Design and Fabrication of a Compact Specimen for Evaluation of Corrosion Resistance of New Post-Tensioning Systems

This thesis focuses on the design and fabrication of a new compact research specimen for evaluation of corrosion resistance of potentially improved post-tensioning systems. The development of new post-tensioning materials and systems in recent years has made some of the durability research in this area obsolete. The current research is evaluating the corrosion resistance of both existing and potential post-tensioning materials as well as examining construction practices for the new systems. The new post-tensioning systems being investigated include combinations of strand, duct (with and without couplers), bearing plates and electrical isolation. Possible combinations of the following materials were identified using a specimen matrix: Strands-Conventional, Copper Clad, Stainless Clad, Stainless, Epoxy Coated, Hot Dip Galvanized, Electroplated Galvanized Ducts-One-Way Ribbed Plastic (with Slip-On and Snap-On Couplers), Two-Way Ribbed Plastic (with Slip-On Couplers), Galvanized Corrugated Steel (No Couplers) Bearing Plates-Non-Galvanized, Galvanized Electrical Isolation-Conventional Tendons, Electrically Isolated Tendons