1.

Describe any three advantages and disadvantages of prestressed concrete over

reinforced concrete

Advantages

 Eliminates tensile cracks, improving durability and stiffness.

 Reduces deflection under load due to pre-compression.

 Efficient material usage reduces the size of sections.

 Suitable for longer spans and heavily loaded structures.

Disadvantages

 Higher initial cost due to specialized equipment and skilled labor.

 More complex design and analysis.
 Susceptible to prestress losses (e.g., creep, shrinkage, relaxation)

2. Explain different types of losses that can occur that can take place in prestressed
concrete

 Elastic shortening: Instantaneous loss when concrete shortens under prestress.

 Creep and shrinkage: Time-dependent deformation of concrete causing prestress

reduction.

 Relaxation of steel: Gradual stress reduction in the tendon over time.

 Friction losses: Loss due to tendon interaction with ducts, affected by curvature and
wobble.

 Anchorage slip: Movement at the anchorage during tension transfer

3. Differentiate between short term and long-term deflection in prestressed concrete
members

Short-term is caused by:

 Prestressing force which is the initial force applied to tendons

 Self-weight which causes initial bending and displacement
 Live loads which contribute to immediate deflection

Long-term is caused by:

 Creep: Time-dependent deformation of concrete under constant stress, leading to

increased deflection
 Shrinkage: Reduction in concrete volume as it loses moisture, contributing to gradual
deflection
 Relaxation of Prestressing Steel: Decrease in stress within the prestressing tendons over
time, affecting overall deflection

Short-term deflection occurs immediately; long-term deflection accumulates over time

Short-term is influenced by immediate loads; long-term is affected by material properties and

sustained loads.

Short-term deflection is calculated using elastic analysis; long-term deflection requires

consideration of time-dependent factors like creep and shrinkage.

4. Differentiate What is meant by “method of prestressing”? Discuss different prestressing

methods used in prestressed concrete construction.

Pre-tensioning:

 Steel strands are tensioned in a casting bed before concrete is poured and cured.
 Common for precast members produced in factories, as it requires permanent casting
beds.
 After curing, the strands are cut, transferring compression to the concrete through
bonding.
Post-tensioning:

 Tendons are tensioned after the concrete has hardened.

 A duct is cast into the concrete; tendons are threaded through, tensioned with hydraulic
jacks, and anchored.
 Common for in situ applications and allows customized tendon profiles

5. State any four losses that can take place in prestressed concrete
 Elastic shortening: Instantaneous loss when concrete shortens under prestress.
 Creep and shrinkage: Time-dependent deformation of concrete causing prestress
reduction.
 Relaxation of steel: Gradual stress reduction in the tendon over time.
 Friction losses: Loss due to tendon interaction with ducts, affected by curvature and
wobble.
 Anchorage slip: Movement at the anchorage during tension transfer

6. State the factors influencing the deflection of prestressed concrete members.

 Span-to-depth ratio: Greater spans or lower depths increase deflection.
 Magnitude and profile of prestress: Higher prestress reduces deflection.
 Concrete properties: Elastic modulus and creep characteristics significantly affect long-
term deflection.
 Cracking: The presence or absence of cracks influences stiffness and deflection
7. What is meant by “prestressing system”? Discuss different types of prestressing
systems.

In prestressed concrete construction, a prestressing system refers to the specific method and
technology employed to apply and maintain the desired level of prestress in structural members.
This involves the techniques used to tension the steel tendons and the mechanisms for anchoring
them to the concrete. The primary goal is to enhance the structural performance by counteracting
tensile stresses, thereby improving load-bearing capacity and serviceability.

There are two main types of pre-stressing systems: pre-tensioning and post-tensioning.

1. Pre-Tensioning System:

Process: In this method, steel tendons are tensioned before the concrete is cast. The tendons are
stretched between fixed abutments, and once the desired tension is achieved, concrete is poured
around them. After the concrete reaches sufficient strength, the tendons are released, transferring
the prestress to the concrete through bond.

Common Method: The Hoyer system, also known as the long-line method, is frequently used in
pre-tensioning. It allows for the simultaneous production of multiple members along a single
prestressing bed, making it economical for mass production.

Applications: Pre-tensioning is typically employed in factory settings to produce precast

elements like beams, slabs, piles, sleepers, and electric poles.

2. Post-Tensioning System:

Process: Here, the concrete member is cast with ducts or sleeves in place. After the concrete
hardens, steel tendons are threaded through these ducts and tensioned using hydraulic jacks. The
tensioned tendons are then anchored at the ends, and the ducts are often grouted to protect the
tendons and bond them to the concrete.

Common Systems:

Freyssinet System: Developed by Eugène Freyssinet, this system uses high-strength steel wires
grouped into a cable, which is anchored using a conical wedge mechanism.
Magnel-Blaton System: Introduced by Professor Gustave Magnel, this system employs flat ducts
containing layers of wires, with anchorage provided by sandwich plates holding the wires in
place.

Gifford-Udall System: This system utilizes steel cables anchored by wedging mechanisms and is
known for its application in large-span structures.

Applications: Post-tensioning is versatile and can be applied both in precast factories and on
construction sites. It's suitable for large-span structures such as bridges, slabs, and shells.

Each prestressing system has its advantages and is selected based on factors like the type of
structure, span length, construction conditions, and economic considerations. Proper selection
and implementation of a prestressing system are crucial for the durability and performance of
prestressed concrete structures.

8. What are the advantages of pre-tensioned concrete over post-tensioned concrete?

Enhanced Bonding:

In pretensioning, tendons are tensioned before concrete placement, allowing the concrete to bond
directly to the tendons as it cures. This direct bond improves the transfer of stresses between the
concrete and steel, enhancing structural integrity.

Factory-Controlled Quality:

Pretensioned elements are typically manufactured in precast factories under controlled

conditions. This environment ensures consistent quality, precise dimensions, and adherence to
stringent standards, leading to durable and reliable components.

Immediate Prestress Application:

Once the concrete reaches the desired strength, the prestress is immediately transferred to the
member upon releasing the tendons. This immediate application reduces construction time and
allows for quicker handling and installation.

Cost-Effectiveness for Standardized Elements:

For projects involving repetitive and standardized components like beams, slabs, and piles,
pretensioning is economical. The reuse of formwork and the efficiency of mass production lower
overall costs.

Simplified Anchorage System:

Pretensioned systems do not require complex anchorage devices, as the tendons are anchored
against abutments during tensioning. This simplification reduces potential points of failure and
maintenance concerns associated with anchorage hardware.

Reduced On-Site Labor:

Since pretensioned elements are precast, on-site labor is minimized. This reduction leads to faster
construction schedules and less dependency on skilled labor at the construction site.

Lower Friction Losses:

The straight alignment of tendons in pretensioned members results in minimal friction losses,
ensuring the effective application of prestressing forces throughout the member's length.

Considerations:

Transportation Limitations: The size and weight of pretensioned elements may be constrained by
transportation capabilities from the factory to the construction site.

Design Flexibility: Pretensioning is best suited for standardized components; complex or

customized designs may be more challenging to produce using this method.

In summary, pretensioned concrete offers significant advantages in terms of quality control, cost-
effectiveness for standardized elements, and simplified construction processes. However, the
choice between pretensioning and post-tensioning should be based on specific project
requirements, considering factors such as design complexity, transportation logistics, and on-site
construction conditions.
9. Distinguish between pre-tensioned and post-tensioned members.

Pre-Tensioning:

Process: Steel tendons are tensioned before concrete placement. The tendons are anchored
against abutments, and once the concrete reaches the desired strength, the tension is released,
transferring stress to the concrete through bond.

Applications: Commonly used in precast concrete elements like beams, slabs, and piles.

Advantages:

 Efficient for mass production of standardized components.

 Ensures high-quality control in factory settings.

Limitations:

Size and transportation constraints due to factory-based production.

Less flexibility for on-site adjustments.

2. Post-Tensioning:

Process: Concrete is cast with ducts or sleeves in place. After curing, tendons are threaded
through these ducts, tensioned using hydraulic jacks, and anchored at the ends.

Applications: Suitable for both precast and in-situ constructions, including bridges, large-span
slabs, and complex structures.

Advantages:

 Allows longer spans and thinner slabs.

 Provides flexibility in tendon profiling and on-site adjustments.

Limitations:

Requires specialized equipment and skilled labor.

Potential for higher costs due to complex anchorage systems.

Key Differences:

Timing of Tensioning: Pre-tensioning occurs before concrete placement, while post-tensioning

happens after the concrete has cured.

Bonding Mechanism: In pre-tensioning, the bond between the tendon and concrete is continuous
along the length. In post-tensioning, the bond can be either bonded (grouted ducts) or unbonded
(greased sheathed tendons).

Construction Flexibility: Pre-tensioning is ideal for repetitive, factory-made elements, whereas

post-tensioning offers greater adaptability for complex, on-site constructions.

10. What are the three forms in which high tensile steel is used in the prestressed concrete?

Wires:

 These are individual steel strands, typically cold-drawn to enhance tensile strength.
 Common diameters range from 2 mm to 5 mm.
 Wires can be plain, indented, or crimped to improve bonding with concrete.

Strands:

 Composed of multiple wires twisted together, usually in configurations of 2, 3, or 7

wires.
 Helical formation enhances bond strength and flexibility.
 Seven-wire strands are prevalent, with individual wire diameters between 2 mm and 5
mm.

Bars:

 High-strength steel bars are hot-rolled and subsequently treated to achieve desired
mechanical properties.
 Diameters are generally larger than those of wires and strands.
 Bars are often used in applications requiring substantial prestressing forces.
11. Magnel diagram in prestressed concrete design.
 The Magnel diagram graphically represents permissible combinations of prestressing
force and eccentricity.
 It is useful for selecting the range of feasible prestress values to avoid exceeding stress
limits in concrete (compression or tension).
 Balances, serviceability and strength requirements

12. Differentiate between serviceability and ultimate limit states in prestressed concrete
design:

Ultimate Limit State (ULS):

 This is the condition where the structure or its elements fail due to rupture, collapse, or
loss of equilibrium.
 Design ensures that the structure can carry maximum expected loads during its lifetime
without collapsing.
 ULS considers material strengths factored down, and loads factored up for safety

Serviceability Limit State (SLS):

 Ensures the structure remains functional for daily use without excessive deflection,
cracking, or vibration.
 Stresses and deflections at SLS are generally lower, and linear behavior of materials is
assumed.
 Partial safety factors for loads are smaller compared to ULS

13. Explain how the location of the neutral axis affects the design of prestressed sections
 The neutral axis is the line within a cross-section where stress changes from compression
to tension.
 Its depth influences the behavior of the section:

Shallow Neutral Axis:

 Indicates a larger compression zone, increasing the moment capacity for bending.
Deep Neutral Axis:

 May result in tensile stresses exceeding permissible limits, leading to cracking or failure.

Design must ensure the neutral axis depth is compatible with the stress distribution and
reinforcement requirements

14. Identify common failure modes of prestressed concrete members and how they are
addressed in design

1. Flexural Failure

Description: Occurs when the tensile stresses exceed the tensile strength of concrete or the
prestressing steel yields.

Design Measures:

 Ensure adequate prestressing to reduce or eliminate tensile stress under service loads.
 Use additional non-prestressed reinforcement to enhance flexural strength

2. Shear Failure

Description: Diagonal cracking develops due to principal tensile stresses exceeding the
concrete's shear strength. This can manifest as:

 Shear-flexure cracks.
 Shear bond failure in prestressing tendons.

Design Measures:

 Provide sufficient shear reinforcement (stirrups or ties).

 Optimize tendon profiles to reduce shear forces

3. Anchorage Failure

Description: Occurs when the anchorage zone cannot resist the stresses transmitted from the
tendons to the concrete.

Design Measures:
  Use adequate bearing plates or anchorage devices.
 Provide confinement reinforcement in the anchorage zone

4. Cracking

Description: Cracks may develop due to insufficient prestress, improper detailing, or excessive
loads. Cracking can lead to corrosion of tendons.

Design Measures:

 Limit tensile stresses in concrete during service conditions.

 Ensure proper detailing of tendons to minimize crack propagation

5. Punching Shear Failure

Description: Localized failure around concentrated loads or supports (e.g., in flat slabs).

Design Measures:

 Increase concrete thickness in critical areas.

 Add punching shear reinforcement like studs or stirrups

6. Durability-Related Failures

Description: Environmental conditions such as chloride ingress or carbonation can cause

corrosion in prestressing tendons.

Design Measures:

 Use low-permeability concrete and protective coatings.

 Implement cathodic protection in marine environments

7. Compression Crushing

Description: When compressive stress exceeds the ultimate compressive strength of concrete, it
leads to crushing failure.

Design Measures:

 Limit compressive stress during design to avoid crushing.

 Use higher-strength concrete where necessary
15. Discuss the durability considerations of prestressed concrete in harsh environmental
conditions

Durability depends on concrete's resistance to environmental degradation and the protection of

reinforcement:

Concrete Quality: Use of low-permeability concrete with supplementary cementitious materials

like PFA or GGBS reduces chloride and sulfate ingress.

Reinforcement Cover: Adequate cover thickness protects prestressing tendons from exposure to
aggressive agents.

Mix Design: Tailoring the mix to specific environmental exposure improves durability.

Maintenance: Regular inspection and protective coating enhance resistance to environmental

effects