Longitudinal splitting in the anchorage zones of post-tensioned members

Abstract

The dispersal of the highly concentrated anchorage forces into the concrete element in post-tensioned members is resisted by large tensile stresses that can cause the concrete element to split in line with the direction of the anchorage force. Extensive research into longitudinal splitting in composite steel and concrete beams has been used to develop a simple hand analysis procedure for predicting the splitting resistances of the anchorage zones of post-tensioned members that allows for the three-dimensional dispersal of the anchorage forces and for inclined anchorage forces. It is suggested that this technique can be used to supplement existing techniques such as three-dimensional finite element models and strut and tie models in order to produce more efficient and safer designs, particularly for complex arrangements of groups of anchorage blocks.