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Use of High Strength Lightweight Concrete to Construct a Postensioned Segmental Beam | ||
| Published in: | Innovation and Development for the Americas: Engineering, Education, Research and Development: Proceedings of the 8th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology |  |
| Date of Conference: | June 1-4, 2010 | |
| Location of Conference: | Arequipa, Peru | |
| Authors: | Luis Hernandez Jorge A Tito Jaime Trujillo | |
| Refereed Paper: | #21 | |
Abstract | ||
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A postensioned segmental beam is constructed as a project for Senior Concrete Design, which is a capstone
course in the Structural Analysis and Design Program of the University of Houston Downtown. The segmental
beam consists of nine hollow segments and two solid end blocks joined using postensioned cables. The segments
are constructed using high strength lightweight concrete. The laboratory tests of the lightweight aggregates
permit the design of trial mixes from which one mix is selected to construct the beam. The tests of the
lightweight concrete show that the required strength of 8,000 psi is obtained at 14 days, and the tension strength
and the modulus of elasticity compare well with the values indicated by ACI-318 for this type of concrete. The
project provides valuable experience in testing, mix design, elaboration and pouring of concrete, postensioning,
and the technique of segmental beam construction. The objectives of the course are fulfilled and the students
show participation, motivation, and interest during the project.
This paper presents the characteristics of the lightweight concrete used, the construction methodology followed to obtain the postensioned segmental beam, and the educational objectives of the project. | ||