Unbonded post-tensioning offers opportunities for efficient, durable bridge design but presents challenges in understanding structural behavior and design application. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern that explored the analytical and experimental evaluation of post-tensioned concrete bridge elements, including both flexural and shear behavior, and provided design recommendations for the use of unbonded tendons. Presenters discussed how these findings can be applied in practice to enhance the safety, reliability, and performance of bridge structures.
This webinar was based on NCHRP Research Report 1139: Considerations for the Design and Construction of Bonded and Unbonded Post-Tensioned Concrete Bridge Elements.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program.
The slides are available. Please visit the webinar details page to access the recording.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Shear behavior and design – Robert J. Frosch, Purdue University
• Flexural behavior and design – Pinar Okumus, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
• AASHTO specifications for unbonded post-tensioning – Thomas Murphy, Modjeski and Masters
• Question and answer session moderated by Richard Brice, Washington State Department of Transportation

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Understand the behavior of structures incorporating unbonded tendons
• Determine the flexure and shear strength of structures incorporating unbonded tendons
• Implement the findings of research on members with unbonded strands into practice

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.