PCS/004

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Department of Civil Engineering
CIVL3012 / 3112 Prestressed Concrete Structures

Loss of Prestress

General
Allowance shall be made when calculating the forces in tendons at the various stages
considered in design for the appropriate losses of prestress resulting from:

Short term losses Long term losses

 Elastic deformation of concrete;  Relaxation of steel tendons; and
 Slip or movement of tendons at  Subsequent shrinkage and creep of
anchorages during anchoring; and concrete.
 Friction (in post-tensioning work).

Loss of prestress due to relaxation of steel

The long term loss of force in the tendon (in %) allowed for in the design shall be the
1000-hour relaxation, for an initial load equal to that imposed at transfer, multiplied by the
relaxation factor as shown below:

Table 1 Relaxation factors

Wires and strands
Relaxation Class 1 Relaxation Class 2 Bars
Pre-tensioning 1.5 1.2 -
Post-tensioning 2.0 1.5 2.0

Loss of prestress = 1000-hour relaxation (%)  relaxation factor  initial prestress in steel
The relaxation factor includes allowances for the effects of strain reductions due to creep
and shrinkage of concrete and, in the case of pre-tensioning, the effects of strain reductions due
to elastic deformations of concrete.

Loss of Prestress due to Elastic Deformation of the Concrete

Calculation of the immediate loss of force in the tendon due to elastic deformation of the
concrete at transfer may be based on the values for the modulus of elasticity of the concrete
given in Table 2. The modulus of elasticity of the tendons is given in Table 3.

Table 2 Short term elastic modulus of

concrete produced in Hong Kong Table 3 Modulus of elasticity of tendons
Characteristic strength at Modulus of Type of steel Es (kN/mm2)
age considered (MPa) elasticity (MPa) Wire to BS5896 Section 2 205
30 22 200 Strand to BS5896 Section 3 195
35 23 700 Rolled and stretched bars to
40 25 100 BS4486 206
45 26 400 Rolled, stretched and
50 27 700 tempered bars to BS4486 165
55 28 900
60 30 000
For pre-tensioning, the loss of prestress in the tendons at transfer shall be calculated on a
modular ratio basis using the stress in the adjacent concrete.

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 PCS/004

For members with post-tensioning tendons, which are not stressed simultaneously, there
is a progressive loss of prestress during transfer due to the gradual application of the
prestressing force. The resulting loss of prestress in the tendons shall be calculated on the basis
of half the product of the modular ratio and the stress in the concrete adjacent to the tendons
averaged along their length. Alternatively, the loss of prestress may be exactly computed
based on the sequence of tensioning.
In making these calculations, it may usually be assumed that the tendons are located at
their centroid.

Loss of Prestress due to Shrinkage of Concrete

The loss of prestress in the tendons due to shrinkage of the concrete may be calculated
from the modulus of elasticity for the tendons Es and the value of shrinkage cs as follows.
Loss of prestress   cs  Es
Shrinkage has irreversible and reversible components. Irreversible shrinkage is caused
by the concrete setting and drying out. Reversible volume changes occur when the moisture
content of the concrete varies with the ambient relative humidity.
Shrinkage is also affected by the composition of the concrete, the size of the member
under consideration and the amount of longitudinal reinforcement in the member.
Details of the various factors affecting shrinkage are largely based on Appendix C of BS
5400: Part 4.
Experience has shown that the amount of shrinkage to be anticipated in Hong Kong is
greater than the amount likely to occur in the U.K., so the recommendations of BS 5400 should
be modified for Hong Kong use.
Appendix C of BS 5400:Part 4 states that the shrinkage strain at any instant is given by
 cs  k L k c k e k j in microstrains (i.e. 10-6)
where allowance is made by
kL for relative humidity,
kc for concrete composition,
ke for effective thickness, and
kj for time.
For Hong Kong conditions, shrinkage should be estimated from
 cs  cs K L K c K e K j in microstrains
where cs=2.5, and KL, Kc, Ke and Kj are defined in Section 3.1.8 of Code of Practice for
Structural Use of Concrete 2013.
The shrinkage to be expected over an interval of time should be taken as the difference
between the shrinkages calculated for the beginning and the end of the interval. This is
particularly important for prestressing applications, since prestress can only be transferred after
some shrinkage has occurred.
Shrinkage is greatly reduced by the presence of reinforcement. The values derived from
the foregoing expression, which are for plain concrete, should be multiplied by the
reinforcement coefficient “Ks” to obtain the corresponding values for reinforced concrete.
The reinforcement coefficient is given by
1
Ks 
1   e
where  = steel ratio = As /Ac
e = modular ratio = Es /Ec

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Loss of Prestress due to Creep of Concrete

The loss of prestress in the tendons due to creep of the concrete may be calculated on the
assumption that creep is proportional to the stress in the concrete for stress up to one-third of
the cube strength at transfer. The loss of prestress is obtained from the product of the modulus
of elasticity of the tendon Es and the creep of the concrete adjacent to the tendon cc.
Loss of prestress   cc  Es
Usually it is sufficient to assume, in calculating this loss, that the tendons are located at their
centroid.
The final creep deformation to be anticipated according to the theory of linear creep is
given by the expression
f
 cc  c  c
E28
where fc = constant concrete stress,
E28 = 28-day value of concrete modulus,
c = creep factor given by the expression c  K L K m K c K e K j in which the “K”
coefficients are as defined in Section 3.1.7 of Code of Practice for Structural
Use of Concrete 2013.
Creep is reduced by the presence of reinforcement in the same way as shrinkage. The
values derived for cc from the foregoing are for plain concrete, and should be multiplied by the
reinforcement coefficient “Ks” as for shrinkage.

Loss of Prestress during Anchoring

Allowance shall be made for any movement of the tendon at the anchorage when the
prestressing force is transferred from the tensioning equipment to the anchorage.

Loss of Prestress due to Friction

General
In post-tensioning systems there will be movement of the tendon relative to the
surrounding duct during the tensioning operation, and if the tendon is in contact with either the
duct or any spacers provided, friction will cause a reduction in the prestressing force as the
distance from the jack increases. In addition, a certain amount of friction will be developed in
the jack itself and in the anchorage through which the tendon passes.
Friction in the Jack and Anchorage
This is directly proportional to the jack pressure, but it will vary considerably between
systems and should be ascertained for the type of jack and the anchorage system to be used.
Friction in the Duct due to Curvature of the Tendon
When a tendon is curved, the loss of prestress in a tendon due to friction is dependent on
the angle turned through and the coefficient of friction  between the tendon and its supports.
The prestressing force Px at any distance x along the curve from the tangent point can be
calculated from the following equation.
Px  P0  e   x / R
where P0 = prestressing force in the tendon at the tangent point near the jacking end
e = the base of Napierian logarithm (2.718281828)
R = radius of curvature
Values of  may be taken as:
0.55 for steel moving on unlined concrete duct
0.30 for steel moving on steel duct
0.25 for steel moving on galvanized duct

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The value of  may be reduced where special precautions are taken and where results are
available to justify it.

Friction in the Duct due to Unintentional Variation from the Specified Profile (“Wobble”
effect)
Whether the desired duct profile is straight or curved or a combination of both, there will
be slight variations in the actual line of the duct, which may cause additional points of contact
between the tendon and the sides of the duct, and so produce friction. The prestressing force Px
at any distance x from the jack can be calculated from the equation
Px  P0  e  K x
where P0 = prestressing force in the tendon at the jacking end
K = constant depending on the type of duct, or sheath employed, the nature of its
inside surface, the method of forming it and the degree of vibration employed in
placing the concrete
The value of K per metre length in the above formula should generally be taken as not
less than 3310-4 but where strong rigid sheaths or duct formers are used, closely supported so
that they are not displaced during the concreting operation, the value of K may be taken as
1710-4. Other values may be used provided they have been established by tests.
Hence the combined effect of friction due to unintentional variation from the specified
profile and curvature is given by
Px  P0  e  (  x / R  K x )

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 PCS/004a

THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

Department of Civil Engineering
CIVL3012 / 3112 Prestressed Concrete Structures

Loss of Prestress: Further Explanation

Elastic Deformation Loss: Pre-tensioned Member

No stress in concrete yet

e
Pi Pi
Stress
distribution

Pe Pe fco

Let fco = stress in concrete at tendon level

fp = reduction in tendon stress due to elastic shortening of concrete to which the
tendons are bonded  ( Pi  Pe ) Aps
Pi = initial prestressing force
Pe = effective prestressing force after elastic shortening
fpi = initial stress in tendon
Aps = cross sectional area of tendon
m = modular ratio, i.e. Es / Ec

From strain compatibility,

f co Ec  f P E s
 f p  ( E s / Ec ) f co  m f co (1)

From equilibrium and neglecting the effect of dead load,

P ( P e)e Pe  e 2 
f co  e  e  1   (2)
Ac I Ac  r 2 

Considering the loss of prestress,

Pe  Aps ( f pi  f p ) (3)

Substituting (3) into (2),

A ps  e2 
f co  ( f pi  f p ) 1  2  (4)
Ac  r 

Substituting (1) into (4),

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Aps  e2 
f co  ( f pi  mf co ) 1  2  (5)
Ac  r 
f pi
 f co  (6)
 Ac 
m  
 Aps (1  e 2 r 2 ) 

Actually, the beam will deflect upwards and its dead load comes into play. An approximate
value of fco is given in terms of the dead load moment Mi below.
f pi Me
f co   i (7)
 Ac  I
m  
 Aps (1  e 2 r 2 ) 

Usually e, Mi and fco vary along a member. One may use an average value of fco and evaluate
the loss fp.

Elastic Deformation Loss: Post-tensioned Member

Single tendon or all tendons tensioned simultaneously

 no elastic shortening loss
 but uneconomical

Several tendons tensioned sequentially

1 2 3

1 Stage 1 P

1 Stage 2 (1-1)P P
2

1
2 Stage 3 (1-1-2)P (1-2)P P
3

Note that all tendons except the last one suffer loss. Therefore
1st tendon: loss  m f co
Last tendon: loss = 0
The usual practice is to assume the loss in each tendon to be equal to the average loss in all
tendons.
 m f co  0  1  2    (n  1)
Average loss  
 n  n
n 1
  m f co
2n
When n is large, one may take the average loss to be mf co / 2 .

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 PCS/004a

Loss due to anchorage draw-in

A prestressing tendon may undergo a small contraction during the process of transferring the
tensioning force from the jack to the anchorage. This is known as anchorage draw-in.
 Wedges drawn in and
grip strand firmly

P
+ +

Let draw-in =  (5 - 6mm depending on type)

Neglecting friction (which may be incorrect) and assuming cable length to be l,

Loss of strain =  l
Loss of prestress in steel = E s   l

Hence
 effect greater in short prestressed concrete members
 can be solved by overstressing or shimming
 effect very much affected by friction (and therefore the above is greatly over-simplified)

Friction loss

Jack & anchorage

Normally 1-2% P0 R Px

Curvature of tendon

Px  Po e  
x 

 Po e R

‘Wobble’ effect
x
Px  Po e  kx

Curvature & ‘wobble’ combined

 x 
  kx 
Px  Po e  R 

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 PCS/004a

Interaction between anchorage draw-in and friction

Prestressing force Prestressing force Straight line

approximation
A DB approximately mirror A 1
image of AB p
PA / 2 PA / 2
B P B
C
PA / 2 PA / 2
D C
D xA unaffected
Distance affected length Distance

Using the straight line approximation and letting p (kN/m) be the friction loss per m,
 PA 2  p x A

Loss of prestress force within affected length

P  PA (1  x / x A )  2 p ( x A  x)

The anchorage draw-in can be equated to the change in extension in the affected length.
x A P 2 p xA
 ad  
E s Aps  0
dx  ( x A  x ) dx
0 E A
s ps
2
px A

E s Aps
 ad E s Aps
 xA 
p

Stressing arrangement

Prestressing Prestressing
force force
Stressed at both ends
Stressed at left end only

Distance Distance

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 PCS/004a

Effect of anchorage draw-in

CL

Prestressing Small draw-in Prestressing

force force
C
L C
L
Excessive draw-in;
prestress at critical
section affected

Distance Distance

Measurement of prestress force

Measure (a) hydraulic pressure in jack; and

(b) extension

CORRECTIVE ACTION is required if measured extension deviates by more than 5% from

expected value.

Extension too LOW: - friction parameter underestimated

- revise friction parameter & retension BUT  0.8 f pu Aps
- check whether there is grout leakage that has hardened

Extension too HIGH: - friction parameter overestimated

Measurement of extension

1. To take up the initial slack, apply a small force P  (  10% Pi ) . Then measure total
extension from initial extension due to this force.
 P  P 
2. Extra elongation  ex   i   e
 Pi 
3. Account for : - elastic shortening of concrete
- anchorage draw-in at untensioned or dead end anchorage
4. Estimation of extension
P
   x dx
E s Aps

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 PCS/004a

Example: A cable of constant radius of curvature rps


 x r  kx 
Px  Pi e ps

Px
   x
Es Aps
L Px
  dx
0E s Aps


   r  k L
Pi 1  e ps 
E s Aps   ps  k 

Preliminary design

The following values may be adopted (with caution) in preliminary design:-

Initial loss of prestress: 10 – 15% (excluding friction loss)

Ultimate loss of prestress:

Pretensioned member 25 – 30%
Post-tensioned member 20 – 25% (excluding friction loss)

Friction parameter:
Eg. VSL Multistrand system
Tendon in standard steel ducts:  = 0.20, k = 0.0008
Tendon in polyethylene ducts:  = 0.14, k = 0.001

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Properties of prestressing steel

BS Type of tendon Nominal Nominal Specified characteristic load Maximum

diameter and tensile (kN) relaxation (%) after
steel area strength 1000 h
fpu Breaking 0.1% proof At 70% At 80%
load (A) load or load at of A of A
1% elongation
mm (mm2) N/mm2 0.1% proof load Class 1
5896 Cold-drawn steel 7 (38.5) 1670 64.3 53.4 8 12
wire (pre- 7 1570 60.4 50.1 Class 2
straightened) 6 (28.3) 1770 50.1 41.6 2.5 4.5
6 1670 47.3 39.3
5 (19.6) 1770 34.7 28.8
5 1670 32.7 27.2
4.5 (15.9) 1620 25.8 21.4
4 (12.6) 1770 22.3 18.5
4 1670 21.0 17.5

Load at 1%
elongation
Wire in mill coils 5 (19.6) 1770 34.7 27.8 For all wires
(As-drawn wire) 5 1670 32.7 26.2 10
5 1570 30.8 24.6
4.5 (15.9) 1620 25.8 20.6
4 (12.6) 1770 22.3 17.8
4 1720 21.7 17.4
4 1670 21.0 16.8
3 (7.1) 1860 13.1 10.5
3 1770 12.5 10.0

7-wire steel strand 0.1% proof load

5896 Standard 15.2 (139) 1670 232 197 Class 1
12.5 (93) 1770 164 139 8 12
11.0 (71) 1770 125 106 Class 2
9.3 (52) 1770 92 78 2.5 4.5

Super 15.7 (150) 1770 265 225

12.9 (100) 1860 186 158
11.3 (75) 1860 139 118
9.6 (55) 1860 102 87
8.0 (38) 1860 70 59

Drawn 18.0 (223) 1700 380 323

15.2 (165) 1820 300 255
12.7 (112) 1860 209 178

4486 Hot-rolled or hot-rolled and

processed alloy steel bars
Hot rolled 40 (1257) 1030 1300 1050 3.5 6.0
32 (804) 830 670
25 (491) 505 410
20 (314) 325 260

Hot rolled and 32 (804) 1230 990 870 3.5 6.0

processed 25 (491) 600 530
20 (314) 385 340

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 PCS/004a
Extract of Design Charts from
Code of Practice for Structural Use of Concrete 2013