A review of studies on the post-tensioned concrete beams

Post-tensioned method is a technique commonly used all over the world to prevent cracks and minimize deflections produced by externally applied loads. In post-tensioned, stress is added after concrete placement and appropriate hardness and strength are achieved. By a post-tensioned method greater loads, greater spans, control the cracks and smaller size of members can be achieved. This paper reviews some previous research studies on post-tensioned concrete beams. From this literature; it was concluded that the ultimate load capacity for a beam with a bonded tendon is higher if compared to the same beam with the unbonded tendon. The higher ultimate capacity for the bonded beam is due to the additive stiffness obtained by tendon-concrete bond. For external prestressed beam, the results showed that using draped tendon profile increases the flexural resistance as compared to straight tendon profile.