Z3 Grouting of Prestressing Ducts

Experience with grouted post-tensioning tendons over half a century has proven that a cementitious grout can provide an excellent protection to the prestressing steel. Experience has also shown that the quality of the grouting is of prime importance for the durability of post-tensioning tendons for any kind of application (bonded internal tendons, external tendons, slab tendons, stressbars, ground anchors, and stay cables). Incomplete or no grouting has been the origin of a range of problems from corrosion to delayed failures of tendons or parts of tendons. Better quality of grouting materials and of onsite grouting activities are a small marginal cost to the owner compared to the consequences of poor or improper grouting.