Connections in Precast

Concrete Structures
Effects of Restrained Creep
and Shrinkage
by K. T. Burton, W. G. Corley and E. Hognestad*

SYNOPSIS
This paper reports an experimental and analytical investigation of the
influence of creep and shrinkage deformations on precast-prestressed con-
crete T-beams with their ends restrained against horizontal movement. The
tests demonstrated that shrinkage and creep of the concrete introduces
horizontal forces in such members. Depending upon the degree of restraint,
these forces may be of such magnitude that their inclusion in design of
beam end details, column supports, and corbels is required. An approximate
method for estimating the magnitude of these induced forces is presented.

BACKGROUND and the strength of column base

A series of laboratory projects con-
cerning connections in precast con-
crete structures has been carried out
at the Research and Development
Laboratories of the Portland Cement
Association. Five previous papers in
this series, collectively entitled "Con-
nections in Precast Concrete Struc-
tures," have been concerned with
continuity connections in double-tee
floor construction( i t , the bearing
strength of column heads supporting
precast beams( 2 ), the performance of
scarf joints in beams and columns (s),
the strength of corbels protruding
from columns to support beams14 >,
*Former Development Engineer; Manager,
Structural Development Section; and Di-
rector of Development, respectively, Port-
land Cement Association Research and
Development Division, Skokie, Illinois.
f Numbers refer to references at end of
article.
18 PCI Journal
plate connections ( 5 ) .
Previous tests have shown that
horizontal forces resulting from re-
strained creep and shrinkage of
beams resting on column heads( 2 > or
corbels( 4 ) may seriously reduce the
strength of these supports. A few
cases of distress have also been ob-
served in the field. Effects of such
horizontal forces must be included in
design of column heads, corbels, and
other supports unless special provi-
sions are made for free horizontal
movement of the beams. Also, hori-
zontal forces must be adequately
provided for in design of beam end
details.
The laboratory work reported in
this paper deals with the nature and
magnitude of deformations and
forces caused by shrinkage and
creep of prestressed beams re-
strained at their supports. Analytical
 Fig. 1—Typical Cracking in Transfer Region Due to Horizontal Forces Observed
During Pull-Off Tests

procedures are evaluated for compu-
tation of the forces acting on such
beams and their supports. Methods
that provide a conservative estimate
of the magnitude of the induced
forces are presented.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
The experimental work was car-
ried out to determine the effects of
full and partial restraint on pre-
stressed members. Five identical T-
beams were included in the study.
Two of these were mounted on sup-
ports that could be adjusted to main-
tain full restraint against shortening
of the beams. Another two were
mounted on flexible columns that
provided only partial restraint. The
fifth beam was supported on rollers
tion while still restrained in the same
way they were during the 600-day
period. In this manner it was feasible
to evaluate possible effects on flexu-
ral stiffness and strength of forces
induced by creep and shrinkage.
Preliminary Study
It was anticipated that horizontal
tensile forces of considerable magni-
tude would develop during the test
period. Severe cracking of the con-
crete near the supports as shown in
Reinforcing Bar
Welded To Plate

that provided no external restraint.

Pte_ ---======_
Deformations, changes in midspan
camber, end rotations, and horizon-
tal forces due to restrained creep
and shrinkage were measured. Ob-
servation continued over a period of I = Transfer Length + Twice Embedment Length
approximately 600 days. At this time
the beams were loaded to destruc- Fig. 2—Details of AncForage for Puil-Off Tests

April 1967 19
 Fig. 1 was also expected. Conse-
quently, an anchorage system in-
tended to prevent horizontal slip be-
tween the test beams and their end
bearing plates was tested.
The anchorage system shown in
Fig. 2 was evaluated by means of
"pull-off" tests. These tests were car-
ried out on 9-ft. prestressed T-beams
with cross-sectional properties simi-
lar to those used in the main investi-
gation of restraint forces. Various
sizes of reinforcing bars were evalu-
ated. To ensure adequate embed-
ment of the bar, its length was taken
equal to the transfer length of the
strand s > plus twice the embedment
length required by the Ultimate
Strength Design Section of the 1963
ACI Building Code.
Results of the "pull-off" tests are
listed in Table I. In each specimen a
force greater than the yield strength
of the bar was developed. Conse-
quently, each of the anchorage sys-
tems tested could be used to resist a
force equal to the bar yield strength.
An end anchorage system made of a
No. 6 bar with l = 68 in. was se-
lected to resist the anticipated hori-
zontal force resulting from creep and
shrinkage in a fully restrained pre-
stressed T-beam.
Test Specimens
The fully-, partially-, and non-re-
strained test beams, designated FRI
TABLE I—Results of "Pull-Off" Tests
Anchor- Bar Length, f, fiat
age Size l A8 f,
Type No. in. ksi ksi
1 3 34 65.0 112.0
2 4 46 46.3 76.5
3 5 60 45.0 74.2
4 6 77 42.0 77.2
20 PCI Journal
and FR2, PR1 and PR2, and NR1,
respectively, were each supported
over a clear span of 24 ft. Cross-sec-
tional properties are shown in Fig. 3.
All beams were prestressed by two
3/8 -in. diameter, 7-wire strands hav-
ing a nominal breaking stress of 270
ksi. Each strand was tensioned to
provide a force before release of
about 28,000 lb. Measured force in
the strand before transfer and com-
puted forces after transfer are listed
for each beam in Table II. All
strands were straight throughout the
length of the beams.
With each beam specimen, nine
6 x 12-in, cylinders were cast from
which the 7-, 28-, and 300-day
strengths were determined. The cyl-
inders were stored with the test
specimens so that they were always
subject to the same conditions of
temperature and relative humidity.
In addition to the test beams, two
10-ft. long non-prestressed shrinkage
beams, designated FS1 and F'S2, and
four 6 x 66-in, control cylinders were
cast. Cross-sectional properties of
the shrinkage beams are also shown
in Fig. 3. Two of the cylindrical
specimens were maintained under a
constant stress to determine creep
properties of the concrete. The other
two were maintained without exter-
nal load to determine shrinkage
strains. These cylindrical specimens
had a volume-to-surface ratio almost
P, — P utt = Test Type
Asf,,tt .max of
kips kips kips Failure
7.2 12.3 10.8 Bond
9.3 15.3 12.8 Weld
14.0 23.0 21.3 Bond
18.5 34.0 24.7 Did not fail,
test stopped
 Beam Symmetrical About It

2fr— 24'-0' Span

27 No.2 Stirrups 2-3/8"0 PS Tendons

•-2 No. 4 Bars I No. 6 Bar, 68 In. Long
TEST BEAM ELEVATION

C^9
3 No.3 Bars

_p
=co in
C.G. Beam ^^
r
o
i " 4 No.3
-N

C. G. Prestress

SECTION OF TEST BEAM SECTION OF SHRINKAGE BEAMS

Fig. 3—Beam Details

the same as that of the T-beams.
Measured shrinkage strains from the
cylindrical specimens were com-
pared with those of the T-beams to
determine if members of different
shapes but having about the same
volume-to-surface ratio would exhib-
it similar creep and shrinkage char-
acteristics. The results of this com-
parison were reported as a part of a
more comprehensive investigation
into this shape relationship.«)
the test floor the day before the
beams were mounted in position.
This load was applied by means of a
threaded steel rod passing through a
conduit in the center of each col-
umn.
Two short columns supported the
unrestrained test beams. One end of
each beam was supported on a half-
Steel Plate welded to Column Remtolce,,W
C<nte, of 0,0,010 For,,

The two fully-restrained beams

were supported on rigid concrete
blocks held to the test floor of the , No. 2
Tie 5 at 9' I" Conduit tar 3i4'
laboratory by prestressed bolts. One Stressteel Bar

of these blocks can be seen in Fig. I. A f A

The two partially restrained test u=

beams were supported on 9 x 9-in.
columns 7 ft. long. These columns
were cast at the same time as the II
N a
^
P
34 "/^`L^ 4
beam they supported. Reinforcing I
II 9..

details for the columns are shown in II Section AA

Fig. 4 and material properties are I I

listed in Table II. A 60-kip load was

applied to prestress each column to Fig. 4—Column Details

April 1967 21
round while the other was supported
on a roller. This permitted free rota-
tion at both ends and free horizontal
translation at one.
Each free shrinkage T-beam speci-
men was supported at 5-in, centers
along its 10-ft. length. Rubber pads
were placed between the beam and
steel bearing plates. The bearing
plates were supported on rollers rest-
ing on another set of plates attached
to the test floor. This arrangement
provided approximately uniform
support for the shrinkage beams.
The prestressing steel used in the
restrained and non-restrained test
specimens had a yield stress at one
percent elongation of 255,000 psi,
and a strength of 274,000 psi. The
modulus of elasticity was about 29
million psi. All strand was free of
loose rust and surface oil before ten-
sioning.
Unstressed longitudinal reinforce-
ment consisted of intermediate
grade No. 3 deformed bars. Straight
bars were placed longitudinally in
the flange of the test beams and in
hoth the flange and the stem of the
shrinkage beams. Both web rein-
forcement and lateral reinforcement
in the flange were made from No. 2
bars bent in the form of a T. Fig. 3
shows the location and size of each
bar in the T-beam specimens. The b-
in, control cylinders contained no re-
inforcement.
All concrete was made from a
blend of Type I Portland cement
and Elgin sand and gravel of a/4-
in. maximum size. Each batch con-
tained 4 to 5% entrained air. The
concrete strengths listed in Table II
are the average of three 6 x 12-in.
cylinders taken as the beams were
cast.
Fabrication
The precast T-beams were pro-
duced in the laboratory using one
22
half of a standard double-tee steel
form long enough to accommodate
two 24-ft. 5-in, specimens placed end
to end. The web and longitudinal
reinforcement was tied to the strand
after it was tensioned.
The strands were tensioned indi-
vidually using a center-hole ram.
Force applied by the ram was moni-
tored by a load cell placed between
the ram and the temporary anchor-
age used during this operation. Each
strand was overtensioned by a small
amount to compensate for the draw-
in as the permanent anchorage took
up the load. The force in the strands
after the load had been transferred
to the permanent anchor was meas-
ured by a load cell placed between
the reaction block and the anchor.
Table II lists the measured value of
the strand force just prior to transfer.
In each specimen the measured
force was close to the intended value
of 28,000 lb. which corresponds to a
strand stress of 175,000 psi. Also
listed in Table II is the calculated
strand force just after transfer.
The first two test beams, compan-
ion specimens subjected to full re-
straint, were cast simultaneously the
day after the strands were tensioned.
The beams were covered with plas-
tic and cured for three days in the
forms. They were then removed
from the forms and stored at 70°F
and 50% relative humidity. Seven
days after casting, prestress was
transferred to the beams by torch-
cutting the strands. Measurements of
beam deflection were made after
transfer of prestress. On the same
7th day the two beams were se-
cured to their supports and the creep
and shrinkage observations were be-
gun. This procedure was followed
for all T-beam specimens.
The four 6 x 66-in, creep and
shrinkage specimens were each cast
PCI Journal
I-

TABLE 11—Properties of Beams

f', psi Calculated Stresses

Strand Force, lb. Initial I E at 28 days Due to PS + DL, psi3
Camber,
Specimen' 7 28 300 Before After Top of Bottom of
Days Days Days Transfer Transfer in. in.4 106 psi Flange Stem
FR1 3880 5840 6030 28,800 27,190 0.236 1816 4.01 —13 —820
FR2 3710 5770 6160 28,800 27,190 0.232 1816 4.35 —13 —820
PR1 3860 5670 6110 28,090 26,460 0.234 1816 4.31 —13 —820
PR2 4040 5850 6420 28,200 26,560 0.162 1816 4.59 —13 —820
NR1 4260 6280 6650 28,400 26,700 0.157 1816 4.56 —13 —&20
FS1 4030 5880 6650 No Prestress none — — — -
FS2 4060 6050 6660 No Prestress none — — —
6-in. dia.
cylinders 4400 6050 6550 No Prestress none — — —
Cols. 1, 22 4590 6220 6750 — none 547 4.68 —
Cols. 3, 42 4650 6350 6890 — none 547 4.74 — —

1 FR denotes full restraint; PR, partial restraint; NR, non-restrained; FS denotes free shrinkage T-beams
2 Cols. 1, 2 supported Beam PR1, Cols. 3, 4 supported PR2
3 Based on design calculations allowing for loss of prestress caused by creep and shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of steel

Fig. 5—Location of Whittemore Strain Gage Points for Restrained T-Beams
in three 22-in, long sections and
cured in the same manner as the T-
beams. At an age of 7 days, the sec-
tions were stacked and cemented to-
gether in their locations to form the
66-in, long specimen. Two of the
columns were loaded to obtain a
stress of about 1000 psi so that the
combined creep and shrinkage de-
formations could be observed. The
other two were held lightly in a ver-
tical position so that shrinkage
strains under zero external load
could be observed.
Instrumentation
Concrete strains were measured
by a 10-in, gage length Whittemore
mechanical strain indicator. This in-
dicator was used to determine
Fig. 6—Reaction Pedestal
24
Beam
—Gage Line I
— 2
— 5
10"
change in length between brass ref-
erence points cemented to the sur-
face of the concrete near midspan of
the beams. Locations of the gage
lines are shown in Fig. 5.
Deflections were measured by a
Wild N2 precision level sighted on
engraved scales placed against ref-
erence points on top of the beam. A
detailed explanation of this proce-
dure is given elsewhere.( 8 ) End rota-
tions were measured by Ames dial
gages bearing against reference
points attached to the ends of the
beams.
Horizontal forces that developed
in the restrained specimens were ob-
tained using the reaction pedestal
shown in Fig. 6. For the fully re-
strained beams, these pedestals were
PCI Journal
welded to 4 No. 6 bars embedded
about 7 in. vertically into the reac-
tion block. For the partially re-
strained beams they were bolted to
1-in, thick column plates that were
welded to the vertical reinforcement.
An initial load cell reading' was
taken at the start of the test. After
the initial reading had been ob-
tained, a preload of 50 lb. was ap-
plied to seat the "free plate" against
the load cell. As the beam shortened
due to creep and shrinkage, the "free
plate" was pulled against the load
cell.
After a planned interval of time,
another load cell reading was taken.
The hydraulic ram was then used to
pull the beam back an amount just
sufficient to release the load from
the load cell. While the beam was
held in this position by tightening
the two nuts nearest the beam
against the fixed plate shown in Fig.
6, a "zero" load cell reading was ob-
tained. The free plate was then
tightened against the load cell until
the reading indicated that the total
accumulated load was again acting
on the beam. This adjustment com-
pensated for the shortening of the
load cell by bringing the beam back
to its initial length.
*For a detailed description of these load
cells and of routine laboratory procedures,
see Ref. 8.
=,t7
"6
3' 0' 3'-0"
Test Beam
R R
Restraint For ^e Applied Initially at Both Ends
Fig. 7—Location of Applied Loads During Tests to Destruction
April 1967 25
After compensating for shortening
of the load cell, the nuts used to hold
the beam temporarily against the
fixed plate were loosened, and the
beam was again subjected to the ac-
tion of continued creep and shrink-
age. This procedure was repeated as
the build-up of loads continued.
Test Procedure
After mounting the test specimens
in position, measurements were tak-
en periodically to determine mid-
span deflections, concrete strains,
end rotations and horizontal forces
caused by creep and shrinkage. Dur-
ing the early stages of the study, the
intervals were of a short duration,
becoming progressively longer as the
deformations took place at a slower
rate.
At the end of about 21 months of
creep and shrinkage observations, all
T-beams were loaded to destruction
while still under the imposed condi-
tions of restraint at the supports.
This was done to determine the ef-
fects, if any, of the creep and shrink-
age deformations on the flexural
stiffness and strength of the beams.
Six equal concentrated loads were
applied along the length of the
beams to simulate uniform loading.
Six loads were applied on 3-ft. cen-
ters starting 3 ft. each side of mid-
span as shown in Fig. 7. No loads
0
I /6 i'6 ^6
3'-0" •3'-0" r 3'-0° 3'-0" Load Cell
Crosshead
 800
Theoretical "Rate Of Creep" Curve

m 600 Theoretical "Effective Modulus" Curve

Iii
U
B:
0 Beam PRI
-
u 400
J

z
Beam PR 2
0
N
o: 200
0
x

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

TIME, DAYS

Fig. 8—Increase in Horizontal Force with Time for Partially-Restrained Beams

were applied at midspan so that the
mechanical strain gage reference
points located in that area could be
used to measure concrete deforma-
tions during the test to destruction.
The loads were increased by in-
crements until failure occurred. Af-
ter each load stage was reached,
concrete strains and deflections were
measured. Since the beams were
permitted to rotate at the ends, the
increasing vertical loads provided
relief of load on the cells used to re-
cord the horizontal forces induced
by creep and shrinkage. This grad-
ual reduction in measured horizontal
force was recorded.
TEST RESULTS
Long-Term Observations
The increases in horizontal forces
with time for the partially- and fully-
restrained test beams are plotted in
Figs. 8 and 9. During the early
stages of observation, there was a
rapid build-up of horizontal forces.
The build-up became more gradual
as the specimens approached an age
of about 200 days. After this time,
26 PCI Journal
the increase was slight, indicating
that the forces were approaching
asymptotic values.
Partial Restraint. Fig. 8 indicates
that the build-up of horizontal forces
for the companion specimens under
partial restraint followed similar,
though not identical, curves. The fi-
nal recorded magnitude of horizon-
tal force for Beam PR1 was 505 lb.
and for Beam PR2, 425 lb.
The 16% difference between the
final recorded forces for the two
beams was evident during the early
stages of observation. Initially the
force built up more rapidly in Beam
PR1. After the first 100 days, the rate
of increase was about the same for
both beams.
These two beams, and their sup-
porting columns, were not cast si-
multaneously as were the specimens
under full restraint. Although an ef-
fort was made to ensure that they
had similar properties, it is seen in
Table II that the concrete strengths
of Beam PRI were lower than those
attained by its companion specimen.
Similarly, the initial camber in Beam
PRI was greater than that in Beam
PR2.
In addition to the recorded test
data, the increase in horizontal
forces with time was calculated us-
ing two different methods to account
for the effects of creep and shrink-
age. These two methods, the "Rate
of Creep" and the "Effective Modu-
lus," have been discussed by Ross("".
A simplified numerical procedure for
applying the "Rate of Creep" meth-
od is given in Ref. 10.
The analyses used to calculate the
time-dependent effects followed the
treatment presented by Mattock in
Ref. 11. Both elastic and creep prop-
erties were assumed to be the same
for the beams as for the columns.
The restraint forces were computed
by the methods of elasticity, includ-
ing shrinkage but neglecting creep.
The effects of creep were then intro-
duced by multiplying the elastic so-
lution by the functions of the creep
coefficient, c), discussed in Appendix
1 of Ref. 11. Numerical values for
shrinkage and creep as a function of
time were obtained from the cylin-
drical specimens. At an age of 600
25,000
m
J 20,000
w
V
0
u_
15,000
J
Z 10,000
0
N observed
a:
0 5,000
0 100
Fig. 9—Increase in Horizontal Force with Time for FullyRestrained Beams
April 1967
days, the ratio of creep to elastic
strain, 0, approached 2.0, while the
shrinkage strain approached 0.5% as
shown in Fig. 10.
Calculated forces for the partially
restrained beams used in this study
are shown in Fig. 8. Both the "Rate
of Creep" method and the "Effective
Modulus" method provided a con-
servative estimate of the restraint
force. Neither method accurately
predicted the behavior of the par-
tially restrained test specimens. In
both cases, the theoretical forces
were higher than those measured.
Full Restraint. Fig. 9 shows that
the increase in horizontal force with
time under full restraint was nearly
identical for the companion speci-
mens. Note that the force scales in
Figs. 8 and 9 differ greatly. The de-
velopment of these forces took place
at a somewhat lower rate than would
be expected by extrapolating from
the curves of the partially restrained
specimens. This effect is seen as a
sharper break in the force-time
curve for the partially-restrained
specimens than in that of the fully-
restrained specimens.
Theoretical °Rate Of Creep' Curve
Theoretical "Effective Modulus" Curve
Beam FR
Beam FR 2
Cracking
200 300 400 500 600
TIME . DAYS
27
 600. ing in the prestress transfer zone
0 could have been expected any time
J- 4001 after the horizontal force reached
about 8000 lb. This load was meas-
200 ured at about 50 days. In Fig. 9, the
lack of a sharp break in the time vs.
O 300 400 force curve of the fully-restrained
TIME, DAYS
SHRINKAGE OF UNLOADED CYLINDERS
beams similar to that observed at
about 150 days for the partially-re-
strained beams indicated that a re-
312
duction in the rate of increase of
load took place at about this stage.
This suggests that micro-cracks may
M have occurred when the measured
force was between 8000 lb. and the
60(
maximum recorded value of 14,000
ion 200 300 400 500
TIME, DAYS lb.
CREEP OF LOADED CYLINDERS During the reset operation at the
Fig. 10—Time - Dependent Deformations of 6-in, age of 413 days, the cracks were
Diameter Cylinders opened sufficiently to cause a dis-
tinct relief of pressure on the load
At the age of 413 days, cracks be- cells. This is shown in Fig. 9 by the
came visible around the supports at sharp drop in the force vs. time
the ends of the beams during a reset curves.
operation. The locations of these The measured horizontal forces
cracks are shown in Fig. 11. Upon due to creep and shrinkage of the
calculating stresses due to horizontal fully-restrained beams did not reach
forces, it was discovered that crack- the computed values. Part of this

24 —0 /C Supports —

Reset End
---//2Ij
Bearing Plate
FACE BEAM FRI

0
I I I
Scale — Feet

Reset End

/ I

Bearing Plate Bearing Plate

NORTH FACE BEAM FR2

Fig. 11—Cracking Observed in Transfer Regions of Fully-Restrained Beams

28 PCI Journal
 0
0.2
I)
Iii
I
U
Z ^
- 0.1 o Unrestrained Beam
C a
r
w D o Beam PRI
m
• Beam PR2
U 0
Z
a o Beam FR
a_
in Beam FR 2

0.1
Z o
FR2
w a
cD 3
ZZ
=0 3 0.2
U 0 FR1

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
TIME , DAYS

Fig. 12—Variation in Midspan Camber with Time for Test Beams

lack of agreement may be attributed increasing horizontal force. This re-

to the high tensile stresses that ex-
isted near the supports at and be-
yond the 8000-lb. load stage.
Midspan Camber. Initial values of
midspan camber are listed in Table
II. Variation in midspan camber
with time for each beam is shown in
Fig. 12. Midspan camber of the par-
tially- and non-restrained specimens
increased with time, while that of
the fully-restrained beams decreased
with time.
Two important factors are exhib-
ited in the plotted data. First, the
partially - restrained beam, PR2,
which developed a smaller horizon-
tal force than its companion speci-
men, developed a greater increase in
midspan camber. Since the non-re-
strained beam developed the largest
increase in camber, it follows that
the change in camber decreases with
April 1967
lationship is as expected. Second,
during the period following the reset
operation, when the cracks were
first observed and the measured load
dropped off for the fully-restrained
beams, there was an accompanying
rapid decrease in midspan camber.
Strains. The time vs. average
measured strain relationship for the
gage lines near midspan of the non-
restrained T-beam, NR1, is shown in
Fig. 13. Gage lines are numbered as
shown in Fig. 5. The measured
strains were considerably smaller at
the top of the flange than at the bot-
tom of the stem. Computed stresses
indicated a very small compressive
stress at the top of the beam at mid-
span under the combined action of
the dead weight of the member and
the prestress force. This stress is
listed in Table II. Since the stress at
29
the top of the flange is near zero,
strains at this location can be com-
pared with those measured on the
free shrinkage T-beams and the 6-in.
diameter cylinders having nearly the
same volume to surface ratio, V/S.
Fig. 14 shows this comparison. The
strains from the three specimens are
in reasonable agreement.
Strains measured at the top of the
flange and the bottom of the stem of
the four restrained specimens are
plotted along with those of the non-
restrained beams in Fig. 15. In Fig.
15(a), the strains at the top of the
flange were of approximately the
same order of magnitude, regardless
of the degree of restraint. These
strains are also comparable to the
free shrinkage strains of Fig. 14.
Strains measured at the bottom of
the stem of the T-beams shown in
Fig. 15(b), show a considerable dif-
ference depending on the degree of
restraint. The difference in meas-
ured strains for the two beams sub-
ject to partial restraint is comparable
to the difference in horizontal force
and change in camber. For the fully-
restrained beams, however, there is
an unexpected difference between
the strains in the companion speci-
mens. This difference is in contrast
to the very small differences in both
horizontal force and midspan cam-
ber. The reason for this discrepancy
is not immediately apparent, how-
ever it is not believed to be signifi-
cant.
The compressive strains measured
at midspan of the fully-restrained
beams were expected. Even with the
application of the nearly 14,000-lb.
horizontal force that developed, the
bottom of the stem at midspan re-
mained in compression. Consequent-
ly, the combined effects of creep and
shrinkage resulted in a net measured

900

800
F Gage Line 5
z 700
0
J
600
2
Z 500

400
Co

Q 300
H
0
-
1 200

•• For Location Of Gage Lines See Fig. 5

on 100 200 300 400 500 bOu TOO

TIME . DAYS

Fig. 13—Total Strains of Non-Restrained Beams

30 PCI Journal
 o e p A
p o

x 0 ^p
Z 400 p
0_ G
J
J
2
• 300 p
z
a
• Free Shrinkage T- Beam V/S = 1.46
o 6" Dia. Cylinder V/S = 1.50
W 200
4 A Top of Flange of Non-restrained
z
2 T-Beom V/S = 1.46
I
100

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

TIME, DAYS

Fig. 14—Comparison of Shrinkage Strain for Test Specimens with Nearly the Same V/S

compressive strain. However, great time-dependent portion of the inves-

tensile strains and even cracking de-
veloped in the prestress transfer
zones near the beam ends. Since the
horizontal distance between sup-
ports was maintained constant for
the fully-restrained beams, the ef-
fects of these compressive and ten-
sile strains on the total length of the
bottom flange must cancel each
other.
Test to Destruction
After observing the effects of
creep and shrinkage deformations
for a period of about 600 days, the
beams were loaded to destruction.
Loads were applied at the locations
shown in Fig. 7. These tests were
carried out to determine the effect,
if any, the restraint against creep
and shrinkage deformations had on
the flexural stiffness and strength of
the beams.
Each beam was tested with an ini-
tial horizontal force equal to the
maximum force measured during the
April 1967
tigation. As the beams were loaded,
the restraint force was relieved due
to the elongation of the bottom fiber
of the stem. All beams were entirely
unrestrained at ultimate load.
Deflection. The applied load vs.
deflection relationship for each of
the beams is shown in Fig. 16. At the
time of testing, the partially-re-
strained and unrestrained beams had
a total upward camber of approxi-
mately 0.4 in. This total was made
up of the initial camber of the beam
at the start of the long-time observa-
tions plus the change in camber
caused by creep and shrinkage. The
fully-restrained beams had almost no
camber at the start of the tests to de-
struction. This was the result of the
loss of camber caused by the re-
straint against horizontal movement
due to creep and shrinkage, as
shown in Fig. 12.
The load vs. deflection relation-
ships for the partially-restrained and
31
unrestrained beams were similar up
to about twice the service load. Be-
yond this load, the higher stiffness of
the unrestrained beam was probably
due to its higher concrete strength.
The fully-restrained beams were
somewhat less stiff than either the
partially-restrained or unrestrained
beams up to nearly twice the service
load. However, at higher loads, these
beams exhibited a greater stiffness
than any of the other three speci-
mens. At the end of the time-de-
pendent portion of these tests, the
fully restrained test beams had de-
veloped horizontal forces of about
14,000 lb. at the bottom of the stem.
These eccentric forces created a loss
of camber, as shown in Fig. 12, dur-
ing the 600-day observation period.
Application of vertical loads caused
a lengthening of the bottom fiber of
the stem that eventually relieved the
horizontal forces. At approximately
twice the service load, the measured
horizontal forces created by re-
strained creep and shrinkage
reached zero. As the horizontal
forces were dissipated, the reduction
in camber caused by them was also
relieved and the initial stiffness of
the beam was recovered.
Flexural Strength. Ultimate load
and moment for each beam are listed

a, 600 r_
x Unrestrained T— Beams
I
Z 500
0 8. °• o• • o c•
400

300

200 • Beam FR I
a) ° Beam FR 2
• Beam PR I
100 o Beam PR 2
0
f-
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
TIME, DAYS
(a)STRAINS AT TOP OF FLANGE
800
Unrestrained T— Beams --
700
U)

Z 600
0
500
f
400 o °
Z_
Of 300
°
Q 200 • Beam FR I
° Beam FR 2
100 • eam P R I
Beam PR 2
B

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

TIME , DAYS
(b)STRAINS AT BOTTOM OF STEM

Fig. 15—Comparison of Total Strains Measured in Fully, Partially., and Non-

Restrained T-Beams

32 PCI journal
 12,500

m
J
c 10,000
Q
0
J
J
Q V
v 7,500
F o Unrestrained Beam
W o Beam PRI
0 • Beam PR 2
5,000 Service Load 0 Beam FR I
a A Beam FR 2
a.

p 2,500

0 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
DEFLECTION, INCHES

Fig. 16—Deflection of Beams During Load to Destruction

in Table III. Each beam failed in
flexure by fracture of the prestress
strands. Fig. 17 shows the central
portion of one beam after failure.
Test moments for all beams ex-
ceeded the calculated ultimate mo-
ments. The calculated ultimate mo-
ments were computed from the
measured properties of the concrete
Shear Strength. The test beams of
this investigation were all adequate-
ly reinforced for shear. Had no stir-
rup reinforcement been provided,
and particularly had the beams been
reinforced without prestress, the
large horizontal tensions developed
under full restraint could have re-
duced shear strength substantially.

formations did `- not influence their Fig. 17—Typical Flexural Failure of Restrained
flexural strength. T-Beam after Vertical Load Tests
April 1967 - 33
 TABLE III—Load Tests to Destruction

Beam NR1 FRI FR2 PRl PR2

P cr(test) l, lb. 5,980 2,500 2,500 5,500 5,900
M, r(test), ft.-lb. 26,600 16,300 16,300 25,200 26,300
M cr (calc)2, ft.-lb. 25,600 17,100 17,100 25,600 25,600
M cr (test)/M cr (calc) 1.04 0.95 0.95 0.98 1.02
P„ lt(test) l, lb. 12,900 11,950 12,700 12,000 12,000
M„ lt(test), ft.-lb. 47,300 44,500 46,700 44,600 44,600
M,,, t (calc) 2, ft.-lb. 42,400 42,400 42,400 42,400 42,400
M„ lt (test)/M„ lt (calc) 1.12 1.05 1.10 1.05 1.05

i Total applied vertical load

2 Based on known properties of concrete and strand shown in
Table II
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Calculation of Forces
Following is a method for approx-
imating horizontal forces due to re-
strained creep and shrinkage. This,
and any other method involving
creep and shrinkage, must be based
either on assumed magnitudes for
these time-dependent variables, or
on values obtained from laboratory
tests of the materials to be used.
Consider the single span bent
shown in Fig. 18(a) and assume that
the stiffnesses, E^I 6, of the columns
are equal. Also, assume that the di-
mensional changes due to time-de-
pendent effects are the same for
both columns and beams. Under the
action of restrained creep and shrink-
age of the beam, the frame will as-
sume the deflected shape shown in
Fig. 18(b). This will create hori-
zontal forces, R0, as indicated in Fig.
18(c). The force R 0 , can be com-
puted from the expression:
3E,I,A (1)
R0 — 2H3
where A is the unrestrained change
in length of the beam due to creep
and shrinkage of the concrete and H
is the column height.
34
Using this same principle, the ap-
proximate force in any span of a
multi-span frame can be calculated.
For the multi-span frame consisting
of n spans shown in Fig. 18(d), it is
first assumed that only one interior
span, i, shortens. The force in this
span, R. expressed in terms of R0,
is given by the expression
Rti= 2R0 1 (n+1-i) (2)
To complete the procedure, it is
necessary to superimpose the effects
of shortening in all of the remaining
spans. Summing these effects, the
total horizontal force, R1, in span i
is found to be
R^, = Roi (n + 1 — i) (3)
By rearranging the terms in Eq.
(3), the ratio R1,/ R,, can be calcu-
lated. Fig. 19 shows values of this
ratio for any structure containing
from one to eleven spans.
For the test specimens, the hori-
zontal force in the fully restrained
beam was almost thirty times that of
the beams subject to partial-re-
straint. Referring to Fig. 19, the
force in the fully-restrained test
specimen would be equivalent to
that produced in the two middle
PCI Journal
spans of a ten-span frame having
columns identical to those support-
ing the partially-restrained beams of
this test series.
The maximum force developed in
the fully-restrained beams was
slightly larger than 50% of the ap-
plied prestress force. In multi-span
structures where difficulty is encoun-
tered in applying the method of cal-
culation described above, a very
rough estimate of the maximum hor-
izontal force due to creep and
shrinkage could be taken as 0.5P
where P is the applied prestressing
force. Such large forces can obvious-
ly not be neglected in detailing of
connections.
Suggestions for Reducing Horizontal
Forces
The horizontal forces due to creep
and shrinkage in a severely re-
strained member, such as an interior
beam in a multi-span frame, may be
of substantial magnitude. Any one of
the following precautions will help
A'2
H Ecic
(a)
2 3
ii
(d)
Fig. 18—Single and Multi-Span Frames
April 1967 35
to reduce these forces and minimize
the possibility of distress in the mem-
ber and its supports:
1. Wherever possible allow for
horizontal movement of the member.
This will minimize the buildup of
horizontal forces due to creep and
shrinkage. Several suggested details
to accomplish this are given in Ref.
12.
2. Or, extended curing of the mem-
ber before erection will reduce the
amount of creep and shrinkage after
connection to the support has been
made. For example, curing of the
member for a period of 21 days be-
fore erection will reduce both shrink-
age strain and the creep coefficient,
0, by about 50%. This is illustrated
by the broken lines in Fig. 14.
3. Or, steam curing of the member
has an effect similar to extended cur-
ing. Tests" 13> have shown that both
creep and drying shrinkage of steam
cured concrete are less than those of
normally cured concrete.
n
'2
RO
(b) (c)
4 i
in
 36
o-
34 e
O ^
32 co h

30

28
c
26 //c/
V.
24

22
ti
20
RI O`
18 Ai

16

14

12
0
O•
I0
,`L

0 I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 I2
NUMBER OF SPANS,n
Fig. 19—Ratio of Ri/Ro for Any Span in Multi-Span Frame
If for any reason it would be im- ends are restrained against horizon-
practical to follow these suggestions, tal movement will create horizontal
an estimate of the anticipated forces forces that, depending on the degree
due to restrained creep and shrink- of restraint, may cause severe crack-
age should be made by the simpli- ing in the support regions. For cases
fled method outlined here or by one of severe restraint, therefore, these
of the two methods described else- forces must be included in design of
where f9.10, ' 1 Adequate provision for beam end details, column heads, cor-
horizontal forces must be made in bels, and other supports.
the design of beam end details. The "Rate of Creep" and "Effec-
tive Modulus" methods of calculat-
CONCLUSIONS ing these forces will yield reason-
It is concluded that creep and able, though conservative, estimates
shrinkage deformations of precast- of the forces created by creep and
prestressed concrete members whose shrinkage in members that are re-
36 PCI Journal
strained against horizontal move-
ment.
Under the conditions imposed in
these tests, creep and shrinkage de-
formations did not significantly in-
fluence the flexural strength of the
members. It is expected, however,
that such deformations could seri-
ously reduce shear strength, particu-
larly for beams without stirrup rein-
forcement.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The investigation reported herein
was carried out in the Structural
Laboratory of the Portland Cement
Association. Credit is due to B. J.
Doepp, B. W. Fullhart, R. G. Hoff-
man, 0. A. Kurvits and W. W. Man-
eck for assistance in the manufac-
ture and testing of the specimens.
Prof. Alan H. Mattock, formerly with
the PCA Laboratories and now with
the University of Washington, aided
importantly in the planning of this
investigation.
REFERENCES
1. Rostasy, F., "Connections in Precast
Concrete Structures—Continuity in
Double-T Floor Construction," Journal
of the Prestressed Concrete Institute,
Vol. 7, No. 4, Aug. 1962, pp. 18-48;
PCA Development Department Bulle-
tin D55.
2. Kriz, L. B. and Baths, C. H., "Connec-
tions in Precast Concrete Structures—
Bearing Strength of Column Heads,"
Journal of the Prestressed Concrete In-
stitute, Vol. 8, No. 6, Dec. 1963, pp.
45-75; PCA Development Department
Bulletin D73.
3. Gaston, J. R. and Kriz, L. B., "Connec-
tions in Precast Concrete Structures—
Scarf Joints," Journal of the Prestressed
Concrete Institute, Vol. 9, No. 3, June
1964, pp. 37-59; PCA Development
Department Bulletin D79.
4. Kriz, L. B. and Raths, C. H., "Connec-
tions in Precast Concrete Structures—
Strength of Corbels," Journal of the
Prestressed Concrete Institute, Vol. 10,
Discussion of this paper is invited. Please forward your Discussion to PCI Headquarters
before July 1 to permit publication in the October 1967 issue of the PCI JOURNAL.
April 1967 37
No. 1, Feb. 1965, pp. 16-61; PCA De-
velopment Department Bulletin D85.
5. LaFraugh, R. W. and Magura, D. D.,
"Connections in Precast Concrete
Structures—Column Base Plates," Jour-
nal of the Prestressed Concrete Insti-
tute, Vol. 11, No. 6 Dec. 1966, pp. 18-
39; PCA Development Department
Bulletin D110.
6. Kaar, P. H., LaFraugh, R. W. and
Mass, M. A., "Influence of Concrete
Strength on Strand Transfer Length,"
Journal of the Prestressed Concrete In-
stitute, Vol. 8, No. 5, Oct. 1963, pp.
47-67; PCA Development Department
Bulletin D71.
7. Hansen, T. C. and Mattock, A. H.,
"The Influence of Size and Shape of
Member on the Shrinkage and Creep
of Concrete," Journal of the American
Concrete Institute, Vol. 63, No. 2, Feb.
1966, pp. 267-290; PCA Development
Department Bulletin D103.
8. Hognestad, E., Hanson, N. W., Kriz,
L. B. and Kurvits, O. A., "Facilities
and Test Methods of PCA Structural
Laboratory," Journal of the PCA Re-
search and Development Laboratories,
Vol. 1, No. 1, Jan. 1959, pp. 12-20 and
40-44; Vol. 1, No. 2, May 1959, pp.
30-37; Vol. 1, No. 3, Sept. 1959, pp.
35-41; PCA Development Department
Bulletin D33.
9. Ross, A. D., "Creep of Concrete Under
Variable Stress," Journal of the Amer-
ican Concrete Institute, Vol. 54, No. 9,
March 1958, pp. 739-758.
10. Corley, W. G., Sozen, M. A. and Siess,
C. P., "Time Dependent Deflections of
Prestressed Concrete Beams," Highway
Research Board Bulletin 307, 1962,
pp. 1-25.
11. Mattock, A. H., "Precast-Prestressed
Concrete Bridges, 5. Creep and Shrink-
age Studies," Journal of the PCA Re-
search and Development Laboratories,
Vol. 3, No. 2, May 1961, pp. 32-66;
PCA Development Department Bulle-
tin D46.
12. Gordon, P., "Connections for Precast
Members Can be Trouble Free," Civil
Engineering, Vol. 36, No. 7, July 1966,
pp. 62-64.
13. Shideler, J. J., "Manufacture and Use
of Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
tural Concrete," Jan. 1961, 14 pp.,
PCA Development Department Bul-
letin D40.