The paper presents a method of analysing the impact of basic variables on parameters characterizing the state of prestressed structures in transient and persistent design situation based on computer simulations ... więcej

The paper presents a method of analysing the impact of basic variables on parameters characterizing the state of prestressed structures in transient and persistent design situation based on computer simulations and DOE (Design Of Experiments) data collection technique. The approach enables us to identify the key variables and to finde the limits of compromise area in which the state of structures are considered to be acceptably safe. Desing basis, procedures and results of the DOE technique use were presented on the example of a post-tensioned beam designed in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 2. The study comprised the "what-if" analysis of the variation of total load, the losses of prestressing force in individual cables and the design depth of the beam section considering their influence on the ultimate load-bearing capacity and maximum deflection of the beam. The results obtained in the form of sensitivity and trade-off charts allow for the determination of the order and range of influence of the variables in the analysis, and the areas of unfavourable interactions of the studied variables on parameters characterizing safety of the structure.