Testing of Prestressed Concrete Shell Under Long-Term Load and Unload

The results of experimental testing of a cylindrical prestressed concrete shell under long-term load and unload are given. The shell is reinforced by welded steel mesh in the top and bottom layers, with a different reinforcement area in the longitudinal and in the transversal directions, as well as by two straight prestressing tendons within the longitudinal sides. The shell is supported at corners only. Lateral displacements are disabled at the corner. The shell was prestressed first and then loaded by a permanent static load for a year. Then, the permanent load was removed. Shell defections as well as strains of concrete, reinforcement and tendons were measured at several points throughout a year and a half following the prestressing and loading.