Grout, within prestressing tendon ducts, fulfills several crucial functions:
Corrosion Protection: Grout acts as a barrier against corrosive agents like moisture and chemicals, safeguarding the steel tendons from rust and degradation. This significantly enhances the lifespan and durability of the prestressing system.
Ultimate Capacity Enhancement: By bonding to the tendon and surrounding concrete, grout increases the tendon’s ultimate capacity. This reinforcement allows the tendon to withstand higher loads and contributes to the overall structural strength of the member.
Bond Establishment: Grout creates a bond between the structural member and the tendon, ensuring efficient load transfer. This bond is essential for the prestressing system to function as intended, effectively counteracting tensile stresses within the concrete.
Energy Absorption During Failure: In the unfortunate event of failure, grout plays a critical role in absorbing some of the released strain energy. This helps to mitigate the potential for catastrophic and explosive failures, enhancing overall safety.