POST-TENSIONING INSTITUTE
Established in 1976, the Post-Tensioning Institute is recognized as the world-wide authority on post-tensioning. PTI is dedicated to expanding post-tensioning applications through marketing, education, research, teamwork, and code development while advancing the quality, safety, efficiency, profitability, and use of post-tensioning systems. Members of the Institute include major post-tensioning materials fabricators in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and manufacturers of prestressing materials in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan and Europe, and companies supplying materials, services and equipment used in post-tensioned construction. In addition, PTI has more than 500 professional engineers, architects and contractors.
PUBLICATIONS
One of PTI’s principal functions is to provide technical guidance on the design, construction, maintenance and repair/rehabilitation of post-tensioned concrete structures. PTI has published over 25 informative manuals and technical guides covering most aspects of post-tensioning. In addition, PTI publishes a Technical Journal, newsletters, Technical Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and Technical Updates which give an in-depth discussion and/or analysis of issues pertinent to designers in the post-tensioning field.
CERTIFICATION
One of the goals of the Institute is to ensure that specifiers and purchasers of post-tensioning materials receive products and services which meet a recognized standard of quality. Working toward this goal, PTI has established a certification programs both for manufacturing plants and for field personnel. Current programs include:
Plants:
Field Personnel:
- Level 1 Field Fundamentals of Unbonded PT
- Level 2 Superstructure Ironworkers
- Level 2 Inspectors
- Slab-on-Ground Installers/Stressors
- Bonded PT Installers
The Level 2 programs provide in-depth training and complement the Level 1 fundamentals course. The Bonded PT Installers and the Slab-on-Ground Installers courses are comprehensive stand-alone programs. Visit PTI Certification page for more information on these programs.
EDUCATION
PTI sponsors an annual technical conference and education seminars for design and construction professionals. In 2008, over 50 seminars and certification workshops are planned. PTI's Education Committee is also developing prototype college curriculums that can be used to teach post-tensioning technology to engineers and architects.
COMMITTEES
PTI has 12 technical committees, including: Bonded Tendon; Bridges; Building Design; Cable-Stayed Bridges; Certification; Education; Grouting; Rock & Soil Anchors; Repair, Rehabilitation and Strengthening; Slab-on-Ground; Special Topics and Unbonded Tendon. The Technical Advisory Board reviews and oversees all technical activities of the Institute. PTI committees are open to all members and are instrumental in providing guidance to practitioners and in advancing industry practices. For more information about PTI committees, click here
RESEARCH
PTI on occasion, sponsors research to improve industry practices and to advance the state-of-art. Although historically a small part of PTI’s programs, research is a growing and increasingly significant function. For example, PTI’s sponsored research on slab-on-ground foundations lead to a new design procedure that is now the standard across the country.
MARKETING
PTI is committed to increasing the use of post-tensioning in a variety of construction and repair applications. PTI’s Marketing Committee has developed a plan to increase usage in existing construction markets and to develop new markets such as post-tensioned pavements and bridge decks.
