The application of prestressing to large and complex concrete structures such as long-span bridges, nuclear containments, and offshore platforms has enormously enlarged our experience in practical construction. Major projects, although completed successfully, have frequently encountered problems in the application of the prestressing. Many of these problems repeat themselves in projects of different types, locations, and systems. It is believed that a frank and open discussion of these projects will benefit both the designer and constructor. The specific problems described in this paper were all corrected during construction, the projects have been successfully completed, and inservice performance has been extremely satisfactory. The repair methods utilized included epoxy injection, stitch bolting, supplemental post-tensioning and reconstruction of the damaged area. On future projects, appropriate specifications, design details and construction quality control can prevent their recurrence. Behind the immediate causes lie more fundamental causes, inherent in our present contracting procedures, which deserve reconsideration.
