 Pre-stressed Concrete

o It is simply ‘pre-compressed concrete’

o i.e. a pre-compressive force is applied to the concrete member before it is put
into service
o The position and magnitude of this pre-stress force can be chosen so as to
suppress any tensile stresses that are expected under working load
 Forms of Pre-stressing Steel
o Tendon - A stretched element used in a concrete member to impart pre-stress to
the concrete. It is a collection of strands encased in a duct – only used in post-
tensioning.
o Wires – Pre-stressing wire is a single unit made of steel, 7 mm diameter.
o Strands - Two, three or seven wires are wound to form a pre-stressing strand
and thus having a diameter that is different to its area.
o Cable - A group of strands form a pre-stressing cable.
o Bars – A specially formed bar of high strength steel of greater than 20 mm
diameter. Pre-stressed concrete bridge beams typically use 15.7 mm diameter
(but with an area of 150 mm2) 7-wire super strand which has a breaking load of
265 kN.
 Method of Pre-stressing
o 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. This is the most common form
for precast sections. In Stage 1 the wires or strands are stressed; in Stage 2 the
concrete is cast around the stressed wires/strands; and in Stage 3 the pre-
stressed in transferred from the external anchorages to the concrete, once it has
sufficient strength.
o 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).
 Nature of Concrete-Steel Interface
o Bonded tendon - when there is adequate bond between the pre-stressing
tendon and concrete, it is called a bonded tendon. Pretensioned and grouted
post -tensioned tendons are bonded tendons. Tensioned and grouted post -
tensioned tendons are bonded tendons.
o 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.
ADVANTAGES OF PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN

 The pre-stressing of concrete has several advantages as compared to traditional

reinforced concrete (RC) without pre-stressing.
 A fully pre-stressed concrete member is Advantages of PSC 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 pre-stressing (bridges, buildings with large column-free spaces)

• 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- advantages as follows:

• Rapid construction

• Better quality control

• Reduced maintenance

• Suitable for repetitive construction

• Multiple use of formwork

 Reduction of formwork

• Availability of standard shapes

DISADVANTAGES OF PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN

 Pre-stressing needs skilled technology. Hence, it is not as common as reinforce

concrete.
 It requires high strength concrete and high tensile strength steel wires.
 The use of high strength materials is costly.
 There is additional cost in auxiliare equipments.
 There is need for quality control and inspection.
 It requires highly skilled workers under skilled supervision.