Method to Compress Prefabricated Deck Units by Tensioning Elements at Intermediate Supports

A method for constructing one or more structural units wherein no separate longitudinal post-tensioning elements are required in the deck, comprising the steps of:

• a. constructing a plurality of prefabricated deck units, a plurality of supports for the structure, a plurality of longitudinal bad-carrying members, a plurality of anchor assemblies, wherein said assemblies are affixed to said longitudinal bad-carrying members in regions to be in proximity with intermediate instances of said supports, a plurality of mounted elements, and a plurality of tensioned structural elements,
• b. installing said longitudinal load-carrying member or members, wherein said longitudinal load-carrying members are supported by said supports,
• c. installing said tensioned structural elements into said anchor assemblies
• d. installing a plurality of said prefabricated deck units, wherein said prefabricated deck units are supported by said longitudinal load-carrying members and rest on devices that permit relative motion between said prefabricated deck units and said longitudinal load-carrying members, wherein said prefabricated deck units are non-composite with said longitudinal load-carrying members,
• e. installing a plurality of mounted elements, wherein a plurality of said prefabricated units are located in-between said mounted elements,
• f. stressing said tensioned structural elements to introduce axial compression in said prefabricated deck units, wherein said axial compression is a result of the application of longitudinal axial tension to said longitudinal load-carrying member or members,
• g. making said non-composite prefabricated deck units composite with said longitudinal load-carrying members.