Limits of elongation variation of tendons in post-tensioning

This paper analyses tensioning data obtained from a variety of projects that have been completed in South Africa in recent years in order to determine the causes of variation in elongation and suggest practical elongation limits. Current limits, prescribed by the South African standards (SANS 2001-CC1 and COLTO), of elongation variation limit of +/- 6% and an average elongation variation limit of +/- 3% are causing huge problems to the post-tensioning industry. The scatter of tendon elongation results is often greater than the range prescribed by these standards. This usually requires the contractor to re-tension the tendons at huge financial costs. In most cases the results obtained after re-tensioning are the same.