North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the maximum distance to cut back the sheathing from a post-tension strand for the anchor?

1. By placing additional bars

2. 80 inches

3. 15 inches

4. 6 percent of ultimate strength

The correct answer is: By placing additional bars

In the context of post-tensioning in construction, the distance to cut back the sheathing from a post-tension strand is essential for ensuring the proper anchorage of the strands. The correct approach involves understanding the engineering principles behind post-tensioned systems. When considering the appropriate distance to cut back sheathing for an anchor, the guidelines provided by standards and codes typically emphasize that reinforcing elements such as additional steel bars can be used to enhance the strength and stability of the anchorage. This means that rather than specifying a distance in inches or as a percentage of material strength, the emphasis on placing additional bars plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity. Understanding this, the choice referring to placing additional bars highlights a practical construction technique intended to ensure that the anchors can withstand the forces applied during service, thus promoting structural safety and performance. This approach is crucial, particularly in complex or high-load environments where the bonding of concrete and the performance of post-tensioning systems are paramount.