SHRI GOVINDRAM SEKSARIYA INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE

A report on
Prestressed and Precast concrete

Submitted by:- Submitted to:-

Kartik Kurup Prof. M K Laghate
0801CE181043 Mr. Aditya Laghate
 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to Prof. M K Laghate and Mr. Aditya
Laghate who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic
Prestressed and Precast concrete, which also helped me in doing a lot of Research and I came to
know about so many new things I am really thankful to them.
Secondly I would also like to thank my parents and friends who helped me a lot in finalizing this
project within the limited time frame.
Declaration
 Index

Prestressed concrete

 Introduction
 Why do we need prestressed concrete
 Methods of prestressing
i. Pre tensioned prestressed concrete
ii. Post tensioned prestressed concrete
 Uses of prestressed concrete
 Advantages and disadvantages od prestressed concrete

Precast concrete

 Introduction
 Efficiency and ease
 Uses of precast concrete
 Advantages of precast concrete
 Disadvantages of precast concrete
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

INTRODUCTION

A prestressed concrete structure can be defined as a concrete structure where external

compressive forces are applied to overcome tensile stresses caused by unavoidable loads due to
gravity, wind etc. In other words, it is pre compressed concrete meaning that compressive
stresses are introduced into areas where tensile stresses might develop under working load and
this pre compression is introduced even before the structure begins its working life.

A prestressed concrete structure is different from a conventional reinforced concrete structure

due to the application of an initial load on the structure prior to its use. The initial load or
‘prestress’ is applied to enable the structure to counteract the stresses arising during its service
period.

Thus, by prestressing a concrete structure, we are not increasing its strength but we are
increasing its serviceability.

The reinforcements used to acheive prestressing are called Tendons. Tendons may consist of
single wires, multi-wire strands or threaded bars that are most commonly made from high-tensile
steel, carbon fiber or aramid fiber.

High grade steel and concrete are used for making prestressed concrete.
Why do we need prestressed concrete

Dead loads, imposed loads, deformations and load-independent effects such as temperature

changes and shrinkage induces tensile forces in a RCC beam. Since the tensile strength of
concrete is low steel reinforcement bars are embedded in the concrete to carry all internal tensile
forces.

Also, in beams with longer spans where we are not able to provide support in between, deflection
will be high which will automatically reduce the life of the beam.

So, in prestressed concrete, we apply compressive forces at the reinforcement level by stretching
the tendons which results in prestressed deflection in the beam. When external loads are applied
after that process, the deftlection due to load will be balanced by the prestress deflection.
Methods of prestressing

There are two methods for prestressing of concrete:-

i. Pre tensioned prestressed concrete

ii. Post tensioned prestressed concrete

 While pre-tensioned concrete uses tendons directly bonded to the concrete, post-tensioned
concrete can use either bonded or unbonded tendons. We will be discussing both the methods in
detail.

Pre tensioned prestressed concrete

Pre-tensioned concrete is a variant of prestressed concrete where the tendons are

tensioned prior to the concrete being cast. The concrete bonds to the tendons as it cures,
following which the end-anchoring of the tendons is released, and the tendon tension forces are
transferred to the concrete as compression.

It is basically done in three steps-

  Tensioning

In this step, firstly tendons are placed in the formwork and they are stretched from both sides
with the help of a jack. After they are stretched to the required extent, the ends are tied to the
anchorage points at the end abutments. The steel is highly stressed in this state.

The next step is concreting.

 Concreting

After the tendons are stretched and tied to anchorage points, the concrete mix is filled in. It. Is
left to set properly and after 28 days of curing, we proceed to the next step.

 Transfer of loads

Once the concrete is set after 28 days of curing, the stretched and tied tendon is cut off from both
ends. As a result, it tries to regain its original shape and thus it compresses. As in this case, the
concrete is in direct contact with the tendon, the compressive force (pre stress) is transferred to
the concrete and as a result, the beam is deflected upwards.

Post tensioned prestressed concrete

Post-tensioned concrete is a variant of prestressed concrete where the tendons are tensioned
after the surrounding concrete structure has been cast. The tendons are not placed in direct
contact with the concrete, but are encapsulated within a protective sleeve or duct which is either
cast into the concrete structure or placed adjacent to it. 

This process is carried out in the following three steps:-

 Concreting
The first step in this process is concreting. The formwork is laid and a hollow duct is provided
for the tendons so that they do not come in direct contact with the concrete. The tendon placed in
the duct is slacked as there is no poior tension. The concrete is allowed to set for 28 days.

 Tensioning

After 28 days of curing, the tendon is stretched from both ends with the help of anchorage plate.
The anchorage plate is placed on both the ends of the concrete with tendons coming out from the
hole in the center of the plate.

 Transfer of loads

As the tendons are pulled in outward direction, the anchorage plate is pushed towards the
concrete applying compressive forces on the concrete as it is in direct contact. There are no
tensile forces developed in concrete as it is not in direct contact with the tendon.

Uses of prestressed concrete

 Prestressed concrete is commonly used for floor beams, piles and railways sleepers, as well
as structures such as bridges, water tanks, roofs and runways. Generally, prestressed concrete is
not necessary for columns and walls, however, it can be used economically for tall columns and
high retaining walls with high bending stresses.

As a general rule, traditional reinforced concrete is the most economic method for a span of up to

6 m. Prestressed concrete is more economical when spans are over 9 m. Between 6 and 9 m, the
two options must be considered according to the particular requirements as to which is the most
suitable option.

Advantages and disadvantages of prestressed concrete

Advantages :-

i. Longer span length increases untroubled floor space and parking facilities.
ii. Thinner slabs, that are important for high rise building as with the same amount of
cost, it can construct more slabs than traditional thicker slabs. 
iii. As the span length is larger, fewer joints are needed than traditional RC structures. 
iv. Because of fewer joints, maintenance cost also becomes reduced during the design
life as joints are the major locus of weakness in a concrete building.
v. Long-term Durability. 
vi. Better finishing of placed concrete. 
vii. It requires a smaller amount of construction materials. 
viii. It resists stresses are higher than normal RCC structures and is free from cracks.

Disadvantages :-

i. It requires high strength concrete and high tensile strength steel wires and thus the
initial cost is high.
ii. The main disadvantage is construction requires additional special equipment like
jacks, anchorage, etc. 
iii. It requires highly skilled workers under skilled supervision. 
 iv. Construction cost is little higher than RCC structures.

Precast Concrete

Introduction

Precast concrete is created off-site using a mold. That’s the main difference between precast
concrete and site cast concrete, which is poured into its final destination on site. Here is a
simplified overview of the precast concrete process:

1. Precast concrete is poured into a wooden or steel mold with wire mesh or rebar. This mold
may also have prestressed cable, if needed.
2. It is cured in a controlled environment — usually at a plant.
3. Once finished, the precast concrete is transported to a construction site and put into place.

It’s important to note that not all precast concrete is prestressed with cable reinforcement. The
addition of this reinforcement is particularly useful in many structures and buildings where
maximizing the strength of the concrete is essential. The addition of the wire or rebar provides
tension within the concrete, which is released once curing is complete. The release of the wire or
rebar tension transfers strength to the concrete, creating an even stronger material.

Regardless of whether or not prestressing is a part of the equation, this process is faster, safer and
more affordable than standard concrete. Precast concrete materials help you maximize your
project’s potential while making sure it is completed on time. They are also among the most
versatile products in construction, combining a strong structure with the ability to:

 Choose any combination of color, form or texture

 Integrate facades
 Meet compatibility requirements for historic structures
 Create everything from small sections to long open spans
 Be recycled or reused upon removal or replacement
Uses of precast concrete

Precast concrete building components and site amenities are used architecturally as fireplace
mantels, cladding, trim products, accessories and curtain walls. Structural applications of precast
concrete include foundations, beams, floors, walls and other structural components. It is essential
that each structural component be designed and tested to withstand both the tensile and
compressive loads that the member will be subjected to over its lifespan. 

Advantages and disadvantages of precast concrete

Advantages :-

There are many reasons to use precast concrete products for construction, landscaping, and
roadwork projects. Some well-known benefits of using precast concrete are:

SAVING TIME

Because the parts being used come already created, no time is wasted forming, framing, pouring,
or curing. The project can begin right away.
UNIFORMITY

Because the concrete components were put together in a factory using the same moulds over and
over, it is fairly easy to maintain uniformity among the precast concrete components.

HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS

Precast Concrete products are monitored and quality checked before going to the jobsite. The
curing process can be watched to ensure that no deformities occur. Because this form of concrete
is cast in a controlled environment, these products can be more durable and long-lasting than
other types of concrete.

SAVING MONEY

Using precast concrete can help to save money by reducing the time spent on a project and by
being less expensive than many other construction materials.

Disadvantages :-

TRANSPORTATION

It can be complicated to move precast concrete to a jobsite. The weight of the concrete can do
damage to many types of trucks, and it is important to keep it stable so that the concrete pieces
are not compromised. Special transportation methods, such as picker trucks, are often required.

INSTALLATION
In most cases, mobile cranes are required to install large pieces of precast concrete. When
planning a project that involves this material, it is important to plan ahead and account for crane
rentals.

MODIFICATION

It is extremely difficult to modify a piece of precast concrete if it does not fit its placement. In
many cases, if the precast concrete component is not a perfect fit, the proper materials must be
ordered and brought in. Without careful planning, this can cost more money and take much more
time.

 
 Bibliography

1) https://civiltoday.com/civil-engineering-materials/concrete/225-pre-stressed-concrete
2) https://theconstructor.org/concrete/prestressed-concrete/353/
3) https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/prestressed-concrete
4) https://nitterhouseconcrete.com/what-is-precast-concrete/