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EXAMPLE 1-009
FRAME - PRESTRESS

EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
The SAP2000 beam prestress calculations are verified in this example using a
simply supported concrete beam with a parabolic prestressing tendon profile and
different eccentricities at each end. The beam is subjected to self weight load and
prestressing load. The bending moment and deflection at the beam center are
compared with independent hand calculated results.

In SAP2000 the beam is modeled using two frame elements so that there is a
node at the beam midpoint where the displacement values are to be calculated.

Important Note: Shear deformations are part of this example; however,

prestress losses are not included.

GEOMETRY AND LOADING

Beam neutral axis Prestressing tendon 18"

CL A
TH
7"

TH =216 k
3"

30"
A
Section A-A
10"

30' = 360"

Material Properties Section Properties Loading

E = 4320 k/in2 b = 18 in Load Case 1: Prestressing alone
ν = 0.2 d = 30 in Load Case 2: Prestressing plus
G = 1800 k/in2 A = 540 in2 self weight
Unit weight = 0.16 k/ft3 I = 40,500 in4
Av = 450 in2 (shear area)
Prestressing Tendon Notes
1. TH is the component of the tension force in the prestressing tendon that is in the frame local
1-axis direction.
2. The cable drapes at the left end, center and right end of the beam are illustrated in the figure.
3. The cable profile is parabolic.

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TECHNICAL FEATURES OF SAP2000 TESTED

¾ Beam prestress with parabolic tendon profile and different eccentricities at the
two ends
¾ The effect of beam prestress on the static analysis results

RESULTS COMPARISON
Independent results are hand calculated using basic principles and using the unit
load method described on page 244 in Cook and Young 1985.

Load Output Percent

Case Parameter SAP2000 Independent Difference
My (center) kip-in -2,160.000 -2,160.000 0%
1
Uz (center) in 0.15400 0.15400 0%

My (center) kip-in -1350.000 -1350.000 0%

2
Uz (center) in 0.09050 0.09050 0%

COMPUTER FILE: Example 1-009

CONCLUSION
The SAP2000 results and the independent results match exactly.

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HAND CALCULATION

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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 11
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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 12