Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Bonded and Unbonded Post-Tensioned Concrete Members

A post-tensioned (PT) concrete member can be reinforced with either bonded or unbonded prestressing tendons. The bond condition of tendons may influence the flexural and shear performance of various types of PT concrete members. The main purpose of this study is to provide a direct comparison between members with the two different tendon systems and assess their structural performance in depth. To accomplish this, previously tested PT beams, one-way slabs, and slab-column connections are reexamined, and detailed nonlinear finite element analyses are conducted using the developed modeling techniques. A series of test results verifies that the developed model is reliable for both bonded and unbonded PT members. The results of the prior experimental and current numerical studies are used for better understanding the behavior of bonded and unbonded PT members.