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Chapter 7

Camber, deflection, and crack control are essential aspects of prestressed concrete design and maintenance. Camber provides upward curvature to compensate for anticipated downward deflection under loads. Deflection is the downward displacement of a member under loads, which must be controlled to prevent serviceability issues. Cracks can form due to tensile stresses from loads or shrinkage/creep, so adequate prestress and reinforcement are needed for crack control. Regular monitoring checks for changes in camber, deflection, or cracks to address issues promptly and ensure ongoing structural integrity.

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15 views2 pages

Chapter 7

Camber, deflection, and crack control are essential aspects of prestressed concrete design and maintenance. Camber provides upward curvature to compensate for anticipated downward deflection under loads. Deflection is the downward displacement of a member under loads, which must be controlled to prevent serviceability issues. Cracks can form due to tensile stresses from loads or shrinkage/creep, so adequate prestress and reinforcement are needed for crack control. Regular monitoring checks for changes in camber, deflection, or cracks to address issues promptly and ensure ongoing structural integrity.

Uploaded by

tanvincentpoldo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Poldo, Christian Vincent O.

CE 513 / CE52S1

CHAPTER 7: CAMBER, DEFLECTION, AND CRACK CONTROL


Prestressed concrete involves inducing compressive stresses in the concrete
before subjecting it to external loads. This process enhances its performance by
countering tensile stresses that may develop during service. However, it is essential to
carefully manage camber, deflection, and crack control to ensure the structural integrity
and longevity of prestressed concrete elements.

I. Camber:
i. Camber refers to the curvature or upward vertical displacement
intentionally provided to prestressed concrete members during
fabrication. It compensates for the anticipated deflection under
service loads.
II. Purpose:
i. Load Distribution: Camber helps in achieving a more uniform
distribution of loads by counteracting the anticipated deflection,
ensuring that the structure meets design specifications.
ii. Aesthetic Considerations: In certain applications, such as bridges,
camber is adjusted for aesthetic reasons to maintain a visually
pleasing profile.
III. Deflection:
i. Deflection is the downward displacement of a prestressed concrete
member under applied loads. Controlling deflection is crucial to
prevent serviceability issues and ensure the structure's functional
requirements are met.
IV. Factors Affecting Deflection:
i. Prestress Level: Higher prestress levels generally result in reduced
deflection.
ii. Span Length: Longer spans may experience increased deflection.
iii. Concrete Strength and Modulus of Elasticity: Higher strength
concrete and modulus of elasticity contribute to reduced deflection.
V. Crack Control:
i. Causes of Cracking:
a. Tensile Stresses: Despite prestressing, tensile stresses may
develop in certain regions due to external loads or thermal
effects.
b. Shrinkage and Creep: Concrete undergoes shrinkage and
creep over time, leading to potential cracking.
VI. Methods for Crack Control:
i. Prestress Level: Adequate prestress helps minimize tensile
stresses, reducing the likelihood of cracking.
ii. Reinforcement: Properly designed and placed reinforcement can
control crack widths and prevent the propagation of cracks.
VII. Monitoring and Maintenance:
i. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the
ongoing performance of prestressed concrete structures. Periodic
assessments should be conducted to identify any changes in
camber, deflection, or crack widths and to address any issues
promptly.
VIII. Conclusion:
Camber, deflection, and crack control are integral aspects of
designing and maintaining prestressed concrete structures. A
comprehensive understanding of these factors and their interplay is crucial
to achieving optimal performance and durability. As technology advances,
new materials and construction techniques may further refine our ability to
manage and enhance the properties of prestressed concrete. Ongoing
research and innovation in this field will continue to shape the future of
sustainable and resilient construction.

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