Post-tensioned masonry the positive effects of stress

The results of experimental studies that were conducted at the University of Minnesota to investigate the strength and ability of new structural masonry system are presented. All walls in the series of experiments underwent large displacements before losing their load carrying capacity. Walls with larger magnitudes of prestress performed better than those with smaller amounts, and exhibited larger load capacities as well as less sensitivity. The results showed enhanced flexural behavior, meaning that a higher wall capacity can be achieved with a post-tensioned wall systems. Post-tensioning masonry walls also proved to increase the load associated with first cracking. The results also demonstrated a large margin of warning after cracking of the walls, and a self-righting behavior when loads were removed.