI, 7-wire

strand

• Typically, 0.5” diameter

• 0.6” diameter also available
• 7/16” diameter available

• Foreign & domestic sources

available
PT coating (“grease”)

• Provides lubrication during

stressing

• Corrosion protection along

strand

• Reduces rifling of plastic

sheathing during extrusion
Plastic Sheathing

• Extruded HDPE

• Minimum 40 mil (SOG) or 50

mil (elevated) thickness

• Must be checked by PTI

fabrication plant

• Bond breaker enabling strand

to be stressed

• Watertight

• Prevents the loss of PT coating

and intrusion of cement paste
or water vapor
Hardware Systems

• Anchors, wedges, couplers,

splice chucks
• ICC Reports typically used for
acceptable hardware in west
• (3) current ICC reports from
suppliers for anchors/wedges
• Tested to AC303 (Post-
tensioning Anchorages and
Couplers of Prestressed
Concrete)
• Typically shop-seated one
anchor; remaining components
field-applied
• Fabrication plant manages
 Hardware Systems
• Bare vs Encapsulated Anchorages

• Bare anchor is just the cast item

• Encapsulated has a plastic

coating and sleeve to form a
complete plastic barrier over
steel.

• Grease cap affixed over

anchor after tail cut to
complete system

• Hydrostatic testing required

• ICC Report does not address

encapsulation

• Same wedges
Hardware Systems

• Anchor and Wedge Sets

• Tested together – use together
• May not mix components without approval
• Currently no approval for US manufactures
• Anchor Casting
• Houses wedges transferring force from
• Fixed End – Shop-Affixed
• “Dead End”
• Stressing End – Field-Affixed
• “Live end”
• Intermediate Anchorage
• Shop-placed anchor
• Intermediate Coupler
• Alternative to intermediate anchorage
• Relieves congestion at jobsite
• Wedges
• Tapered
• 2-Piece/3-Piece
• Cracking/No Cracking
Back Up Bar/Hairpins

• Bursting bar

• No longer a part of testing

• May be required locally

Post Tension Fabricator Requirements

• PTI Plant Certification (or equivalent)

• Available online at https://www.post-
tensioning.org/certification/plantcertification/findacertifi
edplant.aspx

• Fabrication plants, not material, are certified.

• Post Tension placement drawings and

calculations
• As needed

• Furnish all post tension tendons and

accessories per project specifications

• Calibrated tendon stressing equipment

Installation Process

• Pre-slab Install

• Pre-Slab Inspection

• Concrete placement

• Tendon Stressing

• Cut tail and cap, patch grommet hole

Installation Process

• Pre-slab Install
• Slab on ground – may be installed by PT
supplier; 3rd party installation company; or
concrete contractor
• Elevated decks – typically installed by rebar
placing crews
• More complex reinforcing system; must
install with rebar
• Pre-Slab Inspection
• Verify material properties (paperwork)
• PT layout
• Tendon count
• Sheathing condition
• Tendon profiles
• Concrete placement
• Protect tendons during pour
Tendon Stressing

• Verify equipment calibration

• Confirm Stressing Phasing (if applicable)

• Verify gage pressure reading

• Check elongation recording

• Elongations are a check

• Upon approval, cut tail and cap, patch grommet

hole
ELEVATED
PT DECKS
• PT Slab Systems

• PT Design
Parameters

• Translating PT
designs from
Construction
Documents
PT Slab Systems

• One-Way System

• Two-Way System (More Common)

PT Slab Systems
PT Slab System • Refers to the path a
load follows from it’s
One-way or Two-way? point of application to
where it reaches the
slab supports

• If pre-compression &
curvature tests pass
for 2 directions, the
floor is a two-way
system, otherwise it is
a one way
PT Slab Systems
Types of Two-Way
Systems

• Uniform Both Ways

• Banded & Distributed

• Banded & Banded

• Banded Both Ways with

Some Distributed

• Beam / Temp / Uniform

PT Design Parameters

• What are the two most important design

parameters?

1) Final Effective Force (FEF)

2) Tendon Profile
PT Design Parameters
Forces in PT Tendons

• Jacking Force
• 80% of Minimum Ultimate Tensile Strength (MUTS)
• Fpu = 216 ksi
• Seating & Friction Loss
• 70% of MUTS
• Fpu = 189 ksi
• Long Term Losses
• Due to creep and shrinkage of concrete (assumed)
• Fpu = 175 ksi
PT Design Parameters

• What are the 3 most common methods

used by licensed design professionals
(LDPs) to specify FEF requirements in
construction documents?
1) Specify FEF
2) Specify number of tendons and minimum
FEF . per tendon
3) Specify number of tendons only
 PT Design
Parameters
Specify FEF
• LDP Specifies
• Minimum FEF
• Tendon profile
• Location of any pour
back strips
• Whether design was
based on constant
force (most
common) or
variable force
method
 PT Material Supplier (PTMS) responsible for
• Number of PT Tendons
PT Design
• Size (diameter) of PT Tendons
Parameters PTMS runs calculations for all losses
• Friction Loss
Specify FEF • Seating Loss
• Long Term Losses (due to creep and shrinkage)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ F R I C T I O N & E L O N G A T I O N C A L C U L A T I O N S : ADAPT Structural Concrete Software

| ADAPT CORPORATION | E-mail: support@adaptsoft.com, Web site: www.adaptsoft.com
INPUT PARAMETERS : ADAPT-FELT Ver. 2014
| 1733 Woodside Road, Suite 220, Redwood City, CA 94061 USA | Date: 20/11/2020 Time: 18:27
Coefficient of angular friction (meu)................ 0.07000 /radian
| Tel: (650) 306 2400, Fax: (650) 306 2401 | Coefficient of wobble friction (K)................... 0.00120 rad/ft
| E-mail: support@adaptsoft.com, Web site: www.adaptsoft.com | 1- PROJECT TITLE : BUFFALO & PATRICK
Ultimate strength of strand ......... .............. 270.00 ksi 1.1 SPECIFIC TITLE : B407(P1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of jacking stress to strand's ultimate strength 0.80 1.2 FILE NAME : B407(P1)
| ADAPT-FELT Standard 2014 | Anchor set .......................................... 0.25 inch
| ADAPT POST-TENSIONING STRESS LOSS & ELONGATION PROGRAM | Cross-sectional area of strand ...................... 0.153 inch^2 2 - TENDON STRESSES [ksi]
Total Number of Strands per Tendon................... 1
This program calculates the long-term and immediate stress losses in a post- STRESSING ........................................... AT BOTH ENDS
tensioned tendon. It outputs the elongations at the stressing ends and the Friction Loss Parameters Long Term Losses
final stress profile along the tendon. 200
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LEGEND : 190
DATE: Nov 20, 2020 TIME: 18:26:41 P ....... = Tendon profile type defined as: 1=reversed parabola;
2=partial/regular parabola; 3=harped; 4=general; 5=straight; 180
6=extended reversed parabola; 7=cantilever down
X1/L etc = horizontal distances to control points in geometry of the 170
P R O J E C T T I T L E : tendon divided by span length 160
BUFFALO & PATRICK Stresses tabulated are after anchor set but before long-term losses.
Left Cantilever
Span 1 Span 2 Span 3 Span 4 Span 5 Span 6 Span 7 Span
Right8Cantileve
TENDON ID, GEOMETRY AND STRESS PROFILE (B407(P1))
S P E C I F I C T I T L E :
B407(P1) LENGTH < TENDON HEIGHT in.> Horizontal ratios <- STRESS (ksi) --> 3 - TENDON PROFILE [in]
SPAN ft P start center right X1/L X2/L X3/L start center right
-1----2-----3----4------5------6-------7----8----9--------10------11------12-
10 6 10.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 10.7510.75 55 5
L O N G - T E R M L O S S C A L C U L A T I O N S :
CAN 5.25 1 6.00 10.75 0.00 177.64 181.18
8
1 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 181.18 189.87 196.01 Stress End
INPUT PARAMETERS : 2 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 196.01 191.11 185.36 6
Post-tensioning system ................................. UNBONDED 3 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 185.36 179.25 173.85 Stress End
Type of strand ......................................... LOW LAX 4 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 173.85 168.12 169.31 4
Ultimate strength of strand ............................ 270.00 ksi 5 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 169.31 174.57 180.52 2
6 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 180.52 186.13 192.48 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2.25
Modulus of elasticity of strand ........................ 28500.00 ksi 0
7 29.00 1 10.75 1.00 10.75 0.10 0.50 0.10 192.48 198.46 192.70
Estimate of initial average compression ................ 205.00 psi 8 17.29 1 10.75 2.25 5.00 0.10 0.50 0.10 192.70 186.64 182.99 Left Cantilever
Span 1 Span 2 Span 3 Span 4 Span 5 Span 6 Span 7 Span
Right8Cantileve
CAN 3.42 1 5.00 5.00 0.00 182.99 182.11
Concrete strength at 28 days ........................... 6000.00 psi --------------------------------------
Average weight of concrete ............................. NORMAL 228.96 ft (total length of tendon) 4 - SUMMARY
Estimated age of concrete at stressing ................. 3 days Average initial stress (after release)................... 183.87 ksi
Modulus of elasticity of concrete at stressing ......... 3122.00 ksi Long term stress losses ................................. 10.79 ksi
SUMMARY : Final average stress .................................... 173.08 ksi
Modulus of elasticity of concrete at 28 days ........... 4415.20 ksi Average initial stress (after release)................... 183.87 ksi Final average force in tendon ........................... 26.48 k
Estimate of average relative humidity .................. 65. % Long term stress losses ................................. 10.79 ksi
Volume to surface ratio of member ...................... 6.00 in Final average stress .................................... 173.08 ksi Anchor set influence from left pull (196.82ksi;0.729) .. 35.30 ft
Anchor set influence from right pull (199.05ksi;0.737) .. 33.61 ft
Final average force in tendon ........................... 26.48 k
Elongation at left pull before anchor set ............... 16.101 inch
Elongation at right pull before anchor set .............. 2.125 inch
Anchor set influence from left pull (196.82ksi;0.729) .. 35.30 ft Elongation at left pull after anchor set ................ 15.851 inch
CALCULATED VALUES : Anchor set influence from right pull (199.05ksi;0.737) .. 33.61 ft Elongation at right pull after anchor set ............... 1.875 inch
Elastic shortening ..................................... 0.936 ksi Elongation at left pull before anchor set ............... 16.101 inch Total elongation after anchor set ....................... 17.726 inch
Elongation at right pull before anchor set .............. 2.125 inch Ratio of total elongation to
Shrinkage .............................................. 4.450 ksi tendon length after anchor set .................... 0.077 inch/ft
Creep .................................................. 2.117 ksi Elongation at left pull after anchor set ................ 15.851 inch Jacking force ........................................... 33.05 k
Elongation at right pull after anchor set ............... 1.875 inch
Relaxation ............................................. 3.290 ksi Total elongation after anchor set ....................... 17.726 inch
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratio of total elongation to CRITICAL STRESS RATIOS :
Total long-term stress losses .......................... 10.793 ksi tendon length after anchor set .................... 0.077 inch/ft At stressing 0.800; At anchorage 0.678; Max along tendon 0.737
Jacking force ........................................... 33.05 k
PT Design Parameters
Specify FEF
Advantages

• Does not exclude any size or type of

tendon
• Places responsibility for calculating
losses with PTMS
• Allows contractor and PTMS to work
out CJ locations without changing
design of LDP
• Best assurance design is satisfied
PT Design Parameters
Specify FEF

Disadvantages

• Rounding can cause disputes between PTMS and LDP

• Average force in tendon or minimum force specification at any
point along tendon?
• If minimum force specification used, any point along tendon
has to achieve minimum force or additional tendons may
need to be added
• Should friction losses be considered by LDP during design
phase?
• How does this affect estimating and bidding?
PT Design Parameters
Specify Number of Tendons
and
Minimum FEF per Tendon

LDP Specifies
• Number of Tendons
• Material Properties
• Size (Diameter) of
Tendons Required
• Minimum FEF per
Tendon for Basis of
Assumptions
PT Design Parameters
Specify Number of Tendons
and
Minimum FEF per Tendon

LDP requires PTMS to

verify by calculation that
the minimum FEF can be
achieved with CJ location
and pour sequence
selected by the contractor

• If PTMS cannot
satisfy minimum FEF
requirements, what
then?
 PT Design Parameters

Specify Number of Tendons and Minimum FEF per Tendon

Advantages Disadvantages

• LDP has more control • Responsibility for cable losses unclear

since implicitly specified by LDP
• Easier correlation between (number of tendons) but calculated by
construction documents and PTMS PTMS
shop drawings
• Changes in CJ and/or pour back strip
location may require redesign by LDP
and PTMS
 PT Design Parameters
Specify Number of Tendons Only

• Rare and seen mostly with SOG PT (Not Elevated

Decks)
• LDP Specifies
• Number of Tendons
• Size (Diameter) of Tendons
• Location of all pour breaks
• Pour Sequence
• LDP Assumes Steel Properties
• LDP Determines all Losses (Calculated or
Assumed)
 PT Design Parameters
Specify Number of Tendons Only

PTMS satisfies construction

documents by providing number
and size of tendons

• No responsibility for
calculating losses
 PT Design Parameters

Specify Number of Tendons Only

Advantages Disadvantages

• PTMS can efficiently estimate and
interpret construction documents
• Easier correlation between
construction documents and PTMS
shop drawings
• Avoid rounding disputes
• Single set of loss properties must be
assumed which allows for less
flexibility in tendon types and sizes
• Changes in pour break locations will
require LDP to issue redesigned
construction documents
Translating PT Designs from
Construction Documents

How can information get

misinterpreted by the PTMS?

• Challenges
• Missing / Vague Information
• Congestion
• Temperature Cables
• Podium Slabs
• Short Tendon Lengths

• Solutions
• RFIs
• BIM
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents

FROM…
 Translating PT Designs from Construction Documents

TO…
TO….
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Missing and/or Vague Information

• Missing FEF Information

• Summation Errors

• Tendon Profile CGS Information Vague

 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Missing FEF
information
 missing or unclear
Distributed force limits
2'-5 1/2" 1'-8 1/8" 3'-9" 7'-7 3/8"
C PRE-FAB CANOPY BY
OTHERS (TYPICAL)
4-#5 CONTINUOUS REF 16/S6.02
0 6 / S 3 .0 2

F= 5 6 3 K
PERIMETER BARS SEE C

1 1 3 /8 "
6 .0 0 "
F= 6 9 7 K
F= 5 3 6 K

F= 5 3 6 K
F= 6 9 7 K
1 '- 1 1 7 / 8 "
03/S3.01

6 .0 0 "
4 .5 0 "
4 .5 0 "

4 .5 0 "
3 '- 1 3 / 8 "
3 1/2"

4 '- 3 7 / 8 "
2 '- 4 "

3 1 /2 "
3 1 /2 "

SR-C1

SR-E3
4 .5 0 "

4 .5 0 "
6 .0 0 "
6 .0 0 "
4 .5 0 "

F=30.4 K/FT
4.50" 11.00" 11.00" 11.00" 6.00"
0 6 / S 3 .0 2

4.50" 1.00" 8.00" 2.00" 1.00" 6.00"

13/S3.0 2

3 .0 0 "
6 .0 0 "
6 .0 0 "
4 .0 0 "
4 .0 0 "
6F .=0 0 1" 3 4 1K 3 '- 1 7 / 8 "
3 1 /2 "
Challenges
Documents

7'-7 1/8"
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "

F=27.8 K/FT
6.00" 11.00" 11.00" 11.00" 11.00"
6.00" 1.00" 4.00" 4.00" 2.00" 4.00"
0 2 / S 3 .0 3

5 .0 0 "

5 .0 0 "
5 .0 0 "

6 .0 0 "
6 .0 0 "

HAIRPINS PER
09/S3.01 (TYP.)
4-#5 CONTINUOUS
PERIMETER BARS SEE
03/S3.0 1
T-9 -5

SR-I1 SR-I1 SR-I1 SR-I1

T-9-5
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "

T.O .C.= 58.8 3'

4 '- 2 3 / 4 "

BONDED TOP REINFORCING BARS

12" PT FLAT PLATE THROUGH COLUMN CRITICAL
5'-7 1/8"
Translating PT Designs from Construction

4'-2" 5'-1"
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "
1 1 .0 0 "

SHEAR ZONE. OCCURS AT ALL

1 1 3 /4 "

F=31.8 K/FT COLUMNS IN EACH ORTHOGONAL

4.50" 11.00" 11.00" 11.00" DIRECTIO N U.N.O. 11.00"
4.50" 1.00" 2.00" 5.50" 3.00"
2 .0 0 "
0"
D 'L
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Summation Errors
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges
H
S3.02
t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6

G
S3.02

t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

Tendon profile CGS 5 E 5 E

5 D

information vague
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1
=1
CGS
er t o
m cov
bot t o

1 A

t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

= 2.13 J
r t o CGS
t op cove
S3.02
5 E 5 E TYP
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Tendon profile CGS

information vague
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Tendon profile CGS

information vague
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Congestion
• Slab
 B C

6 "
Congestion
• Slab Edge

1 0 "(+ )
1 3 S P A @
5
9.88
Challenges
Documents

8.5

bot t om cover t o CGS = 4

4

CGS = 4 bot t om cover t o CGS = 8.5

t op c

CGS = 11 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 t op cover t o CGS = 11

1.25

1.25
Fe = 125 KIPS/ft

1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS

1.25

1.25

12'-0" NOTE 7
Translating PT Designs from Construction

t op cover t o CGS = 3
9

21

CC
1
2 C
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Congestion
• Beams
Translating PT Designs from
Construction Documents
Challenges

Temperature PT Cables

• Where to find the information?

• Shown in plan drawings (most beneficial to

PTMS)

• Design parameters in PT general notes

• PT Details
 Translating PT Designs
from
Construction Documents
Challenges
Podium Slabs
• Depressed areas and steps in slab soffits
• Conflicts between the profile and where the
steps occur
• Can lead to…
• Blowouts in the concrete
• Cracks due to unintended reverse
parabolas
• Important to be clear on construction
documents and show exactly where the slab
steps for PTMS
• The more details, the better!
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Podium
Slabs
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Podium
Slabs
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges
H
6 S3.0 2

16

6
.=

6
.=

.=

.=

.=

.=
T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C
t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6

40 0 KIPS

200 KIPS
G
4 E NOTE 9
S3.0 2

5
1.2
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25
.=
B.C
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

.9

.9

.9
9 .8
5

13

13

15
1.2

.=

.=

.=

.=
6 0 0 Kips
.=

T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C
B.C
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

8
9 .8

9 .8
5 E 5 E

.=

.=
T.C

T.C
t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 5 D
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25
.9

5
5
C1

1.2

1.2

1.2
27

.=

.=

.=
.=

B.C

B.C

B.C
T.C

t op cover t o CGS = 3.75 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25
.25
S=1
t o CG
cove r
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1 bot t om
4 E NOTE 9 1.25
bot t om cover t o CGS 1.25cover t o CGS =
bot=t om
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25
.3

1 A
519

B.C
t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
.=

.=
T.C

1.2
140 0 KIPS

5
Podium
S3.0 2

.9
C8

.9

.9
24

25
10

13

13
.=
.=

.=

.=

.=
.C
T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C
t opTcover t o CGS = 5.5 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
= 2.13 J

.9
t o CGS
t op cover

13
.=
S3.0 2

T.C
C1 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
TYP
5

5 E 5 E
1.2
.=

4 E NOTE 9
B.C

bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

Slabs
5 E

5
5
5

1.2
1.2
1.2
.=

.=
.=
B.C

B.C
B.C
12

5
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

1.2
.=

t o CGS = 1.25
T.C

t op cover t o CGS = 5 t o CGS = 1

.=
CGScover
bot t om coverbott ot om = 1.25
bot t om cover
B.C
bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

16 00 Kips

1500 Kips

16 75 Kips
70 0 Kips

5
1.2

4 E NOTE 9
.=
B.C

bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

2 C

.9

.9
.9
21
12

13

15
.=

.=

.=

.=
T.C

T.C

T.C

T.C
12

t op cover t o CGS = 12 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13
.=
T.C

t op cover t o CGS = 4 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

G 5 E
4 D
4 E S3.0 2
NOTE 9
5

5
5 1.2

1.2

1.2
1.2
5
5

1.2

.=
.=

.=
1.2

.=

B.C
B.C

B.C
.=

B.C
.=

bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

B.C

bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 D bot t om cover t o CGS = 1

B.C

bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25 bot t om cover t o CGS = 1.25

S3.0 2
20 0 Kips

G P 6
6 P
S3.0 3
8

8
S3.0 2
8
9 .8

9 .8

9 .8

9 .8
8

8
9 .8

S3.0 3
9 .8

.=

.=

.=

.=
T.C

T.C

T.C
T.C
.=

.=

t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

T.C

T.C

t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13 t op cover t o CGS = 2.13

6 6
6

6
.= .=
.=

.=

.=
t opT.Ccover t o CGS = 6 T.C
T.C

T.C

T.C
t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6 t op cover t o CGS = 6

CMU

V 6 V 6 V 6
S3.0 3 S3.0 3 S3.0 3
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

Podium
Slabs
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Challenges

South R1 South R2 South R3 South R4 South R5 South R6 South R7 South R8 South R9 South R10 South R11 South R12 South R13 South R14 South R15

Podium NO R15 NO R14 NO R13 NO R12 NO R11 NO R10 NORTH R9 NORTH R8 NORTH R7 NORTH R6 NORTH R5 NORTH R4 NORTH R3 NORTH R2 NORTH R1

Slabs

SOUTH P1 SOUTH P2 SOUTH P3 SOUTH P4 SOUTH P5 SOUTH P6 SOUTH P7 SOUTH P8 SOUTH P9 SO P10 SO P11 SO P12 SO P13

NO P13 NO P12 NO P11 NO P10 NORTH P9 NORTH P8 NORTH P7 NORTH P6 NORTH P5 NORTH P4 NORTH P3 NORTH P2 NORTH P1
Translating PT Designs from
Construction Documents
Challenges
Podium Slabs

• Pour Breaks

• Pour Back Strips and Expansion

Joints

• Beneficial to the PTMS and

contractor if LDP designs slab with
pour breaks shown in construction
documents

• Helps to control PT cable lengths

and minimize friction loss
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents Challenges

Short Tendon Lengths

STRESSED BY: VERIFIED BY:
DESCRIPTION/LOCATION OF TENDONS: Spoke Beam #14 at 31-WC line W side, Level 2-3. Type 1 Spoke Beam
• Difficult to achieve minimum GAUGE PRESSURE CALC ELONG MEASURED ELONGATION

FEF due to seating loss TENDON NO. JACKING LIFT OFF 3 7/8 END1 END2 TOTAL % % VARIANCE

• Why? 1
2
5350
5350
0
0
3 7/8
3 7/8
4
4
4
4
103.23%
103.23%
3.23%
3.23%
• Shorter Tendon Length = 3 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
Shorter Tendon Elongation 4
5
5350
5350
0
0
3 7/8
3 7/8
4 1/2
4
4 1/2
4
116.13%
103.23%
16.13%
3.23%
• Elongation Reports 6
7
5350
5350
0
0
3 7/8
3 7/8
4
4
4
4
103.23%
103.23%
3.23%
3.23%
• Short tendons elongations 8 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
9 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
usually outside the design 10 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
tolerance 11 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
12 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%
• Verify gauge pressure at 13 5350 0 3 7/8 4 1/4 4 1/4 109.68% 9.68%
time of stressing over 14 5350 0 3 7/8 4 4 103.23% 3.23%

elongation
• Investigate mild reinforcing
design alternatives
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents Solutions
SUPERIOR POST TENSION, LLC RFI #:
1179 CENTER POINT DRIVE
HENDERSON, NV 89074 RFI DATE:
Office (702) 565-7866 Fax (702) 565-1886
NV License #75576 AZ License #269973 JOB #:

CONTRACTOR: PROJECT NAME:

ATTN:

REFERENCE:
SCOPE:

Request for Information (RFI)

DRAWING SHEETS:
DETAIL NUMBERS:
SPEC SECTIONS: Pros
DESCRIPTION:
• Helps PTMS gain clarity on LDP design
intent
• Brings awareness of possible conflicts to
direct attention of LDP

PLEASE REPLY BY: ASAP

Kenneth Quirk
Superior Post Tension, LLC Cons
• Can generate additional project costs
REPLY:
• Must submit formally up through chain of
command which makes it difficult to get a
timely response
• Project delays due to communication lag
time
 Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Solutions

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

• What is BIM?

• Digital representation of the

physical and functional
characteristics of a
structure/facility
Translating PT Designs from
Construction Documents
Solutions
Building Information Modeling (BIM)

• Structural Components of a BIM include

information about
• Means
• Methods
• Temporary Structures
• Formwork
• Shoring
• Accessories
• Safety
• Methods and data to construct a building
including
• Sequencing
• Scheduling Production Rates
• Cost Data
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents
Solutions
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• PT Components of BIM
• Design Information • Construction Information
• Physical Attributes • Quality Assurance

using Tekla
Translating PT Designs from Construction
Documents Solutions

Building Information Modeling

(BIM)

• Used as a tool to help make

construction professional more
productive and deliver a product
that is more reliable and potentially
cost-efficient
• BIM allows the ability to collaborate
in real time by coordinating multiple
models among various design
trades including
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Additional Reinforcing
Elevated
PT Decks
 SLAB ON
GROUND
• Estimating

• Preconstruction
Planning

• Post Tension
Installation & Inspection

• Typical
Challenges/Solutions
Tendon Information - Bidding
• Tendon Count

• Tendon Length

• Hardware System
(Bare/Encapsulated)

Tendon Information – Placement & Pre-Slab

Inspection

• Tendon Count, Length, Hardware

• Spacing

• Elongation
PTI ELONGATION
TABLE
Installation
• Place tendons and hardware
• Sweep tendons as needed

Inspection
• Verify material properties
• Hardware system
• Sheathing condition
• Spacing & Clearance
Stressing
• Provide current calibration
sheets
• Visually inspect for
honeycombs or uncured areas
• Mark tendons for elongation
measurements
• Place wedges for stressing
• Stress tendons to gauge
pressure
• Cut and cap tails & patch
grommet hole

Inspection
• Witness gauge reading
• Complete stressing &
elongation form
• Measure elongations
 MOST COMMON OBSTACLES

GENERAL
PLANS INSPECTORS LIFT OFFS
CONTRACTORS
Plans

• Appropriate general notes

• Elevated notes
• Calculations; tendon profiles; beam/uniform/temperature tendon call
outs; phased stressing
• Hardware system clarity
• Hairpin rebar clarity
• Outdated ICC Report References
• From a 20+ year general contractor: “Well, I don’t see them as
equivalent.”
• Double-Live End Tendons
• Typically 100’ or 110’+
• “Court design by others”
• Soils report required
• Fabrication Plants are PTI-Certified; the material itself is not
Inspectors
• Pre-slab
• PT is often a “checklist” inspection
• 3rd Party Inspectors may not deviate
from plans
• Typos/omissions
• EOR reps typically more
experienced/knowledgeable
• Elongation Delays
• “Chasing Paint Marks”
• Minimize lift offs
• Short Tendons (under 30’)
• Gauge pressure is best indicator
General Contractors

• May have limited PT Training/Experience

• Schedule may be a highest priority

• Self-perform Concrete
Lift Offs
• Performed to verify the force on the stressed
tendon

• Looking for cause for elongations outside

allowable tolerance

• Often incorrectly relied upon as a solution for

multiple tendons

• “In the case of high elongations, the most

important factor that needs to be determined is if
the force on the tendon has exceeded the yield
stress of the prestressing steel. If the steel has
not yielded, the high elongations will virtually
always be of little or no detrimental structural
consequence, regardless of their cause.” –PTI
FAQ #6
• Use Logic

• Look at entire report

• ACI 423.6 -- “Discrepancies exceeding +/-7%

shall be resolved by the post-tensioning installer
to the satisfaction of the engineer.”
Vehicular Barrier
Cable Systems

• Components

• Types of Systems

• Design
Considerations
 • Strand
Components • Anchorages
• Cast in Place Inserts
Strand
Typically

• ½” Diameter

• 250 ksi

• Galvanized (corrosion protection)

Anchorages

• Barrel Anchors

• Grabb-It Anchors
Cast In Place • Pocket Former with PVC
Inserts • Grabb-It Rail
 • Surface Mount System
Types of Systems • Interior System Through Columns
 Design
Considerations
• Designed to resist a single
point load of 6,000 lbs
applied horizontally in any
direction to system
• Load area of 1 square foot
applied at 18” and 27”
above surface of floor
• Horizontal deflection
typically should not exceed
18”
• Why?
• Anchorages must be
capable of transmitting the
loads from vehicle impact
to the structure
Design
Considerations
How does a vehicular barrier cable
system fail?

• Anchorage System

• Cable Deflection

• Cable Failure

• Connecting Wall or Column Failure

Design Considerations

Anchorage System Failure

Wedge type anchorages must be back-stressed

• Typically to 80% minimum ultimate tensile strength (MUTS)

• Ensures wedges are properly seated

Design Considerations

Cable Deflection Failure

• Too much deflection whereas the system will not
provide protection
• Typically limited to 18” max but can be adjusted due
to project specific conditions
• Why 18”?
• What can you do if the calculated deflection
exceeds the maximum allowable deflection?
• Increase pre-tensioning force in cables
• Add intermediate anchorages to shorten the
effective length of the cable
 Design
Considerations
Cable Deflection Failure
 Design
Considerations
Cable Failure

Either when a cable reaches

tensile yield strength or breaks
completely
Design Considerations
Connecting Wall
or
Column Failure
Consider the load due to
vehicular impact that is
transmitted from the
anchorages to the columns or
walls

• Stub Columns on PS
Roofs

• Shear Walls without

necessary reinforcing
 Design Considerations

• What does the PT Material Supplier need

from the construction documents?

• Location of vehicular barrier cable

• Type of system
• 11 cables at 4” OC max spacing
• 14 cables at 3.5” OC max spacing
• Structural restrictions at termination locations
• Architectural and structural details
• Is this a Deferred Submittal?
Design
Considerations
Design Considerations

• The more information the better!

• Too often vehicular barrier cable system

designs are redesigned multiple times over

• Coordination between the Structural

Engineer of Record and the Architect is
key!
 • Causes

POST • Site Conditions

TENSION
REPAIRS • Methods

• Examples
Causes

• Pre-pour
• Short Strand (coupler)
• Anchor Damage
• Sheathing Damage
• Kinked Strand
• Rebar Congestion (to prevent blow out)
• Post-Pour
• Concrete failure
• Blowouts, honeycombing, voids,
consolidation
• Broken tendon
Site Conditions

• Pre-pour
• Open Slab
• Continuous Tendon (Intermediate
Anchorage)

• Post-pour
• Concrete Conditions
• Accommodate Repair Hardware
• Interior Aesthetics
• Access/Schedule
Solutions

• Pre-pour
• Short strand
• Splice additional tendon length
• Necessary if in second pour
• Replace tendon
• Anchor damage
• Remove and field-affix
• 18” – 24” tail will provide adequate
length
• Sheathing Damage
• Restore coating
• Waterproof tape for minor damage
• Waterproof Tape + Split Tubing for major
• All sheathing must be continuous for
encapsulated systems
• Kinked strand
• Replace -- splice unto existing strand if
appropriate
Sheathing
Repair
Solutions

• Post-Pour
• Concrete failure
• Blowouts, honeycombing, voids, inadequate consolidation
• Broken tendon
• Penetrations, corrosion, etc
• Abandon Tendon
• Remove and rethread new tendon
• 0.5” or 7/16” strand for repair
• Endspan Repair
• Midspan Repair
• Remove and rethread new tendon
• 0.5” or 7/16” strand for repair
• End Span Repair
• Anchor replacement
• Midspan Repair
• Splice Chuck
• Dog Bone
• Consider hardware dimensions
• Congestion
Summary

• Consistency and Communication

• Experience drives both

• Continuing Education

• Clarity is success read in smooth running jobs.

 Continuing
Education
• Manufacturer / Industry
resources

• SPT offers lunch and learn

events

• PTI resources
 REFERENCES
• Aalami, Bijan O. “One-Way and Two-Way Post-Tensioned
Floor Systems.” PTI Technical Note Issue 3, October 1993.

• DC-110, Building Information Modeling Committee. “Building

Information Modeling (BIM).” PTI FAQ, March 2016.

• Fine, Rick M. “Six Problems with Post-Tensioning Force

Specifications.” Concrete Construction, 13 November
2018, http://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-
to/construction/six-problems-with-post-tensioning-
force- specifications_0. Accessed 8 January 2021.

• PTI DC-70 Special Topics Committee. “Specifying Post-

Tensioning Requirements for Buildings: Force or
Number of Tendons.” PTI Technical Note Issue 17,
November 2013.

• Rogers, James D. “Design of Prestressed Barrier Cable

Systems.” PTI Technical Note Issue 14, December
2004.