Madhubhashana, H S A; Perera, B A K S and Perera, C S R (2019) Post-tensioned concreting: its suitability for and acceptability in Sri Lanka. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 17(4), pp. 719-735. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: Many countries have started to use post-tensioned (PT) concrete because of its sustainability and low cost. However, it is not quite popular in Sri Lanka as the required knowhow and technology are not available within the country. By introducing PT concrete to the country, unwanted costs and time overruns could be eliminated from the construction projects. This paper, therefore, aims to identify the suitability and acceptability of PT concreting for/in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive literature review was first carried out to gather knowledge on PT concreting. The four case studies that followed it included eight semi-structured interviews and a document review. Ten expert interviews were conducted finally to strengthen the findings of the literature review and case studies. Cross-case analysis and NVivo 11 content analysis software were used to analyze the data gathered. Findings: Findings reveal that PT concreting saves cost and time of construction and that it can have a control over the resources required for construction, which makes it environment-friendly. PT concreting allows thinner concrete sections, extended spans, stiffer walls that resist lateral loads and stiffer foundations that resist the effects of shrinking and swelling soils. Originality/value: It is found that PT concreting is more suitable for the construction industry in Sri Lanka than traditional concreting.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | concrete; post-tensioned concrete; pre-stressed concrete; reinforced concrete; Sri Lanka |
| Index terms: | content analysis, literature review, interview, lateral load, suitability, methodology, construction project, concreting, reinforced concrete, cross-case analysis, low cost, case study, time overrun, construction industry, foundations, Sri Lanka |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, design criteria, project controls, building construction, Geography, production management, structural engineering, research methods, data analysis and analytics, bidding, building materials, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Procurement, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Time Control, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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