ABSTRACT
In the design of prestressed columns the effect of initial imperfections has been predominantly neglected in the past. The design of tubular columns prestressed by wire ropes is treated now on the basis of the European column buckling formulae which consider the initial imperfections. Columns of one and three intermediate supports are designed. The necessary prestressing is calculated considering the effect of temperature change and creep of cables. The optimal angle between the core tube and cables is sought in the case of one support to minimize the material cost of the core tube, cables and supporting bars.
