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<p><em>The Galerie des Machines of 1889 is present in most books on the history of architecture. There are, however, certain aspects of this building that merit a more in-depth study. Other elements have been incorrectly described in current and contemporary publications about the building. The aim of this article is to examine the place this building occupies in the historical development of metal arch structures, its precedents and the influence it has exerted on later buildings of a similar structure. On the other hand, there have also been contradictions concerning the materials used in the erection of the structure and the reasons behind using them, as well as the exact span achieved. This article will unequivocally resolve these issues.</em></p>

This study describes a self-tensioning system in which the gravitational loads acting on a horizontal structural element are automatically converted to a posttensioning force on that component. The self-tensioning effect has a variable intensity, constantly adjusted depending on the applied service loads. The selftensioning is eccentrically applied over the cross-section, and it generates a negative moment that compensates the deformations due to the gravitational loads. The system can be utilized in beams, slabs and structural framings of different materials and can be implemented using different mechanical and hydraulic solutions. The study describes the operation of a mechanical solution for the self-tensioning system and analyzes its behavior in large-span timber floor framings. When combined with conventional pre-tensioning, the selftensioning system notably improves the strength and deformation behavior and permits a design of timber floor framings with a total height of 0.03 times the span length, achieving relative deflections below 1/1000 of the span for the service loads of the structure. Headings Post-tensioning, self-tensioning, prestressing, pre-tensioning, tensioning systems, long-span, timber flooring, wooden structures.

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