Unit 4: Pre-Stressed Concrete

Structures – Part 3

Structural System and Design - V

 Contents
• Losses in prestress force
• Prefabrication in RCC
• Merits and demerits of Prefab Construction compared to in situ
construction
• Methods of prefab construction
• Modern day use in Prefab housing and other fields
Losses in Prestress
 Losses in Prestress
• In prestressed concrete applications, most important variable is
the prestress.
• Prestress does not remain constant (reduces) with time.
• Even during prestressing of tendons, and transfer of prestress,
there is a drop of prestress from the initially applied stress.
• Reduction of prestress is nothing but the loss in prestress.
 Losses in Prestress
• Early attempts to produce prestressed concrete was not
successful due to loss of prestress transferred to concrete after
few years.
• Prestress loss is nothing but the reduction of initial applied
prestress to an effective value.
• In other words, loss in prestress is the difference between initial
prestress and the effective prestress that remains in a member.
• Loss of prestress is a great concern since it affects the strength
of member and also significantly affects the member’s
serviceability including stresses in concrete, cracking, and
deflection.
 Losses in Prestress
Loss of prestress is classified into two types:
1. Short-Term or Immediate Losses
• Immediate losses occur during prestressing of tendons, and
transfer of prestress to concrete member.
2. Long-Term or Time Dependent Losses
• Time dependent losses occur during service life of structure.
 Losses in Prestress
1. Immediate Losses include
❑ Elastic Shortening of Concrete
❑ Slip at anchorages immediately after prestressing and
❑ Friction between tendon and tendon duct, and Wobble Effect
2. Time Dependent Losses include
❑ Creep and Shrinkage of concrete and
❑ Relaxation of prestressing steel
Losses in Prestress
 Losses in Various Prestressing Systems
Type of Loss Pre-tensioning Post-tensioning

1. Elastic Shortening Yes i. No, if all the cables

are simultaneously
tensioned.
ii. If the wires are
tensioned in stages
loss will exist.
2. Anchorage Slip No Yes

3. Friction Loss No Yes

4. Creep and Shrinkage Yes Yes

of Concrete

5. Relaxation of Steel Yes Yes

 Immediate Losses
Elastic Shortening of Concrete
• In pre-tensioned concrete, when the prestress is transferred to
concrete, the member shortens and the prestressing steel also
shortens in it. Hence there is a loss of prestress.
• In case of post-tensioning, if all the cables are tensioned
simultaneously there is no loss since the applied stress is
recorded after the elastic shortening has completely occurred.
• If the cables are tensioned sequentially, there is loss in a tendon
during subsequent stretching of other tendons.
• Loss of prestress mainly depends on modular ratio and average
stress in concrete at the level of steel.
• Loss due to elastic shortening is quantified by drop in prestress
(Δfp) in a tendon due to change in strain in tendon (Δεp)
 Immediate Losses
• The change in strain in tendon is equal to the strain in concrete
(εc) at the level of tendon due to prestressing force.
• This assumption is due to strain compatibility between concrete
and steel.
• Strain in concrete at the level of tendon is calculated from the
stress in concrete (fc) at the same level due to prestressing force.
 Elastic Shortening
1. Pre-tensioned Members: When the tendons are cut and the
prestressing force is transferred to the member, concrete
undergoes immediate shortening due to prestress.
2. Tendon also shortens by same amount, which leads to the loss
of prestress.
 Elastic Shortening
1. Post-tensioned Members: If there is only one tendon, there is
no loss because the applied prestress is recorded after the
elastic shortening of the member.
2. For more than one tendon, if the tendons are stretched
sequentially, there is loss in a tendon during subsequent
stretching of the other tendons.
 Elastic Shortening
• Pre-tensioned Members: Operation of pre-tensioning through
various stages by animation.
 Elastic Shortening
• Post-tensioned Members: Complete operation of post-
tensioning through various stages by animation.
 Elastic Shortening
• Linear elastic relationship is used to calculate the strain from
the stress.
• Quantification of the losses is explained below.

• For simplicity, the loss in all the tendons can be calculated

based on the stress in concrete at the level of CGS.
• This simplification cannot be used when tendons are stretched
sequentially in a post-tensioned member.
 Anchorage Slip
• In most Post-tensioning systems when the tendon force is
transferred from the jack to the anchoring ends, the friction
wedges slip over a small distance.
• Anchorage block also moves before it settles on concrete.
• Loss of prestress is due to the consequent reduction in the
length of the tendon.
• Certain quantity of prestress is released due to this slip of wire
through the anchorages.
• Amount of slip depends on type of wedge and stress in the
wire.
 Anchorage Slip
• The magnitude of slip can be known from the tests or from the
patents of the anchorage system.
• Loss of stress is caused by a definite total amount of shortening.
• Percentage loss is higher for shorter members.
• Due to setting of anchorage block, as the tendon shortens, there
develops a reverse friction.
• Effect of anchorage slip is present up to a certain length, called
the setting length lset.
 Anchorage Slip
• Anchorage loss can be accounted for at the site by over-
extending the tendon during prestressing operation by the
amount of draw-in before anchoring.
• Loss of prestress due to slip can be calculated:
 Frictional Loss
• In Post-tensioned members, tendons are housed in ducts or
sheaths.
• If the profile of cable is linear, the loss will be due to
straightening or stretching of the cables called Wobble Effect.
• If the profile is curved, there will be loss in stress due to friction
between tendon and the duct or between the tendon themselves.
 Friction
Post-tensioned Members
• Friction is generated due to curvature of tendon, and vertical
component of the prestressing force.

A typical continuous post-tensioned member

 Friction
• Post-tensioned Members

Variation of prestressing force after stretching

 Frictional Loss
• The magnitude of prestressing force, Px at any distance, x from
the tensioning end follows an exponential function of the type,
 Time Dependent Losses
Creep of Concrete
• Time-dependent increase of deformation under sustained load,
where stress is kept constant.
• Due to creep, the prestress in tendons decreases with time.
 Time Dependent Losses
Creep of Concrete
• Factors affecting creep and shrinkage of concrete
❑ Age
❑ Applied Stress level
❑ Density of concrete
❑ Cement Content in concrete
❑ Water-Cement Ratio
❑ Relative Humidity and
❑ Temperature
 Time Dependent Losses
• For stress in concrete less than one-third of the characteristic
strength, the ultimate creep strain (εcr,ult) is found to be
proportional to the elastic strain (εel).
• The ratio of the ultimate creep strain to the elastic strain is
defined as the ultimate creep coefficient or simply creep
coefficient, θ.
• εcr,ult = θ εel
• The loss in prestress (Δfp) due to creep is given as follows.
• Δfp = Ep . εcr,ult = Ep. θ εel
• Ep is the modulus of prestressing steel
• Curing the concrete adequately and delaying the application of
load provide long-term benefits with regards to durability, loss
of prestress and deflection.
 Time Dependent Losses
• Following are applicable for calculating the loss of prestress
due to creep.
• Creep is due to sustained (permanent) loads only. Temporary
loads are not considered in calculation of creep.
• Since the prestress may vary along the length of the member, an
average value of the prestress is considered.
• Prestress changes due to creep, which is related to the
instantaneous prestress.
• To consider this interaction, the calculation of creep can be
iterated over small time steps.
 Time Dependent Losses
Shrinkage of Concrete
• Concrete shrinks as it sets and for a period afterwards. The amount
of shrinkage depends on the humidity and the surface area to
volume ratio. As the strands are bonded to the concrete they
undergo the same strain.
• Loss of prestress (Δfp) due to shrinkage is as follows.
• Δfp = Ep εsh
where Ep is the modulus of prestressing steel.
• The factors responsible for creep of concrete will have influence
on shrinkage of concrete also except the loading conditions.
• The approximate value of shrinkage strain for design shall be
assumed, for pre-tensioning = 0.0003, for post-tensioning =
0.002/Log10(t+2), where t = age of concrete at transfer in days
 Time Dependent Losses
Relaxation
• Relaxation is the reduction in stress with time at constant strain.
❑ Decrease in the stress is due to the fact that some of the initial
elastic strain is transformed into inelastic strain under constant
strain.
❑ Stress decreases according to the remaining elastic strain.
 Time Dependent Losses
Relaxation
• Factors effecting Relaxation:
❑ Time
❑ Initial stress
❑ Temperature
❑ Type of steel
Prefabrication in RCC
 Introduction
Definition
• Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a structure
in a factory or other manufacturing site, and transporting complete
assemblies or sub-assemblies to the construction site where the
structure is to be located.
Meaning
• The assembly of buildings or their components at a location other than
the building site.
• The method controls construction costs by economizing on time,
wages, and materials.
• Prefabricated units may include doors, stairs, window, walls, wall
panels, floor panels, roof trusses, room-sized components, and even
entire buildings.
 Introduction
• The term is used to distinguish this process from the more
conventional construction practice of transporting the basic
material to the construction site where all assembly is acarried
out.
 Prefabrication
• Prefabricated building is the completely assembled and erected
building, of which is the structural parts consists of prefabricated
individual units or assemblies using ordinary or controlled
materials.
 Aims of Prefabrication Construction
• Prefabrication is used to effect economy in cost.
• Components manufactured under controlled conditions.
• The speed of construction is increased since no curing period is necessary.
• Prefabrication helps in the use of locally available materials with required
characteristics like light-weight; easy workability, thermal insulation, non-
combustibility, etc.
 Advantages of Prefabrication
• Quick erection times
• Possibility of conversion, disassembling and moving to another site
• Possibility of erection in areas where a traditional construction practice is not
possible or difficult.
• Low labor intensity
• Reduce wastage of materials
• Easier management of construction sites
• Better overall construction quality
• Ideal fit for simple and complex structures
• Ensures high degree of safety
• Independent of climatic conditions
• Entire building can be precast – walls, floors, beams, etc.
• Prestressing is easily done which can reduce the size and number of the structural
members.
 Disadvantages of Prefabrication
• Very heavy members
• Camber in beams and slabs
• Very small margin for error
• Connections may be difficult
• Somewhat limited building design flexibility
• Because panel size is limited, precast concrete can not be used for two-way structural systems.
• Economics of scale demand regularly shaped buildings.
• Need for repetition of forms will affect building design.
• Joints between panels are often expensive and complicated.
• Skilled workmanship is required in the application of the panel on site.
• Cranes are required to lift panels.
• Attention to be paid to the strength and corrosion-resistance of the joining of prefabricated
sections to avoid failure of the joint.
• Transportation costs may be higher for voluminous prefabricated sections than for the
materials of which they are made, which can often be packed more compactly.
 Limitations
• Size of the units
• Location of window openings has a limited variety
• Joint details are predefined
• Site access and storage capacity
• Require high quality control
• Enable interaction between design phase and production planning
• Difficult in handling and transportation
 Components of Prefab Construction
• Flooring and Roofing Scheme
• Beams
• Columns
• Walls
• Staircase
• Lintels
Merits of Prefab Construction over in situ construction

• Economy in large scale project with high degree of repetition in

work construction.
• Special requirement in finishing.
• Consistency in structural quality control.
• Fast speed of construction.
• Constraints in availability of site resources (e.g. Materials &
Labour)
• Other space and environmental constraints.
 Various Prefabrication Systems
Open Prefab System
This system is based on the basic structural elements to form whole or part
of a building. The standard prefab concrete components which can be used
are:-
• Reinforced concrete channel units
• Hollow blocks and battens
• Precast planks and battens
• Precast joists and tiles
• Cellular concrete slabs
• Prestressed/reinforced concrete slabs
• Reinforced/prestressed concrete columns
• Precast lintels and chajjas
 Various Prefabrication Systems
• Reinforced concrete waffle slabs/shells
• Room size reinforced/prestressed concrete panels
• Reinforced/prestressed concrete wall elements
• Reinforced/prestressed concrete trusses
 Categories of Open Prefab Systems
There are two categories of open prefab systems depending on the
extent of prefabrication used in the construction as given below:
• Partial prefab open system
• Full prefab open system
 Partial Prefab Open System
• This system basically emphasizes the use of precast proofing and
flooring components and other minor elements like lintels, chajjas,
kitchen sills in conventional building construction.
• The structural system could be in the form of in-situ framework or
load bearing walls.
 Full Prefab Open System
• In this system almost all the structural components are
Prefabricated. The filler walls may be of bricks or any other local
material.
 Large Panel Prefab System
• This system is based on the use of large prefab components. The
components such as Precast concrete large panels for walls, floors,
roofs, balconies, staircase, etc. The casting of the components
could be at the site or off the site.
 Classification of structural scheme
with precast large panel
Wall Systems
• Cross Wall System – In this scheme, the cross wall are load
bearing walls whereas the facade walls are non-load bearing. This
system is suitable for high rise buildings.
• Longitudinal Wall System – In this scheme the cross walls are
non-load bearing whereas Longitudinal walls are load bearing
walls. This system is suitable for low rise buildings.
• A combination of the above system with all load bearing walls can
also be adopted.
 Classification of structural scheme
with precast large panel
Precast floors
• Precast flooring units could be
homogeneous or non
homogeneous.
• Homogeneous floors: Solid
slabs, Cored Slabs, Ribbed or
Waffle slabs
• Non-homogeneous floors:
Multi-layered ones with
combinations of light weight
concrete or
reinforced/prestressed concrete
with filler blocks.
 Classification of structural scheme
with precast large panel
Staircase Systems
• Staircase system could consist of single flights with in-built risers
and treads in the element only. The flights are normally
unidirectional transferring the loads to supporting landing slabs or
load bearing walls.
 Classification of structural scheme
with precast large panel
Box type construction
• In this system, room size units are prefabricated and erected at
site. Toilets and kitchen blocks also be similarly prefabricated and
erected at site.
• This system derives its stability and stiffness from the box unit
which are formed by the four adjacent walls. Walls are jointed to
make rigid connections among themselves. The box unit rests on
the plinth foundation which may be of conventional type or
precast type.
 Joints
• The joints should be provided in the light of their assessment with
respect to the following considerations:
• Feasibility: The feasibility of joint shall be determined by its load
carrying capacity in the particular situation in which the joints is to
function.
• Practicability: Practicability of joint shall be determined by the
amount and type of material, fabrication and erection and the time
for fabrication and erection.
• Serviceability: Serviceability shall be determined by the
joints/expected behaviour to repeated or possible overloading and
exposure to climatic or chemical conditions.
Components Fixing and Jointing
Installing and fixing the precast facades into position