Post-tension concrete beam modelling and analysis in DIANA via Python

Abstract

Post-tensioned systems are becoming more popular over time. They permit building long span and slender bridges by compressing the concrete to the point that the effect of the external loads is nearly counteracted. Studying them is a really difficult and tedious job, making it nearly impossible to do without software. Moreover, sometimes the procedure has some defects, and assessing the level of post tensioning or the state of the tendons becomes an impossible job. For those reasons, different Finite Element Software programs are being used. They permit analysing the state of the materials when external loads are applied. This includes displacements, stresses on the concrete and its reinforcement, the cracks on the concrete, the tension of the tendons, and other parameters that are of crucial importance when it comes to the structural element durability. In this specific project, the program that is going to be used is DIANA FEA, a powerful software that enables the analysis of a wide range of structures, including reinforced and prestressed concrete. Furthermore, a programming language called Python will be used in order to ease the process of modelling the structure that is going to be studied and also to save some time.