The book combines history with academic notes for use at the university level, presenting design examples from actual jobs with applications and detailing for the practicing engineer. Chapter 1 tells the history of post-tensioned concrete as only Ken Bondy can tell it. Chapters 2-8 are the notes Dirk Bondy uses to teach Design of Prestressed Concrete Structures at UCLA and Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Chapters 9-13 are design examples that address many of the decisions faced by practicing engineers on typical projects. Chapters 13-14 cover the art of detailing and observing the construction of post-tensioned concrete. This knowledge was obtained over many years of working on our own projects and listening and learning from the the pioneers of post-tensioned concrete. Chapter 15 covers the slab on grade industry, which represents more sales of post-tensioning tendons than all other post-tensioning applications combined. Chapter 16 discusses the challenging application of post-tensioning-external post-tensioning.

The quality and testing of materials used in construction are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standard specifications. Welding of reinforcement is covered by reference to the appropriate AWS standard. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in general building codes, and earlier editions have been widely used in this manner. The Code is written in a format that allows such reference without change to its language. Therefore, background details or suggestions for carrying out the requirements or intent of the Code portion cannot be included. The Commentary is provided for this purpose. Some of the considerations of the committee in developing the Code portion are discussed within the Commentary, with emphasis given to the explanation of new or revised provisions. Much of the research data referenced in preparing the Code is cited for the user desiring to study individual questions in greater detail. Other documents that provide suggestions for carrying out the requirements of the Code are also cited.