Analytical model for transfer length prediction of 13 mm prestressing strand

Abstract

An experimental investigation to determine the transfer length of a seven-wire prestressing strand in different concretes is presented in this paper. A testing technique based on the analysis of bond behaviour by means of measuring the force supported by the prestressing strand on a series of specimens with different embedment lengths has been used. An analytical bond model to calculate the transfer length from an inelastic bond stress distribution along the transfer length has been obtained. A relationship between the plastic bond stress for transfer length and the concrete compressive strength at the time of prestress transfer has been found. An equation to predict the average and both the lower bound and the upper bound values of transfer length is proposed. The experimental results have not only been compared with the theoretical prediction from proposed equations in the literature, but also with experimental results obtained by several researchers.