In certain areas, shielding of top strands at midspan is permitted. This helps reduce release stress while minimizing strength-reducing or adverse stress effects in the midspan area. Precast/Prestressed Girder can simulate the midspan shielding effect at all strand levels, even though only top strands are usually shielded in this manner.

To define midspan shielding, click the Debond button on the Strand Pattern and input the desired value for the group under the Midspan (mid) Shielding column. If midspan shielding is equal to 5 ft for a group, Precast/Prestressed Girder assumes the following: