Abstract
This paper describes a technique for modelling the structural action of prestressing tendons in finite element based models developed for the non-linear analysis and design of prestressed concrete structures. Prestressing steel is simulated by 1-D curved elements embedded in the finite elements employed to discretize the concrete structure. The contribution of bonded or unbonded prestressing tendons to the serviceability behaviour and to the ultimate strength capacity of prestressed structures is adequately quantified and accounted for. The numerical procedures adopted to model the prestressing operation and the associated prestressing losses are discussed. The formulation is developed to be incorporated with curved thick shell elements and the applicability of the computational code is appraised by the results of two numerical examples.
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