Nonlinear Analysis of Prestressed Steel Box Beams

Post-tensioning using high-strength cables or tendo ns can be effectively used to increase the load carrying capacity of steel str ucture. In this paper, a nonlinear analytical model is formulated for the elastic beha vior of a simply supported steel box beam with curved prestressing tendons. The governing differential equation prestress and serve load are derived using the self -equilibrium principle and the principle of minimum potential energy, respectively. The effects of design parameters such as prestressing force, and tendon a rea on working load and deflection of the steel box beam are studied.