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PurdueX: Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete

Learn the fundamentals of prestressed concrete design and the mechanics of how prestressed materials work under load. The prestressing mechanism provides strength for tensile forces when the material is in service; a common example of use of prestressed concrete is in parking garages.

6 weeks
3–4 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived
Future dates to be announced

About this course

Skip About this course

This module is currently offered in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering as part of the CE57200 “Prestressed Concrete Design” 3-Credits (CR) course in the area of structural engineering available to senior undergraduate/graduate students. It integrates science and engineering principles to design prestressed concrete members and structural systems. The application of scientific and engineering knowledge is demonstrated in solving engineering problems associated with the design of precast prestressed building members both composite and non-composite for superimposed loads, and one-way post-tensioned floor slabs systems bonded and unbonded also composite and non-composite for superimposed loads. Design of pretensioned Hollow-Core slabs, Double-Tee and I-Beam members, and one-way post-tensioned floor slabs is exercised using current building code requirements to provide experiences in realistic design practice. The following subjects are used to solve engineering problems: calculus and differential equations; use of computer tools, data manipulation, statistical analysis, numerical calculation, and reinforced concrete design principles.

In the edX platform, the course is developed in three modules each of 1-credit.

  • Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete (this course)
  • Pretensioned Structures
  • Post-Tensioned Structures

This course is available to practicing engineers for 1.5 CEUs for learners completing the course on the verified track.

At a glance

  • Institution: PurdueX
  • Subject: Engineering
  • Level: Advanced
  • Prerequisites:

    The course is developed in three modules each of 1-CR. This is Module 1 and must be taken first if the student is not familiar with the subject of the course. Module 1 provides the fundamentals. It requires CE473 or similar. CE 47300: Reinforced Concrete Design or equivalent.

    Description: This course integrates science and engineering principles to design reinforced concrete beams, one-way slabs, and columns. These include determination of strength, detailing of reinforcement, and service load considerations such as crack control and deflections. The following subjects are used to solve engineering problems: calculus and differential equations, data manipulation, statistical analysis, strength of materials, and structural mechanics. Additional requirement: Working knowledge of basic software such as MathCAD, Excel or similar.

    Module 3 addresses post-tensioned construction, and has Module 1 or equivalent as prerequisite.

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Mechanics, Building Codes, Structural Engineering, Differential Equations, Reinforced Concrete, Numerical Analysis, Civil Engineering, Data Manipulation, Calculus, Statistical Analysis, Structural Systems

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • History of pre-stressed concrete.
  • Use of standard materials.
  • Pretension and post-tension method used in construction.
  • Flexure and shear behavior.
  • Equivalent load concept.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

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