Actual prestress force detection of tendons in prestressed beams based on static responses using genetic algorithm

Abstract The determination and monitoring of prestress force in tendons of prestressed concrete (PC) structures have become a key focus for researchers in recent years. While modern structures are equipped with sensors to track prestress losses, older structures require non-destructive testing methods to assess these forces. This paper introduces a novel approach for detecting actual prestress force in tendons of a prestressed concrete beam using static displacement data under experimental loads. The method eliminates the need for pre-installed sensors or destructive tests, offering a more cost-effective solution. An algorithm based on genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to accurately determine the prestress force of tendons. Laboratory testing demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can detect prestress losses with high accuracy, even in the presence of intentional measurement errors up to ten percent.