Author
I A M BUDIWATI and A J BELL
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, The University of Manchester

Abstract
The paper describes experimental work carried out to investigate losses in post-tensioning bars in post-tensioned masonry columns. A number of short clay brick and concrete block post-tensioned masonry columns were constructed and subjected to cyclic loads. The 0.328m square clay brick and 0.440m square concrete block, hollow columns were 1.325m tall and were built as cantilevers. Each column was post-tensioned with a single Macalloy bar. Up to 3 million cycles of lateral load were applied at the free ends of the columns. Post-tension forces in the columns were monitored during the cyclic loading and post-tension levels in identical dummy columns built alongside the cyclically loaded columns were also monitored. The natural frequencies of the columns were also measured. Results of the tests in terms of variations of post- tension forces and natural frequencies with number of cycles of load are reported in the paper.