BS EN 13369 - TOLERANCES

ACCURACY OF TENSIONING (4.2.3.2.2)

If class 1 (maximum value of tensioning stress 𝜎𝑂𝑚𝑎𝑥 = min⁡(0,85𝑓𝑝𝑘 ⁡𝑜𝑟⁡0,95𝑓𝑝0,1𝑘 ) is applied,

tightened tolerances on the prestressing force shall be applied with an accuracy of at least:

-single tendon/force: ±5%

If class 2 (maximum value of tensioning stress 𝜎𝑂𝑚𝑎𝑥 = min⁡(0,80𝑓𝑝𝑘 ⁡𝑜𝑟⁡0,90𝑓𝑝0,1𝑘 ) is applied,

normal tolerances on the prestressing force shall be applied with an accuracy at least:

-single tendon/force: ±10%

-total force:⁡±7%

MINIMUM CONCRETE STRENGTH AT TRANSFER (4.2.3.2.3)

At transfer of the prestressing force, the concrete shall have a minimum strength 𝑓𝑐𝑚,𝑝 of 1,5 times
the maximum compressive stress in the concrete and not less than 20MPa (cylinder strength).

The requirements according to EN 1992-1-1:2004, 5.10.2.2 (5) shall be considered.

In any case the strength shall be adequate for the anchorage of the strands.

GEOMETRICAL PROPERTIES (4.3.1)

PRODUCTION TOLERANCES

Recommendations for maximum deviations of cross-sectional dimensions [width (∆𝑏) and height
(∆ℎ)], and for maximum deviation of concrete cover (∆𝑐𝑑𝑒𝑣 ) to bars, wires and strands are given in
Table 4:
a) Recommendations for maximum deviations on length:

𝐿
∆𝑙 = ±(10 + ) ≤ ±40𝑚𝑚
1000

where L is the nominal length in millimetres.

b) Recommendations for maximum deviations on holes, openings, steel plates, inserts, etc:
1) Size of hole or opening ±10𝑚𝑚
2) Location of holes, openings, steel plates, inserts, etc. ±25𝑚𝑚.

MINIMUM DIMENSIONING AND DETAILING

The geometrical characteristics of precast concrete products shall comply with the required
minimum dimensions and detailing.

(the values of the minimum dimensions and detailing are based on the nominal dimensions and may
be taken from the relevant Clauses 7, 8, 9 and 10 of EN 1992-1-1:2004)

EN 1992-1-1:2004 - 7.2 STRESS LIMITATION

The compressive stress in the concrete shall be limited in order to avoid longitudinal cracks, micro-
cracks or high levels of creep, where they could result in unacceptable effects on the function of the
structure.

Longitudinal cracks may occur if the stress level under the characteristic combination of loads
exceeds a critical value. Such cracking may lead to a reduction of durability. In the absence of other
measures, such as an increase in the cover to reinforcement in the compressive zone or confinement
by transverse reinforcement, it may be appropriate to limit the compressive stress to a value 𝑘1 𝑓𝑐𝑘
in areas exposed to environments of exposure classes XD, XF, XS (see Table 4.1)

NOTE: The value of 𝒌𝟏 for use in a Country may be found in its National Annex. The
recommended value is 0,6. 𝑓𝑐𝑘 is given in grade of concrete (C𝑓𝑐𝑘 /𝑓𝑐𝑘,𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑒 ).
Tensile stresses in the reinforcement shall be limited in order to avoid inelastic strain, unacceptable
cracking or deformation.

For the appearance unacceptable cracking or deformation may be assumed to be avoided if, under
the characteristic combination of loads, the tensile strength in the reinforcement does not exceed
𝑘3 𝑓𝑦𝑘 . Where the stress is caused by an imposed deformation, the tensile strength should not
exceed 𝑘4 𝑓𝑦𝑘 . The mean value of the stress in prestressing tendons should not exceed 𝑘5 𝑓𝑦𝑘 .
 NOTE: The values of 𝒌𝟑 , 𝒌𝟒 and 𝒌𝟓 for use in a Country may be found in its National Annex.
The recommended values are 0,8, 1 and 0,75. 𝑓𝑦𝑘 is yield point of steel.

EN 1992-1-1:2004 - 7.3 CRACK CONTROL

7.3.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Cracking shall be limited to an extent that will not impair the proper functioning or durability of the
structure or cause its appearance to be unacceptable.

Cracking is normal in reinforced concrete structures subject to bending, shear, torsion or tension
resulting from either direct loading or restraint or imposed deformations.

Cracks may also arise from other causes such as plastic shrinkage or expansive chemical reactions
within the hardened concrete. Such cracks may be unacceptably large but their avoidance and
control lie outside the scope of this Section.

Cracks may be permitted to form without any attempt to control their width, provided they do not
impair the functioning of the structure.

A limiting value, 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 , for the calculated crack width, 𝑤𝑘 , taking into account the proposed function
and nature of the structure and the costs of limiting cracking, should be established.

NOTE: The values of 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 for use in a Country may be found in its National Annex. The
recommended values for relevant exposure classes are given in Table 7.1N.

In the absence of specific requirements (e.g. water-tightness), it may be assumed that

limiting the calculated crack widths to the values of 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 given in Table 7.1N, under the
quasi-permanent combination of loads, will generally be satisfactory for reinforced concrete
members in buildings with respect to appearance and durability.
 The durability of prestressed members may be more critically affected by cracking. In the
absence of more detailed requirements, it may be assumed that limiting the calculated crack
widths to the values of 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 given in Table 7.1N, unde the frequent combination of loads,
will generally be satisfactory for prestressed concrete members. The decompression limit
requires that all parts of the bonded tendons or duct lie at least 25 mm within concrete in
compression.

For members with only unbounded tendons, the requirements for reinforced concrete elements
apply. For members with a combination of bonded and unbounded tendons r

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS (4.3.2)

Specially treated surfaces, such as with exposed aggregate, polish, cast against a matrix, etc. Are not
covered by these tolerance recommendations.
The distance 𝑑0 given in figure J.5 is from the concrete surface at the location of the support of the
reference ruler to the ruler. In most cases this will be the height of the supporting piece.

Recommended values for surface deviations are given in Table J.1.