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Prestressed concrete
is recognised not only as a structural material, but also an ingenious
principle and a unique construction technology, making a lasting
impression in civil engineering infrastructure of the twentieth
century. It is ideally suited for applications involving long
and slender spans (bridges, building floor systems and shell structures),
crack-free construction (pressure vessels, nuclear containments,
water tanks and pipes) and enhanced resistance to fatigue loading
(railtrack sleepers, etc.).
Since its introduction
in the early 1930s, prestressed concrete has evolved over the
years to meet the challenging demands of increased durability
and strength, innovative systems of prestressing, new methods
of analysis and design, new applications and construction technologies.
There is also an emerging need for structural monitoring of existing
and new PSC structures. These issues are of great relevance to
India, which is among the first countries in the world, following
France, to recognise and explore the potential of prestressed
concrete.
This volume of Conference
Proceedings (“Trends in Prestressed Concrete”, June
1-2, 2001, IIT Madras) provides a collection of state-of-the-art
technical papers that deal with recent developments in prestressed
concrete, particularly in India. In addition to discussing current
trends, some papers also dwell on the past, and the promise that
the future holds. The papers have been authored by leading academicians,
professionals and consultants, who are active in prestressed concrete
design, construction and research in India. The papers are categorised
under the following themes:
- Materials for Prestressed Concrete
- Analysis & Design of Prestressed Concrete
Structures
- Prestressing Systems, Experimental Studies
& Structural Monitoring
- Construction Technologies & Case Studies
In addition to the above,
a separate section, comprising seven keynote papers by leading
experts is included. These papers provide an excellent overview
of the main theme of the Conference, viz., ‘Trends in Prestressed
Concrete’.
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