PRECAST CONCRETE :

What is Precast Concrete :

Precast concrete is a product that is produced by casting concrete in a reusable mould.
It is cured in a controlled environment, transported to site and lifted into place.
Precast concrete is a highly versatile product available in vast range of different sizes,
functions and finishes.

Types of Precast Concrete Systems:

1.Large Panel system
2.Frame system.
3.Slab -Column system with walls.
4. Mixed system.

ADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE

The concrete of superior quality is produced as it is possible to have better technical

control on the production of concrete in factory.

It is not necessary to provide joints in the precast construction.

The labour required in the manufacturing process of the precast units can easily be
trained.

The moulds employed for preparing the precast units are of steel with exact
dimension in all directions. These moulds are more durable and they can be used
several times.

The precast articles may be given the desired shape and finish with accuracy.

The precast structures can be dismantled, when required and they can then be
suitably used elsewhere.

The transport and storage of various components of concrete for cast in situ work are
eliminated when precast members are adopted.

The work can be completed in a short time, when precast units are adopted.

When precast structures are to be installed, it is evident that the amount of

scaffolding and formwork is considerably reduced.

DISADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE

Following are the disadvantages of precast concrete:

If not properly handled, the precast units may be damaged during transport.

It becomes difficult to produce satisfactory connections between the precast

members.

It is necessary to arrange for special equipment for lifting and moving of the precast
units.

The economy achieved in precast construction is partially balanced by the amount to

be spent in transport and handling of precast members. It becomes therefore
necessary to locate the precast factory at such a place that transport and handling
charges are brought down to the minimum possible extent.

PRE STRESSED CONCRETE :

What is Prestressed Concrete:

Concrete in which reinforcing steel bars are stretched and anchored to compress it
and thus increase its resistance to stress is prestressed concrete.

Pre-stressed concrete is a form of reinforced concrete that builds in compressive

stresses during construction to oppose those found when in use.

In other words it is a combination of steel and concrete that takes advantages of the
strengths of each material.

Prestressing is a technique of introducing stresses into a structural member during

fabrication and/or construction to improve its strength and performance. This
technique is often employed in concrete beams, columns, spandrels, single and
double tees, wall panels, segmental bridge units, bulb-tee girders, I-beam girders,
and others. "Prestressed member are crack-free under working loads and, as a
result, look better and more watertight, providing better corrosion protection for the
steel." Many projects find that prestressed concrete provides the lowest overall cost,
considering production and lifetime maintenance.

Why Pre stressed concrete:

Concrete remains un-cracked.

Reduction of steel corrosion.
Increases durability.
High span to depth ratio (ex: 45:1 vs. 28:1).
Less dead load.
More economical.

Types of Pre stressed Concrete Systems:

Pre-Tension Concrete: Pre-stressing steel is tension stressed prior to the placement

of the concrete and unloaded after concrete has harden to required strength.
Bonded post-tensioned concrete: Unstressed pre-stressing steel is placed with in the
concrete and then tension stressed after concrete has harden to required strength
Un-bonded post-tensioned concrete: Differs from bonded post-tensioning by
providing the pre-stressing steel permanent freedom of movement relative to the
concrete.

POST-TENSIONED CONCRETE
Post-tensioned concrete looks & acts just like other reinforced concrete. Post-tensioning is
simply a way to reinforce in a more active way.
What is Post-Tensioning
Post-tensioning is a form of prestressing. Prestressing simply means that the steel is
stressed (pulled or tensioned) before the concrete has to support the service loads. Most
precast, prestressed concrete is actually pre-tensioned-the steel is pulled before the
concrete is poured. Post-tensioned concrete means that the concrete is poured and then the
tension is applied-but it is still stressed before the loads are applied so it is still prestressed.
Post tensioning is a technique for reinforcing concrete. Post-tensioning tendons, which are
prestressing steel cables inside plastic ducts or sleeves, are positioned in the forms before
the concrete is placed. Afterwards, once the concrete has gained strength but before the
service loads are applied, the cables are pulled tight, or tensioned, and anchored against the
outer edges of the concrete.

Uses of Post stressed Concrete

The applications for post-tensioning are almost endless, but what holds it back is the
lack of experience among designers and builders. Some of the more common
applications are:

Slabs on ground: Today, PT is used extensively for slabs on grade where soils are
likely to move (expansive soils)-

Another good application for PT slabs is producing crack-free tennis courts.

A recently developed application of PT is external post-tensioning for strengthening

of existing structures, especially as an upgrade to resist seismic forces.

PT allows longer spans and keeps cracks tight.

Concrete water tanks are often post-tensioned to reduce crack width and leakage.

Advantages of Post stressed concrete:

Post-tensioning, which is a form of pre stressing, has several advantages over standard
reinforcing steel :

It reduces or eliminates shrinkage cracking-therefore no joints, or fewer joints, are

needed
Cracks that do form are held tightly together
It allows slabs and other structural members to be thinner
It allows us to build slabs on expansive or soft soils
It lets us design longer spans in elevated members, like floors or beams