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PurdueX: Pretensioned Structures

Learn the essentials of design of pretensioned concrete structures. A common design application is in a wide range of building and dam structures where improved performance of prestressed concrete can allow for longer spans of material.

5 weeks
3–4 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived
Future dates to be announced

About this course

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This module is currently offered in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering as part of the CE57200 “Prestressed Concrete Design” 3-Credits (CR) course in the area of structural engineering available to senior undergraduate/graduate students. It integrates science and engineering principles to design prestressed concrete members and structural systems. The application of scientific and engineering knowledge is demonstrated in solving engineering problems associated with the design of precast prestressed building members both composite and non-composite for superimposed loads, and one-way post-tensioned floor slabs systems bonded and unbonded also composite and non-composite for superimposed loads. Design of pretensioned Hollow-Core slabs, Double-Tee and I-Beam members, and one-way post-tensioned floor slabs is exercised using current building code requirements to provide experiences in realistic design practice. The following subjects are used to solve engineering problems: calculus and differential equations; use of computer tools, data manipulation, statistical analysis, numerical calculation, and reinforced concrete design principles.

The course is developed in three modules each of 1-CR. Module 2 (this module) is focused on the essentials of design of pretensioned concrete structures.

This course is available to practicing engineers for 1.5 CEUs for learners completing the course on the verified track.

At a glance

  • Institution: PurdueX
  • Subject: Engineering
  • Level: Advanced
  • Prerequisites:

    Module 2 focuses on pretensioned construction and has Module 1 or equivalent as prerequisite and CE473 course or equivalent.

    CE 47300: Reinforced Concrete Design or equivalent. Description: This course integrates science and engineering principles to design reinforced concrete beams, one-way slabs, and columns. These include determination of strength, detailing of reinforcement, and service load considerations such as crack control and deflections. The following subjects are used to solve engineering problems: calculus and differential equations, data manipulation, statistical analysis, strength of materials, and structural mechanics. Additional requirement: Working knowledge of basic software such as MathCAD, Excel or similar.

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Civil Engineering, Statistical Analysis, Structural Engineering, Data Manipulation, Numerical Analysis, Building Codes, Reinforced Concrete, Differential Equations, Structural Systems, Calculus

What you'll learn

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  • Pretensioned Construction
  • Flexure Design
  • Bond of pretensioned strand
  • Shear Design
  • Losses
  • Estimate of Deflections
  • Composite Construction

Frequently Asked Questions

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Questions:

What is the difference between prestressed concrete and reinforced concrete?

Reinforcement can resist different types of load such as shear stress through the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile strength.

Prestressed concrete is when internal stress has been applied before the concrete is subject to load. This mechanism helps with structural understanding and design.

What is the difference between pretension construction and posttension construction?

Pretension is precast i.e. the steel is pulled before the concrete is poured. The elements are cast somewhere else and brought to the job site. The parking garage structure is made of multiple pieces and then brought together.

Posttensioned concrete means that the concrete is poured and then the tension is applied. Posttension requires the structure of the job site to be made.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

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