Susceptibility of Grouted Post-Tensioned Tendon Strands to Embrittlement

There is growing concern that pre-stressing steel strands within post tensioned tendons could experience hydrogen embrittlement (HE). One proposed source of hydrogen is galvanic coupling that may exist between the galvanized steel duct and the steel strands. In this article, mechanisms of HE and models relating hydrogen content to mechanical properties will be presented. The conditions within post-tensioned tendons that may promote hydrogen absorption and its potential implications will be discussed.