Strand Groups
Strand grouping allows Precast/Prestressed Girder to simulate the shielding (debonding) and detensioning (strand cutting sequence) of strand patterns. Basically, it is a table showing the actual strand paths within the beam divided into groups of, at most, two strands arranged in the order of their detensioning (i.e., the recommended order they should be cut at the precast yard).
A strand group consists of a maximum of two strands that are identical in all respects. This means that initial pull, end and depress point heights, and midspan shielding length, if any, are identical. Precast/Prestressed Girder generates these groups as follows:
- Two bottom straight strands are set aside as group number 1.
- The two highest draped strands are placed in group number 2.
- The previous step is now repeated with all the draped strands, starting from the top and going down.
- When this is completed, the process is continued with the straight strands going from top to bottom again.
The user can change the detensioning sequence of the prestressing strands in a beam. In order to change the detensioning sequence, user should have the strand design completed (either automatically performed by the program or defined manually) and activate the Debonding Pattern screen. Select a strand group and change the group number to the desired value in the Group text box.