UNIT 5 ANALYSIS OF PRESTRESS AND

BENDING STRESSES
i Structure
i 5.1 Introduction
Objectives
5.2 Analysis of Prestress
I 5.3 Resultant Force at a Section
1 5.4 Pressure Line
I
5.5 Secondary Stresses Due to Tendon Curvature
5.6 Concept of Load Balancing
5.7 Variation in Tendon Stress
5.8 Cracking Moment
5.9 Summary
5.10 Answers to SAQs

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The basic principles and mathematical relationships which are used for the
analysis of any flexural member are applicable for a ire-stressed concrete flexural
member also. Pre-stressed concrete members are different from non-prestressed
structural members, only in the sense that prestressed members are subjected to
additional stresses by tendons. Nevertheless, virtually all the fundamental
relationships which form the basis of the strength of materials are applicable to
this form of construction also.
Two types of problems are encountered by the engineer engaged in the design of
pre-stressed concrete members. These are normally referred to as 'analysis of a
member' and 'design of a member'. In an analysis problem, determination of
various types of stresses and deformations is made. These stresses are compared
with the strength of the member (in bending, shear and bond) to ascertain the
safely and serviceability of the structural member. In a design problem, selection
and proportioning of an appropriate shape and size of the member is done so that
the member is in a position to bear the stresses produced due to the application of
loads. Provision of reinforcement for reinforced concrete members, reinforcement
and tendons for pre-stressed concrete members and suitable connections for steel
members is to be made afterwards. Subsequent to the design of a structural
member, one has to once again analyse the designed section to confirm the safety
of the structural member.
This unit is devoted to the consideration of the fundamental principles which
apply to the determination of the stresses in concrete and tendons due to various
forms of pre-stressing and various concepts which simplify the understanding of
the phenomenon of pre-stressing.
Prestressed Concrete Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to
conceptualise the effect of pre-stresses in concrete flexural members
and how pre-stresses can be used to reduce or completely remove
undesirable stresses in these members,
work out analysis problems so as to find out the resultant stresses in
concrete and steel at a section and variations of stresses in structural
members, and 1
grasp how axially applied pre-stresses balance the transverse loads

-
applied to concrete flexural members.
I1
5.2 ANALYSIS OF PRESRESS
In pre-stressed structural elements, stretched tendons are placed inside concrete.
The tensile stresses of the tendons are transferred to concrete in the form of
compressive stresses (due to bond between tendons and concrete in the case of
pre-tensioned elements and through end anchorages in the case of post-tensioned
elements). These forces are generally axially transferred in concrete as shown in
Figure 5.1. Here, the pre-stressing force is shown to be applied at the location of
centroidal axis of the member (i.e. concentrically applied), as the tendon has
been placed at the centroidal axis.
Centroidal Axis

A\ Ir
Figure 5.1 : Concentric Prestressing
If the cross-sectional area of the structural element is A, the compressive stress
uniformly imparted to the element (at all suctions) due to the pre-stressing force
P
P may be written as .-
A
If this structural element is used as a beam element, subjected to self load and
other imposed transverse loads, then the bottom fibres of the beam shall be
subjected to tensile stresses and the top ones to the compressive stresses.
Resultant stresses at a section due to pre-stressing and external loads are
combined stresses. For calculating these combined stresses we separately
calculate stresses produced due to prestressing force and externally imposed
loads. Then these separately determined stresses are algebraically added to get
combined stresses at a section. Therefore, the following relationship for
determination of combined stresses at a fibre of a cross-section (produced due to
loads and prestressing force) is used for this case of concentric pre-stressing in a
beam element.

Where M, is the bending moment, due to self load and external loads on the
beam, at the section where stresses are to be determined. Plus sign in Eq. (5.1)
shall be used for those fibres which are subjected to compressive stresses (e.g. Analysis of Prestress
top fibres in a normal case of a beam element) and negative sign for the fibres and Bending Stresses
under tensile stresses due to external load moments.
At a section, the net effect of the induction of the pre-stresses in the above case
shall be to decrease the tensile stresses (produced due to the external loads on the
beam element) at the bottom side of beam and to increase the compressive
stresses (produced due to the external loads on the beam element) at the top side
of the beam. Though these pre-stresses shall have a positive effect in the form of
decrease of tensile stresses (against which the concrete is weak) at the bottom
side, these may lead to increase of compressive stresses to an extent that the
concrete may, instead, fail in compression at the top side of beam.
For this reason pre-stressed tendons are provided inside the concrete elements
with an eccentricity (i.e. eccentrically) so that the concrete member is subjected
to an additional bending moment due to pre-stress (Mp = P . e) at a section, as
shown in Figure 5.2. The sense of Mpis dependent on to which side of the
centroidal axis of the member eccentricity is provided. In the case of Figure 5.2,
Mp would compress the bottom fibres of the beam and produce tensile stresses in
the top fibres.
I Centroidal Axis

Figure 5.2 : Bending Moments Due to Eccentric Prestressing

The eccentricity of the tendons at a cross-section is provided in such a way that

Mp is opposite to MLand it tends to lessen the effect of MLwhich is shown in
Figure 5.3.
I Centroidal Axis

Tendon
Figure 5.3 :Bending Moments Due to Ikternal Loading

To calculate resultant stresses at a section in a case of eccentric pre-stressing, a

third term,* M , 2 , is introduced in the right handside of Eq. (5.1).
I

Here, f is the fibre stress at the distance y from the centroidal axis, P is the axial
force applied from the pre-stressed tendons, A is the area of the cross section, Mp
is the moment due to pre-stressing force acting on the section (Mp = P e, where e
is the eccentricity of pre-stressing force at a section from the centroidal axis) and
I is the moment of inertia of the cross section, about the bending axis.
Prestressed Concrete Applying Eq. (5.2) for the top and bottom fibres of the section, for stresses on top
and bottom fibres (ft and&, respectively) in a beam element, due to eccentric
pre-stressing and imposed loads, can be calculated as written in Eqs. (5.4)
and (5.5).

In Eqs. (5.3) and (5.4), yl and y, are distances of top and bottom fibres from the
centroidal axis of the structural element. The shape of cross-section of a member
determines the values of yI and yc. In a symmetrical cross-section such as a
rectangular, square or a circular one, the centroidal bending axis is at the middle
of section. For these cases yl and yc are equal. This is not so for a section which is
not uniform along the depth. I-sections having unequal top and bottom flanges
and T-sections fall in this category. In this case y, and yc are different. We have to
first find out the location of centroidal bending axis of cross-section and then
distances of top and bottom fibres from this axis, i.e. yt and y, are determined. A
positive stress may be considered as compressive in these equations considering
that concrete is strong in compression.
Considering that the square of radius of gyration (12) can be written as equal to
-I , Eq. (5.2) can be written in the following format also.
A

Eq. (5.9, when written for top and bottom fibres, gives Eqs. (5.6) and (5.7),
respectively.

Example 5.1

Compute the stresses at top and bottom fibres in a simply supported

pre-stressed concrete beam with a rectangular cross section, 200 mm wide
and 400 mm deep, as shown in Figure 5.4, at sections A-A, B-B and C-C,
due to the following cases of pre-stressing.
(a) A pre-stressing force of 250 KN concentrically applied.
(b) A pre-stressing force of 250 KN, eccentrically applied with a
constant eccentricity of 50 rnrn towards the soffit of the beam.
In both the cases, the beam is subjected to its self load and an imposed load
of 4 KN/m over the entire span of 5 m. Density of the concrete may be
taken as 25 KN/m3. Calculate the combined stresses at these sections at top
and bottom fibers.
 Analysis of Prestress
and Bending Stresses

Figure 5.4

Solution
Width (b) = 200 rnrn
Depth (6)= 400 rnrn
Self load = 0.2 x 0.4 x 1 x 25 = 2 kN/m
Imposed load = 4 kN/m
Total load = 6 kN/m
M, at section A-A due to loads = 6 x-
52 = 18.75 kN-m
8
M, at section B-B due to loads

M, at section C-C due to loads = 0.0 kN-m

Part (a)

Y
fM p- = Zero (As no eccentricity to tendons is provided,
I

Stress at the Top Fibre

Since beam cross-section is symmetrical about bending axis, the
horizontal bending axis passes through the c.g. at the middle of

the depth. So, Yt = Y , = Y = 400 -

- 200 mm
Section A-A
P Y
f,= - + M L - = 3.125 + 2.245 = 5.37 ~ 1 n - m ~
A I
Section B-B
Prestressed Concrete Section C-C

Stress at the Bottom Fiber

Section A-A

Section B-B

Section C-C
P
f ---~,~=3.125-0.0=3.125~/mm~
-A I
Part (b)
Due to eccentricity of prestressing force, an additional bending
moment (Mp= P . e) shall be applied at all sections. So when we
calculate stresses at top and bottom fibers at any section, three terms
P Y Y
(i.e. -,
A
+ M p -,
I
+ M , - ) shall come in the expression for combined
I
stresses.
50
Mp =p.e=250x-=12.5Wm
1000
Stress at the Top Fiber
Section A-A
P
f, = - - M,X + M L -Y = 3.125 - 2.34 + 2.245 = 3.03 ~ l m m ~
A I I
Section B-B
P Y
f, = - - M,Z+ M,-=3.125 - 2.34+ 1.68= 2.47 N/mm 2
A I I

Section C-C
P Y Y
f,= - - M p -
A I
+ M,- = 3.125 - 2.34
I
+ 0.0 = 0.785 N/mm2
Stress at the Bottom Fiber

Section A-A

Section B-B
P Y Y
A
fb = + M p - - M , - = 3.125
I I
+ 2.34 - 1.68 = 3.785 Nlmm 2
 Section C-C Analysis of Prestress
and Bending Stresses

The results of analysis in this example demonstrate that due to

pre-stressing, tensile stresses at all the sections are completely wiped out.

Example 5.2

A pre-stressed concrete beam has a width of 200 mm and an overall depth

of 400 mm. The permissible stresses in tension and compression due to
pre-stressing alone are 4 N / d and 25 N/rnrnz respectively. Find the
required pre-stressing force in the tendon and the eccentricity of the
tendon, if a straight tendon with a constant eccentricity is to be provided in
the beam. No external load or self weight effect is to be considered.
Solution
Area of cross section of beam, A = 200 x 400 = 80000 mm2

(Radius of gyrati~n)~= r 2 = - 1
= 1.33 x lo4 mm2
A
Let the required pre-stressing force in the tendon and the eccentricity of the
tendon be P and e, respectively.
Using Eqs. (5.6) and (5.7) of this unit, we can write the following
expressions..

or, 25 = - 1 + 200
O [
e
1.33~10~ 1
Solving Eqs. (5.8) and (5.9), we get the e = 92 rnrn and P = 839.12 kN.

This particular example shows that in a condition when no self weight or extcrnal
load acts on the beam, the beam failure may take place due to the prestressing
force if stresses produced due to the prestressing force exceed the permissible
stresses. This condition may arise when a pretentioned beam is being transported
to its designated place before any load is applied.
The solution gives particular values of P and e to satisfy the requirements of
permissible stresses. If one parameter, say e, is put to an assigned value, a
different value of P may be calculated still satisfying the requirement.
Prestressed Concrete
5.3 RESULTANT FORCE AT A SECTION
We can determine stresses at top and bottom fibres, at a section of a beam, due to
pre-stressing force and external loads. Using them, we can draw a distribution of
stresses at that section, assuming a linear variation between top and bottom fiber
stresses across the depth of section. A resultant force can be determined which, if
applied at that section, shall produce the same distribution of stresses at that
section. As only the pre-stressing force is applied axially on to the beam element,
the magnitude of this resultant force is equal to the pre-stressing force
considering the horizontal equilibrium of forces. For getting a specified pattern of
variation of stresses, as mentioned above, we have to find out the location of
application of this resultant force at that section.
If the caseaof concentric pre-stressing, shown in Figure 5.1, is considered, we can
appreciate that stress at any section of the beam is compressive in nature and its
magnitude bver any cross-section is uniformly PIA. If no external load or self
load of the beam is considered, the resultant force at any section shall be located
at the centroidal axis. If other loads, such as external loads and self load of the
beam, are also considered, stress pattern at any section is obtained by
superposing the stress variations due to all loads. Knowing that the resultant
force at any section is equal to the pre-stressing force, the location of this
resultant force at any section can be determined so that the same stress pattern at
the section is obtained.
Stress pattern at different sections shall be different owing to the variations of
external bending moment and eccentricity of pre-stressing force (if eccentricity
varies along the length of beam). Consequently, the location of the resultant force
at different sections may be different.
-
r

Example 5.3

Draw the variation of stresses and determine the locations of resultant forces
at sections A-A, B-B and C-C in both the cases of Example 5.1
Solution *

The variations of stresses at sections A-A, B-B and C-C are drawn in
Figure 5.5. Stresses at top and bottom fibers at these sections are taken from
Example 5.1 and a regular straight line variation of stresses for intermediate
fibers has been assumed.
For determining the location of the resultant force at these sections, we have
to determine the CG of these stress diagrams. At section A-A of case (a) let
us assume that the resultant force is R at a distance y from the top fiber.
Area of stress diagram multiplied by the width of the beam will give us the
resultant force, R.

Considering that only the pre-stressing force (250 kN) is applied in the
horizontal direction, the above result shows the fulfillment of the static
equilibrium condition Z Fx = 0.
 Analysis of Prestress
and Bending Stresses

I
5.37 4.81 3.125

0.88
A -A
1.445
5-5
Case (a)
3.125
GC
I
400 mm

A -A 8-8 C-C
Case fbk
All the stress values at top and bottom fibers are in N/mm2
dimensions are not to scale in this figure.

Figure 5.5 : Stresses at Top and Bottom Fibers at Sections A-A, B-B and C-C
Applying the same procedure, we can get the locations of the resultant
force in different cases as mentioned below. You are advised to follow
procedure given above and get the values for each of them.
Section A-A : case (b) - 202 mm
Section B-B : case (a) - 164.26 mm, case (b) - 214.2 mm
S e c t i o ~C-C : case (a) - 200 rnm, case (b) - 250 rnm
Obviously, the location of the resultant force at section C-C in both the
cases is at the location of the pre-stressing force itself as no external load
bending moment acts on the section. If we compare all cases, it is found
that the location of the resultant force is higher if the external load bending
moment is more. In the elastic range, the resultant force location shall
change so that the couple of the resultant force and the pre-stressing force
can balance the external load bending moment.

5.4 PRESSLIRE LINE

If we determine the locations of resultant force at various sections of a
pre-stressed beam, as in Example 5.3, we can draw a curve showing the locus of
the points of application of the resultant force in any beam or structure. This
locus of the resultant force is known as 'Pressure line'.
Figure 5.6 shows a simply supported beam of rectangular cross-section which is
subjected to a uniformly distributed load and is pre-stressed with tendons,
Prestressed Concrete D (where D is the depth of the beam), with a
provided at an eccentricity ( e ) = -
6
pre-stressing force resulting in zero bottom fiber stress at the midspan. Figure 5.7
shows stress distributions and locations of the resultant force (C) for the
pre-stressed beam for the following cases :
(a) at the end section due to pre-stressing alone,
(b) at mid span under full design load and pre-stressing force, and
(c) at quarter span under full design load and pre-stressing force.
Figure 5.8 shows the pressure line drawn by considering - the location of resultant
force at the three above-mentioned sections.

Figure 5.6

Figure 5.7
Pressure Line
/

Figure 5.8 \
Tendon

Example 5.4

Draw the shape of the Pressure line for both the cases in Example 5.3
above.
Solution
The locations of resultant force at sections A-A, B-B and C-C have already
been determined. Joining these locations, we can draw pressure line curves
for the case (a) and (b), as shown in Figure 5.9. In Figure 5.9, the distances
of pressure line ordinates have been shown from tendon line whereas in
Example 5.3, the locations of resultant force at various sections in both
cases were calculated from the top fiber.
We have seen in the previous example that the pressure line drifted towards
the higher side of the beam at a sectioc where the bending moment due to
external loads was greater in magnitude. In a similar manner, it can be
shown that a larger resultant load would be represented if the pressure line
moved up even higher. Keeping the same reasoning, for a uniform load
 applied upward rather than downward, the result would be a downward Analysis of Prestress
movement of the pressure line. Therefore, a change in the external and Bending Stresses
moments in the elastic range of a pre-stressed beam results in a movement
of the pressure line in the beam.
Pressure Line

\
Centroidal Axis and
Tendon Location

Tendon Location
Pressure Line

Figure 5.9 : Pressure Lines

In the absence of external forces or bending moments, the pressure line
location in a pre-stressed beam element is coincident with the location of
tendon. It can be readily appreciated in the case of pressure line ordinate
for the end section of a beam element, where the pressure line location is at
the level of tendon.

5.5 SECONDARY STRESSES DUE TO TENDON

CURVATURE
As shown in Figure 5.10, if a short segment of curved post-tensioned tendon is
considered, it may be considered that the forces acting upon the tendon are the
tendon force P and the unit stress v.
0

Figure 5.10 : (a) Free Body Diagram of a Short Length of a Curved Tendon and
(b) Vector Diagram of Forces Acting on Curved Tendon
Prestressed Concrete The unit stress v is between the tendon and the concrete and holds the tendon in
the curved profile. If friction between the tendon and the concrete is neglected and
the segment under consideration is infinitesimal, we have the following
relationship.
ds
tana=da=-
P
ds
or, Radius of curvature P = -
da
From the vector diagram shown here, it is evident that the unit stress exerted by
the steel on the concrete is v ds = P

since p = -
da

The above expression for determining the unit stresses may be used in
-
determining the secondary stresses that result when a tendon is provided on a
curve in thin webs or on a horizontal curve. Generally, the unit stresses between
the concrete and tendons are within limits.

Example 5.5

Compute the secondary stress between a curved tendon and the duct if the
radius of curvature is 15 m and the force in the tendon is 300 KN.
Solution
P
Secondary stress v = -
P

=20N/mm.
The unit comes in Nlmm as a unit depth perpendicular to plane of tendon is
assumed.

5.6 CONCEPT OF LOAD BALANCING

In above cases of concentric and eccentric pre-stressing, straight tendon profiles
(or tendon shapes) along the beam span have been considered. If a tendon is
provided a curved profile along the span, transverse component of pre-stressing
force resists the external loads depending on the tendon force and inclination of
tendon. It is possible to select an appropriate value of prestressing force and
provide a suitable cable profile in a pre-stressed concrete member so as to result
in the most desirable system of forces in concrete.
We know that in pre-stressed concrete, tendons are placed in a stretched condition
and they always would try to regain their original reduced length. A curved
profile of tendons gives a larger length to the stretched tendons compared to their
straight length between two points. Due to their curved profile and their tendency
to regain their original length, tendons apply a transverse force on concrete. Analysis of Prestress
Suitably selecting a cable profile, as shown in Figures 5.11(a) and (b), the and Bending Stresses
external loads on the member may be balanced by the transverse component of
tendon forces generated due to the curved profile of tendons.
Centroidal Axis .

Parabolic Tendon

Figure 5.11 : (a) Beam with Parabolic Tendon and (b) Load Balancing
Let us suppose that the beam in this case is loaded with a uniformly distributed
load of intensity 'w' and the pre-stressing tendon is provided with a parabolic
profile with the maximum eccentricity emax at the centre of beam. If the bending
moment at centre of span section due to external load is balanced by the moment
of prestressing force, we can write the following equation.
I

In other words, w is the intensity of a uniformly distributed load which may be

imagined to have been applied from the downward side because of pre-stressing
force. So, due to the pre-stressing force P and eccentricity emax,
downward acting
'
external load intensity may be reduced by w per unit length.
We know that the bending moment diagram of a simply supported beam
subjected to a UDL is parabolic. Recalling that the product of pre-stressing force
and eccentricity is the moment of the pre-stressing force at a section, a
pre-stressing tendon may be provided with a suitable parabolic profile (P remains
constant so that the bending moment diagram of Mp is parabolic in shape just as
that due to a UDL) so that the effect of bending moments due to uniformly
distributed external loads, at different sections of the beam, may be reduced or, in
other words, the externally applied load may be balanced either to some extent or
in full depending on the value of P and eman.
In the above case, if the beam is subjected to an external UDL of w, intensity,
then using this concept of load balancing, we may consider the resulting external
load intensity to be equal to (w, - w), with intensity w of the external load having
been balanced by the pre-stressing force.
As P . e represents the bending moment, with P remaining constant, the desired
eccentricity (e) of the tendon at a section is proportional to the ordinate of the
bending moment diagram of the external load if the external bending moment at
Prestressed Concrete a section is to be balanced by the pre-stressing force. Utilising this fact in load
balancing, we may conclude that the profile of the pre-stressing tendons should
resemble the shape of the bending moment diagram of the loads, to be balanced.
For example, a simply supported beam with a central point and two-point loading
shall require a triangular and trapezoidal tendon profile respectively.

Example 5.6

A pre-stressed concrete beam, of cross section 300 rnm x 500 mm and 8 m

span, is pre-stressed with a parabolic tendon having a pre-stressing force of
2000 KN. The tendon has a sag of 150 mm at the mid span. The
eccentricity of tendon at the ends of beam is zero. Find the extreme fiber
stresses at the mid span section of the beam using the load balancing
concept if it is subjected to :
(a) a total UDL of 300 kN, and
(b) a total UDL of 350 kN.
Solution
= 150 mm, A = 300 x 500 = 150 000 mrn2,I = 3.125 x lo9mm4

The upward uniform force due to the pre-stressing force

Case (i)
300
External UDL = -= 37.5 W m
8
In this condition, the external UDL is perfectly balanced by the
upward component of the pre-stressing force in the parabolic tendon.
Because of it, the flexural or bending effects of the external load
shall be balanced and the beam section shall be subjected only to
axial stress, compressive in nature.

Axial compressive stress =

2000 x 1000
= 13.33 ~lrnm'
. (300 x 500)
Case (ii)
350
External UDL = -= 43.75 kNlm
8
We know from Case (i) that 37.5 kNIm is balanced by vertical
component of tendon force.
\
Net downward load = 43.75 - 37.5 = 6.25 kN/m
Bending moment at mid span due to net downward load
 Extreme fiber stress due to moment Analysis of Prestress
and Bending Stresses

Stress due to axial pre-stress (compressive)

Final stresses are 13.33 + 4, i.e. 17.33 N/mm2 at the top fiber and
9.33 N/mm2 at the bottom fiber.
You are advised to draw sketches showing variation of stresses at the
section in both the cases.

5.7 VARIATION IN TENDON STRESS

In post-tensioned construction, several tendons are simultaneously stretched and
anchored at the ends. It is assumed that all tendons stretch by the same amount
and same prestress is produced in them. But practically, stresses in them may be
different.
Tendons in post-tensioned members are subjected to different amounts of stresses
(among themselves) due to following reasons.
The initial lengths of all tendons are not exactly equal.
In a duct, same curvature may not be provided to all tendons
compared to an average wire.
There may be some variation in the modulus of elasticity of steel
tendons. So, even when they are stretched by same amount, there
may be some differences in tendon stresses.
Some wires may be subjected to slip of anchorage and stresses in
them may be lower.
Variations of tendon stresses in pre or post-tensioned concrete members, along
the length of tendons, may be of a different nature. In a post-tensioned member,
stresses in different tendon wires, simultaneously stretched, may be different due
to the above-mentimed reasons. But if a single post-tensioned tendon is
considered, an average uniform stress is there in the tendon. Opposite to this,
stress in a tendon wire in a pre-tensioned member varies along the length of the
tendon due to its bond with concrete. It can be understood at the outset that the
normal variations encountered in practice do not exceed the normal tolerances
expected in structural design.
,,* . %
Due to superimposed load on concrete m e m b s , steektendons stress is affected ,4 -
' ' +
M sope extent. Tendons are never located at the level of extreme fibers in ' 5
5 : .?,*% .a
-,
a

concrete. It may be assumed that the tendons are located where the concrete v

stress is around 70-80 % of the extreme fiber stress. With a concrete which i~,?sa
characteristic strength of 100 N/mm2, the stress change in concrete could be
taken to be of the order of 30 N/mm2. Assuming a modular ratio between the
tendon and concrete to be 8, the increase in tendon stress can be around
240 N/mrn2. In the case of post-tensioned construction, this increase in tendon
stress shall of a far lower amount as the steel tendons can slip inside the ducts
and this stress increase can be distributed over the entire length of the tendons.
This variation of steel stress being small, imparts a higher capacity to pre-
stressed elements against fatigue loads.
Prestressed Concrete Considering Figures 5.12(a) and (b), rotations at supports due to pre-stressing and
superimposed loads, and 0,-, respectively, can be calculated using Mohr's
theorem.
(Area of bending moment diagram) - P e L
8, = --
(Flexural rigidity) 2 EI

considering the rotation due to loads being greater, the net rotation shall be
given as
0 = 0, -

, Centroidal Axis
I
\
ii
\ Tendon

Centre Line of Beam

(a)

\ Tendon
Centre Line of Beam

Figure 5.12 : (a) Effect of Prestressing Force on Rotg4ion of Concrete Ream and
(b) Effect of Transverse Loads on Rotation of Concrete Beam

Example 5.7 1

A pre-stressed concrete beam, having a cross-section of 150 lnln width and

400 mm depth, is used over a span of 8 m. Straight tendons. which are
having a stress of 1200 N/mm2, are provided with a constant eccentricity of
60 mm. The sectional area of tendons is 120 mm2. What shall be the
percentage increase in stress in the wires when the beam supports a live
load of 5 kN/m over whole of its span. The density of concrete is 24 kN/
m3. Modulus of elasticity of concrete and steel may be taken as 36 kN/m2
and 2 10 kN/m2 respectively.
Solution Analysis of Prestress
and Bending Stresses
150 x 4003
Second moment of area (I) = = 800 x lo6 mm4
12
Pre-stressing force P = 1200 x 120 = 144 KN
P.eL
Rotation due to pre-stress = 0 = -
2EI
= 1.2 x 1 o - ~rad (hogging)
Self weight of the beam = 0.15 x 0.4 x 24 = 1.44 kN/m
Live load = 5 kNim
Total load = 6.44 kN/m
W L~
Rotation due to total load = O L = -
24 EI

= 4.59 x 1o - ~rad (sagging)

Net rotation = 0, - eP = 3.39 x rad
Elongation of cable =2 e x net rotation = 2 x 60 x 3.39 x

0.4068 x 210 x lo3

Increase in stress due to loading = strain x E =
8000

Percentage increase in stress = 10.68 x 100 = 0.89%

1200

Pre-tensioned and bonded (or grouted) post-tensioned concrete elements

show similar pattern of increase of stresses in tendons due to the bond
between concrete and steel tendons. Due to the bond, the stress increase in
tendon may be a localized affair and the stress increase may not be uniform
along the length of tendons. In the case of post-tensioned unbonded
elements, the stress increase is distributed over the entire length of tendon.
The increase of stress in steel depends on the average stress in the concrete at
the level of steel.

From the above description, it may be appreciated that in the case of bonded
members the stresses in steel tendons shall vary from section to section and
the stress increase may not be transferred from section to section until a
section cracks and transfers extra bending moment to another nearby section.
In the case of unbonded members only, the average stress shall have to be
considered as any stress increase shall be distributed over the entire length of
tendon. This is why cracks in bonded members shall be of smaller width and
length and they shall be numerous in numbers compared to the case of
unbonded members where only a few cracks (but having larger width and
height) shall be produced, as shown in Figures 5.13(a) and (b).
Prestressed Concrete

Figure 5.13 : Qpical Crack Patterns of (a) Bonded Members, and (b) Unbonded Members

5.8 CRACKING MOMENT

At the stage of transfer of pre-stress in the pre-stressed beam element, only the
pre-stressing force and the self weight of the beam may be assumed to act. At this
stage, the beam soffit (bottom side) may be assumed to be under compression as
the stresses, due to self weight only, are of low magnitude. As the extemal
imposed loads are applied on the beam, the compressive stresses (due to pre-
stressing) shall decrease due to the tensile stresses generated by external loads. A
time comes when these stresses of opposite nature balance each other. At this
stage, the soffit of the beam shall be subjected to zero stresses. If extemal loads
are further increased, the soffit of the beam shall come under tension. At a
particular value of tensile stress the concrete at the location of the soffit of the
beam shall crack and visible cracks appear. This tensile stress, at this stage, may
be taken to be equal to the modulus of rupture of concrete. The visible cracks
have crack widths of the order of 0.01 - 0.02 mm.
Evaluation of cracking load for a pre-stressed concrete beam member is
important for the following cases/reasons.
In some structures it may be essential that the flexural members should
remain crack free even when overloaded. This may be required
especially in severely corrosive environments. For such cases it shall be
important to calculate cracking load for such members.
Some code requirements stipulate that the minimum ultimate moment,
a section is capable of developing, must be atleast 1.2 times the
cracking moment, based upon some specified value of modulus of
rupture. This is to guard against failure at cracking load.
In the elastic range, a variation in the external load acting on a pre-stressed beam
results in a change in the location of the pressure line. If the load is increased, the
shift in the location of the pressure line continues at a relatively uniform rate
upto the point where cracks develop in the tension fiber. The rate of movement in
the pressure line decreases (even though the external load is increased) when the
cracking load is exceeded. This change in the action of the internal moment
continues until the movement of the pressure line ceases. You can recall that
external bending moment at a section in a reinforced concrete beam is taken by Analysis of Prestress
an inside couple (C or T ) x lever arm.If the external moment increases, C and T and Bending Stresses
rise whereas the lever arm distance between the compressive force (C) and the
tensile force (T) remains constant.
This is not so in a prestressed concrete element in the elastic range (before
cracking) as the external bending moment is taken care of by the movement of
pressure lime only and the force level across a section remains constant.
When a section cracks in the case of a prestressed beam, the movement of
pressure lime does not help and the force levels increase, as in an RC beam, to
take on the external bending moments.

So in the elastic and plastic ranges of behaviour, the load is carried by entirely
different mechanisms in a pre-stressed beam element. Figure 5.14 depicts some
of these aspects.
Ultimate Load for
rh Under-reinforced Beam

Ultimate Load for

Over-reinforced

Transition Range

Load

Elastic Range

I
Deflection
Figure 5.14 :Load-deflection Curve for a Prestressed Beam
Figure5.14 shows that the load deflection curve is nearly a straight line up to the
cracking load and then the curve becomes progressively more curved as the load
is increased above the cracking load. The linearity of the curve upto the cracking
load is a function of the rate with which the load is applied. Plastic strains in steel
and concrete under high stresses and change in the moment resisting mechanism
(as noted above) are primarily responsible for increased curvature of the load
deflection curve after the cracking load stage.
Pre-stressed concrete flexural members, which are sufficiently strong in shear
and bond than in flexure, may fail in one of the following ways.
Failure Due to Strain
In most of the cases of pre-stressed concrete construction, the failure of
underreinforced and lightly reinforced members shall take place when the
concrete reaches a limiting strain of 0.0035. At this stage, the steel may be
stressed in the plastic range.
Failure Due to Crushing of Concrete
Over reinforced pre-stressed concrete members, provided with a large
amount of pre-stressing steel or relatively small compression flanges, are
likely to encounter this mode of failure pattern. In this mode of failure,
Prestressed Concrete deflections are small, steel does not go upto the yield and concrete is
crushed at the stage of failure.
Failure Due to Rupture of Steel
This mode of failure is likely in lightly reinforced concrete members in
which the ultimate strength of steel is attained before the concrete reaches
the ultimate condition. For example, in concrete flexural members with
large compression flanges and with low amount of steel, this type of failure
may take place.
Failure at Cracking Load
This brittle mode of failure is likely to occur in those pre-stressed elements
that are concentrically pre-stressed with small amounts of steel. In such
cases, the cracking load may be higher than the ultimate load. This type of
failure may occur in hollow or solid pre-stressed concrete elements with
small amount of steel.

(a) Compute the stresses at top and bottom fibers in a simply supported
pre-stressed concrete beam with a rectangular cross section, 250 mm
wide and 450 mm deep, as shown in Figure 5.4, at sections A-A, B-B
and C-C, due to the following cases of pre-stressing.
(i) A pre-stressing force of 350 KN concentrically applied.
(ii) A pre-stressing force of 260 KN, eccentrically applied with a
constant eccentricity of 60 mm towards the soffit of the beam.
In both the cases, the beam is subjected to its self load and an
imposed load of 6 kNlm over the entire span of 5 m. Density of the
beam may be taken as 24 kNlm3. Calculate the combined stresses at
these sections at top and bottom fibres.
(b) A pre-stressed concrete beam has a width of 300 mm and an overall
depth of 450 mm. The permissible stresses in tension and
compression due to pre-stressing alone are 5 Nlmm' and 30 Nlmm',
respectively. Find the required pre-stressing force in the tendon and
the eccentricity of the tendon, if a straight tendon with a constant
eccentricity is to be provided in the beam.
(c) Draw the variation of stresses and determine the locations of resultant
forces at sections A-A, B-B and C-C in both the cases of (a) above.
(d) Draw the shape of the Pressure line for both the cases in (c) above.
(e) Compute the secondary stress between a curved tendon and the duct if
the radius of curvature is 25 m and the force in the tendon is 350 kN.
(f) A pre-stressed concrete beam, of cross section 350 mm x 460 mm
and 6 m span, is pre-stressed with a parabolic tendon having a
pre-stressing force of 2200 KN. The tendon has a sag of 160 mm at
the mid span. The eccentricity of tendon at the ends of beam is zero.
Find the extreme fibre stresses at the mid span section of the beam
using the load balancing concept if it is subjected to
(i) a total UDL of 350 kN, and
(ii) a total UDL of 460 KN.
 (g) A pre-stressed concrete beam, having a cross section of 250 mm Analysis of Prestress
width and 450 mm depth, is used over a span of 7 m. Straight and Bending Stresses
tendons, which are having a stress of 1500 N/mm2, are provided with
a constant eccentricity of 50 mm. Total cross-sectional area of
tendons is 220 mm2. What shall be the percentage increase in stress
in the wires when the beam supports a live load of 8 kN/m over
whole of its span. The density of concrete is 25 kN/mS. Modulus of
elasticity of concrete and steel may be taken as 36 kN/m2 and
2 10 kN/m2 respectively.

5.9 SUMMARY
In this unit we have studied how stresses on a cross section of a concrete member
change due to the presence of prestresses. If we calculate stresses at a section due
to various causes, we can calculate extreme top and bottom fibre stresses at that
section. The consideration of such stresses may help us to calculate the location
of the resultant force at that section. This resultant force alongwith the
prestressing force may give rise to the concept of 'Pressure line', which is very
useful in considering the behaviour of the prestressed concrete member before
the cracking stage. 'The concept of 'Load balancing' is useful in deciding the
profile of tendons for different load distributions along the length of the beams.
Variations in tendon stresses along the length of prestressed concrete beams help
us to study the behaviour of such elements especially when they are near to the
cracking stage. The student is advised to take problems focusing on analysis of
stresses from other sources also and solve them so as to have a stronger grasp of
practice.

5.lOANSWERS TO SAQs
SAQ 1
Section Top Fibre Stress Bottom Fibre Stress
(N/mm2) (N/mm2)
AA 6.33 - 0.1 1

BB 5.53 0.69
CC 3.11 3.1 1
(ii)
Section Top Fibre Stress Bottom Fibre Stress
(N/mmz) (N/m mZ)
AA 3.84 2.38
BB 3.04 3.18
CC 0.62 5.6
Prestressed Concrete (b) P = 1786.5 kN, e = 105 mm
(e) 14 N/mm
(f) (i) Top stress = 6.41 N/mm2
Bottom stress = 20.91 N/mm2
(ii) Top stress = 13.11 N/mm2
Bottom stre3ss = 14.21 N/mm2
(g) 3.18%