Effect of post tensioning on strengthening different types of steel frames

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of post tensioned cables on strengthening steel frames and improving their load carrying capacity, giving more resistance against the external load (dead plus live or wind load). Different types of frames are analyzed: simple frame, double bay frame and double story frame. The analysis and the results are obtained using ANSYS finite element (FE) program. Different techniques were used to apply post tensioning to steel frame. Comparisons are made between these techniques to determine which technique is better in strengthening each type of frame. The results show that using post tensioned cables increases significantly the load capacity of the steel frame.