Implication and Rational Application of Equivalent Load Method in Prestressed

The equivalent load method has been widely used in the design and analysis of prestressed concrete structures. The purpose of this paper is to explore several important method of obtaining equivalent loads and to clarify the advantages and limitations of each method. The methods devised in this study include the use of curvature of tendon, characteristics of primary moment, self-equilibrium conditions, and linear segments approximation of tendon. It is shown that equivalent lading system is not uniquely determined in some cases and careful engineering judgement is required from the view point of accuracy and practical convenience.