PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE

Introduction
A pre-stressed concrete unit is one in which engineered stresses have been placed
before it has been subjected to a load.
Method of making pre-stress concrete
1. It usually having the mixture ratio 1:1:5:3.
2. The reinforcement (high-tensile-strength steel strands) is stretched through
the form between the two end abutments or anchors.
3. A predetermined amount of stress is applied to the steel strands. The concrete is
then poured, encasing the reinforcement.
4. As the concrete sets, it bonds to the pretensioned steel. When it has reached a
specified strength, the tension on the reinforcement is released.
5. This pre-stresses the concrete, putting it under compression, thus creating a
built-in tensile strength.

Used of Pre-stressed concrete
In general, post-tensioning is used if the unit is over 45 ft long or over 7 tons in weight.
However, some types of pre-tensioned roof slabs will be considerably longer and
heavier than this.

Advantages of Pre-stressed Concrete
Pre-stressed concrete has the greatest advantage when identical members are to be
cast because
the same forms can be used several times. Some other advantages are listed below.






Control of
the quality
of concrete.
Smoother surfaces
and plastering is
not necessary.
Less storage space is
needed.
Concrete member can be
cast under all
weather conditions.
Better protection
for curing.
Weather conditions
do not affect
erection.
Faster erection
time.
Lightweight concretes
Introduction
Lightweight concretes is made with either be hole in the concrete block, used
lightweight aggregate concrete, foamed concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) or
mixed with air-entraining agent in order to produce lighter end-product. Such lightweight
concrete are often used in house construction.
Lightweight concrete
Lightweight concrete can be produced using a variety of lightweight material.
Lightweight materials originate from either:
Natural materials, like volcanic pumice.
The thermal treatment of natural raw materials like clay, slate or shale i.e. Leca.
Manufacture from industrial by-products such as fly ash, i.e. Lytag.
Processing of industrial by-products like FBA or slag.
Foamed.

Benefits of using lightweight aggregate
Reduction in dead loads making savings in foundations and reinforcement.
Improved thermal properties.
Improved fire resistance.
Savings in transporting and handling precast units on site.
Reduction in formwork and propping.
Disadvantages





To make lightweight
concrete with high
strength is so
expensive.
Difficult to get
lightweight material.
Life time light
weight concrete are
short compare to
other concrete.
Need carefully
select material used.
cost more than
materials of lower
quality
Less safety and
dangerous for high
story building.
Not suitable for
earthquake country.