EXERCISE 1 Complete the textbook extract about a type of prestressed concrete using the words

in the box. 9 pts

a. Cast
b. Concrete
c. Formwork
d. in-situ
e. pouring
f. precast
g. prestressing
h. reinforcement
i. structural

Prestressing techniques
In the production of reinforced concrete components, the process of (1) ............................... .
usually involves holding the (2) ................................ in tension while (3) ............................... .
the concrete. This form of prestressing is called pre-tensioning, as tension is applied before the
concrete is poured. The technique is often used in the manufacture of floor components, which
are small enough to fit on the back of a truck and can therefore be (4) ................................ at a
factory.
A less common prestressing technique is post-tensioning (applying tension after the
concrete has set). This is more suitable for large elements, especially long beams, which
cannot be transported, and therefore need to be poured (5) ................................. Before the
concrete is poured, ducts (usually plastic tubes) are placed inside the (6) ................................
along the length of the beam.
These ducts contain steel cables. After the concrete has been (7) ................................ and has
gained sufficient (8) ................................ strength, the cables are put in tension, using jacks at
either end of the beam. This is only possible because the cables are free to move within the
ducts- it is not possible with pre-tensioned reinforcing bars, which are held fast by the hard (9)
................................ surrounding them. The ends of the cables are then permanently anchored at
either end of the beam.

EXERCISE 2 10 pts
Study these lists. A and B. Items in list A are causes of those in list B but the
items are mixed up. Link the related items USING APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE
A

reduction in cross-section
insulation breakdown
overtightening
overloading a circuit
carelessness
impurities
lack of lubrication
friction
repeated bending
overrunning an electric motor

corrosion
bearing failure
excessive heat
shearing in metal
loss of strength
shearing in bolts
blown fuses
short circuits
accidents
wear and tear in machinery

EXERCISE 3 COURSE and DEFINITIONS

1. Provide the name of the key elements of the Engineering Design brief
2. Write the different pre-production phases of design development
3. Which of the following statements best describes the term “constraints”?
a. Constraints are restrictions of items which can’t be used, limitations on time, and limitations
of design.
b. Constraints are the required materials, design, and the amount of time needed to develop a
product.
c. Constraints are examples of prototypes.
d. The research which is done to determine information that should be used in the development of
new products.