RGM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

(AUTONOMOUS)
CIVIL ENGINEERING
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Definition of Prestress:
Prestress is defined as a method of applying pre-compression to control the stresses resulting
due to external loads below the neutral axis of the beam tension developed due to external
load which is more than the permissible limits of the plain concrete. The pre-compression
applied (may be axial or eccentric) will induce the compressive stress below the neutral axis
or as a whole of the beam c/s. Resulting either no tension or compression.

Basic Concept
Prestressed concrete is basically concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude
and distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from the external loads are
counteracted to a desired degree.

Terminology
1. Tendon: A stretched element used in a concrete member of structure to impart prestress to
the concrete.
2. Anchorage: A device generally used to enable the tendon to impart and maintain prestress
in concrete.
3. Pretensioning: A method of prestressing concrete in which the tendons are tensioned
before the concrete is placed. In this method, the concrete is introduced by bond between
steel & concrete.
4. Post-tensioning: A method of prestressing concrete by tensioning the tendons against
hardened concrete. In this method, the prestress is imparted to concrete by bearing.

Materials for prestress concrete members:

1. Cement: The cement used should be any of the following
(a) Ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS269
(b) Portland slag cement conforming to IS455. But the slag content should not be
more than 50%.
(c) Rapid hardening Portland cement conforming to IS8041.
(d) High strength ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS8112.

2. Concrete: Prestress concrete requires concrete, which has a high compressive strength
reasonably early age with comparatively higher tensile strength than ordinary
concrete. The concrete for the members shall be air-entrained concrete
composed of Portland cement, fine and coarse aggregates, admixtures and
water. The air-entraining feature may be obtained by the use of either air-
entraining Portland cement or an approved air-entraining admixture. The
entrained air content shall be not less than 4 percent or more than 6 percent.
3

Minimum cement content of 300 to 360 kg/m is prescribed for the durability
requirement.
The water content should be as low as possible.
 3. Steel:- High tensile steel , tendons , strands or cables
The steel used in prestress shall be any one of the following:-
(a) Plain hard-drawn steel wire conforming to IS1785 (Part-I & Part-III)
(b) Cold drawn indented wire conforming to IS6003
(c) High tensile steel wire bar conforming to IS2090
(d) Uncoated stress relived strand conforming to IS6006

High strength steel contains:

0.7 to 0.8% carbons,
0.6% manganese,
0.1% silica
Durability, Fire Resistance & Cover Requirements For P.S.C Members:-
According to IS: 1343-1980
20 mm cover for pretensioned members
30 mm or size of the cable which ever is bigger for post tensioned members.
If the prestress members are exposed to an aggressive environment, these covers are
increased by another 10 mm.
Necessity of high grade of concrete & steel:
Higher the grade of concrete higher the bond strength which is vital in pretensioned concrete,
Also higher bearing strength which is vital in post-tensioned concrete. Further creep &
shrinkage losses are minimum with high-grade concrete.
Generally minimum M30 grade concrete is used for post-tensioned & M40 grade
concrete is used for pretensioned members.
The losses in prestress members due to various reasons are generally in the range of
250 N/mm2 to 400 N/mm2. If mild steel or deformed steel is used the residual stresses after
losses is either zero or negligible. Hence high tensile steel wires are used which varies from
1600 to 2000 N/mm2.

Advantage of Prestressed Concrete

1. The use of high strength concrete and steel in prestressed members results in lighter
and slender members than is possible with RC members.
2. In fully prestressed members the member is free from tensile stresses under working
loads, thus whole of the section is effective.
3. In prestressed members, dead loads may be counter-balanced by eccentric prestressing.
4. Prestressed concrete member posses better resistance to shear forces due to effect of
compressive stresses presence or eccentric cable profile.
5. Use of high strength concrete and freedom from cracks, contribute to improve
durability under aggressive environmental conditions.
6. Long span structures are possible so that saving in weight is significant & thus it will
be economic.
7. Factory products are possible.
8. Prestressed members are tested before use.
9. Prestressed concrete structure deflects appreciably before ultimate failure, thus giving
ample warning before collapse.
 10. Fatigue strength is better due to small variations in prestressing steel, recommended to
dynamically loaded structures.

Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete

1. The availability of experienced builders is scanty.

2. Initial equipment cost is very high.
3. Availability of experienced engineers is scanty.
4. Prestressed sections are brittle
5. Prestressed concrete sections are less fire resistant.

History and development of prestress of PSC:

A prestressed concrete structure is different from a conventional reinforced concrete structure
due to the application of an initial load on the structure prior to its use. The initial load or
‘prestress’ is applied to enable the structure to counteract the stresses arising during its
service period.
The prestressing of a structure is not the only instance of prestressing. The concept of
prestressing existed before the applications in concrete. Two examples of prestressing before
the development of prestressed concrete are provided. Force-fitting of metal bands on
wooden barrels
The metal bands induce a state of initial hoop compression, to counteract the hoop tension
caused by filling of liquid in the barrels.

Pre-tensioning the spokes in a bicycle wheel

The pre-tension of a spoke in a bicycle wheel is applied to such an extent that there will
always be a residual tension in the spoke.
For concrete, internal stresses are induced (usually, by means of tensioned steel) for the
following reasons.
• The tensile strength of concrete is only about 8% to 14% of its compressive strength.
• Cracks tend to develop at early stages of loading in flexural members such as beams and
slabs.
• To prevent such cracks, compressive force can be suitably applied in the perpendicular
direction.
• Prestressing enhances the bending, shear and torsional capacities of the flexural members.
• In pipes and liquid storage tanks, the hoop tensile stresses can be effectively counteracted
by circular prestressing.

Forms of Prestressing Steel

Wires: Prestressing wire is a single unit made of steel.

Strands: Two, three or seven wires are wound to form a prestressing strand.
Tendon: A group of strands or wires are wound to form a prestressing tendon.
Cable: A group of tendons form a prestressing cable.
Bars: A tendon can be made up of a single steel bar. The diameter of a bar is much larger
than that of a wire.

Nature of Concrete-Steel Interface

Bonded tendon
When there is adequate bond between the prestressing tendon and concrete, it is called a
bonded tendon. Pre-tensioned and grouted post-tensioned tendons are bonded tendons.

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.

Stages of Loading

The analysis of prestressed members can be different for the different stages of loading. The
stages of loading are as follows.
1) Initial: It can be subdivided into two stages.
a) During tensioning of steel
 b) At transfer of prestress to concrete.
2) Intermediate: This includes the loads during transportation of the prestressed
members.
3) Final: It can be subdivided into two stages.
a) At service, during operation.
b) At ultimate, during extreme events.

Advantages of Prestressing

The prestressing of concrete has several advantages as compared to traditional reinforced

concrete (RC) without prestressing. A fully prestressed concrete member is usually subjected
to compression during service life. This rectifies several deficiencies of concrete.
The following text broadly mentions the advantages of a prestressed concrete member with
an equivalent RC member. For each effect, the benefits are listed.

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 prestressing (bridges, buildings with large column-free spaces)
Typical values of span-to-depth ratios in slabs are given below.

Non-prestressed slab 28:1

Prestressed slab 45:1

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

The advantages of precast construction are as follows.
• Rapid construction
• Better quality control
 • Reduced maintenance
• Suitable for repetitive construction
• Multiple use of formwork
⇒ Reduction of formwork
• Availability of standard shapes.

The following figure shows the common types of precast sections.

Limitations of Prestressing
Although prestressing has advantages, some aspects need to be carefully addressed.
• Prestressing needs skilled technology. Hence, it is not as common as reinforced
concrete.
• The use of high strength materials is costly.
• There is additional cost in auxiliary equipments.
• There is need for quality control and inspection.

Types of Prestressing
Prestressing of concrete can be classified in several ways. The following classifications
are discussed.
Source of prestressing force
This classification is based on the method by which the prestressing force is generated. There
are four sources of prestressing force: Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and chemical.

External or internal prestressing

This classification is based on the location of the prestressing tendon with respect to the
concrete section.
Pre-tensioning or post-tensioning
This is the most important classification and is based on the sequence of casting the concrete
and applying tension to the tendons.
Linear or circular prestressing
This classification is based on the shape of the member prestressed.
Full, limited or partial prestressing
Based on the amount of prestressing force, three types of prestressing are defined. Uniaxial,
biaxial or multi-axial prestressing
As the names suggest, the classification is based on the directions of prestressing a member.

Source of Prestressing Force

Hydraulic Prestressing
This is the simplest type of prestressing, producing large prestressing forces. The
hydraulic jack used for the tensioning of tendons, comprises of calibrated pressure gauges
which directly indicate the magnitude of force developed during the tensioning.
Mechanical Prestressing
In this type of prestressing, the devices includes weights with or without lever
transmission, geared transmission in conjunction with pulley blocks, screw jacks with or
without gear drives and wire-winding machines. This type of prestressing is adopted for mass
scale production.

Electrical Prestressing
In this type of prestressing, the steel wires are electrically heated and anchored before placing
concrete in the moulds. This type of prestressing is also known as thermo-electric
prestressing.

External or Internal Prestressing

External Prestressing
When the prestressing is achieved by elements located outside the concrete, it is called
external prestressing. The tendons can lie outside the member (for example in I-girders or
walls) or inside the hollow space of a box girder. This technique is adopted in bridges and
strengthening of buildings. In the following figure, the box girder of a bridge is prestressed
with tendons that lie outside the concrete.
Internal Prestressing
When the prestressing is achieved by elements located inside the concrete member
(commonly, by embedded tendons), it is called internal prestressing. Most of the applications
of prestressing are internal prestressing. In the following figure, concrete will be cast around
the ducts for placing the tendons.

Pre-tensioning or Post-tensioning
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.
The following figure shows manufactured pre-tensioned electric poles.
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). The following figure shows a post-tensioned box girder of a bridge.

Linear or Circular Prestressing

Linear Prestressing
When the prestressed members are straight or flat, in the direction of prestressing, the
prestressing is called linear prestressing. For example, prestressing of beams, piles, poles and
slabs. The profile of the prestressing tendon may be curved. The following figure shows
linearly prestressed railway sleepers.

Circular Prestressing
When the prestressed members are curved, in the direction of prestressing, the prestressing is
called circular prestressing. For example, circumferential prestressing of tanks, silos, pipes
and similar structures. The following figure shows the containment structure for a nuclear
reactor which is circularly prestressed.

Full, Limited or Partial Prestressing

Full Prestressing
 When the level of prestressing is such that no tensile stress is allowed in concrete under service loads,
it is called Full Prestressing (Type 1, as per IS:1343 - 1980).
Limited Prestressing
When the level of prestressing is such that the tensile stress under service loads is within the cracking
stress of concrete, it is called Limited Prestressing (Type 2).
Partial Prestressing
When the level of prestressing is such that under tensile stresses due to service loads, the crack width
is within the allowable limit, it is called Partial Prestressing (Type 3).

Uniaxial, Biaxial or Multiaxial Prestressing

Uniaxial Prestressing
When the prestressing tendons are parallel to one axis, it is called Uniaxial Prestressing. For example,
longitudinal prestressing of beams.
Biaxial Prestressing
When there are prestressing tendons parallel to two axes, it is called Biaxial Prestressing.
Multiaxial Prestressing
When the prestressing tendons are parallel to more than two axes, it is called Multiaxial Prestressing.
For example, prestressing of domes.

Differnces of Prestressed Concrte Over Reinforced Concrete:

1. In prestress concrete member steel plays active role. The stress in steel prevails whether external load
is there or not. But in R.C.C., steel plays a passive role. The stress in steel in
R.C.C members depends upon the external loads. i.e., no external load, no stress in steel.
2. In prestress concrete the stresses in steel is almost constant where as in R.C.C the stress in steel is
variable with the lever arm.
3. Prestress concrete has more shear resistance, where as shear resistance of R.C.C is less.
4. In prestress concrete members, deflections are less because the eccentric prestressing force will induce
couple which will cause upward deflections, where as in R.C.C., deflections are more.
5. In prestress concrete fatigue resistance is more compare to R.C.C. because in R.C.C. stress in steel is
external load dependent where as in P.S.C member it is load independent.
6. Prestress concrete is more durable as high grade of concrete is used which are more dense in nature.
R.C.C. is less durable.
7. In prestress concrete dimensions are less because external stresses are counterbalance by the internal
stress induced by prestress. Therefore reactions on column & footing are less as a whole the quantity
of concrete is reduced by 30% and steel reduced by about 60 to 70%. R.C.C. is uneconomical for long
span because in R.C.C. dimension of sections are large requiring more concrete & steel. Moreover as
self-weight increases more reactions acted on columns & footings, which requires higher sizes.
Comparative Study: Pretension Vs Post-tensioned Member
Pretension member Post-tensioned member

1. In pretensioned prestress concrete, steel is 1. Concreting is done first then wires are
tensioned prior to that of concrete. It is tensioned and anchored at ends. The stress
released once the concrete is placed and transfer is by end bearing not by bond.
hardened. The stresses are transferred all
along the wire by means of bond.
2. Suitable for short span and precast products 2. Suitable for long span bridges
like sleepers, electric poles on mass
production.
3. In pretensioning the cables are basically 3. The post tensioning cables can be aligned in
straight and horizontal. Placing them in any manner to suit the B.M.D due to external
curved or inclined position is difficult. load system. Therefore it is more economical
However the wire’s can be kept with particularly for long span bridges. The curved
eccentrically. Since cables can not be aligned or inclined cables can have vertical component
similar to B.M.D. structural advantages are at ends. These components will reduce the
less compare to that of post-tensioned. design shear force. Hence post-tensioned
beams are superior to pretensioned beams both
from flexural and shear resistances point.
4. Prestress losses are more compare to that of 4. Losses are less compare to pre-tensioned
post-tensioned concrete. concrete