Innovative prestress systems for g.r.c strutural elements

Objective

The GRC precast structural elements have high durability as no steel is incorporated. Unfortunately use this material prestress must be applied. The use of unbounded pre-stress presents some technical problems related to steel relaxation and to the anchorage systems. Besides that to obtain elements corrosion free pre-stress tendons must be made of non metallic materials, namely fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tendons, made of glass , aramid or carbon fibers. The use of these materials in pre-stress presents technical difficulties namely associated with their interaction and adherence with GRC. If these problems are overcome then the precast industry has quite a new material with economical, social/environment advantages and with a very high durability. This project as the aim of developing new pre-stress systems to be applied in GRC structural elements, with the emphasis in the use of FRP tendons. Solutions for the rope protection, adherence, anchorage, pre-stress control and pre-stress behavior along time will be analyzed. Prototypes of GRC element pre-stressed with the new systems will be built and tested.

Programme(s)

FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

1.1.3.-5. - RTD Activities of a Generic Nature : materials and their technologies for production and transformation and new and improved materials and production technologies in the steel field

Funding Scheme

EAW - Exploratory awards

Coordinator

PAVICENTRO PRE-FABRICACAO SA

Address

Monte Eixo Apartado 2
3801-501 Aveiro/eixo
Portugal

Participants (1)

PRECOMPRESSI CENTRO NORD SPA

Italy