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org/journal/volumes/volume-87-%28published-in-
2009%29/issues/issue-19/articles/comparison-of-unbonded-and-bonded-posttensioned-co
The Structural Engineer > Archive > Volume 87 (2009) > Issues > Issue 19 >
Comparison of unbonded and bonded posttensioned concrete slabs under fire conditions
In all the unbonded and bonded fire tests, cracks directly inline and parallel to the
tendons occurred due to thermal stresses at relatively low tendon temperatures, which
were not observed in the ambient tests.
Unbonded and bonded slabs with Thames gravel aggregates were shown to have a much
higher deflection compared to slabs with limestone aggregates, with restrained slabs
having a lower vertical deflection compared to the equivalent unrestrained slabs.
It is shown that the use of plastic ducts in bonded slabs resulted in slightly higher tendon
temperatures compared to the equivalent bonded slabs with metallic ducts due to the ease
at which water migrated from the grout once the duct had melted. The data from the tests
compared temperature distributions within the slab, vertical and horizontal
displacements and strains in the tendons.
Comparison of the ambient tests showed that the bonded slabs have higher ultimate
strength due to strain compatibility and greater overall ductility compared to the
equivalent unbonded slabs. The suite of fire tests has shown that the bonded post-
tensioned concrete slabs are capable of achieving a designed target fire resistance of 90
mins while the unbonded slabs had fire resistance generally lower than the expected 90
mins.