Análisis y diseño de elementos de hormigón pretensado

Abstract

Although the constructive technology of the prestressed concrete is well known in developed countries as the United States of America, its usage is stillalmost zero in Ecuador. There are many advantages in using prestressed concrete in comparison to reinforced concrete which has been used in our country traditionally. Some clear advantages that show the prestressed concrete is that allow larger lights in mezzanines and reduction of cracking and deflections, besides, the power to use smaller sections by reducing dead loads of the structure, which means a lower cost. Being clear the need to implement new and effective construction methods as the prestressed concrete in a developing country like ours, it is imperative to understand the behavior of these types of structures and materials which constitute them and define a method of fast calculation that could offer the fulfillment of the solicitations with a high degree of reliability. This document aims to transmit enough theory for the right design of prestressed concrete elements such as beams, columns and slabs, so that the requirements of any civil project could be accomplished. Parallel to theory, it is important the elaboration of a software to be used in the design of these elements and thus make it an easy, reliable and rapid procedure. A personal expectation is that through this project a greater number of students and professionals in the civil area focus on the use of prestressed elements to start up the modern Ecuadorian construction.