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Learning More about PT

PT design and construction is fairly specialized, but there are many sources of information. Here are a few of the best:

Post-Tensioning Institute: As with most segments of the concrete industry, post-tensioning has an association, the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI), based in Arizona. PTI is primarily funded by the manufacturers of post-tensioning materials and PT installers, although it also has a number of members who are designers and contractors. PTI sponsors seminars, conducts a certification program, and publishes guidelines for PT design and construction, including:
- PTI Journal—published twice a year, covers the latest research and case studies on post-tensioned concrete
- "Construction and Maintenance Manual for Post-Tensioned Slab-on-Ground Foundations," published by PTI now in its third edition
- The "PTI Manual" is the bible of the industry
- PTI's analysis and design standards for shallow foundations on expansive soils can be downloaded at http://www.post-tensioning.org/technical.php.
Post-Tension Magazine, published by Evaluation and Certification Services, is a new magazine that is published quarterly. Their third issue is now in process. www.ptconcrete.com, serves as the magazine's home page. There is lots of information on this site, including links to important publications.
The Portland Cement Association has many case studies of buildings designed using PT, such as the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the National Association of Realtors and the first building within the District of Columbia to receive certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council's LEED rating program. PCA's Washington headquarters is now also located in this building.
Concrete Construction has published many articles on post-tensioning over the years. Bryan Allred, an engineer with Seneca Structural Engineering wrote a couple of very good articles recently—one on potential problems and one on PT for residential slabs.
Adapt has an excellent stand-alone design package for post-tensioned slabs and beams.