Serviceability Limit Research Articles

Resistance factors for reliability based-design of geogrid reinforced soil foundations against ultimate and serviceability limit state

In the recent decades, the use of geosynthetics to improve the overall soil’s bearing capacity and settlement behavior under shallow foundations has become a major topic. Despite several studies that have been carried out on Reinforced Soil Foundations (RSF), no design specifications have been set to design RSF against the Ultimate and Serviceability Limit State (ULS and SLS) in any of the established codes. This paper presents the development of resistance factors based on the Load and Resistance Factor design (LRFD) approach against the ULS and SLS for strip footing resting on C−ϕ soils. The resistance factors are developed using a spreadsheet-based reliability model based on the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) to be consistent with the ASCE-7 load factors. The resistance factors are calibrated at a targeted probability failure (Pf) of 0.13499% and 0.00317% for ULS and 2.27%, for SLS. A Finite Element Model (FEM) is developed to validate three analytical solutions to establish the reliability model. The FEM results showed an agreement with the analytical solutions. For ULS the developed resistance factors at Pf= 0.13499% ranged from 0.33 to 0.9 assuming lognormally distributed variables and 0.25 to 0.89 assuming normally distributed variables. The resistance factors against SLS at Pf= 2.27%. ranged from 0.39 to 0.85 considering lognormally distributed variables and 0.35 to 0.83 considering normally distributed variables.

Bridge Capacity Assessment through LRFR Method and Bridge Seismic Performance Evaluation Using the PBSD Concept: Case Study

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted of the condition and performance of a concrete arch-type bridge located in close proximity to a fault. Utilizing the LRFR capacity assessment method and seismic performance analysis through the NLTHA process based on the PBSD concept, finite element modeling (FEM) was employed with a focus on construction stage analysis and model updating for calibration to site conditions. The assessment encompassed the determination of the rating factor for structural elements under service and ultimate limit state loading. Performance analysis under seismic loads includes an examination of engineering demand parameters such as concrete and reinforcement strains in columns, subjected to varying seismic hazard levels. Additional scrutiny involves assessing bearing displacement and overturning potential to identify potential damage before column failure. The primary objective of this research was to investigate pertinent and efficient techniques for evaluating bridge capacity and seismic performance. A thorough understanding of these methods is expected to facilitate the identification of suitable solutions to enhance the safety and reliability of bridges in Indonesia.

Development of a foam-filled steel web sandwich panel for the rehabilitation of timber floors

Lightweight sandwich panels offer a prominent solution for the rehabilitation of timber floors. This paper addresses the development of a solution capable of continuous production for a foam-filled steel web sandwich panel for floor rehabilitation. The newly designed flooring solution is tested in full-scale quasi-static flexural campaigns. The tests validate the analytical design's compliance with Ultimate limit state (ULS) and Serviceability limit state (SLS) requirements. Furthermore, the flexural behaviour is compared with analytical predictions for thin-walled members according to the effective width method, described in Eurocode 3. Different effective cross-section design assumptions are assessed to allow an accurate prediction of the panel's response.

Bending and Vibration Behaviour of CLT-Steel Composite Beams

A strengthening of cross-laminated timber (CLT) by a composite effect with steel girders can widen the application of CLT ceilings to spans over 8 m. Most possible shear connectors are not stiff enough to ensure a completely rigid composite. At present, it has not been sufficiently clarified how the elastic bending behaviour is affected by the influences of the flexibility of continuously and discontinuously shear connectors, the number of transverse layers of the CLT and the span width. Thus, 4-point bending tests and vibration tests were performed with different cross-section configurations and two different shear connectors in continuous and discontinuous spacing in spans of 8.10 and 10.80 m. To date, no comparable bending tests have been carried out in these spans, with more than five CLT-layers and discontinuously arranged shear connectors. The composite beams deformed linear-elastically until the yield strength of the steel was reached. The composite effect increased the elastic bending stiffness up to twofold compared to no composite. Increasing the span resulted in a higher bending stiffnesses. The elastic bending stiffness of the composite beams with shear studs was significantly lower than with fully threaded screws. For a worthwhile composite effect, both materials should contribute a balanced share of the stiffness. A larger share of the CLT in the bending stiffness compared to the steel girder created a higher elastic limit load capacity but an equivalent bending stiffness. It is necessary to discuss which cross-sectional configurations are appropriate in terms of load bearing capacity, economic efficiency and sustainability. To assess the practical application potential in spans between 8 and 12 m, the tests were additionally evaluated for the equivalent load level for the serviceability limit state of office or industrial buildings. For spans of 8.10 m, the limits according to EC5 for the initial deflection of L/300 and fundamental frequency of 8 Hz can be met. For spans of 10.80 m, only less strict deflection limits are achieved. However, by increasing the degree of composite through more shear connectors, compliance with the limit values mentioned could already be possible with the cross-sections tested. In case of fire, it may be sufficient to consider only the CLT with the reduced cross-section method (EN 1995-1-2) for load transfer, even for longer fire durations.

A Vehicle Fleet Study to Investigate the Effect of B20 and B10 Usage on Engine Oil Degradation

The use of blended palm biodiesel has been implemented in Malaysia starting with B5 (5% palm biodiesel blended with 95% petroleum diesel) in 2011, B7 (7% palm biodiesel blended with 93% petroleum diesel) in 2014, and B10 in 2019. Palm biodiesel has been regarded as a reliable petroleum diesel substitute since 1995 following the research and development carried out by MPOB. Six trucks participated in the trial to evaluate the use of B20 and B10 through fleet testing and laboratory investigations. The trucks were divided into two groups according to fuel used. The field trial started in 2019 and ended in 2021. Engine oil and filter samples were taken at 5,000 kilometers intervals between service interval 30,000 kilometers. All the engine oil samples were within their operational service limits at each 5,000 kilometers sampling interval. The average viscosities of used engine oil in B20 group were 12.75 mm2 s-1 and for B10 group 12.98 mm2 s-1. The total basic number (TBN) values for the B20 group was 6.4 mg KOH g-1 and 6.3 mg KOH g-1 on average for B10 group. The wear and contaminants test showed the average iron particles concentrations for B20 and B10 groups were 22 ppm and 25 ppm respectively. In terms of engine oil evaporation, the average zinc and phosphorus concentrations reduced by only 20% for both vehicle groups. The average values for soot in oil showed that the B20 group had 10% less soot build-up compared to B10 group. The use of B20 had affected engine oil quality with minimal advantages for soot in oil and iron particle concentrations.

Vibration Performance Evaluation of Cold-Formed Steel and Plywood Composite Floors

In this study, experimental natural frequencies and mid-span deflections were used to assess the tested composite floors against vibration serviceability limit states adopted by different standards such as AS3623. It was found that existing design criteria have predicted inconsistent results. Further, the finite element (FE) model was created, updated, and validated against the experimental modal parameters. The validated numerical model examined how various design parameters, such as material properties, cross-section geometry, and achieved a degree of composite action, have influenced the vibration properties such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. It was shown that as the added mass became more dominant than the stiffness enhancement, the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system dropped. This was evident from the results of the plywood slab thickness and the added permanent load parameters. On the other hand, the fundamental natural frequency increased with thicker and deeper joist sections since they made the floor system stiffer.

Climate and biodiversity change constrain the flow of cultural ecosystem services to people: A case study modeling birding across Africa under future climate scenarios

Global change is currently impacting ecosystems and their contributions to people (i.e. ecosystem services). These impacts have consequences for societies and human well-being, especially in Africa. Historically, efforts have focused on assessing global change from a social or biophysical perspective, treating them as separate entities. Yet, our understanding of impacts to social-ecological systems remains limited, particularly in the Global South, due to a lack of data, tools, and approaches accounting for social and ecological aspects of ecosystem services. This is especially relevant for cultural ecosystem services as they are less tangible. We use a simple indicator and important provider of a multitude of cultural ecosystem services, birding, to understand how climate, biodiversity, and land use change will impact cultural ecosystem services across Africa. We explore how emerging tools and data can overcome limitations in mapping and modeling cultural ecosystem services, particularly in analyzing human preferences and behavior at large spatiotemporal scales and in data-poor regions. Leveraging crowdsourced data from eBird and using machine learning techniques we map and model recreational birding to assess the underlying social-ecological relationships and the impact of future climate and environmental change. We show that bird species richness, protected areas, accessibility, and max temperature contribute most to birding suitability across the continent. Further, we show spatial shifts in the suitability of birding under three future climate scenarios (SSP126, 370, and 585). Models suggest climate and biodiversity change will increasingly constrain the flow of birding related cultural ecosystem services across Africa. This has implications for human-nature interactions, development of countries, management of protected areas, and overall human well-being in the future. More generally, we highlight opportunities for crowdsourced datasets and machine learning to integrate non-material ecosystem services in models and thus, enhance the understanding of future impacts to ecosystem services and human well-being.

Assessing women's and health professionals' views on developing a midwifery‐led mobile health app intervention in pregnancy: A descriptive qualitative study

AbstractAimsTo explore women's and health professionals' views on the development of a midwifery‐led mHealth app intervention in antenatal care and their demands for app functionality.DesignDescriptive qualitative research was utilized.MethodsIn total, 15 pregnant or postpartum women were interviewed via in‐depth interviews and 10 health professionals including obstetricians, midwives and obstetric nurses were invited to participate in a focus group discussion (FGD). All interviews and the FGD were analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFour key themes emerged from the data, including (1) limitations of current maternity care services; (2) potential benefits for mHealth app‐based midwifery care; (3) possible challenges for providing midwifery care through mHealth apps and (4) suggestions and needs for developing a midwifery‐led mHealth app. Participants agreed on the potential need of developing a midwifery‐led mHealth app in antenatal care to increase access to midwifery care services and to meet women's diverse needs. Participants preferred to develop professional, reliable, full‐featured and interactive mobile applications. The main functions of midwifery‐led mHealth apps included personalized assessment and health education, self‐monitoring and feedback, data sharing and interactive functions. Women mentioned that online communication and consultation with midwives could help them receive continuous support outside facilities. Health professionals expressed it would be of great convenience and timeliness to send personalized messages to women and to inform them of healthy lifestyles during pregnancy. The challenges included a shortage of human resources, medico‐legal risks associated with mHealth and data security risks.ConclusionsThis study explores the individual views and functional needs of target users and healthcare providers for developing a midwifery‐led mHealth app in antenatal care, which will serve as a reference for future application development.ImpactOur study has important and practical implications for guiding the development of future midwifery‐led mHealth app interventions.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.

Effect of interface treatment on the flexural performance of existing RC bridge beams strengthened with UHPC

As one of the most innovative cement-based materials, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), with excellent durability and mechanical properties, has been widely used in strengthening existing bridges. In this study, in-situ four-point bending tests were carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of precast reinforced concrete (RC) hollow slab beams in service for 15 years strengthened with UHPC. Among them, three hollow slab beams were strengthened with UHPC, and the interface treatment was chiseling, planting rebars, and a combination of chiseling and planting rebars, respectively. The remaining one without any strengthening treatment was used as the control specimen. To evaluate the enhancement effect of different interface treatments on UHPC-strengthened beams, the cracking load, ultimate load, crack development and failure modes of UHPC-strengthened beams were analyzed. Results indicated that the stiffness, deflection capacity and flexural capacity of UHPC-strengthened beams was significantly improved. Meanwhile, the stiffness of UHPC-strengthened beams in the pre-damage stage was increased by 49%–94%, when compared with the unstrengthened beam. Correspondingly, the ultimate flexural capacity was increased by 29%–38%. The interface chiseling treatment was more favorable to enhance the deformation capacity of UHPC-strengthened beams. The interface planting rebar treatment was more favorable to enhancing the ductility of UHPC-strengthened beams. The crack development was effectively suppressed by the interface chiseling and planting rebars together. This contributes to a higher load capacity reserve for UHPC-strengthened beams. The bearing capacity under serviceability limit state of the UHPC-strengthened beams was increased by 1.25, 2, and 2.5 times through the interface treatments of chiseling, planting rebars, and a combination of both, respectively.

Displacement and damage analysis of earth dams during the 2023 Turkiye earthquake sequence

The earthquake sequence that occurred on 6 February 2023 in Turkiye caused significant damage to various infrastructures including geostructures such as dams. A total of 17 earth dams within a 200-km radius of the earthquake epicenter experienced varying degrees of damage, ranging from minor (∼2 cm) to major (up to ∼150 cm) deformations. As study of these reveals that the damaged dams are located within the closest distance to the fault of less than 30 km, with an average value of ∼12 km. This study specifically focuses on the seismic displacement analysis of the 17 damaged dams, utilizing the sliding block methods. The recorded motion data was analyzed using the kriging technique to estimate the spectral response at the dam sites. Moreover, the recorded ground motions were scaled to the resonant period of the dam site to estimate acceleration time history. The findings reveal that the rigid block analysis can provide an average estimation of seismic displacement with a relative error of less than 44%. The results of the damage analysis indicate that seven dams reached the ultimate limit state and two dams experienced the serviceability limit state. Moreover, the univariate and multivariate fragility functions are developed to estimate seismic probabilistic analysis of earth dams based on the observed data and the limit states. The results show that the selection of a single intensity measure (IM) and a combination of IMs can affect the predicted probability of failure. The findings provide an insight into the resilience assessment of dams and other geosystems during this strong earthquake.

Advancing Equity in Maternal Health With Virtual Doula Care

This Viewpoint reviews the advantages and limitations of virtual doula services and discusses their potential to address the maternal health crisis.

Characterization of model uncertainty of the p-y method for reliability-based design of offshore wind turbines under the serviceability limit state

Recent studies show that the API p-y method may underestimate the pile-soil initial stiffness of offshore wind turbine (OWT) monopiles in clay while overestimate that in sand. To facilitate the reliability-based design of OWT monopiles with the API p-y design method, a two-stage evaluation method of the model bias factor for the p-y method (εpy) of monopiles under the serviceability limit state (SLS) was presented. The model bias factor εpy is derived by comparing field test data with high-fidelity 3D finite element model (FEM) results, and the p-y method predictions, addressing the issues of limited field test data for OWT monopiles. Results show that the mean of the model bias factor εpy depends on the characteristics of piles, the soil properties, and the composition of the layered ground. The systematic dependency is expressed by a trend function and the residual model bias factor follows a lognormal distribution with a mean of 1.01 and a COV of 0.14. The significance of the model uncertainty is illustrated using a case study. The results of the field example show that the design in clay sites may be considerably conservative and may be less conservative in sand sites if ignoring the model uncertainty. The result of this work can provide a basis for promoting reliability-based design for OWT monopiles.

A hybrid reliability assessment method for slab track with changing structural parameters

Changes in the dynamic properties of high-speed rail (HSR) slab track structures can have a great impact on train safety and ride quality. However, the dynamic response of wheel–rail systems, which is related to operational safety, has rarely been considered in existing service reliability assessments of track structures. To solve this problem, a hybrid method was developed, with the serviceability limit state (SLS) first defined with respect to the derailment coefficient (DC) and wheel unloading rate (WUR). In calculating the reliability index, the response surface method and the first-order reliability method were used to solve the implicit expression of wheel–rail force in the SLS equation. To reduce the computation cost, a surrogate model expressing the non-linear mapping of the wheel–rail interaction is proposed. The computation efficiency and accuracy of the hybrid method were compared with Monte Carlo simulation and a back-propagation neural network (BPNN). The computation time of the hybrid method was only 1/8.4 of the BPNN method, while the accuracy of the reliability index was 98% for the DC and 97% for the WUR. The hybrid method was used to assess the reliability of a typical slab track structure under changing stiffness and damping coefficients of the fasteners, cement asphalt mortar and foundation. The stiffness and damping of the fasteners had the most impact on wheel–rail dynamics and track reliability. This research provides new insights into reliability assessments for HSR slab track with respect to train operational safety.

Optimization of open web steel beams using the finite element method and genetic algorithms

Studies on structural optimization have gained prominence recently, and the search to consume resources in a more conscious and effective way encourages the use of such techniques in all fields. In this respect, this study aims to use computational optimization techniques to determine the maximum load-bearing capacity of hollow-core steel beams for two groups of different shear lines, one generating beams with opening in the shape of hexagons and the other having the shape of ellipses. The second group includes beams with circular openings as a particular case. A three-node triangular finite element for the analysis of structures in plane stress is used for the structural analysis of the beams. The design variables define the shape and number of opening in the beam, and a computational formulation using a genetic algorithm is presented to find the cut line that maximizes the load capacity of the beam considering different ultimate and service limit states. Numerical and experimental models in the literature are used to validate the implementations presented in this article, and the results of optimized hollow core beams are presented, demonstrating the efficiency of the formulations used.

Experimental investigation of bond and cracking behaviours in gfrp-reinforced concrete members

Although Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars are becoming commonplace, their mechanical properties – low modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength – result in design of GFRP-reinforced concrete members (GFRP-RC) often being governed by deflection and crack control at the serviceability limit state. Bond performance of GFRP bars impacts the crack control provided and, due to the empirical nature of bond characterization in design, bond of GFRP remains described in relation to that of steel. To describe the bond performance of GFRP bars, a bond-dependent coefficient, kb, is adopted in design guides and standards. The bond and cracking behaviours of GFRP bars embedded in concrete – including the estimation of kb – were investigated through 80 pull-out and 12 prism tension tests. The evaluation of kb using ASTM D7913 pull-out, confirming the bond performance using a smaller number of prism tension tests, is proposed. The results showed that values of kb determined from pull-out test were about 15–20 % greater than those estimated by prism test. Nonetheless, kb values determined from both tests are similar and follow the same trends. These data obtained in this experimental programme supplemented an extant database of 137 comparable pull-out test results covering a range of GFRP bar and concrete parameters. The study concludes that ASTM D7913 pull-out tests are suitable for assessing minimum GFRP reinforcing bar bond criteria although more complex prism tests are likely required to accurately assess kb.

Factors influencing maternal death in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam countries: A systematic review.

A maternal mortality ratio is a sensitive indicator when comparing the overall maternal health between countries and its very high figure indicates the failure of maternal healthcare efforts. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam-CLMV countries are the low-income countries of the South-East Asia region where their maternal mortality ratios are disproportionately high. This systematic review aimed to summarize all possible factors influencing maternal mortality in CLMV countries. This systematic review applied "The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist (2020)", Three key phrases: "Maternal Mortality and Health Outcome", "Maternal Healthcare Interventions" and "CLMV Countries" were used for the literature search. 75 full-text papers were systematically selected from three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar and Hinari). Two stages of data analysis were descriptive analysis of the general information of the included papers and qualitative analysis of key findings. Poor family income, illiteracy, low education levels, living in poor households, and agricultural and unskilled manual job types of mothers contributed to insufficient antenatal care. Maternal factors like non-marital status and sex-associated work were highly associated with induced abortions while being rural women, ethnic minorities, poor maternal knowledge and attitudes, certain social and cultural beliefs and husbands' influences directly contributed to the limitations of maternal healthcare services. Maternal factors that made more contributions to poor maternal healthcare outcomes included lower quintiles of wealth index, maternal smoking and drinking behaviours, early and elderly age at marriage, over 35 years pregnancies, unfavourable birth history, gender-based violence experiences, multigravida and higher parity. Higher unmet needs and lower demands for maternal healthcare services occurred among women living far from healthcare facilities. Regarding the maternal healthcare workforce, the quality and number of healthcare providers, the development of healthcare infrastructures and human resource management policy appeared to be arguable. Concerning maternal healthcare service use, the provisions of mobile and outreach maternal healthcare services were inconvenient and limited. Low utilization rates were due to several supply-side constraints. The results will advance knowledge about maternal healthcare and mortality and provide a valuable summary to policymakers for developing policies and strategies promoting high-quality maternal healthcare.

Reforms and innovations in primary health care in different countries: scoping review.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends focusing on primary health care (PHC) as the first strategy of countries to achieve the improvement of the health level of communities and has emphasized it again in 2021. Therefore, we intend to take a different look at the PHC system with reform, innovation, and initiative by using the experiences of leading countries and identify practical and evidence-based solutions to achieve greater health. This is a scoping review study that has identified innovations and reforms related to PHC since the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2022. In this study, Scopus, Web Of Science, and PubMed databases have been searched using appropriate keywords. This study is done in six steps using Arkesy and O'Malley framework. In this study, the framework of six building blocks of WHO was used to summarize and report the findings. By searching in different databases, we identified 39426 studies related to reforms in primary care, and after the screening process, 106 studies were analyzed. Our findings were classified and reported into 9 categories (aims, stewardship/leadership, financing & payment, service delivery, health workforce, information, outcomes, policies/considerations, and limitations). The necessity and importance of strengthening PHC is obvious to everyone due to its great consequences, which requires a lot of will, effort, and coordination at the macro-level of the country, various organizations, and health teams, as well as the participation of people and society.

Development of load-resistance-factor-design-based prestressed concrete tub girders in Colorado

This paper presents a new tub girder series for Colorado, conforming to the articles of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. Although the B618 tub girders developed by the Colorado Department of Transportation in the 1990s have been successfully used for decades, the need for an upgrade is essential to satisfy the requirements of contemporary bridge design and construction. After examining the performance of tub girders selected from six transportation agencies in the United States, an optimization algorithm was employed to generate efficient prototype sections. Then, detailed investigations were conducted to examine various practical aspects concerning the serviceability and ultimate limit states of AASHTO LRFD specifications. Parametric analysis with five bridge superstructures that accommodate up to four traffic lanes demonstrated the applicability of the prototype girders. A simplified version of the prototype sections was also delineated for regional precasters. Furthermore, a comparative study was carried out to evaluate the geometric stability and production costs of the prototype, simplified, and existing B618 girders.

Nonlinear semi-numeric analysis and simplified analysis of polymer fiber-reinforced concrete prisms under three-point bending test conditions

This paper presents a semi-numeric nonlinear analysis and a simplified analysis for evaluating the load-displacement behavior of polymer fiber-reinforced concrete elements under three-point bending test conditions. The considered elements were notched and unnotched prisms. The nonlinear semi-numeric analysis was based on the moment-curvature relation, plastic hinge approach, and virtual work method. The simplified analysis assumed multilinear load-displacement behavior of the prisms under three-point bending test conditions. It included four variants for the input tensile strength properties and crack widths considered for the serviceability and ultimate limit state. The notched polymer fiber-reinforced concrete prism three-point bending test results from a prior study were the basis for evaluating the simplified analysis, which was subsequently compared with the nonlinear semi-numeric analysis outcomes from the same investigation. Additionally, the simplified analysis and the nonlinear semi- numeric analysis were used to determine the load-displacement behavior of unnotched polymer fiber-reinforced concrete prisms with heights ranging from 25 mm to 250 mm. The results indicate that the simplified analysis provides a practical and efficient method for estimating the behavior of polymer fiber-reinforced concrete structures under three-point bending test conditions, yielding relatively accurate results with minimal computational effort compared to the more exact nonlinear semi-numeric analysis.

Stress relaxation of concrete beams caused by creep and shrinkage effects

Shrinkage and creep are two important physical properties of concrete material which cause increase of the deformation of the constantly loaded structure over long period of time, the feature known as rheology. Additional deformation of concrete structures at the end of the design working period (most commonly 50 years) caused by these phenomena is circa three times larger than the value of the immediate elastic deformation (or even larger in some cases). Hence, in accordance with the corresponding European standard, these effects should be taken in account while evaluating the serviceability limit state of concrete structures, and if significant, consideration of these phenomena is also needed for the verification of the ultimate limit state. In concrete material, creep occurs at all stress levels, and is dependent on many parameters, as cement class, concrete grade, relative humidity of the environment, surface of the structure in contact with the ambient air (drying surface), and the age of concrete (after casting) at the loading moment. Shrinkage of the concrete is independent on loading. It is caused by decrease of the pore water content in the hardened concrete, and is predominantly dependent on the ambient relative humidity. Relaxation describes stress reduction at a constant material strain, usually in prestressing steel tendons. In this study, the physical experiments of multiple concrete beams over time with respect to rheological processes are described. Each experimental system consists of two C35/45 beams horizontally bounded by a prestressed steel cylinder. Decrease of these pretension forces in cylinders over time have been monitored (stress relaxation). All together time histories of two forces are documented, based on measurements conducted in interior environment of an agricultural building. The experimental time histories of the pretension forces are then compared with the results of the finite element numerical analyses conducted in ANSYS software. Creep and shrinkage effects of the concrete material have been considered based on the corresponding European standard for design of the concrete structures. The time-histories of the forces in prestressed cylinders obtained from the numerical simulations are then compared with the experimental data, and discussed. It is concluded, that the estimation of the force decrease over analysed time with the creep and shrinkage effects considered according to the corresponding European standard appears to be slightly larger than the experimentally measured decrease of the force value, hence the assumption is more conservative.