TORSION IN PSC Beams

Torsional stresses in PSC beams occur because of the loads applied with certain
eccentricities. x
y P

x x

Circular Section

When a circular section is twisted plane sections remain plane and the shear stress
is therefore directly proportional to the distance from the neutral axis.

MT
dr

V max V
=
D r υmax
2 υ

2r
V= .V
D max D/2

D
2
M T =∫ V (2 Π )rdr
0

D
2
2 r . 2 Πr 2
M T =∫ V max . . dr
0 D

D
2
4 ΠV max
D
∫ r 3 dn
MT= 0
 ΠD3 V max
MT= 16
16 M T
3
.
or Vmax= ΠD

for rectangular sections

B<D
B . MT
3
Vmax= ¿ B D
MT
D/B ¿
D
1.0 0.208
1.2 0.219
1.4 0.227
1.6 0.234
1.8 0.240
2.0 0.246
2.5 0.258
B
3.0 0.267
5.0 0.292
10 0.312
∞ 1/3

Approximate formula for ¿

0 . 45( BD )+1 .
3. 95 ( )+3
B
¿ = D
For I or T- sections
MB
=
D1
VW [ ¿1 B 3 D 1 + ¿2 B 3 D 2 +¿3 B
1 2 3
3 D3 ]
( )
B1
D1
¿1 → f
B1
B2 Where

( )
MT Vw D2
D2 ¿2 → f
B2

( )
D3
¿3 → f
B3
B3

D3

Hollow Sections

consider the area of the shaded portion

r rds
ds
MT q Da= 2

2 da
.
Or ds= r

2 da
∫ q ( ds ) r=∫ r
.qr=2 q ∫ da
MT= area
MT= 2q.A

q
But q= Vt or V= t
∴ M T =2 aVt

MT
Or V= 2tA
A refers to the shaded area as shown.

Total shear stress = V(due to load)±V ( duetoprestress )±V ( duetotorsion )

Determine principal stresses by Mohr Circle.

Deflections of PSC Beams

Deflections in PSC structure are due to the following:
1. Live loads and dead loads
2. Prestress
3. Axial shortening of members (this is not included for beams but its effect may
be significant in portal frames

Since superposition is assumed valid in prestress concrete analysis, the deflection at any
point in the beam is taken as the sum and prestress , thus
Yt= YP± Yw
Where Yt= total deflection
YP= deflection due to prestress
Yw=deflection due to loads

Consider a prestress concrete beam with a curved tendon shown below:

n.a. -e

+e
The moment at section χ due to prestress P is
x
L
M= Pe
Where e is positive below the n.a and negative above the n.a

The deflection due to prestress is obtained by integrating the expression

 d2 y
EI =M
dx 2

d2 y
EI =Pe
Or dx 2

The equation of the tendon is determined first before any integration is done. In deriving
the equations of the tendons, eccentricities below the n.a are positive and those above the
n.a are negative. Hence, deflections above the n.a are negative and those below are
positive

Suppose we have a second- degree curve as shown below:

ec
e

L/2 L/2

Let e= Ax2+Bx+C

Boundary conditions:

X= 0; e= 0

X= L/2; e= eC

X= L; e= 0

Hence: 0= A(0)2 + B(0) + C ∴ C= 0

Ec =
A
L: 2
2 ( ) ()
+B
L
2 A=
−
4 ec
L2
.

4 ec
− .
O= AL2+ BL B= L

4 ec
2
( LX−X 2 )
therefore: e= L
Consider the simply supported beam with a second- degree curve as the shape of the
tendon. Find the deflection at any point x:

d2 y 4 ec
EI 2
=Pe=P . 2 ( LX −X 2 )
dx L

EI
dx L2 2
−(
dy 4 ec LX 2 X 3
=
3
+A )
EIy=
L2 (
4 Pec LX 3 x 4
−
6 12
+ Ax+ B)
Solve for A and B using the boundary conditions:

X= O; Y= O ∴ B= 0

PecL
−
X=L; Y=O A= 3

The equation of the curve is

EIy=
L2 (
4 Pec LX 3 x 4 PecL
−
6 12
−
3
χ )
L
X=
At 2

EIy= (
4 Pec 3 4 PecL 2
L2 192
L −
6 )
χ

Hence:

5 PecL 2
Y =− .
48 EI (upward deflection)
Consider this example:

x
L

d2 y
EI =Pe .
dx 2

dy 4 eX 2
EI = + Ax+ B
dx 2

Boundary conditions:

X= O; Y= O ∴ B= 0

PeL
−
X=L; Y=O A= 2

Pex 2 PeL
EIy= − χ
2 2

L
X=
at 2;

PeL2
EIy=
8 (Upward deflection)
 PeL2
y=
8 EI

Consider a cable with a profile as shown below.

Beb
eb
1 B 1e b Slope = 0
3 4

2 Slope = 0

αL L ( 1−α−α 1 ) α1 L

Regime: 1-2 e= A1X2+B1X+C1

2-3 e= A2X2+B2X+C2

3-4 e= A3X2+B3X+C3

There are 9 unknown and 9 boundary conditions

1. x= 0; e1= βe b

2. x= ¿ L ; e1= 0

3. x= ¿ L ; e1= β 1 e b solve for A1, A2, A3

4. x= ¿ L ; e2= β 1 e b B1, B2, B3

5. x= ¿ L ; e2= 0 C1, C2, C3

6. x=L(1- ¿1 ) ; e2= e3

7. x=L(1- ¿1 ) ; e12= e13

8. x= L; e3=eb
9. x= L; e31=0

0 < χ <¿ L

d2 y1
2
=P ( A 1 X 2 + B1 X + C1 )
EI dx

dy 1
EI dx
=P
3
+
2 (
A1 X 3 B1 X 2
+C 1 χ + D1 )
P
EI Y1= 12
(
A1 X 4 B 1 X 3 C 1 χ 2
+
6
+
2
+ D1 χ + E 1)
¿ L< χ < L ( 1− ¿1 )

d2 y2
2
=P ( A 2 X 2 + B2 X +C2 )
EI dx

dy 2
EI dx
=P
3
+
2 (
A2 X 3 B2 X 2
+C2 χ + D2 )
EI Y2=
P
12 (
A2 X 4 B 2 X 3 C 2 χ 2
+
6
+
2
+ D 2 χ + E2)
( 1−¿1 ) L< χ < L
d2 y3
2
=P ( A 3 X 2 +B 3 X +C 3 )
EI dx

dy 3
EI dx
=P
3
+
2(
A3 X3 B3 X2
+C 3 χ + D3 )
EI Y3=
P ( A3 X 4
12
+
B3 X 3 C 3 χ
6
+
2 )
+ D 3 χ + E3
The unknown in the above equations are

D1, D2, D3, E1, E2 and E3.

Boundary conditions:

χ =( 1−¿ 1 ) L;
x= 0; y1= 0 Y2=Y3
dy 2 dy 3
χ =( 1−¿ 1 ) L; =
x= ¿ L ; y2= y1 dx dx
dy 1 dy 2
=
x= ¿ L ; dx dx χ =L; Y3= 0

solve for D1, D2, D3, E1, E2 and E3.

Deflection by conjugate Beam Method

Consider this simple example:

Real Beam
e

Pe
EI

Comjugate beam

Pe
EI
Real Beam conjugate beam
load
shear

moment ( ÷EI) load

slope shear

deflection moment

( )
Pe L2
The moment at midspan of the conjugate beam with a uniform load EI 8
.

Pe L2
. .
∴ the deflection of the real beam at midspan is YP= EI 8

Deflection by Moment – Area Method

PE
EI
Tangent at A yBA

yc1
yp
A B

Deflected shape
L/2
 ( )
Pe
YBA= EI
L PeL 2
.L . =
2 2 EI

Pe L L PeL2
. . = .
YC1= EI 2 4 8 EI

1 PeL2
Y BA = .
But (YC1+YP)= 2 4 EI

1 PeL2 PeL2 PeL 2

Y BA −Y 1 = − = .
:YP= 2 C 4 EI 8 EI 8 EI

Where YBA=deflection from point B to the tangent drawn at A.

YC1=deflection from point C to the tangent drawn at A.

Using this method, it will be helpful to remember the areas and centroids of common
areas.

Vertex
nth degree
nth degree
h
h

Verte x

b x b x

bh
A= n+1 A=
( n
n+1 ) bh

x̄=
b
n+2
. x̄= ( n+1 )
n+2 2
b
.

Long – Term Deflections of PSe Beams

 Changes in the prestressing force P due to creep, shrinkage, etc.will change the
magnitude of the deflection. Creep itself will cause a change in the apparent value of E.

Let γ = specific creep, strain / unit stress

σ = stress after creep

E1 = instantaneous modulus of electricity

E2 = effective modulus of electricity

δ E1 δ δ E2 δ

σ σ
γσ E1 E= E2

σ σ
=
γ σ+ E1 E2

E1
.
E2= ( 1+γE 1 )

Analysis and design of Statically Indeterminate PSC Beams

Assumptions:

1. The concrete acts as an elastic material within the range of stresses permitted in the
design.
2. Plane section before bending remains plane after bending.
3. The principle of superposition is valid.
4. The effect of friction on the prestressing forced is small and can be neglected.
5. The eccentricity of the cable is small compared with the span, hence the horizontal
component of the tendon force can be considered equal to the tendon force and is
assumed to be uniform throughout the length of the member.
6. Axial deformation of the member is assumed to take place without restraint.

Example:
e
Release support B and find YB
 Pe (2 L )2 PeL2
A B C = .
YB = 8 EI 2 EI

“ RB Find deflection due to RB.

+
R B ( 2 L )3 R B L3
.= .
RB YB = 48 EI 6 EI

yB Equating the two,

R B L3 PeL 2
.= .
n.a. 6 EI 2 EI

Pe
3 Pe
Moment diagram R B= L
3Pe/L (2L/4) = 3/2Pe
due to P.

Moment diagram due to RB.

n.a.
- Pe/2
Combine Moment diagram Pe
Pe
-e/2
M
+e e .
Pressure diagram or P diagram

Find stresses at sec. B due to prestress only:

3
Pe
P Pe 2 P Pe
σ top= − + = + .
A Z1 Z1 A 2 Z1

3
Pe
P Pe 2 P Pe
σ bot .= + − = − .
A Z2 Z2 A 2 Z2

Example:
 Linearly transpose the tendon at B such that the shape is as shown:

From the conjugate beam

e/2
Pe 2 1 PeL
. L. = .
e e
F1 = EI 3 2 3 EI

Pe 1 1 PeL
. L. = .
A B C F2 = 2 EI 3 2 12 EI
RB YB
11 RB PeL PeL PeL
− = .
RA = 3 EI 12 EI 4 EI

PeL
YB = 3 EI
( 1 2
. L− . L
3 3 )
PeL PeL 1 L
− . L− . . .
Pe/2 4 EI 12 EI 3 3

Moment diagram due to prestress

Pe
Pe

2/3L Pe/2EI
PeL 7 1
. − −
[1
YB = EI 27 4 108
=0
]
RA :.RB=0.

Pe/EI Pe/EI
Pe/2
FI Conjugate Beam

Pe Pe Combined Moment diagram

e/
M
Pressure or P diagram
e Diagram
e

Note: The cable is “CONCORDANT”

 Example:

Pe L PeL
. = .
F = EI 2 2 EI

e e PeL
RA = 2 EI
A B C

PeL 2 PeL
YB Y B= . L− .L
2 EI 3 2 EI
. RB YB
PeL 2
Y B=− .
6 EI

RB
.(2 L )3
But YB = 48 EI
RA RA

Pe/EI Pe/EI R B L3
.↓
6 EI
F F
R B L3 PeL2
= .
6 EI 6 EI
Pe Pe
Pe 2 L Pe Pe
⋅ = .
L 4 2 R B= L

Moment due to prestress

Pe/2 Moment due to RB

Pe Pe Combined moment diagram

M
e/2 P diagram
Pressure or
diagram
e e

The cable is not – concordant

Notes:
 The three examples shown that the fixing the eccentricities at the ends of the
beam, the pressure diagram is the same irrespective of the position of the cable at the
intermediate support. These examples illustrate the very important principle of linear
transportation which can be defined as follows.

“The trajectory of the prestressing force in any continuous prestresses beam is said
to be linearly transformed if the location of the trajectory at the interior supports is altered
without altering the positions of the trajectory at the ends or support and without
changing the basic shape of the trajectory between any support. Linear transformation of
any tendon can be made without altering the location of the pressure diagram.”

Linear Transformation of Cables

Elastic Analysis of PSC Beams with curved Tendons

“The Equivalent Look Method”

The forces that the prestressing tendon exerts on the concrete are the forces on the
anchorage, the frictional forces which act on the concrete along the contract points of the
steel and concrete and the forces that are perpendicular to the frictional forces that the
steel exerts on the concrete.

Normal force P
Anchorage force
dθ
Frictional force

P P

dθ/2
FN P
P dθ/2
P(dθ/2) ds
dθ/2 dθ/2
Fw/2

Consider a small element ds of the cable from the diagram:

FN dθ
=P .
2 2

F N =P. dθ

FN P . dθ
.
The pressure w over the length ds is w= ds or w= ds

( dθ
) 1
But ds is the curvature of the tendon equal to R where R is the radius of curvature.

Y 11

( )
dθ 1
IN general for a curve y=f(x) the curvature is ds = R = [ 1+ ( Y ) ]
1 2 2
3

For flat curves, Y1¿ 0 , hence the curvature may be approximated as

( )
dθ
ds
1
= ≃Y 11
R

Therefore, the pressure W exerted by the tendon is

W=
P ( )
dθ
ds
=P . y 11

Example
Consider a cable with the following configuration

L/2 L/2
-e -w
e1 e3
e2

+e +w

Sign Convention
 2
Let e= Aχ + Bχ+ C
2
2( 1
χ= e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
0 e= +e1 A= L
1
(−3 e 1 + 4 e 2 +e 3 )
χ= L/2 e=+e2 B= L
χ= L e=+e3 c= e1

The equation of the curve is:

2
e= Aχ + Bχ+ C

and e1= 2A χ + B (slope)

4
2( 1
e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
e11= 2A= L (curvature)

4
2( 1
e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
hence: W= P(2A)= L upward if negative

2
Note: It follows that for the cable of he shape e= Aχ + Bχ+ Cχ , the pressure W is

constant.

3 2
Suppose: e= Aχ + Bχ +Cχ + D

2 w=
e1= 3 Aχ +2 Bχ +C

e11= 6 Aχ+2 Bχ

In this case, he pressure W will vary linearly with X.

4 3 2
Suppose: e= Aχ + Bχ +Cχ + Dχ+ E
w
3 2
e1= 4 Aχ +3 Bχ + 2Cχ + D
2
e11= 12 Aχ +6 Bχ +2 C
In this case, the pressure W will vary as a second- degree curve.

Example:

By equivalent load method, check the stresses at midspan of the beam due to
prestress only. w

P
= P
ec

FIND W:
L/2 L/2
4P
2 ( 1
e −2 e 2 + e3 )
W= L

4P 8 Pe C L2
2 ( )
O−2 e c +O =− . =↑
= L L2 8

WL2 8 Pec L2
= 2 . =Pec
Moment at midspan = 8 L 8

Find the stresses:

P M P Pec
σ top = − = −
A Z1 A Z1 M = Pe
P
P M P Pe
σ bot= + = −
A Z 2 A Z2
at midspan
Note:

For tendons that are linear in shape, e= Ax+B, e11= 0, hence there is no
lateral pressure exerted on the concrete. However, where there is a discontinuity, an
equivalent concentrated load will be present.

Consider the following:

A B C
-e -VP
L1 L2
x
e1
+e +VP
 e2
e α2
e3 Sign Convention
cable

Segment A-B α2
cable
0< χ <L1

e χ = Aχ+ B

χ =0 ; e x =e 1
( )
e 2−e1
χ + e1
χ =L1 ; e x =e 2 ex=
L1

( )
e 2−e1
∝1 ¿ ¿
L1
Slope; ex1=

For BC: 0<X<L2

e χ = Aχ+ B

( )
e 3−e2
χ +e 2
χ =0 ; e x =e 2 ex=
L2

( )
χ =L2 ;e x =e 3 e 3−e2
L2
Slope; = ¿2 − ex1=

The angle of inflection at the junction B is

( )( )
e 3−e2 e 2−e1
−
¿=¿2 −¿1 = L2 L1
Previous cable
The vertical force at B is:

VP=P.¿ next cable Clockwise

new cable VP
Consider the example: Counterclockwise
VP
Previous cable
 Pe Pe Pe
Pe
L/ 2 L/ 2 L/ 2
L/ 2 e
α

L/2 L/2 L/2 L/2

Moment
4 e. diagram
V P=P .
L
E E 4e
¿= + = .
L/ 2 L /2 L

4e L 4e L
∴ V P=P ∝¿ P . .↑ M=Vp . .= p . .
L 4 L 4
M=Pe
Check the stresses:

P Pe e
−
Бtop =
A Z1
 M=Pe

P P Pe Pressure diagram or M/P

+
Бbotp =
A Z2 diagram

Section at midspan

Example:

Draw the pressure diagram of the beam shown below:

ec ec
MF
MF
L/2 L/2 L/2 L/2 + -

Let ex= Ax2+Bx+C

w
2
2( 1
e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
Where A= L
2
2( 1
L/2 L/2 e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
A= L
+M -M +M -M
2
2(
0−2 e C + 0 )
A= L
-M - +M/2 +M

0 -3/2M +3/2M 0 4 ec
2
.
A= - L

4 ecx 2
∴ e χ = - L2 .

Pec 8 ecx
2
.
ex1= - L

8 ecx
2
.
ex11= - L
Pec/2
 Pec/2

w=
P
( −8 ec
L2 )
. ↑

wc 2
=
let M= 12

3 WL2 3 L2 8 ec
. = . . 2 .P
2 12 2 12 L
3
M=Pec
at B: 3/2 M= 2

At midspan
ec
ec/2 ec/2

Moment=
1 2 1 3 WL2
8
WL −
2 2
. (
12 )
1 2
WL
=6
1 8 Pec 2 Pec
. 2 .L =
=16 L 2

Check stresses: (From moment diagram)

At midspan: at support

P P

M = Pec/2 M = Pec

P Pec /2 P Pec
σ top= − σ top= +
A Z1 A 2

P Pec / 2 P Pec
σ bot= + σ bot= −
A Z2 A 2

Check stresses:

Using the pressure diagram

 P
ec
ec/2
P

At midspan A support

P Pec /2 P Pec
σ top= − σ top= −
A Z1 A Z1

P Pec /2 P Pec
σ bot= + σ bot= −
A Z2 A Z2

Draw the pressure diagram of the beam shown below:

0.8e
P
0.8e P

1.5 e

0.6L 0.4 L 0.5 L 0.5 L

A B C D E

Calculate the inflection angels:

1 .5 e 1 .5e+0 . 8 e e e e
¿ B= + =2. 5 +5 .75 =8 .25 ↑
At B: 0 .6 L 0. 4 L L L L
 1. 5e+0 . 8 e 0. 8e+0 . 8 e e e e
¿ c= + =5 . 75 +3 .2 =8 . 95 ↓
e: 0.4 L 0.5 L L L L

0 . 8e+0 . 8 e 0 . 8 e e e e
¿ D= + =3. 2 +1. 6 =4 . 8 ↑
D: 0.5L 0. 5 L L L L

Forces at B, C and D:

e
¿ B=Px 8 . 25 .↑
VB= P. L

e
¿C =Px 8 .95 .↓
Vc= P. L

e
¿ D=Px 4 . 8 .↑
VD= P. L

MACF MCAF

A C
4.8Pe/L
A B 8.25Pe/L C D E + -

0.6L 0.4L 0.5L 0.5L

F
AC Pe ( 0 . 4 L )2
M =8. 25 (0 . 6 L ) =0 . 792 Pe
0.5 0.5 L L2
+.792 -1.188 +0.60Pe -0.60

F
CA Pe (0 . 4 L)
M =8 . 25 ( 0 .6 L )2 =1 .188 Pe
-0.396 +0.30 L L2

F
CE Pe ( 0 .5 L )2
M =4 .8 x ( 0 .5 L )2 =0 . 60 Pe
0 -1.242 +1.242Pe 0 L L2

F
EC
M =0 . 60 Pe

Moment Diagram:
 1.242Pe

1.2348Pe
0.579Pe

Moment Diagram

8.25Pe/L
A 0.6L 0.4L
C
B
MC = 1.242Pe

RA RC

Pe
.0.4 L
RAL+ 1.242Pe= 8.25 L

Pe
. M B=R A 0 . 6 L=1 .2348 Pe
RA= 2.058 L
4.8Pe/L
0.5L
RC

MC = 1.242Pe RE

Pe
x 0. 5 L
REL+1.242Pe=4.8 L

Pe
. .; M D=R E
RE=1.158 L x.5L=0.579Pe

Beam is not concordant !

 Check stresses at c: (use pressure diagram)

P
1.242e

P P ( 1. 242 e )
σ top= +
A Z1

P P ( 1. 242 e )
σ bot= −
A Z2

Sec. at C.

Draw the pressure diagram of the beam shown below:

P 1.2e P

0.5e 0.5e
0.8e 0.8e

A B
0.5L 0.5L C 0.5L D 0.5L E

Find the equation of the cable

L/2 L/2
e1 e3
e2

e= Ax2+Bx+C
2
2( 1
e −2 e 2 +e 3 )
x=0; e=e1 A= L
 1
(−3 e 1−4 e 2 −e 3 )
x= L/2; e= e2 A= L

x=L; e= e3

Evaluate equivalent load, C= e1

e1=24x+B

e11= 2A
2 e
A= (−. 05 e−2 (. 8 e )−1 . 2e )=−6 .6 2
∴ W=P .(2 A );where L 2
L

Pe Pe
∴ W =(−6. 6 ) 2
×2↑(upwards )=13 .2 2 ↑
L L

wl 2 Pe L2
M FAC = =13 . 2 2 ⋅ =1 . 1 Pe
12 L 12

By moment Distribution

0 1 1/2 1/2 1 0

-0.50Pe +1.1Pe - 1.1Pe +1.1Pe -1.1Pe +0.50Pe

-0.6Pe - 0.3Pe +0.3Pe +0.6Pe

-0.5Pe +0.5Pe -1.4Pe +1.4Pe -0.5Pe +0.5Pe

 13.2Pe/L2

0.5Pe
C 1.4Pe
A LB

RA L/2
13.2Pe/L2

Pe L
R A L−0. 5 Pe−13 . 2 ⋅L⋅ +1 . 4 Pe=0 B
L 2 2 MB
0.5Pe
Pe
R A =5 .7 ⋅↓ 5.7Pe/L
L
PeL Pe L L
M B =5. 7 −0 . 5 Pe−13 .2 2 ⋅ ⋅ =0. 70 Pe
L 2
L 2 4

1.4Pe 0.5Pe
0.5Pe

0.70Pe 0.70Pe

Moment diagram

1.4Pe
1. 2e

0.5Pe 0.5Pe
0.70Pe 0.70Pe

0.8e
Pressure diagram 0.8e
Cable Profile

Beam is not Concordant !