Abstract
The present study is to examine the ACI code equations for computing the unbonded tendon stress at flexural failure of prestressed beams. The equations examined for their validity are Eq. 18-4 and Eq. 18-5 of the ACI 318-95. Since the possibility of overestimation was expected with the equations, a numerical study, first, was carried out with influential variables included. From this study, it was found that amount of reinforcements, effective prestress, location of tendons, and loading type may affect the overestimation of the unbonded tendon stress. Then, an experimental study was carried out with those variables. A total of 8 specimens was tested to prove the theoretical findings as well as the effect of those variables. As a result. it was proven that the ACI Code equations can overestimate significantly the unbonded tendon stress for certain cases.