ACI 318-99

[kronosconcrete]

I'm curious how many out there understand like me that post tensioning is the future of concrete. The increased spans up to slab thickness X 45 and resultant lighter weight seems to make this a no brainer.
I wonder how much implementation is held back by lack of knowledge with the new Code requirements. Working with two sets of moments from load and secondary post tensioning makes for a lot more steps. There are also simplicities. It seems to me that the extra analysis would make computer modeling more difficult, if not unfeasible. Maybe this is completely wrong.
If one wanted to implement post tensioning technique into residential construction, how difficult would it be to find competent engineering design. My experience has shown that most structural engineers will result to a massive overkill with little effort made to understand and implement Code requirements.
For experienced concrete engineers, is this Code stuff easy or difficult. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[Ron]

I have been in practice for 25 years and have heard that post-tensioning would be the future of concrete design since I started. It is a viable, efficient application of interaction technology, but it is not for every application.

As for code requirements, most of us view them as just that...a requirement. We usually meet them at minimum unless our experience for a specific application tells us we need to do more. To do less than the code requires takes us into a liability realm that requires a great deal of substantive documentation, not just anecdotal experience. While we might be allowed to exercise our engineering judgment to deviate from code practice, most engineers do not consider the risk worthwhile as the Standard of Care is typically to meet the code requirements.