D&C PT Contractors Role &

Responsibilities
Chris M. Harris
Contracts Manager, Structural Systems
& PTIA Technical Committee

Introduction
Why do PT contractors get involved in the design of
the project to start with?
What are the common efficiencies introduced to the
structure by a PT contractor?
Integration of the PT contractor into the design team.
What aspects of the existing design will the PT
contractor review/change
Examples
Conclusion

Why do PT contractors get involved

in the design of the project to start
with ?
Commercial desire
Specialist engineers, design draftspersons, &
design software
Risk & reward allocation
Time
Constructability

What are the common efficiencies

introduced to the structure by a PT
contractor ?

Element thicknesses
Support optimisation
Slab structure type optimisation & formwork
Reinforcement rationalisation

Integration of the PT contractor into

the design team.

Definition of structure performance

Documentation status
Coordination
Design Program
Certification

What aspects of the existing design

will the PT contractor
review/change?

Depends on the type of project

Ieff / Igross (for buildings)
Concrete grade / volume / thickness
Structure type (flat plate / flat slab / banded)
Restraint design
Rebar content

Eureka Tower

Conforming design
Reinforced slabs

Eureka Tower

Non conforming design

PT bands and slabs
Driving force TIME

Conclusions
Project Engineers to coordinate with
contractors
Involve a PT contractor early

PT in buildings
PT is likely to be considered for most projects.
If the consultant doesnt consider it, then the
contractors will

Why PT?
Savings in materials
Savings in construction
time

Improved durability and

robustness
Cost savings

Some perceived down side

issues

Time consuming to design by the

occasional designer ?
PT applies real force into a structure
hence analysis (incl. secondary effects)
needs to be realistic and specific.

Some perceived down side

issues
System and process
needs to be understood
and details coordinated
sufficiently
Finding most economical
proportions of concrete,
PT & reinforcement can
be a lengthy iterative
process, but usually
yields substantial
benefits. Software &
experience is key.

Other effects to consider

Secondary effects in all
indeterminate PT
structures, but can be
beneficial
Structural movements
(creep, shrinkage, thermal)
Structural restraints
(walls, stability elements)
Dynamic behaviour (may be
a lighter, livelier structure)
If doubt exists, talk to a
specialist PT designer (or
the PTIA)

PT design is not different

however...
Effective & efficient design does require
experience
With sound engineering knowledge and
practice this can be done successfully.
Assistance and guidelines can normally
be obtained from the specialist contractors

Design philosophy
Consider the general
concept of partially
prestressed concrete
Appropriate
proportions of
reinforcement and
prestressing steel
depends on the
application (restrained
v. unrestrained
concrete)

The D&C route for PT delivery

The usual variants here
are:
D&C by tender
invitation
D&C by alternative
design
If D&C is expected and
planned for, time
efficiencies and
innovations can occur

D&C Design Brief

A Post Tensioning Design Brief is
critical for a successful D&C
arrangement.
It should focus on the performance
requirements on the design
The extent of D&C area required
The loads and load paths
Member sizes with acceptance tolerances
Serviceability and durability requirements
Movements and Jointing strategy
Define the Design, certification & approval
process

Performance requirements
As far as possible indicate:
Architectural requirements (tolerances, finishes etc)
Site constraints and constructability issues
Pour sequence & any limitations on edge stressing access
Limitations of the supporting structure.
Any frame actions that need to be considered in floor design.
Expected areas of restraint and strategy for its management incl.
location & types of pour strips &/or temporary movement joints &/or
permanent building joints.
Roles and responsibilities in the design process
Inspections and installation signoffs
Quality and safety requirements.

Types of PT Contract
Supply and Install (S&I)
Structural design, documentation, inspection &
certification by engineer
Shop drawings, install, QA by specialist contractor
Design and Construct (D&C)
structural floor design, documentation by specialist
contractor
Install, inspection & certification by specialist contractor
Engineer remains responsible for vertical elements,
stairs, wind & earthquake design, etc.

D & C Tender Information

Post Tensioning Price
Conventional Reinforcement Quantities
Concrete Properties and Profiles
Structural Design Criteria
Detailed Scope of Work
Client Responsibilities
Contract Conditions

Design Considerations for PT Price

Pour Size
Strand Diameter
Number of Strands per Tendon
Couplers
Efficient Approval Process

Concrete Properties and Profiles

Concrete outlines and grade needs to be
provided with PT price for client to
determine total cost of solution.
Be aware of concrete testing & strength
requirements for initial & final stressing,
these are essential for performance of
concrete & safety at PT anchorages.

Structural Design Certificate

Loads
Durability Requirements
Deflection Criteria
Analysis Assumptions

Detailed Scope of Work

Design Deliverables for D&C, usually:
Concrete outlines
PT drawing (design & shop in one)
bottom reinforcement drawing
top reinforcement drawing
sections & details

Construction Services

Client / Builder Responsibilities

Site Amenities
Supply of Power and Water
Lifting of our Materials on to the Decks
Supply and Install of Conventional Reinforcement
including Studrails where applicable
Concrete Infill of Top Surface Stressing Pans
Anything else (job specific)

Contract Conditions

Reference to Standard Conditions of Contract

Reference to EBA
Variation Rates
Payment Terms
Retentions
Liquidated Damages
Insurances

Project Relationships
Developer

Architect
Structural Engineer

Head Contractor
Post Tensioning
D&C
Subcontractor

Formwork Sub-Contractor

Reinforcement Supplier

Steel Fixer

Concreter

Timely Co-ordination
Co-ordination between:
services consultants
architect
structural engineer
builders services (alimaks etc)
all by others.
Co-ordination between:
structural engineer
pt design
shared by engineer & specialist pt designer.
Timeliness & information sharing is critical.
Late information will lead to re-work & additional costs.
Failure to co-ordinate will lead to re-work & additional costs.

Acknowledgements
John Fairweather
Frank Filippone
Jamie Mackenzie
who are the authors of most of these slides.
However any errors are mine.