PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURE

SUBJECT CODE:
 Introduction of the Presenter

Jean Sauveur UWINTWARI

Certified Engineers (Institution of Engineers Rwanda)
Masters of Technology in Civil Engineering with
specialization in Structural Engineering ,Sharda University,
Delhi, India.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, National University

of Rwanda

Assistant Lecturer in School of Science and Technology

Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
University of Rwanda.
[email protected]
0788556976/0728556976
 SYLLABUS
UNIT I
INTRODUCTION – THEORY AND BEHAVIOUR
Basic concepts – Advantages – Materials required
– Systems and methods of prestressing –
Analysis of sections – Stress concept – Strength
concept – Load balancing concept – Effect of
loading on the tensile stresses in tendons – Effect
of tendon profile on deflections – Factors
influencing deflections – Calculation of deflections
– Short term and long term deflections - Losses of
prestress – Estimation of crack width.
UNIT II
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Flexural strength – Simplified procedures as per
codes – strain compatibility method – Basic
concepts in selection of cross section for bending
– stress distribution in end block, Design of
anchorage zone reinforcement – Limit state
design criteria – Partial prestressing –
Applications.
UNIT III
CIRCULAR PRESTRESSING
Design of prestressed concrete tanks – Pipes.
UNIT IV
COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION
Analysis for stresses – Estimate for deflections
Flexural and shear strength of composite
members
UNIT V
PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES
General aspects – pretensioned prestressed
bridge decks – Post tensioned prestressed
bridge decks – Principles of design only.
TEXT BOOKS:
1. Krishna Raju N., Prestressed concrete, Tata
McGraw Hill Company, New Delhi 1998.
2. Mallic S.K. and Gupta A.P., Prestressed concrete,
Oxford and IBH publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.1997.
3. Rajagopalan, N, “Prestressed Concrete”, Alpha
Science, 2002.
REFERENCES:
1.Ramaswamy G.S., Modern prestressed
concrete design, Arnold Heinimen, New Delhi,
1990
2.Lin T.Y. Design of prestressed concrete
structures, Asia Publishing House, Bombay,
1995.
3.David A.Sheppard, William R. and Philips,
Plant Cast precast and prestressed concrete –
A design guide, McGraw Hill, New Delhi 1992.
INTRODUCTION – THEORY AND
BEHAVIOUR

UNIT I
• Basic concepts
• Advantages
• Materials required
• Systems and methods of prestressing
• Analysis of sections
• Stress concept
• Strength concept
• Load balancing concept
• Effect of loading on the tensile stresses in tendons
• Effect of tendon profile on deflections
• Factors influencing deflections
• Calculation of deflections
• Short term and
• long term deflections
 Basic Concept
• A prestressed concrete structure is different from a
conventional reinforced concrete structure due to the
application of an initial load on the structure prior to
its use.

• The initial load or ‘prestress’ is applied to enable the

structure to counteract the stresses arising during
its service period.
• Prestressing, itself means, an intentional
application of a pre-determined force on a
system, for resisting the internal stresses that
may be developed in the system, due to external
loads.
Development of prestressed Concrete

The basic principle of prestressing was applied

to construction perhaps centuries ago, when
ropes or metal bands were wound around
wooden staves to form barrels.
 Compressive
prestress

Wooden
Wooden stave as a free body
Staves
Tensile
prestress
Metal Radial
bands Pressure
A wooden Barrel Half of metal band as a free body

Principle of prestressing applied to barrel construction

• When the bands were tightened, they were
under tensile prestress which in turn
created compressive prestress between
the staves and thus enabled them to resist
hoop tension produced by internal liquid
pressure.
• In other words, the bands and the staves
were both prestressed before they were
subjected to any service loads.
 Brief History

Before the development of

prestressed concrete, two significant
developments of reinforced concrete
are the invention of Portland cement
and introduction of steel in concrete.
1824 Aspdin, J., (England)
Obtained a patent for the manufacture of
Portland cement.

1857 Monier, J., (France)

Introduced steel wires in concrete to
make flower pots, pipes, arches and
slabs.
The following events were significant in
the development of prestressed
concrete.
1886 Jackson, P. H., (USA)
Introduced the concept of tightening
steel tie rods in artificial stone and
concrete arches.

Steel tie rods in arches

1888 Doehring, C. E. W., (Germany)
Manufactured concrete slabs and small
beams with embedded tensioned steel.

1908 Stainer, C. R., (USA)

Recognised losses due to shrinkage
and creep, and suggested retightening the
rods to recover lost prestress.
1923 Emperger, F., (Austria)
Developed a method of winding and pre-
tensioning high tensile steel wires around
concrete pipes.
1924 Hewett, W. H., (USA)
Introduced hoop-stressed horizontal
reinforcement around walls of concrete tanks
through the use of turnbuckles.
Thousands of liquid storage tanks and
concrete pipes were built in the two decades
to follow.
1925 Dill, R. H., (USA)
Used high strength unbonded steel rods.
The rods were tensioned and anchored after
hardening of the concrete.

1926 Eugene Freyssinet (France)

Used high tensile steel wires, with ultimate
strength as high as 1725 MPa and yield
stress over 1240 MPa.
In 1939, he developed conical wedges
for end anchorages for post-tensioning
and developed double-acting jacks. He
is often referred to as the Father of
Prestressed concrete.
1938 Hoyer, E., (Germany)
Developed ‘long line’ pre-tensioning
method.

1940 Magnel, G., (Belgium)

Developed an anchoring system for post-
tensioning, using flat wedges.
• Prestressed concrete was started to be
used in building frames, parking
structures, stadiums, railway sleepers,
transmission line poles and other types of
structures and elements.
• In India, the applications of prestressed
concrete diversified over the years. The first
prestressed concrete bridge was built in
1948 under the Assam Rail Link Project.
• Among bridges, the Pamban Road Bridge
at Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu, remains a
classic example of the use of prestressed
concrete girders.
Pamban Road Bridge at Rameshwaram, Tamilnadu
 Definitions

Wires
Prestressing wire is a single unit made of steel.
Strands
Two, three or seven wires are wound to form a
prestressing strand.
Tendon
A group of strands or wires are wound to form
a prestressing tendon.
Cable
A group of tendons form a prestressing
cable.
Bars
A tendon can be made up of a single steel
bar. The diameter of a bar is much larger
than that of a wire.
Nature of Concrete-Steel Interface
Bonded tendon
• When there is adequate bond between the
prestressing tendon and concrete, it is
called a bonded tendon.
• Pre-tensioned and grouted post-tensioned
tendons are bonded tendons.
Unbonded tendon
• When there is no bond between the
prestressing tendon and concrete, it
is called unbonded tendon.
• When grout is not applied after post-
tensioning, the tendon is an
unbonded tendon.
Stages of Loading
The analysis of prestressed members
can be different for the different stages of
loading. The stages of loading are as
follows.
1) Initial : It can be subdivided into two
stages.
a) During tensioning of steel
b) At transfer of prestress to concrete.
2) Intermediate : This includes the
loads during transportation of the
prestressed members.
3) Final : It can be subdivided into two
stages.
a) At service, during operation.
b)At ultimate, during extreme
events.
 Advantages of Prestressing

• The prestressing of concrete has several

advantages as compared to traditional
reinforced concrete (RC) without prestressing.

• A fully prestressed concrete member is usually

subjected to compression during service life.

• This rectifies several deficiencies of concrete.

1) Section remains uncracked under
service loads
• Reduction of steel corrosion
• Increase in durability.
• Full section is utilised
• Higher moment of inertia (higher
stiffness)
• Less deformations (improved
serviceability).
• Increase in shear capacity.
• Suitable for use in pressure vessels,
liquid retaining structures.
• Improved performance (resilience)
under dynamic and fatigue loading.
2) High span-to-depth ratios
• Larger spans possible with prestressing
(bridges, buildings with large column-free
spaces)
• Typical values of span-to-depth ratios in
slabs are given below.
• Non-prestressed slab 28:1
• Prestressed slab 45:1
• For the same span, less depth compared
to RC member.
• Reduction in self weight
• More aesthetic appeal due to slender
sections
• More economical sections.
3) Suitable for precast construction. The
advantages of precast construction are
as follows.
• Rapid construction
• Better quality control
• Reduced maintenance
• Suitable for repetitive construction
• Multiple use of formwork
– ⇒ Reduction of formwork
• Availability of standard shapes.
• The following figure shows the common types of
precast sections.

Typical precast members

 Limitations of Prestressing
• Although prestressing has advantages, some
aspects need to be carefully addressed.
• Prestressing needs skilled technology.
• Hence, it is not as common as reinforced
concrete.
• The use of high strength materials is costly.
• There is additional cost in auxiliary equipments.
• There is need for quality control and inspection.
 Types of Prestressing

Source of prestressing force

• This classification is based on the method by
which the prestressing force is generated.
• There are four sources of prestressing force:
• Mechanical
• Hydraulic
• Electrical and
• Chemical.
Hydraulic Prestressing
• This is the simplest type of prestressing,
producing large prestressing forces.
• The hydraulic jack used for the tensioning of
tendons, comprises of calibrated pressure
gauges which directly indicate the magnitude
of force developed during the tensioning.
Mechanical Prestressing
• In this type of prestressing, the devices
includes weights with or without lever
transmission, geared transmission in
conjunction with pulley blocks, screw jacks
with or without gear drives and wire-
winding machines.
• This type of prestressing is adopted for
mass scale production.
Electrical Prestressing
• In this type of prestressing, the steel wires
are electrically heated and anchored before
placing concrete in the moulds. This type of
prestressing is also known as thermo-
electric prestressing.
Chemical Prestressing
• In the chemical method, expanding
cements are used and the degree of
expansion is controlled by varying the
curing conditions.
• Since the expansive action of cement
while setting is restrained, it induces
tensile forces in tendons and compressive
stresses in concrete.
External or internal prestressing
• This classification is based on the location
of the prestressing tendon with respect to
the concrete section.
Pre-tensioning or Post-tensioning
• This is the most important classification and
is based on the sequence of casting the
concrete and applying tension to the
tendons.
Pre - tensioning
• A method of prestressing concrete in
which the tendons are tensioned before
the concrete is placed.
• In this method, the prestress is imparted
to concrete by bond between steel and
concrete.
Post – tensioning
• A method of prestressing concrete by
tensioning the tendons against hardened
concrete.
• In this method, the prestress is imparted to
concrete by bearing.
Linear or circular prestressing
• This classification is based on the shape of the
member prestressed.
Full, limited or partial prestressing
• Based on the amount of prestressing force,
three types of prestressing are defined.
Uniaxial, biaxial or multi-axial prestressing
• As the names suggest, the classification is
based on the directions of prestressing a
member.
External or Internal Prestressing
External Prestressing
• When the prestressing is achieved by
elements located outside the concrete, it is
called external prestressing.
• The tendons can lie outside the member (for
example in I-girders or walls) or inside the
hollow space of a box girder.
• This technique is adopted in bridges and
strengthening of buildings.
In the following figure, the box girder of a
bridge is prestressed with tendons that lie
outside the concrete.

External prestressing of a box girder

Internal Prestressing
• When the prestressing is achieved by
elements located inside the concrete
member (commonly, by embedded
tendons), it is called internal prestressing.
• Most of the applications of prestressing
are internal prestressing.
• In the following figure, concrete will be
cast around the ducts for placing the
tendons.
Internal prestressing of a box girder
Pre-tensioning or Post-tensioning
Pre-tensioning
• The tension is applied to the tendons before
casting of the concrete.
• The pre-compression is transmitted from
steel to concrete through bond over the
transmission length near the ends.
• The following figure shows manufactured
pre-tensioned electric poles.
Pre-tensioned electric poles
Post-tensioning
• The tension is applied to the tendons
(located in a duct) after hardening of the
concrete.
• The pre-compression is transmitted from
steel to concrete by the anchorage device
(at the end blocks).
• The following figure shows a post-tensioned
box girder of a bridge.
Post-tensioning of a box girder
Linear or Circular Prestressing
Linear Prestressing
• When the prestressed members are straight or
flat, in the direction of prestressing, the
prestressing is called linear prestressing.
• For example, prestressing of beams, piles, poles
and slabs.
• The profile of the prestressing tendon may be
curved.
• The following figure shows linearly prestressed
railway sleepers.
Linearly prestressed railway sleepers
Circular Prestressing
• When the prestressed members are
curved, in the direction of prestressing, the
prestressing is called circular prestressing.
• For example, circumferential prestressing of
tanks, silos, pipes and similar structures.
• The following figure shows the containment
structure for a nuclear reactor which is
circularly prestressed.
Circularly prestressed containment structure,
Kaiga Atomic Power Station, Karnataka
Full, Limited or Partial Prestressing
Full Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that
no tensile stress is allowed in concrete
under service loads, it is called Full
Prestressing (Type 1, as per IS:1343 -
1980).
Limited Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that
the tensile stress under service loads is
within the cracking stress of concrete, it is
called Limited Prestressing (Type 2).
Partial Prestressing
• When the level of prestressing is such that
under tensile stresses due to service loads,
the crack width is within the allowable limit,
it is called Partial Prestressing (Type 3).
Uniaxial, Biaxial or Multiaxial Prestressing
Uniaxial Prestressing
• When the prestressing tendons are parallel
to one axis, it is called Uniaxial
Prestressing.
• For example, longitudinal prestressing of
beams.
Biaxial Prestressing
• When there are prestressing tendons parallel
to two axes, it is called Biaxial Prestressing.
• The following figure shows the biaxial
prestressing of slabs.
Multiaxial Prestressing
• When the prestressing tendons are parallel to
more than two axes, it is called Multiaxial
Prestressing.
• For example, prestressing of domes.
Biaxial prestressing of a slab
 Other Terminologies

Anchorage
• A device generally used to enable the
tendon to impart and maintain prestress in
the concrete.
• The commonly used anchorages are the
Freyssinet, Magnel Blaton, Gifford-Udall,
Leonhardt-Baur, LeeMcCall, Dywidag,
Roebling and B.B.R.V. systems.
Concordant Prestressing
• Prestressing of members in which the
cables follow a concordant profile.
• In the case of statically indeterminate
structures, concordant prestressing does
not cause any change in the support
reactions.
Non-distortional prestressing
• In this type, the combined effect of the
degree of prestress and the dead-weight
stresses is such that the deflection of
the axis of the member is prevented.
• In such cases, the moments due to
prestress and dead-weight exactly
balance resulting only in an axial force
in the member.
Eccentric Prestressing
• A section at which the tendons are
eccentric to the centroid, resulting in a
triangular or trapezoidal compressive
stress distribution.
Transfer
• The stage corresponding to the transfer of
prestress to concrete.
• For pretensioned members, transfer takes
place at the release of prestress from the
bulk-heads.
• For post-tensioned members, it takes place
after the completion of the tensioning
process.
Supplementary or untensioned reinforcement
• Reinforcement in prestressed members not
tensioned with respect to the surrounding
concrete before the application of loads.
• These are generally used in partially prestressed
members.

Transmission Length
• The length of the bond anchorage of the
prestressing wire from the end of a pre-tensioned
member to the point of full steel stress.
Cracking load
• The load on the structural element
corresponding to the first visible crack.
Creep in concrete
• Progressive increase in the inelastic
deformation of concrete under sustained
stress component.
Shrinkage of concrete
• Contraction of concrete on drying.
Relaxation in steel
• Decrease of stress in steel at constant
strain
Proof stress
• The tensile stress in steel which produces a
residual strain of 0.2 percent of the original
gauge length on unloading.
Creep coefficient
• The ratio of the total creep strain to elastic
strain in concrete.
Cap cable
• A short curved tendon arranged at the
interior supports of a continuous beam.
• The anchors are in the compression zone,
while the curved portion is in the tensile
zone.
Degree of prestressing
• A measure of the magnitude of the
prestressing force related to the resultant
stress ocurring in the structural member at
working load.

Debonding
• Prevention of bond between the steel wire
and the surrounding concrete.
 Materials Required
High Strength Concrete
• Prestressed concrete requires concrete
which has a high compressive strength at a
reasonably early age, with comparatively
higher tensile strength than ordinary
concrete.
• Low shrinkage, minimum creep
characteristics and a high value of Young’s
modulus are generally deemed necessary
for concrete used for prestressed
members.
• Many desirable properties, such as
durability, impermeability and abrasion
resistance are highly influenced by the
strength of concrete.
• The minimum 28-day cube compressive
strength prescribed in the IS: 1343-1980 is
40N/mm2 for pre-tensioned members and
30N/mm2 for post-tensioned members.
• According to IS:1343-1980,
• The compressive stress varies linearly
from 0.54 to 0.37 fci for post tensioned
work and from 0.51 to 0.44 fci for pre-
tensioned work depending on the
strength of concrete. (fci Compressive
strength of concrete at initial transfer of
prestress )
• At transfer, there is no tensile stress
• At service load, the compressive stress varies
linearly from 0.41 to 0.35 fck depending upon the
strength of concrete.(fck-Characteristic cube
strength of concrete)
• At service load, the tensile stresses are
• Type 1 members: none
• Type2 members: tensile stresses not to exceed
3N/mm2
• Type 3 members: hypothetical tensile stresses
vary from 3.2N/mm2 for M30 to a maximum of
7.3N/mm2 for M50 grade concrete depending
upon the limiting crack-width.
Shrinkage of concrete
• The shrinkage of concrete in pre-stressed
members is due to the gradual loss of moisture
which results in changes in volume.
• The drying shrinkage depends on:
 the aggregate type and quantity,
 relative humidity,
 water/cement ratio in the mix and
 the time of exposure.
• The values of total residual shrinkage strain
recommended in the IS code for the
purpose of design are 3.0 X 10-4 for pre-
tensioned members and (2.0 X 10-4)/log(t+2)
for post-tensioned members, where t is the
age in days of the concrete at transfer.
Creep of concrete
• The loss of prestress due to creep of
concrete can be estimated by the creep
coefficient method, as recommended in the
IS code IS:1343-1980.
• The values of creep coefficient, which is
the ratio of the ultimate creep strain to the
elastic strain, is 2.2 at 7 days of loading,
1.6 at 28 days and 1.1 when the age at
loading is 1 year.
Deformation characteristics of concrete
• The deformation characteristics of concrete
under short-term and sustained loads is
necessary for determining the flexural
strength of beams and for evaluating the
modulus of elasticity of concrete, which is
required for the computation of deflections of
prestressed members.
High tensile steel
• For prestressed concrete members, the
high tensile steel used generally consists of
wires, bars or strands.
• The higher tensile strength is generally
achieved by marginally increasing the
carbon content in steel in comparison with
mild steel
Permissible stresses in steel
• At the time of initial tensioning, the initial
stress not to exceed 80% of the characteristic
tensile strength of tendons.
• Immediately after prestress transfer, no stress
in steel.
• Final stress after allowing for all losses of
prestress should not be less the 45% of the
characteristic tensile strength of tendons.
Stress Corrosion
• The phenomenon of stress corrosion in steel is
particularly dangerous, as it results from the
combined action of corrosion and static tensile
stress, which may be either residual or
externally applied.
• If the ducts of post-tensioned members are not
grouted, there is a possibility of stress corrosion
leading to a catastrophic of the structure.
• Other common types of corrosion frequently
encountered in prestressed concrete
constructions are pitting corrosion and
chloride corrosion.
• Some of the important protective measures
against stress corrosion include protection
from chemical contamination, protective
coatings for high-tensile steel and grouting of
ducts immediately after prestressing
operations.
Hydrogen Embrittlement
• Atomic hydrogen is liberated as a result of
the action of acids on high tensile steels.
• This penetrates into the steel surface,
making it brittle and fracture prone on being
subjected to tensile stress.
• Even small amounts of hydrogen can cause
considerable damage to the tensile strength
of high-tensile steel wires.
• In order to prevent hydrogen embrittlement, it is
essential that the steel is properly protected from
the action of acids.
• Protective coverings like bituminous crepe-paper
covering during transport, reduces the chances
of contamination.
• The wires should be protected from rain water
and excessive humidity by storing them in dry
conditions.
Durability, Fire Resistance and Cover
Requirements for PSC members
• The IS code IS1343-1980 provides for a
minimum clear cover of 20mm for protected pre-
tensioned members, while it is 30mm or the size
of the cable(whichever is bigger) in the case of
protected post-tensioned members.
• If the prestressed members are exposed to an
aggressive environment, these cover
requirements are increased by 10mm.
• The IS 1343-1980 also prescribes minimum cement
content and maximum water cement ratio in concrete to
ensure durability under specified conditions of exposure.
• Fire resistance of structural concrete elements is
influenced by the following parameters:
• Size and shape of the element
• Detailing, type and quality of reinforcement or
prestressing tendons
• The level of load supported and pattern of loading
• Type of concrete and aggregate
• Conditions at end bearing
• Protective cover to reinforcement
Protection of prestressing steel, sheathing
and anchorages
• To prevent deterioration due to corrosion,
unbonded tendons should be coated by non-
reactive materials like epoxy or zinc or zinc
aluminium.
• Non-corroding sheathing material like high
density polyethylene(HDPE) is beneficial.
• The space between sheathing and duct can
be filled with corrosion inhibiting materials
like grease, wax or petroleum jelly.
• External parts of anchorages and projecting
cables should be covered by suitable casing.
• The prestressing steel stored at site should
also be protected by proper packaging films
to guard against corrosion.
 Prestressing Systems

• The various methods by which pre-

compression is imparted to concrete are
classified as follows:
• Generation of compressive force
between the structural element and its
abutments using flat jacks.
• Development of hoop compression in
cylindrically shaped structures by
circumferential wire winding.
• Use of longitudinally tensioned steel embedded
in concrete or housed in ducts.
• Use of the principle of distortion of a statically
indeterminate structure either by displacement or
by rotation of one part relative to the remainder.
• Use of deflected structural steel sections
embedded in concrete until the hardening of the
latter.
• Development of limited tension in steel and
compression in concrete by using expanding
cements.
 Post-tensioning Systems

• Introduction
• Stages of Post-tensioning
• Advantages of Post-tensioning
• Disadvantages of Post-tensioning
• Devices
• Manufacturing of a Post-tensioned Bridge
Girder
Stages of Post-tensioning
• In post-tensioning systems, the ducts for
the tendons (or strands) are placed along
with the reinforcement before the casting of
concrete.
• The tendons are placed in the ducts after
the casting of concrete.
• The duct prevents contact between
concrete and the tendons during the
tensioning operation.
• Unlike pre-tensioning, the tendons are
pulled with the reaction acting against the
hardened concrete.
• If the ducts are filled with grout, then it is
known as bonded post-tensioning.
• The grout is a neat cement paste or a
sand-cement mortar containing suitable
admixture.
• In unbounded post-tensioning, as the name
suggests, the ducts are never grouted and
the tendon is held in tension solely by the
end anchorages.
• The following sketch shows a schematic
representation of a grouted post-tensioned
member.
• The profile of the duct depends on the
support conditions.
• For a simply supported member, the duct
has a sagging profile between the ends.
• For a continuous member, the duct sags in
the span and hogs over the support.
Post-tensioning
• Among the following figures, the first
photograph shows the placement of ducts
in a box girder of a simply supported
bridge.
• The second photograph shows the end of
the box girder after the post-tensioning of
some tendons.
Post-tensioning ducts in a box girder
Post-tensioning of a box girder
The various stages of the post-tensioning
operation are summarised as follows.
1) Casting of concrete.
2) Placement of the tendons.
3) Placement of the anchorage block
and jack.
4) Applying tension to the tendons.
5) Seating of the wedges.
6) Cutting of the tendons.
• The stages are shown schematically in the
following figures.
• After anchoring a tendon at one end, the
tension is applied at the other end by a jack.
• The tensioning of tendons and pre-
compression of concrete occur
simultaneously.
• A system of self-equilibrating forces
develops after the stretching of the tendons.
Advantages of Post-tensioning
The relative advantages of post-tensioning as
compared to pre-tensioning are as follows.
• Post-tensioning is suitable for heavy cast-in-
place members.
• The waiting period in the casting bed is less.
• The transfer of prestress is independent of
transmission length.
Disadvantage of Post-tensioning
• The relative disadvantage of post-
tensioning as compared to pre-tensioning
is the requirement of anchorage device
and grouting equipment.
Devices
The essential devices for post-tensioning
are as follows.
1) Casting bed
2) Mould/Shuttering
3) Ducts
4) Anchoring devices
5) Jacks
6) Couplers (optional)
7) Grouting equipment (optional).
Anchoring Devices
• In post-tensioned members the anchoring
devices transfer the prestress to the
concrete.
• The devices are based on the following
principles of anchoring the tendons.
1) Wedge action
2) Direct bearing
3) Looping the wires
Wedge action
• The anchoring device based on wedge action
consists of an anchorage block and wedges.
• The strands are held by frictional grip of the
wedges in the anchorage block.
• Some examples of systems based on the
wedge-action are Freyssinet, Gifford-Udall,
Anderson and Magnel-Blaton anchorages.
• The following figures show some patented
anchoring devices.
Freyssinet “T” system
anchorage cones
Direct bearing
• The rivet or bolt heads or button heads formed at
the end of the wires directly bear against a block.
• The B.B.R.V post-tensioning system and the
Prescon system are based on this principle.
• The following figure shows the anchoring by
direct bearing.
Anchoring with button heads
Looping the wires
• The Baur-Leonhardt system, Leoba system
and also the Dywidag single-bar anchorage
system, work on this principle where the
wires are looped around the concrete.
• The wires are looped to make a bulb.
• The following photo shows the anchorage by
looping of the wires in a post-tensioned slab.
Anchorage by looping the wires in a slab
Sequence of Anchoring
• The following figures show the sequence of
stressing and anchoring the strands.
• The photo of an anchoring device is also
provided.
Couplers
• The couplers are used to connect strands or
bars.
• They are located at the junction of the
members, for example at or near columns in
post-tensioned slabs, on piers in post-tensioned
bridge decks.
• The couplers are tested to transmit the full
capacity of the strands or bars.
• A few types of couplers are shown in the figure
below.
Grouting
• Grouting can be defined as the filling of
duct, with a material that provides an anti-
corrosive alkaline environment to the
prestressing steel and also a strong bond
between the tendon and the surrounding
grout.
• The major part of grout comprises of water
and cement, with a water-to-cement ratio of
about 0.5, together with some water-reducing
admixtures, expansion agent and pozzolans.

• The following figure shows a grouting

equipment, where the ingredients are mixed
and the grout is pumped.
Grouting equipment
Manufacturing of Post-tensioned Bridge
Girders
• The following photographs show some steps
in the manufacturing of a post-tensioned I-
girder for a bridge.
• The first photo shows the fabricated steel
reinforcement with the ducts for the tendons
placed inside.
• Note the parabolic profiles of the duct for the
simply supported girder.
• After the concrete is cast and cured to
gain sufficient strength, the tendons are
passed through the ducts, as shown in
the second photo.
• The tendons are anchored at one end
and stretched at the other end by a
hydraulic jack. This can be observed
from the third photo.
• The following photos show the construction of
post-tensioned box girders for a bridge.
• The photograph shows the fabricated steel
reinforcement with the ducts for the tendons
placed inside.
• The top flange will be constructed later.
• The photo below shows the formwork in the
pre-casting yard.
• The formwork for the inner sides of the webs
and the flanges is yet to be placed.
• In this photo a girder is being post-tensioned
after adequate curing.
• This photograph shows a crane on a barge
that transports a girder to the bridge site.
• The completed bridge can be seen in the last
photo.
Analysis of Prestress and Bending Stresses

Basic Assumptions
• The analysis of stresses developed in a
prestressed concrete structural element is
based on the following assumptions:
• Concrete is a homogeneous elastic
material
• Within the range of working stresses, both
concrete and steel behave elastically,
notwithstanding the small amount of creep
which occurs in both the materials under
sustained loading, and
• A plane section before bending is assumed
to remain plane even after bending, which
implies a linear strain distribution across
the depth of the member.
Analysis of prestress
• The stresses due to prestressing alone are
generally combined stresses due to the
action of direct load and bending resulting
from an eccentrically applied load.
• The stresses in concrete are evaluated by
using the well known relationship for
combined stresses used in the case of
columns.
The following notations and sign conventions are
used for the analysis of prestress:
P = Prestressing force
e = eccentricity of prestressing force
M = P . e = Moment
A = cross-sectional area of the concrete
member
I = second moment of area of section about
its centroid.
Zt and Zb = section modulus of the top and
bottom fibres
fsup and finf = prestress in concrete
developed at the top and bottom fibres
(positive when compressive and
negative when tensile in nature)
yt and yb = distance of the top and bottom
fibres from the centroid of the section
i = radius of gyration
Concentric Tendon
• Consider a concrete beam with a concentric
tendon as shown in the figure

P P

Stress = P/A

• Uniform prestress in concrete = P/A, which is

compressive across the depth of the beam.
Eccentric Tendon
• The figure shows a concrete beam subjected to
an eccentric prestressing force of magnitude P
located at an eccentricity e.
• The stresses developed at the top and bottom
fibres of the beam are obtained by the relations:
Eccentric Prestressing
Resultant stresses at a section
• The concrete beam shown in figure,
supports uniformly distributed live and
dead loads of intensity q and g.
• The beam is prestressed by a straight
tendon carrying a prestressing force P at
an eccentricity e.
• The resultant stresses in concrete at any
section are obtained by superposing the
effect of prestress and the flexural
stresses developed due to the loads.
• If Mq and Mg are the live and dead load
moments at the central span section,
• In the case of prestressed members, the
cross-sectional area of high tensile steel
being a very small percentage of the total
concrete area, the stress computations are
generally based on the nominal concrete
cross-sectional properties.
 Pressure line or Thrust line and internal
resisting couple

• At any given section of a prestressed concrete

beam, the combined effect of the prestressing
force and the externally applied load will result
in a distribution of concrete stresses that can be
resolved into a single force.
• The locus of the points of application of this
resultant force in any structure is termed as the
‘pressure or thrust line’.
• The concept of pressure line is very useful in
understanding the load-carrying mechanism
of a prestressed concrete section.
• In the case of prestressed concrete
members, the location of the pressure line
depends upon the magnitude and direction
of the moments applied at the cross-
section and the magnitude and
distribution of stress due to the
prestressing force.
• Consider a concrete beam shown in the figure
below, which is prestressed by force P acting at
an eccentricity e.
• The beam supports a uniformly distributed load
(including self-weight) of intensity q per unit
length.
• The load is of such magnitude that the
bottom-fibre stress at the central span
section of the beam is zero.
• Figure below shows the resultant stress
distribution at the support, centre and
quarter span sections of the beam.
• At the support section, since there are no
flexural stresses resulting from the external
loads, the pressure line coincides with that of the
centroid of steel, located at an eccentricity of
h/6.
• At the centre of the span section, the external
loading is such that the resultant stress
developed is maximum at the top fibre and zero
at the bottom fibre.
• It can easily be seen that for this section the
pressure line has shifted towards the top fibre by
an amount equal to h/3 from its initial position.
• The external moment at the quarter span
section being smaller in magnitude, the shift
in the pressure line also is correspondingly
smaller, being equal to h/4 from the initial
position.
• In a similar manner, it can be shown that a
larger uniformly distributed load on the
beam would result in the pressure line
being shifted even higher at the centre and
quarter span sections.
The pressure line location in the beam is shown
in the figure below.
• These observations lead to the following
important principle:

“A change in the external moments in the

elastic range of a prestressed concrete beam
results in a shift of the pressure line rather
than in an increase in the resultant force in
the beam.”
• This in contrast to a reinforced concrete beam
section, where an increase in the external
moment results in a corresponding increase in
the tensile force and the compressive force.
• The increase in the resultant forces are due to
a more or less constant lever arm between
the forces, characterised by the properties of
the composite section.
• Basically, the load-carrying mechanism is
comprised of a constant force with a
changing lever-arm, as in the case of
prestressed concrete sections, and a
changing force with a constant lever arm
prevailing in reinforced concrete sections as
shown in the figure below.
• However, if a prestressed concrete member is
cracked, it behaves in a manner similar to
that of a reinforced concrete section.
• The pressure line or thrust line method is
generally referred to as the internal resisting
couple method or the C-line method, the
prestressed beam is analysed as a plain
concrete elastic beam using the basic
principles of statics.
• The prestressing force is considered as an
external compressive force with a constant
tensile force T in the tendon throughout the
span.
• Consequently, at any section of a loaded
prestressed beam, equilibrium is maintained
satisfying the equations, H= 0 and M = 0.
• The figure below shows the free-body diagram
of a segment of a beam without and with
transverse loads respectively.
• When the gravity loads are zero, the C and T
lines-coincide since there is no moment at
the section.
• Under transverse loads, the C-line, or the
centre of pressure or thrust line, is at a
varying distance a from the T-line.
• If M = bending moment at the section
due to dead and live loads.
• e = eccentricity of the tendon
• T = P = Prestressing force in the tendon
Moment equilibrium yields the relation,

The shift of pressure line e measured from

the centroidal axis is obtained as
The resultant stresses at the top and bottom
fibres of the section are expresses as
Concept of Load Balancing
• It is possible to select suitable cable profiles
in a prestressed concrete member such that
the transverse component of the cable force
balances the given type of external loads.
• This can be readily illustrated by considering
the free-body of concrete, with the tendon
replaced by forces acting on the concrete
beam as shown in the figure and table
below.
• The various types of reactions of a cable upon a
concrete member depend upon the shape of the
cable profile.
• Straight portions of the cable do not induce any
reactions except at the ends, while curved cables
result in uniformly distributed loads.
• Sharp angles in a cable induce concentrated
loads.
• The concept of loading – balancing is useful in
selecting the tendon profile, which can supply the
most desirable system of forces in concrete.
• In general, this requirement will be satisfied if
the cable profile in a prestressed member
corresponds to the shape of the bending
moment diagram resulting from the external
loads.
• Thus, if the beam supports two concentrated
loads, the cable should follow a trapezoidal
profile.
• If the beam supports uniformly distributed loads,
the corresponding tendon should follow a
parabolic profile.
 Losses of Prestress

Introduction
• In prestressed concrete applications, the
most important variable is the prestressing
force.

• In the early days, it was observed that the

prestressing force does not stay constant,
but reduces with time.
• Even during prestressing of the tendons
and the transfer of prestress to the
concrete member, there is a drop of the
prestressing force from the recorded value
in the jack gauge.
• The various reductions of the prestressing
force are termed as the losses in
prestress.
• The losses are broadly classified into two
groups, immediate and time-dependent.
• The immediate losses occur during
prestressing of the tendons and the
transfer of prestress to the concrete
member.
• The time-dependent losses occur during
the service life of the prestressed
member.
• The losses due to elastic shortening of the
member, friction at the tendon-concrete
interface and slip of the anchorage are the
immediate losses.

• The losses due to the shrinkage and creep

of the concrete and relaxation of the steel
are the time-dependent losses.
 Loss due to Elastic deformation of
concrete
Pretensioned members
• When the tendons are cut and the
prestressing force is transferred to the
member, the concrete undergoes immediate
shortening due to the prestress.
• The tendon also shortens by the same
amount, which leads to the loss of prestress.
Post tensioned members
• If there is only one tendon, there is no loss
because the applied prestress is recorded
after the elastic shortening of the member.

• For more than one tendon, if the tendons

are stretched sequentially, there is loss in
a tendon during subsequent stretching of
the other tendons.
• The elastic shortening loss is quantified by
the drop in prestress (Δfp) in a tendon due to
the change in strain in the tendon (Δep)
• It is assumed that the change in strain in the
tendon is equal to the strain in concrete (ec)
at the level of the tendon due to prestressing
force.
• This assumption is called strain compatibility
(Δep= ec) between concrete and steel.
• The loss of prestress due to elastic
deformation of concrete depends on the
modular ratio and the average stress in
concrete at the level of steel.
If fc = prestress in concrete at the level of
steel
Es = modulus of elasticity of steel
Ec = modulus of elasticity of concrete
• Strain in concrete at the level of steel =
• Stress in steel corresponding to this strain =
• Therefore, loss of stress in steel =
• If the initial stress in steel is known, the
percentage loss of stress in steel due to the
elastic deformation of concrete can be
computed.
A pretensioned concrete beam, 100mm
wide and 300mm deep, is prestressed by
straight wires carrying an initial force of
150kN at an eccentricity of 50mm. The
modulus of elasticity of steel and concrete
are 210 and 35 kN/mm2 respectively.
Estimate the percentage loss of stress in
steel due to elastic deformation of
concrete if the area of steel wires is
188mm2.
P = 150kN
e = 50mm
A = 100 X 300
= 3 x 104 mm2
I = 225 x 106mm4

ae = Es/Ec
= 210/35 =6
Initial stress in steel = 150 x 103 / 188
= 800 N/mm2
Stress in concrete, fc = (150 x 103 /3 x 104 ) +
((150 x 103 x 50 x50)/225x106)
= 6.66 N/mm2
Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of
concrete = ae x fc
= 6 x 6.66 = 40N/mm2
Percentage loss of stress in steel
=(40 / 800)x 100
= 5%
Loss due to shrinkage of concrete
• The shrinkage of concrete in prestressed
members results in a shortening of
tensioned wires and hence contributes to the
loss of stress.
• The shrinkage of concrete is influenced by
the type of cement and aggregates and the
method of curing used.
• Use of high-strength concrete with low water
cement ratios results in a reduction in
shrinkage and consequent loss of prestress.
• The primary cause of drying shrinkage is the
progressive loss of water from concrete.
• The rate of shrinkage is higher at the surface
of the members.
• The differential shrinkage between the interior
and surface of large members may result in
strain gradients leading to surface cracking.
• Hence, proper curing is essential to prevent
shrinkage cracks in prestressed members.
• As per IS 1343-1980, the loss of prestress due to
the shrinkage of concrete is
Loss due creep of concrete
• The sustained prestress in the concrete of
a prestressed member results in creep of
concrete which effectively reduces the
stress in high-tensile steel.
• The loss of stress in steel due to creep of
concrete can be estimated if the
magnitude of ultimate creep strain or creep
coefficient is known.
Hence, loss of stress in steel
= ec x E s
= f (fc /Ec) X Es = f. fc . (Es / Ec)

=
• The magnitude of the creep coefficient, f,
varies depending upon the humidity,
concrete quality, duration of applied loading
and the age of the concrete when loaded.

• The general values recommended for the

creep coefficient vary from 1.5 for watery
situations to 4.0 for dry conditions with a
relative humidity of 35 percent.
=15.33N/mm2

15.33

=131.99N/mm2
 15.33

=147.168N/mm2
Loss due to Relaxation of stress in steel

• When a high-tensile steel wire is stretched

and maintained at a constant strain, the
initial force in the wire does not remain
constant but decreases with time.

• The decrease of stress in steel at constant

strain is termed relaxation.
• Most of the codes provide the loss of stress
due to relaxation of steel as a percentage of
the initial stress in steel.
• The Indian standard code recommends a
value varying from 0 to 90 N/mm2 for stress
in wires varying from 0.5 fpu to 0.8 fpu.
• The loss of prestress due to relaxation of
steel recommended in Indian code IS 1343-
1980 is shown below.
Loss of stress due to friction
• In the case of post tensioned members, the
tendons are housed in ducts preformed in
concrete.
• The ducts are either straight or follow a curved
profile depending upon the design
requirements.
• Consequently, on tensioning the curved
tendons, loss of stress occurs in the post-
tensioned members due to friction between the
tendons and the surrounding concrete ducts.
The magnitude of this loss is of the following types:
• Loss of stress due to the curvature effect, which
depends upon the tendon form or alignment which
generally follows a curved profile along the length of
the beam.
• Loss of stress due to the wobble effect, which
depends upon the local deviations in the alignment of
the cable.
The wobble or wave effect is the result of accidental
or unavoidable misalignment, since ducts or sheath
cannot be perfectly located to follow a predetermined
profile throughout the length of the beam.
From the figure, it is seen that the magnitude of
the prestressing force, Px, at a distance x from
the tensioning end follows an exponential
function of the type, Px = Po.e -(ma+kx)
A concrete beam of 10m span, 100mm wide and 300mm deep,
is prestressed by 3 cables. The area of each cable is 200mm2
and the initial stress in the cable is 1200 N/mm2. Cable 1 is
parabolic with an eccentricity of 50mm above the centroid at the
supports and 50mm below at the centre of span. Cable 2 is also
parabolic with zero eccentricity at supports and 50mm below the
centroid at the centre of span. Cable 3 is straight with uniform
eccentricity of 50mm below the centroid. If the cables are
tensioned from one end only, estimate the percentage loss of
stress in each cable due to friction. Assume µ = 0.35 and K =
0.0015 per m.
= (4 x 100 )/
(10 x 1000)
(4 x 50) /
(10 x 1000)
Loss due to Anchorage Slip
• In most post-tensioning systems, when the
cable is tensioned and the jack is released to
transfer prestress to concrete, the friction
wedges, employed to grip the wires, slip
over a small distance before the wires are
firmly housed between the wedges.
• The magnitude of slip depends upon the
type of wedge and the stress in the wires.
 The magnitude of the loss of stress due to the
slip in anchorage is computed as follows:
If Δ = slip of anchorage, mm
L = length of the cable, mm
A = cross-sectional area of the cable, mm 2
Es = modulus of elasticity of steel, N/mm 2
P = Prestressing force in the cable, N
Then,
• Since the loss of stress is caused by a
definite total amount of shortening, the
percentage loss is higher for short members
than for long ones.
A concrete beam is post tensioned by a
cable carrying an initial stress of 1000N/mm 2.
The slip at the jacking end was observed to
be 5mm. The modulus of elasticity of steel is
210 kN/mm2. Estimate the percentage loss of
stress due to anchorage slip if the length of
the beam is (a) 30m and (b) 3m.
A post-tensioned cable of beam 10m long is initially
tensioned to a stress of 1000N/mm2 at one end. If the
tendons are curved so that the slope is 1 in 24 at each
end, with an area of 600mm2, calculate the loss of
prestress due to friction given the following data.
coefficient of friction between duct and cable = 0.55;
friction coefficient for ‘wave’ effect = 0.0015 per m. During
anchoring, if there is a slip of 3mm at the jacking end,
calculate the final force in the cable and the percentage
loss of prestress due to friction and slip. Es = 210kN/mm2.
Total losses allowed for in Design
• It is normal practice in the design of prestressed
concrete members to assume the total loss of stress as
a percentage of the initial stress and provide for this in
the design computations.
• Since the loss of prestress depends on several factors,
such as
• the properties of concrete and steel,
• method of curing,
• degrees of prestress and
• the method of prestressing, it is difficult to
generalize the exact amount of the total loss of
prestress.
Typical values of the total losses of stress that could
be encountered under normal conditions of work
are outlined as below:
 In these recommendations it is assumed that
temporary overstressing is done to reduce relaxation,
and to compensate for friction and anchorage losses.

The value of η is generally taken as 0.75 for pre-

tensioning and 0.80 for post-tensioned members.
A pretensioned beam, 200mm wide and 300mm deep is
prestressed by 10 wires of 7mm diameter initially stressed to 1200
N/mm2, with their centroids located 100mm from the soffit. Find the
maximum stress in concrete immediately after transfer, allowing
only for elastic shortening of concrete.
If the concrete undergoes a further shortening due to creep and
shrinkage while there is a relaxation of 5 percent of steel stress,
estimate the final percentage loss of stress in the wires using the
Indian standard code (IS: 1343-1980) regulations, and the following
data:
Ac = 200 X 300 = 6 x 104 mm2
Ec = 5700 (42)1/2 = 36940 N/mm2
I = 200 x 3003/12 =45 x 107 mm4
αe = Es/Ec = 210x103/36900
= 5.7
P = 1200 x 10 x π x 72/4
= 461.8 x 103 N
= 462 kN
Stress in concrete at the level of steel is given by
fc = ((462 x 103/6 x 104) +
((462 x 103 x 50)50/45 x 107))
= 10.3 N/mm2
Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of
concrete = 5.7 x 10.3
= 58.8 N/mm2
Force in wires immediately after transfer
= (1200 – 58.8)x10 x π x 72/4
= 440 x 103 N = 440 kN
Stress in concrete at the level of steel is given by
fc = ((428 x 103 / 6 x 104) +
(428 x 103 x 50)50/45 x 107))
= 9.78 N/mm2
Type of losses of prestress
Elastic deformation = αe x fc
= 5.7 x 10.3 = 58.8 N/mm2
Creep of concrete = ø x fc x αe
= 1.6 x 9.78 x 5.7
= 89.2 N/mm2
Shrinkage of concrete = Ɛcs x Es
= 3 x 10-4 x 210 x 103
= 63 N/mm2
Relaxation of steel stress = 5/100 x 1200
= 60 N/mm2
Total loss = 271.0 N/mm2
Final stress in wires = 1200 – 271.0
= 929 N/mm2

Percentage loss = (271.0 / 1200) x 100

= 22.58 %
A prestressed concrete beam, 200mm wide and 300 mm deep,
is prestressed with wires (area = 320 mm2) located at a constant
eccentricity of 50 mm and carrying an initial stress of 1000
N/mm2. The span of the beam is 10m. Calculate the percentage
loss of stress in wires if (a) the beam is pre-tensioned and (b)
the beam is post-tensioned, using the following data:
Es = 210 kN/mm2 and Ec = 35 kN/mm2; relaxation of stress in
steel = 5 percent of the initial stress; shrinkage of concrete =
300 x 10-6 for pretensioning and 200 x 10-6 for post tensioning;
creep coefficient = 1.6; slip at anchorage = 1 mm; frictional
coefficient for wave effect = 0.0015 per m.
42.00
Deflections of Prestressed Concrete
Members

• Suitable control on deflection is very

essential for the following reasons:
• Excessive, sagging of principal
structural members is not only
unsightly, but at times, also renders the
floor unsuitable for the intended use.
• Large deflections under dynamic effects
and under the influence of variable loads
may cause discomfort to the users.

• Excessive deflections are likely to cause

damage to finishes, partitions and
associated structures.
Factors influencing Deflections

• The deflections of prestressed concrete

members are influenced by the following
salient factors:
• Imposed load and self-weight
• Magnitude of the prestressing force
• Cable profile
• Second moment of area of cross-
section
• Modulus of elasticity of concrete
• Shrinkage, creep and relaxation of
steel stress
• Span of the member
• Fixity conditions
Short term deflections of uncracked
members
• Short term or instantaneous deflections of
prestressed members are governed by the
bending moment distribution along the span
and the flexural rigidity of the members.
• Mohr’s moment area theorems are readily
applicable for the estimation of deflections
due to the prestressing force, self-weight
and imposed loads.
• Consider the figure above in which the beam AB
is subjected to a bending moment distribution
due to the prestressing force or self-weight or
imposed loads.
• ACB is the centre line of the deformed structure
under the system of given loads.
If θ = slope of the elastic curve at A
AD = intercept between the tangent at C and
the vertical at A
a = deflection at the centre for symmetrically
loaded, simply supported beam (since the
tangent is horizontal for such cases)
A = area of the B.M.D. between A and C
x = distance of the centroid of the B.M.D.
between A and C from the left support
EI = flexural rigidity of the beam
Then, according to Mohr’s first theorem,

Mohr’s second theorem states that

Effect of tendon profile on deflections
• In most of the cases of prestressed beams, tendons
are located with eccentricities towards the soffit of
beams to counteract the sagging bending moments
due to transverse loads.
• Consequently, the concrete beams deflect upwards
(camber) on the application or transfer of prestress.
• Since the bending moment at every section is the
product of the prestressing force and eccentricity,
the tendon profile itself will represent the shape of
the B.M.D.
Straight tendons: The figure shows a beam with a straight
tendon at a uniform eccentricity below the centroidal axis.
Trapezoidal tendons: A draped tendon with
trapezoidal profile is shown in the figure below.
Considering the B.M.D., the deflection at the centre
of the beam is obtained by taking the moment of the
area of the B.M.D. over one-half of the span. Thus,
Parabolic tendons (central anchors): The deflection of
a beam with parabolic tendons having an eccentricity e
at the centre and zero at the supports is given by,
Parabolic tendons (eccentric anchors): The figure
below shows a beam, with a parabolic tendon having an
eccentricity e1 at the centre of the span and e2 at the
support sections.
The resultant deflection at the centre is obtained as the
sum of the upward deflection of a beam with a parabolic
tendon of eccentricity (e1 + e2) at the centre and zero at
the supports and the downward deflection of a beam
subjected to a uniform sagging bending moment of
intensity pe2 throughout the length.
Consequently, the resultant deflection becomes,
Sloping tendons (eccentric tendons): From the
figure below, the deflection is calculated as
Parabolic and straight tendons: the deflection at the
centre of the beam is obtained as,
Parabolic and straight tendons (eccentric anchors):
the maximum central deflection is obtained by
superposition,
Deflections due to self-weight and
imposed loads

• At the time of transfer of prestress, the

beam hogs up due to the effect of
prestressing.
• At this stage, the self-weight of the beam
induces downward deflections, which
further increase due to the effect of
imposed loads on the beam.
 If g = self-weight of the beam/m
q = imposed load/m (uniformly distributed)
The downward deflection is computed as,
A concrete beam with a rectangular section 300 mm wide and
500 mm deep is prestressed by 2 post-tensioned cables of area
600 mm2 each, Initially stressed to 1600 N/mm2. The cables are
located at a constant eccentricity of 100 mm throughout the
length of the beam having a span of 10 m. The modulus of
elasticity of steel and concrete is 210 and 38 kN/mm 2
respectively.
(a) Neglecting all losses, find the deflection at the centre of
span when it is supporting its own weight.
(b) Allowing for 20 percent loss in prestress, find the final
deflection at the centre of span when it carries an imposed load
of 18 kN/m. Dc = 24 kN/m3.
Prediction of Long Time Deflection
• The deformations of prestressed members change with
time as a result of creep and shrinkage of concrete and
relaxation of stress in steel.
• The prestressed concrete member develops deformations
under the influence of two usually opposing effects, which
are the prestress and transverse loads.
• The net curvature øt at a section at any given stage is
obtained as
• Under the section of sustained transverse loads, the
compressive stress distribution in the concrete changes
with time.
• However, in practical cases, the change of stress being
small, it may be assumed that the concrete creeps under
constant stress.
• The creep strain due to transverse loads is directly
computed as a function of the creep coefficient so that
the change of curvature can be estimated by the
expression,
• The change of curvature due to the sustained
prestress (øpt)depends upon the cumulative effects of
creep and shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of
stress in steel.
• According to Neville and ACI committee report, the
creep curvature due to prestress is obtained on the
simplified assumption that creep is induced by the
average prestress acting over the given time. Using
this approach, if
Pi = initial prestress
Pt = prestress after a time, t
• Loss of prestressing force due to relaxation,
shrinkage and creep, Lp = (Pi-Pt)
e = eccentricity of the prestressing force at
the section
EI = flexural rigidity
• The curvature due to prestress after time t can
be expressed as
 If ai1 = initial deflection due to transverse
loads
aip = initial deflection due to prestress
• Then, the total long time deflection after time t is
obtained from the expression,

• In this expression, the –ve sign refers to deflections in

the upward direction(camber).
• A much simplified but an approximate procedure is
suggested by Lin for computing long time deflections.
• In this method, the initial deflection due to prestress and
transverse loads is modified to account for the loss of
prestress which tends to decrease the deflection, and
the creep effect which tends to increase the deflection.
• According to this method, the final long time deflection is
expressed as
A concrete beam having a rectangular section 100mm
wide and 300mm deep is prestressed by a parabolic cable
carrying an initial force of 240kN. The cable has an
eccentricity of 50 mm at the centre of span and is
concentric at the supports. If the span of the beam is 10 m
and the live load is 2kN/m, estimate the short time
deflection at the centre of span.
Assuming E=38 kN/mm2 and creep coefficient P=2.0, loss
of prestress=20 percent of the initial stress after 6 months.
Estimate the long time deflection at the centre of span at
this stage, assuming that the dead and live loads are
simultaneously applied after the release of prestress.