32 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Conclusions
In a statically determinate beam, prestressing the system creates no external loads/reactions, and no net
moments or shears, etc. However, stresses in the material are induced by prestressing and deflections
can occur.

So far we have only looked at tendons anchored at the centroid of the section (at the center of gravity) at
the ends of the beams.

Consider this case:

Tendons at the c.g. create only compression (F/A) in the material. But what if the tendon is not at the
c.g.?

Let’s separate the tendon from the material and first look at the tendon only.

A straight tendon applies no vertical equivalent loads in the span of the beam.

Now let’s look at the material only:

 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 33

This can be thought of as an eccentrically loaded column sideways. The “P-Delta” moment is Fe at all
points in the section. In this particular case the moment is constant along the length of the beam since
“e” is constant. In this case, the “equivalent” loads, or “applied loads” to the “material only” which will
create the same moment and axial load are a moment at each end and an axial load at the c.g.

These are the only “applied” loads that will create a constant moment and constant compression. The
“material only” moment diagram, drawn to the tension side, looks like this:

Let’s look at the stresses in the material (compression is negative, and tension is positive). In this
example the beam is in tension at the top.

M F
f (anywhere) =
S A

M F
f (anywhere) =
S A

Always keep in mind what we are doing when we talk about equivalent loads. We are taking the tendon
out of the system and replacing it with “equivalent” applied loads which create the same moment, axial
load and stresses in the material. In a statically determinate member this equivalent moment anywhere in
the material will always be “F” (the force in the tendon group) multiplied by “e” (the distance between
the material centroid and the center of gravity of the tendon group).
Now let’s look at more complicated tendon arrangements.
Consider the following weightless beam:

The beam above has no tendon drape, “a”, but it does have eccentricity, “e” at every location in the
span. Therefore, there will be a primary moment at any location along the span, but no equivalent loads
within the span. In this case the equivalent loads that create the primary moments in span must be
concentrated moments at the ends, equal to Fe at each end.
34 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Now consider this weightless beam:

Let’s take the tendon out of the system and set it aside. Then we will concentrate on the “material only”
with the tendon replaced with the equivalent loads that it imparts on the material.

Where;

e
4Fa 4F 2 2Fe
P = = =
L L L

& M = Fe

Or, we can get the same answer for Pequiv by looking at the tendon components;

e 0 2Fe
P =F +F =
L L L
2 2
Remember, in a statically determinate system the “material only” moment diagram due to the equivalent
loads is equal at every point to Fe. Therefore we can find the equivalent moment diagram without doing
a static analysis as follows:

Now we will verify this by applying the equivalent loads individually, finding the individual static
moment diagrams and superimposing them.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 35

Apply Pequiv first at midspan and determine the moment diagram.

L
M =P
4
2Fe L
=
L 4
= Fe /2

Now apply Mequiv at the beam end and determine the moment diagram.

M = Fe

Now superimpose these individual moment diagrams determined from the equivalent loads to get the
same moment diagram determined by simply multiplying F times e.

We will finish this topic by looking at equivalent loads on cantilevers. Let’s start with a cantilevered
beam with a parabolic tendon profile. We’ve already established that a parabolic tendon profile results in
a uniform equivalent load.
36 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

From before:

(2L)
Fa = w
8

4w L
=
8

w L
=
2
2Fa
w =
L

Or, another way to arrive at the same answer is as follows:

w L
M = (from statics)
2

w L
Fe =
2
2Fe
w = , and since e = a in this case
L
2Fa
w =
L
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 37

Now let’s look at a cantilever with a straight tendon profile.

Determine the equivalent loads acting on the concrete using the components of the tendon profile:

e
P = F( )
L

Or, using statics;

M =P L

Fe = P L

Fe
P =
L
38 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Example #1 – Stresses in a Determinate System Using the Equivalent Load Method

A = (30 in)(16 in) = 480 in

S = S = (16 in)(30 in) /6 = 2,400in
y = y = 15 in
I = (16 in)(30 in) /12 = 36,000 in

Find: Maximum stress at the top and bottom of the member using the “Material Only” (equivalent
load) method.

Solution:

Find the equivalent load that the tendons exert on the material.

a = 15 in - 4 in = 11 in (also equal to “e” at midspan).

The total vertical component of “F” (using small angle theory),

P = 2(11 in/240 in)(120k) = 11 kips

Or, alternatively
4Fa
P = = 4(120k)(11 in)/(40 ft x12) = 11 kips
L
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 39

Find stresses in the material (compression is negative, tension is positive):

M F (40 ft kips)(12) 120k

f = = = 0.20 0.25 = 0.05 ksi (c)
S A 2400in 480in

M F (40 ft kips)(12) 120k

f = = = 0.20 0.25 = 0.45 ksi (c)
S A 2400in 480in

Notice that this beam with a 15 kip point load at midspan and a 40 ft length is completely in
compression, top and bottom because of the prestressing.

The following is a free-body diagram cut through the previous example (without the 15 kip external load
for simplicity) to demonstrate that, of course, statics also applies to a post-tensioned concrete member.
40 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Concrete Only

F
= 0.250 ksi
A

M 1,320 in kips
= = 0.550 ksi
S 2400 in

Steel Only

Combine Concrete & Steel

Check statics on the system:

F = 66k 120k 66k + 120k = 0

M = 120k(4 in) - 66k(5 in) 120k(15 in) + 66k(25 in) = 0

Since there are no external loads, there are no net forces or moments.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 41

Example #2 – Stresses in a Determinate System Using Both the Free-Body Diagram

and Equivalent Load Methods
Given: Beam and loading shown.

Beam Properties:
A = 1296 in2
Yt = 12.75 in
Yb = 29.25 in
St = 16,139 in3
Sb = 7,035 in3

Find: Maximum stress at the top and bottom of the beam using the:

a) Free-Body Diagram Method

b) Equivalent Load Method.

42 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

The Free-Body Diagram Method

Assume that the maximum top and bottom stress will occur in the first 40 feet of the beam measured
from the left support and cut a free-body diagram (FBD) in that zone. To satisfy statics, the centroid of
the compressive stresses must coincide with the centroid of the tension in the prestressing tendons.

Move the compression force, C, up to the center of gravity of the section and add a moment that
statically compensates for this shift (equal to the tendon force multiplied by the eccentricity) to maintain
equilibrium. This allows us to numerically separate the uniform axial load stresses from the bending
stresses so that we may independently analyze each.

Set up an equation for the flexural stress in the concrete at the bottom of the beam, f b. Units are in
inches and kips (but not shown). Compressive stresses are negative and tensile stresses are positive.
F M F e
f = +
A S S
450 M F e
= +
1296 7035 7035
M (F e)
= 0.347 +
7035
& (F*e) = 450e
The maximum bottom tensile stress occurs when the term (M TL – 450e) is maximized.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 43

Rewrite MTL and e in terms of x.

2.1 x
M = 71.4x (x)
12 2
= 71.4x 0.0875x

At x = 0, e = 0 and at x=480 in, e = 42 in -4 in -12.75 in = 25.25 in

x
e= (25.25) = 0.0526x
(40)(12)

& (M 450e) = 71.4x 0.0875x 450(0.0526x)

= 71.4x 0.0875x 23.67x
= 47.73x 0.0875x

The derivative of this equation set to zero will yield the point x where the original function is a
maximum (where the slope of the equation is zero).

d
(47.73x 0.0875x ) = 47.73 0.175x
dx

Set this equation equal to zero and solve for x.

47.73 0.175x = 0 x = 272.7 in

M = 71.4(272.7) 0.0875(272.7)
= 12,964 in kips

e = 0.0526(272.7 in)
= 14.34 in

Now calculate the stresses.

M 450e
∴f = 0.347 ksi +
7,035 in
(12,964 in kips) 450 (14.34 in)
= 0.347 ksi +
7,035 in
= 0.347 ksi + 0.926 ksi
= .

And the stress in the concrete at the top of the beam is,

F M 450e
f =
A S
[(12,964 in kips) (450 kips)(14.34 in)]
= 0.347ksi
16,139 in
= 0.347 ksi 0.403 ksi
= .
44 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Though it is somewhat obvious in this particular case, we do not always know with certainty which
section of the beam will contain the maximum stresses. To be absolutely certain in this example we
would need to set up a second equation for the section between 40 ft and 68 ft and solve for the stresses
in the same way. We will not do that here, but it is important to understand that when the FBD method
is used it may be necessary to analyze multiple sections of the beam span.

The Equivalent Load Method

Determine the equivalent point load acting on the “concrete only” beam.

25.25 in 25.25 in
P = (450 kips) + = 57.49 kips
480 in 336 in

Draw the loading on the “concrete only” beam. Only vertical equivalent loads within the span are
shown, though vertical equivalent loads at the supports and axial compression loads also exist on the
“concrete only” beam.

Draw the “concrete only” shear and moment diagrams.

 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 45

Calculate the stresses.

M F
f =
S A
(542.9 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 450 kips
=
7,035 in 1,296 in
= 0.926 ksi 0.347 ksi = .

M F
f =
S A
(542.9 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 450 kips
=
16,139 in 1,296 in
= 0.403 ksi 0.347 ksi = .
The results using the Equivalent Load Method are identical to those found using the Free-Body Diagram
Method.

Conclusions

Observe that not only does the Equivalent Load Method require less calculations, we do know with
certainty exactly where the maximum flexural stresses occur using one single analysis. For most
engineers this method is also much more intuitive and consistent with how we analyze flexural members
in general.

Finally, keep in mind that this was a relatively simple statically determinate beam. We will demonstrate
later in the book that the equivalent load method is just as easily applied to statically indeterminate
(multi-span) systems. However, one can only imagine how many equations would need to be
established and solved using the FBD method in multi-span systems.

In the previous example our task was to determine the maximum flexural stresses and their location in a
determinate system. In that example we demonstrated that the most straight-forward approach was to
use the Equivalent Load Method. However, when considering stresses in discrete locations the
Equivalent Load Method may be the more cumbersome approach, particularly with a more complex
tendon profile.

The following example will reinforce the fact that there are no support reactions generated due to
prestressing in determinate systems, and will also demonstrate that sometimes it is beneficial to calculate
flexural stresses using “MTL – Fe” as the moment creating stresses instead of combining the applied
loads with the equivalent loads and generating a complete moment diagram.
46 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Example #3 – Equivalent Loads, Support Reactions & Stresses in a Determinate

System

Given: Post-tensioned beam and loading shown.

Beam Properties / Material Properties

A = 1,132 in2 f’c = 5000 psi
St = 10,964 in3 yt = 9.50 in
Sb = 4,249 in3

Find:
1. Determine the reactions at Supports A & B using the applied loads only.
2. Determine the maximum flexural tensile stress in the concrete at Support B using the “MTL – Fe”
method.
3. Determine the maximum flexural tensile stress in the concrete at 31’-0” to the right of
Grid/Support A using the “MTL – Fe” method.
4. Determine all of the equivalent loads on the beam.
5. Create a net load “concrete only” diagram (applied loads and equivalent loads combined).
6. From the net load diagram found in 5), calculate the reactions and show that they are the same
as those found in 1).
7. Determine the maximum flexural tensile stress in the concrete at Support B using the net
“concrete only” diagram.
8. Determine the maximum flexural tensile stress in the concrete at 31’-0” to the right of
Grid/Support A using the net “concrete only” diagram.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 47

Solutions

1. Applied Load Support Reactions

3.0 klf(12 ft) 2.0 klf(62 ft + 18 ft)

M = + R (62 ft) = 0
2 2
R = 99.74 kips
R = 3.0 klf(12 ft) + 2.0 klf (80 ft) 99.74 kips = 96.26 kips

2. Tensile Stress at Support B

The moment causing flexural stress in the “concrete only” is MTL – Fe

2.0klf(18 ft)
M Fe = 0 = 324.0 ft kips
2
The maximum flexural tensile stress occurs at the top of the beam at Support B

(324.0 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 350 kips

f = = 0.045 ksi
10,964 in 1132in

3. Tensile Stress at 31’-0” to the Right of Grid A

The moment at 31’-0” is determined from:

(31 ft)
M = 96.26 kips(31 ft) 3.0klf(12 ft)(31 ft + 6 ft) 2.0klf = 691.1 ft kips
2
34 in - 9.5 in 12 in
M Fe = 691.1 k 350k = 326.5 ft kips
12

Tension exists at the bottom of the beam at this location.

(326.5 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 350 kips
f = = 0.613 ksi
4249 in 1132 in
48 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

4. Determine All Equivalent Loads on the Beam

To determine the equivalent loads remove the tendon from the system and evaluate each tendon segment
individually. The equivalent loads on the concrete act in the opposite direction.

Left Cantilever “Tendon Only” Equivalent Loads:

2(350 kips)(0.4583 ft)
w 1= = 2.228 klf
(12 ft)
P = 2.228 klf (12 ft) = 26.74 kips

Span “Tendon Only” Equivalent Loads:

(4 in + 9.5 in)
a = 34 in - 12.11 in = 15.14 in
2
8(350 kips)(15.14 in/12)
w 2= = 1.126 klf
(56 ft)
(56 ft)
M / = (350 kips)(0.4583 ft) + 1.126 klf P (56 ft) = 0
2
P = 28.66 kips
P = 1.126klf(56 ft) 28.66 kips = 34.40 kips

P + P = 26.74 kips + 34.40 kips = 61.14 kips

5. Net “Concrete Only” Loading

 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 49

6. Calculate Reactions on Net “Concrete Only” System

0.772klf(12 ft) 0.874klf(56 ft)

M = + + 28.66 kips(56 ft) + 2.0klf(24 ft)(68 ft)
2 2
R (62 ft) = 0

R = 99.74 kips
R = 0.772klf(12 ft) + 61.16 kips + 0.873klf(56 ft) + 28.69 kips + 2.0klf(24 ft) 99.74 kips
= 96.26 kips

These are the same reactions found in Part (1) as they must be, since applying prestressing to a statically
determinate beam/slab does not create any reactions. Therefore, the only reactions possible for the “Net
Concrete Only” loading are the reactions due to the applied loads. Another way to do this would have
been to do the equivalent load analysis separately from the applied load analysis and superimpose them.
In the equivalent load analysis there would be no reactions.

7. Tensile Stress at Support B

(18 ft)
M = 2.0klf = 324.0 ft kips
2
(324.0 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 350 kips
f = = 0.045 ksi
10,964 in 1132in

8. Tensile Stress at 31’-0” to the Right of Grid A

(31 ft)
M = (96.26 kips 61.14 kips)(31 ft) 0.772klf(12 ft)(31 ft + 6 ft) 0.874klf
2
= 326.0 ft kips

(326.0 ft kips)(12 in/ft) 350 kips

f = = 0.612 ksi (≅0.613 ksi found in 3)
4249 in 1132 in
50 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

ACI 318 “Permissible Stresses in Concrete Flexural Members”

Transfer (ACI 318 Section 24.5.3.1)
Extreme Fiber in Compression = 0.60f’ci
Extreme Fiber in Tension = 3 f

Service (ACI 318 Section 24.5.4.1) – Class U & T

Extreme Fiber in Compression Due to Prestress
Plus Sustained (Dead) Load = 0.45f’c

Extreme Fiber in Compression Due to Prestress

Plus Total Load = 0.60 f’c

Extreme Fiber in Tension – Total Load

= 7.5 f Class U (Uncracked)
= 12 f Class T (Transition)
= 6 f Two-way Slab Systems
 3
Review of Moment Distribution

So far we’ve only looked at simply supported beams. However, the true power of post-tensioned
concrete is only realized fully by studying indeterminate, multi-span systems where the tendon drapes
can be maximized. This is the only way to truly appreciate and understand all aspects of post-tensioned
concrete. But before we dive into multi-span systems it’s very important that we have a solid
understanding of the analysis of indeterminate structures. For this book moment distribution by hand
will be the analysis technique of choice. It’s a terrific visual tool that unfortunately is not always taught
in schools anymore. The following text is intended to be a refresher for those who have, at one time,
been exposed to the analysis. Those who have never learned moment distribution would be advised to
consult a traditional structural analysis textbook first.

Moment Distribution
The following discussion applies only to prismatic members (constant E & I throughout the length of the
member). Later in the book we will discuss moment distribution with non-prismatic members.

Stiffness & Carry-Over Factors

Elements with the far end fixed:

∴ Stiffness Factor, KAB = 4EI/L & the Carry-Over Factor is ½.

51
52 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Elements with the far end pinned:

∴ Stiffness Factor, KAB = 3EI/L & the Carry-Over Factor is zero.

Fixed-End Moments
Again, the following applies to prismatic members only. Fixed-end moments can be derived for any
loading condition, but for purposes of this book we will restrict the loading to uniform line loads.

wL wL
12 12

Distribution Factors
The distribution factor to a member framing into a joint is the stiffness, K, of that member divided by
the sum of the stiffnesses of all the members framing into that joint (ΣKJoint).

Moment Distribution Example #1

Given: 3 span beam below
EI = constant
Ignore column stiffness (assume pinned supports)
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 53

Find Stiffness Factors

KBA = 3EI/L = 3EI/28 ft
KBC = 4EI/L = 4EI/32 ft
KCB = 4EI/L = 4EI/32 ft
KCD = 3EI/L = 3EI/40 ft

Find Distribution Factors

DFAB = 1.0 DFDC = 1.0

/
DFBA = = = 0.4615
/ /

DFBC = 1 – DFBA (Since no columns) = 1 - 0.4615 = 0.5385

/
DFCB = = = 0.625
/ /

DFCD = 1 – DFCB = 1 - 0.625 = 0.375

Find Fixed End Moments

Span A-B

wL 3.0klf(28 ft)
= = 196 ft kips
12 12
Span B-C

wL 2.0klf(32 ft)
= = 170.67 ft kips
12 12
Span C-D

wL 1.0klf(40 ft)
= = 133.33 ft kips
12 12
54 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Set up the moment distribution (Right Hand Rule sign convention)

Now release both joints A & D, but keep B & C locked. Mathematically we are adding -196 ft-kips to
Joint A, and 133.33 ft-kips to Joint D.

The mathematical addition of the moments at Joints A & D to put them in equilibrium affect the far end
of the beams, and this is reflected by the carry-over moments to Joints B & C.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 55

Joints B & C are not in equilibrium since the moments on each side are not equal. Let’s focus on Joint B
first, which in its locked condition has 294 ft-kips trying to rotate it counter-clockwise, and 170.67 ft-
kips trying to rotate it clockwise. Intuition should tell you that when it’s released the joint will need to
rotate counter-clockwise to achieve equilibrium.

Let’s release Joint B. Mathematically the joint is out of balance by the difference between the two fixed
end moments, which is -123.33 ft-kips at this joint (-196 – 98 + 170.67 = -123 ft-kips). To bring the
joint to equilibrium we need to add 123.33 ft-kips, and distribute this to each side of the joint based upon
the relative stiffness of the beams framing into the joint. The left side of the joint will receive
0.4615(123.33 ft-kips) = 56.92 ft-kips and the right side will take the remaining 66.41 ft-kips.

Now that Joint B is in equilibrium we will re-lock it against further rotation and we will move over to
Joint C. Joint C is currently out of equilibrium by 62.54 ft-kips (-170.67 + 33.21 + 133.33 + 66.67 =
62.54 ft-kips). Now we will release Joint C (mathematically “adding” -62.54 ft-kips to it) to put it in
equilibrium. Based upon the relative beam stiffnesses, the left side receives -39.09 ft-kips and the right
side -23.45 ft-kips. However, remember that each time we put a joint in equilibrium by adding moment
to a beam end we affect the far end of the beam by the carry-over effect. Joint B is now affected by -
19.55 ft-kips.
56 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

This process of moment distribution continues until the unbalanced moments become so small that they
are insignificant. The complete moment distribution for this example is as follows:

In the previous example we took advantage of the fact that the supports at Joints A & D were pinned,
and this resulted in a relatively quick convergence of the moment distribution. This makes for a good,
relatively quick example, but in most actual analyses there are no completely pinned supports in cast-in-
place concrete. The next example will be the same problem, but we will treat the end joints the same as
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 57

the interior joints. This will get us closer to what we’ll be doing later in the book when we integrate
columns at all the joints, and it will also demonstrate that it is not necessary to use a rotational stiffness
of 3EI/L when the far end is pinned.

Find Stiffness Factors – Use “Far End Fixed” Stiffnesses

KBA = 4EI/L = 4EI/28 ft
KBC = 4EI/L = 4EI/32 ft
KCB = 4EI/L = 4EI/32 ft
KCD = 4EI/L = 4EI/40 ft

Find Distribution Factors

DFAB = 1.0 DFDC = 1.0

/
DFBA = = = 0.533
/ /

DFBC = 1 – DFBA = 1 - 0.533 = 0.467

/
DFCB = = = 0.556
/ /

DFCD = 1 – DFCB = 1 - 0.556 = 0.444

Carry-Over Factors
Since we are treating all the joints as a “far end fixed” system with prismatic beams, the carry-over
factor will be 0.50 for all cases. The next page shows the complete moment distribution for this analysis.
58 Post-Tensioned Concrete - Principles and Practice

Complete Moment Distribution

This is the same answer as before. It just takes a few more iterations when we don’t take advantage of
the fact that the stiffness, K, to a pinned support is 3EI/L.

Moment Distribution Example #2 – Moment Distribution with a Cantilever

Given: The same 3 span beam as in Example #1, but with a right cantilever

. ( )
Cantilever Moment = = = 50 ft-kips
Cantilevers are statically determinate and therefore their moments will not be affected by the moment
distribution. However, the cantilever moment does, of course, affect the moment distribution.
According to the right-hand rule, the moment is placed as a positive moment to the right of Support D.
We will use the distribution factors associated with the “far-end pinned” assumption as we did in the
first part of Example #1.
 K. Dirk Bondy & Bryan Allred 59

The addition of the cantilever will decrease the positive moment in Span C-D, and also decreases the
negative moment at Support C. Cantilevers will often have a very beneficial effect on prestressed
concrete members and the benefit often comes at no added cost.