Q1. What is Pre-Stress?

Prestress is a method used in concrete construction to improve the material’s performance under load.
The concept involves applying a compressive force to the concrete, counteracting the tensile stresses
that occur when the structure is subjected to external loads. This is achieved by tensioning high-strength
steel tendons (either before or after the concrete is cast) and anchoring them to the concrete. This
method significantly enhances the material’s ability to withstand bending, reduces the likelihood of
cracking, and allows for longer spans and thinner sections compared to conventional reinforced
concrete.

Q2. Define the Following: Pre-tensioning and Post-Tensioning

Pre-tensioning:

Description :In Pre-tensioning, the steel tendons(which are of high-strength steel cables, wires, or
strands used in prestressed concrete to apply compressive forces to the concrete) are stretched and
anchored to a frame before the concrete is poured. Once the concrete has hardened and gained
sufficient strength, the tendons are cut loose from the frame. This release transfers the tensile force in
the tendons to the concrete through bond stress, creating a compressive force in the concrete member.

Applications: Pretensioning is typically used in the production of precast concrete elements such as
beams, slabs, piles, and railway sleepers.

Post-Tensioning:

Description: In post-tensioning, the steel tendons are placed in ducts or sleeves within the concrete
before it is cast. Once the concrete has cured, hydraulic jacks are used to tension the tendons. The
tendons are then anchored to the concrete, inducing compressive stress. The ducts are often grouted
after tensioning to protect the tendons from corrosion and to bond them to the concrete.

Applications: Post-tensioning is commonly used in cast-in-place applications such as bridges, large-span

Q3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Pre-stressed Concrete

Advantages:

1. Higher Load Capacity: The compressive forces induced by prestressing counteract tensile stresses
from external loads, allowing prestressed concrete to handle greater loads and span longer distances
without additional supports.

2. Reduced Cracking: Prestressing prevents the formation of tensile cracks in the concrete by
maintaining compressive stress throughout the member, improving durability and aesthetics.
3. Longer Span Lengths: Structures can achieve longer spans without intermediate supports, leading to
more open spaces and architectural flexibility.

4. Efficient Material Use: Prestressing allows for thinner and lighter structural members, reducing
material usage and overall weight of the structure.

5. Durability: Reduced cracking and better distribution of stresses enhance the durability and lifespan of
prestressed concrete structures.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: The initial costs are higher due to the need for high-strength steel tendons, specialized
equipment, and skilled labor for the prestressing process.

2. Complexity: Design, fabrication, and construction require careful planning and precision, making the
process more complex compared to conventional reinforced concrete.

3. Time-Consuming: The processes of tensioning and anchoring the tendons can be time-consuming,
particularly in post-tensioning.

4. Maintenance: Tendons and anchorage systems must be protected against corrosion and inspected
regularly, adding to maintenance requirements.

Q4. What are the Losses in Prestressed Concrete?

Elastic Shortening:

- Occurs immediately when the Prestress is applied. The concrete compresses under the Prestress,
leading to a reduction in the effective force in the tendons.

Creep:

- A long-term deformation under sustained load. Over time, concrete under compression will
slowly deform, leading to a gradual reduction in the prestress force.

Shrinkage:

- As concrete loses moisture over time, it undergoes shrinkage. This volume reduction can lead to
a loss of prestress.

Relaxation of Steel:
 - Over time, the prestressed steel tendons tend to lose a small portion of their stress, even under
a constant strain, leading to a reduction in the effective prestress force.

Friction Losses:

- In post-tensioned systems, friction between the tendons and the ducts during the tensioning
process causes a reduction in the force transmitted to the concrete.

Anchorage Slip:

- Losses occur when tendons slip at the anchorage points during the tensioning process, leading
to a reduction in the effective prestress force.

Q5. Examples of Prestressed Concrete Elements

1. Bridges: Prestressed concrete is extensively used in bridge construction. The method allows for longer
spans and reduced girder depths, making bridges more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

- Examples: Highway overpasses, railway bridges, and pedestrian bridges.

2. Beams and Girders: Used in building construction to support floors and roofs. The prestressed beams
can span longer distances with less depth compared to non-prestressed beams.

- Examples: Beams in high-rise buildings, parking structures, and industrial buildings.

3. Slabs: Prestressed slabs are used for floors and roofs to provide large, column-free spaces.

- Examples: Floor slabs in office buildings, shopping malls, and multi-story car parks.

4. Piles: Prestressed concrete piles are used in deep foundations to support heavy loads from structures.

- Examples: Foundations for bridges, high-rise buildings, and marine structures.

5. Tanks: Prestressed concrete is used in the construction of large water tanks and reservoirs to resist the
internal pressure from stored water.

- Examples: Water storage tanks, oil tanks, and sewage treatment tanks.
6. Railway Sleepers: Prestressed concrete sleepers provide a durable and stable base for railway tracks.

- Examples: Used in railroads worldwide for better track stability and longevity.

7. Pavements: Prestressed concrete pavements are used in highways and airports for their ability to
resist heavy loads and minimize maintenance.

- Examples: Airport runways, highway pavements, and industrial floors.