Class Notes RCC Floors

RCC Floor Systems
Third Year B. Arch-20017-18

BKPS College of Architecture
Compiled by A.A. Bhagwat
RCC Floor Systems for Medium & long span Structures
Introduction: Reinforced concrete floor system in the RCC building influences almost all the major design
and planning issues like cost, speed of construction , optimization of space usage, ease to accommodate
services, etc. The overall objectives in building design in relation to floor system and there benefits along
with possible means of achieving the objectives, in the building project are listed below.
Sr. Possible Means to achieve objectives

Objective Benefit for the project
no
A) Lesser building height for the
same number of storeys
B) Saving on vertical structural
A) Reducing over-all depth of
members, cladding etc.
Smallest possible the floor system by
1 C) Saving on mechanical risers,
floor to floor height eliminating beams or
lifts, staircases etc.
reducing its depth.
D) Saving on the air conditioning
by reducing the overall floor
volume.
Largest possible
A) Flexibility in use A) Constructing stiffer floor
2 column free spaces,
B) Maximum carpet area system
i.e. long span
A) Using light weight material.
A) Saving on the vertical B) Eliminating material from the
structural members and system which is not
Lowest possible
3 foundation. structurally required i.e.
weight of the floor
B) In seismic areas, saving on Introducing voids in the non
lateral load resisting system. performing areas of the floor
cross section etc
A) Simple standardised details
A) Improvement of
High repeatability for reinforcement
4 constructability and thus
from floor to floor B) Simple standardised details for
saving of time
formwork .
A) Saving of time A) High early strength concrete
B) Avoidance of clashes B) Simple reinforcement and
Quickest possible
5 between different trades. form work
floor cycle
C) Reduction in the required C) Simple details with high
number of form-work sets repeatability
A) Direct saving of formwork A) Use of self-supporting
installation time. formwork requiring support
No. Back Propping B) Saving of time by allowing near vertical structural
6
wherever possible building fit out to start earlier elements i.e. columns,
due to early access to the structural wall etc.
floor. B) High early strength concrete
All the variations of RCC floor systems discussed below are with the consideration to satisfy one or
numerous above stated objectives.
RCC Floor Systems
Actual floor systems in buildings come in all sizes, shapes, and forms. There are so many variables to any
floor system such as different spans, offset spans, cantilevers, and the extent of continuity, the effects of
beams, columns and walls on the slab system, etc that it is difficult to cover all situations with one specific
floor system. The floor systems employed in the actual building design will always be a combination of
several basic systems.
The RCC flooring systems can be;
1. Flat Plate
2. Flat Slab
3. Ribbed Slab
4. Waffle Slab
5. Band beam & Slab
6. Pre-stressed Slab
Flat Slab: A flat slab is a reinforced concrete slab supported directly by concrete columns without the use of
beams. It may have a column head and/or a drop panel to take care of shear. When a drop panel or column
head is not provided it is also referred to as flat plate.
A flat slab is a one-way or two-way system with thickenings in the slab at the columns and load bearing walls
called 'drop panels’. Drop panels act as T-beams over the supports. They increase the shear capacity and the
stiffness of the floor system under vertical loads, thus increasing the economical span range. The plan
dimensions of the drop panels are a minimum of 1/3 of the span in the direction under consideration,
usually rounded to the nearest 100 mm. The overall depth of the drop panel is typically taken as 1.75 to 2
times the depth of the slab, again rounded to suit timber sizes or the nearest 25 mm. The principal features
of a flat slab floor are a flat soffit, simple formwork and easy construction. The economical span 'L' of a
reinforced concrete flat slab is approximately D x 28 for simply supported, D x 32 for an end span and D x 36
for an interior span. Pre-stressing the slab increases the economical span to D x 35, D x 40 and D x 45
respectively, where D is the depth of the slab excluding the drop panel.
Uses of column heads: •increase shear strength of slab •reduce the moment in the slab by reducing the
clear or effective span
Uses of drop panels : •increase shear strength of slab •increase negative moment capacity of slab •stiffen
the slab and hence reduce deflection
RCC Floor Systems
FLAT SLAB WITH DROP PANEL

RCC Floor Systems
1 REINFORCED
Advantages:
2 PRESTRESSED
 Simple formwork allows faster construction
 Reduced services and cladding costs Flat slab construction places no restrictions on the positioning
of horizontal services and partitions and can minimize floor-to-floor heights when there is no
requirement for a deep false ceiling. This can have knock-on benefits in terms of lower building
height, reduced cladding costs and prefabricated services.Minimum structural depth will result in
Lower storey height which in turn will reduce building weight due to lower partitions and cladding to
façade, approx. saves 10% in vertical members, reduce foundation load.
 Usually does not require shear reinforcement at the columns due to drop panel.
RCC Floor Systems
Disadvantages:
 Medium spans
 Generally not suitable for supporting brittle(masonry) partitions
 Drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical ducting
 Vertical penetrations need to avoid area around columns
 For reinforced flat slabs, deflection at the middle strip may be critical.
Flat Plate:
A flat plate is a one- or two-way system usually supported directly on columns or load bearing walls. It is one
of the most common forms of construction of floors in buildings. The principal feature of the flat plate floor
is a uniform or near-uniform thickness with a flat soffit which requires only simple formwork and is easy to
construct. The floor allows great flexibility for locating horizontal services above a suspended ceiling or in a
bulkhead. The economical span of a flat plate for low to medium loads is usually limited by the need to
control long- term deflection and may need to be sensibly pre-cambered (not overdone) or pre-stressed. An
economical span for a reinforced flat plate is of the order of 6 to 8 m and for pre-stressed flat plates is in the
range of 8 to 12 m. The span 'L' of a reinforced concrete flat-plate is approximately D x 28 for simply
supported, D x 30 for an end span of a continuous system, to D x 32 for internal continuous spans. The
economical span of a flat plate can be extended by pre-stressing to approximately D x 30, D x 37 and D x 40
respectively, where D is the depth of slab.
RCC Floor Systems
Advantages:
 Simple formwork and suitable for direct fix or sprayed ceiling
 No beams—simplifying under-floor services
 Minimum structural depth and reduced floor-to floor height.
Disadvantages:
 Medium spans
 Limited lateral load capacity as part of a moment frame
 May need shear heads or shear reinforcement at the columns

or larger columns for shear
 Long-term deflection may be controlling factor
 May not be suitable for supporting brittle(masonry) partitions
 May not be suitable for heavy loads.
1 REINFORCED
2 PRESTRESSED
RCC Floor Systems
OPTIMUM SINGLE AND MULTISPAN FOR FLAT PLATE
Reinforcement: In flat slab a slab-column connection’s resistance to punching shear may be enhanced
adopting some actions, as the increase of the column section, or the slab thickness, or the flexural
reinforcement ratio, or the compressive strength of concrete, or by using drop panels and column capitals.
However, the increase of the column section or the use drop panels and capitals usually generate problems
from the architectural point of view. The increase of the slab thickness may mean a substantial elevation of
the structure and foundation costs. Finally, increasing either the flexural reinforcement ratio or the
compressive strength of concrete would have poor efficiency. Thus, when it is desirable to increase the
punching resistance, one of the most practicable solutions may be the use of shear reinforcement in
addition to the flexural reinforcement, locally in the shear zone around the vertical support (column or wall).
Stirrups, studs and structural sections are the alternative types of reinforcement, that are employed to
counter shear near the column. Please refer to the appendix for details of the same.
RCC Floor Systems
Ribbed and waffle slab: Ribbed slabs are made up of wide band beams running bet
ween columns with narrow ribs spanning the orthogonal direction. Normally the ribs and the beams are the
same depth. A thin topping slab completes the system.
RIBBED SLAB
They are either one-way spanning systems known as ribbed slab or a two-way ribbed system known as a
waffle slab. A rib thickness of greater than 125 mm is usually required to accommodate tensile and shear
reinforcement. Ribbed slabs are suitable for medium to heavy loads, can span reasonable distances, are very
stiff and particularly suitable where the soffit is exposed. Slab depths typically vary from 75 to 125 mm and
rib widths from 125 to 200 mm. Rib spacing of 600 to1500 mm can be used. The overall depth of the floor
typically varies from 300 to 600 mm with overall spans of up to 15 m if reinforced, longer if post-tensioned.
The use of ribs to the soffit of the slab reduces the quantity of concrete and reinforcement and also the
weight of the floor. The saving of materials will be offset by the complication in formwork and placing of
reinforcement. However, formwork complication is minimised by use of standard, modular, reusable
formwork, usually made from polypropylene or fibreglass and with tapered sides to allow stripping. For ribs
at 1200-mm centres (to suit standard forms) the economical reinforced concrete floor span 'L' is
approximately D x 15 for a single span and D x 22 for a multi-span, where D is the overall floor depth. The
one-way ribs are typically designed as T-beams, often spanning in the long direction. A solid drop panel is
required at the columns and loadbearing walls for shear and moment resistance.
Advantages:
 Savings on weight and materials
 Long spans
 Attractive soffit appearance if exposed
 Economical when reusable formwork pans used
 Vertical penetrations between ribs are easy.
Disadvantages:
 Depth of slab between the ribs may control the fire rating
RCC Floor Systems
 Requires special or proprietary formwork
 Greater floor-to-floor height
 Large vertical penetrations are more difficult to handle.
Waffle slab
RCC Floor Systems
Ribbed Slab
Band Beam: This system consists of a series of parallel, wide, shallow beams (known as band beams or
thickened slab bands) with the floor slab spanning transversely between the bands. The floor slab is
designed as a continuous slab, with the shallow band beams carrying all loads from the slab. Band beams or
thickened slab bands are a two-way slab system. Band beams are commonly used for longer span structures
often with the bands post-tensioned and the slabs reinforced. Sometimes, composite concrete/metal
decking is used for the slabs, provided the slab spans are not too large. The band beam has a relatively wide,
shallow cross section which reduces the overall depth of floor while permitting longer spans similar to the
traditional concrete beam. The concrete section simplifies both the formwork and services which can pass
under the beams.
Advantages:
 Relatively simple formwork
 Shallow beams to allow services to run under the floor
 Minimum structural depth and reduced floor-to floor height
 Long spans
 Good cost/time solution
 Allows the use of flying forms.
RCC Floor Systems
Disadvantages:
 Long-term deflection may be controlling factor and post-tensioning may be required
 May need service penetrations through beams which are difficult to handle.
In a single-span floor, the spacing of the band beams may coincide with the columns, or the bands may be
more closely spaced to reduce the thickness of the slab spanning between walls or beams. For single span
reinforced concrete floors the economical span 'L' of the band beam is D x 20 to D x 22 depending on the
width and spacing of the band beam, where D is the depth of the slab plus band beam.
Pre-stressing the band beam gives economical band-beam spans in the range of D x 24 to D x 28. In a multi-
span floor, the spacing of the band beams is fixed by the transverse spacing of the columns. For initial sizing
of the slab, the span-to-depth ratios from Section 6.3 can be used. For internal spans the slab thickness is
based on the clear span between band beams, and for an external bay is from the edge
of band to the column line of the external band. The depth of the band is typically 1.5 to 2 times the depth
of the slab and the minimum economical span for a band beam is about 7–8 m. In multiple spans using
reinforced concrete, the economical slab of the band beam 'L' is approximately D x 22 for 1200-mm-wide
band beams and D x 26 for a 2400-mm-wide beams at 8400-mm centres. Pre-stressing increases the
economical span 'L' to D x 24 to D x 28 for similar beam widths. D is the depth of slab plus band beam in
each case. The maximum span for reinforced concrete bands should not normally exceed 12 m. Above this
span, bands should be pre-stressed. The slab band width should be between band-spacing/3 to band-
spacing/4 and, where possible, should be based on a module of a standard sheet of ply of 2.4 m x 1.2 m.
Vertical sides should be used if possible to simplify formwork. Sloping sides are sometimes used where
bands are exposed to view or where the effective span of the slab needs to be reduced.
RCC Floor Systems
RCC Floor Systems
SINGLE SPAN BAND BEAM

RCC Floor Systems
MULTI SPAN BAND BEAM

RCC Floor Systems
RCC Floor Systems
RCC Floor Systems
Prestressed and post-tensioned RCC Slabs:
Review of Reinforced Concrete:
Reinforcement is Passive. It crosses the crack but does not prevent it.
How to not allow the concrete below neutral zone to go in tensile stress beyond the tensile strength of
concrete which leads to excessive deflection and cracking?
Option-1- Increase the depth of the beam.
Disadvantage- Increase in self-weight and material wastage.
Option-2- Provide additional steel along the vertical face of steel.
Disadvantage- Increase use of steel.
Option-3- Introduce compression stresses to counter the tensile stress.
Advantage: No extra material is required.
Disadvantage: Use of sophisticated equipment and requirement of specialised skilled labour.

RCC Floor Systems
As the spans increases or loading increases there is a necessity to enhance the strength of the concrete
structure (beams, columns and slab) by using high strength material and/or increasing the dimensions of the
structural members. Beyond a particular limit increase in the dimension of structural members becomes
unviable and there is a limitation to enhancing the material strength. The most viable option is of
introducing compressive stress to counter the tensile stress occurring due to self-weight and imposed load.
Tension + compression = Net zero stress
Principle of pre-stressing: The prestress in form of compressive stresses can be introduced in the member
without the use of steel by means of external jack at the end. However it is rarely practical. The ulternative
method is stretching or tensioning high tensile steel bars or wires which are then bound or anchored to
concrete member. In the process of steel’s tendency to release the tension by contracting to the original
unstretched length, a compressive force is applied to the concrete. The distribution of the pre stress across
the section depends upon the point of application of the pressure. It will be seen that by applying the
pressure at some point within the the lower third, compressive stresses are induced in the bottom portion
and the smaller tensile stresses in the top portion of the beam. By selecting appropriate magnitude of
tension and appropriate point of application, the stresses across the section may be so apportioned that
when acting together with those setup by the dead load of the beam the resulting stress at the top is zero
while the stress at the bottom represents the maximum permissible compressive stress of the concrete.
Since the forces due to prestressing and the dead load acts simultaneously the upper fibres of he concrete
are not subjected to tensile stresses due to prestressing, nor the lower fibres to excessive compression.
When the live load is applied additional compressive stresses are setup in the top and additional tensile
stresses in the bottom fibres, and these forces , acting together with the residual forces from the
combination of dead and prestressing loads, result in a compressive stress in the top fibre and a small
compression or zero stress in the bottom. Greatest economy is obtained if the maximum compressive stress
in the bottom fibres, due to dead and prestressing load, is equal to the maximum tensile stress set up by the
live load, thus producing zero stress at the bottom and maximum permissible compressive stress at the top
when beam is under load.
RCC Floor Systems
Behaviour of pre-stresses Concrete member

Compressive stress can be introduced before or after the concrete member is cast and are termed pre-
tensioning and post-tensioning respectively.
Reasons for Prestressing:

Prestressed concrete has been developed to overcome some of the limitations of reinforced
concrete, namely:
1) In flexure of reinforced concrete member, concrete is cracked and functions only to hold the
reinforcing bars in place and protect them from corrosion, thereby giving excess weight
without structural action.
2) Deflection of a member is inversely proportional to the moment of inertia of its section –
cracking lowers the moment of inertia of the section, thereby increasing deflection.
4) Eliminate cracking at service loading conditions
5) Improve shear and torsion strengths
6) Add protection to the steel
Definition of Pre-stress:
Pre-stress is defined as a method of applying pre-compression to control the stresses resulting due to
external loads below the neutral axis of the beam tension developed due to external load which is more
than the permissible limits of the plain concrete. The pre-compression applied (may be axial or eccentric)
will induce the compressive stress below the neutral axis or as a whole of the beam c/s. Resulting either no
tension or compression.
Pre-stressed concrete is basically concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude and distribution
are introduced so that the stresses resulting from the external loads are counteracted to a desired degree.
RCC Floor Systems
Pre-stress concrete requires concrete, which has a high compressive strength reasonably rapid hardening
with comparatively higher tensile strength than ordinary concrete. Higher the grade of concrete higher the
bond strength which is vital in pre-tensioned concrete, Also higher bearing strength which is vital in post-
tensioned concrete. Further creep & shrinkage losses are minimum with high-grade concrete.
Generally minimum M30 grade concrete is used for post-tensioned & M40 grade concrete is used for pre-
tensioned members. 20 mm cover is required for pre-tensioned members.
The prestressing of concrete has several advantages as compared to traditional reinforced concrete (RC)
without prestressing. A fully prestressed concrete member is usually subjected to compression during
service life. This rectifies several deficiencies of concrete.
The following text broadly mentions the advantages of a prestressed concrete member with an equivalent
RC member. For each effect, the benefits are listed.
Section remains un-cracked under service loads

Reduction of steel corrosion
Increase in durability.
Full section is utilized
Higher moment of inertia (higher stiffness)
Less deformations (improved serviceability).
Indian IIncrease in shear capacity.
Suitable for use in pressure vessels, liquid retaining structures.
Improved performance (resilience) under dynamic and fatigue loading.
High span-to-depth ratios

Larger spans possible with prestressing (bridges, buildings with large column-free spaces)
Typical values of span-to-depth ratios in slabs 28:1
are given below. Non-prestressed slab
Prestressed slab 45:1
For the same span, less depth compared to RC member.

• Reduction in self weight
• More aesthetic appeal due to slender sections
• More economical sections.
Advantage of Prestressed Concrete
1. The use of high strength concrete and steel in prestressed members results in lighter and slender
members than is possible with RC members.
2. In fully prestressed members the member is free from tensile stresses under working loads, thus
whole of the section is effective.
3. In prestressed members, dead loads may be counter-balanced by eccentric prestressing.
4. Prestressed concrete member posses better resistance to shear forces due to effect of compressive
stresses presence or eccentric cable profile.
RCC Floor Systems
5. Use of high strength concrete and freedom from cracks, contribute to improve durability under
aggressive environmental conditions.
6. Long span structures are possible so that saving in weight is significant & thus it will be economic.
7. Factory products are possible.
8. Prestressed members are tested before use.
9. Prestressed concrete structure deflects appreciably before ultimate failure, thus giving ample warning
before collapse.
10. Fatigue strength is better due to small variations in prestressing steel, recommended to dynamically
loaded structures.
Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete
1. The availability of experienced builders is scanty.
2. Initial equipment cost is very high.
3. Availability of experienced engineers is scanty.
4. Prestressed sections are brittle
5. Prestressed concrete sections are less fire resistant.
Classifications and Types
Prestressing of concrete can be classified in several ways. The following classifications are discussed.
1. Source of prestressing force
This classification is based on the method by which the prestressing force is generated. There are four
sources of prestressing force: Mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical. Hydraulic Prestressing
This is the simplest type of prestressing, producing large prestressing forces. The hydraulic jack used for the
tensioning of tendons, comprises of calibrated pressure gauges which directly indicate the magnitude of
force developed during the tensioning. Mostly used for post tensioning in buildings.
a) Mechanical Prestressing
In this type of prestressing, the devices includes weights with or without lever transmission, geared
transmission in conjunction with pulley blocks, screw jacks with or without gear drives and wire-winding
machines. This type of prestressing is adopted for mass scale production.
b) Electrical Prestressing
In this type of prestressing, the steel wires are electrically heated and anchored before placing concrete in
the moulds. This type of prestressing is also known as thermo-electric prestressing.
2. External or internal prestressing

This classification is based on the location of the prestressing tendon with respect to the concrete section.
a) External Prestressing
RCC Floor Systems
When the prestressing is achieved by elements located outside the concrete, it is called external
prestressing. The tendons can lie outside the member (for example in I-girders or walls) or inside the hollow
space of a box girder. This technique is adopted in bridges and strengthening of buildings.
b) Internal Prestressing
When the prestressing is achieved by elements located inside the concrete member (commonly, by
embedded tendons), it is called internal prestressing. Most of the applications of prestressing are internal
prestressing.
3. Pre-tensioning or post-tensioning
This is the most important classification and is based on the sequence of casting the concrete and
applying tension to the tendons.
a) Pre-tensioning: In which the tendons are tensioned before the concrete is placed, tendons are
temporarily anchored and tensioned and the prestress is transferred to the concrete after it is
hardened. The pre-compression is transmitted from steel to concrete through bond over the
transmission length .
.
Post-tensioning: In which the tendon is tensioned after concrete has hardened. Tendons are placed in
sheathing at suitable places in the member before casting and later after hardening of concrete. The pre-
compression is transmitted from steel to concrete by the anchorage device (at the end blocks).
4. Linear or circular prestressing

This classification is based on the shape of the member prestressed.
a) Linear Prestressing
When the prestressed members are straight or flat, in the direction of prestressing, the prestressing is called
linear prestressing. For example, prestressing of beams, piles, poles and slabs. The profile of the prestressing
tendon may be curved.
b) Circular Prestressing
When the prestressed members are curved, in the direction of prestressing, the prestressing is called
circular prestressing. For example, circumferential prestressing of tanks, silos, pipes and similar structures.
5. Full, limited or partial prestressing

Based on the amount of prestressing force, three types of prestressing are defined.
a) Full Prestressing
When the level of prestressing is such that no tensile stress is allowed in concrete under service loads, it is
called Full Prestressing.
b) Limited Prestressing
When the level of prestressing is such that the tensile stress under service loads is within the cracking stress
of concrete, it is called Limited Prestressing.
c) Partial Prestressing
When the level of prestressing is such that under tensile stresses due to service loads, the crack
width is within the allowable limit, it is called Partial Prestressing
6. Uniaxial, biaxial or multi-axial prestressing

As the names suggest, the classification is based on the directions of prestressing a member.
RCC Floor Systems
a) Uniaxial Prestressing
When the prestressing tendons are parallel to one axis, it is called Uniaxial Prestressing. For example,
longitudinal prestressing of beams.
b) Biaxial Prestressing
When there are prestressing tendons parallel to two axes, it is called Biaxial Prestressing. For example
prestressing of slab on both sides.
c) Multiaxial Prestressing
When the prestressing tendons are parallel to more than two axes, it is called Multiaxial
Prestressing. For example, prestressing of domes.
The most widely used method for prestressing of structural concrete elements is longitudinal tensioning of
steel by different tensioning devices.
Pretensioning: Steel tensioned before casting concrete

In pretensioning the prestressing tendons (wires, strands) are stretched to a predetermined
tension and anchored to fixed bulkheads or molds. The concrete is poured around the tendons, cured, and
upon hardening the tendons are released. As the bond between the tendons and the concrete resists the
shortening of the tendons, the concrete is compressed. Pretensioning is the method most often used for the
production of precast prestressed concrete elements, because it offers great potential for mechanization.
pre-stressing plus self weight and

live load.
(2) Post-tensioning:
In post-tensioning the tendons are stressed and anchored at the ends of the concrete member after the
member has been cast and attained sufficient strength. Commonly, a mortar-tight metal pipe or duct (also
called sheath) is placed along the member before concrete casting. The tendons could be preplaced loose
inside the sheath prior to casting or could be placed after hardening of concrete. After the concrete has
RCC Floor Systems
attained the required strength the tendons are stressed using prestressing jacks at the ends of the concrete
member (from one or both ends simultaneously) and anchored. After stressing and anchoring, the void
between each tendon and its duct is filled with a mortar grout which subsequently hardens. Grouting
ensures bonding of the tendon to the surrounding concrete, improves the resistance of the member to
cracking and reduces the risks of corrosion for the steel tendons Tendons are made of;
 Wires
 Strands (individual or group)
 Bars (tensioned one at a time)
Bonded tendons: Use grout as explained above.
Unbonded tendons: Use grease or bituminous material instead of grout, or put outside the RC section.
This technique is widely used in slab systems of residential and parking structures with several bays(up to 10
bays), because of its efficiency an economy.
RCC Floor Systems
Post-tensioning is primarily an in situ operation - used in large projects such as continuous long span slabs of
buildings or bridges etc.
Process of post tension

- Cast a duct, containing the desired number of strands, in the concrete at location where
prestressing steel is required
- Use metal sheath to form a duct or alternatively use a plastic duct since steel tends to corrode
- Locate duct in formwork by attaching to stirrups and longitudinal nonprestressed
reinforcement
- It is important to ensure that the duct is properly secured to avoid shifting in position during casting of
concrete
- Duct should be watertight to avoid leakage of wet concrete into the duct and plugging it
- After concrete attains required strength anchor tendon at one end using a mechanical anchor
- At other end of tendon attach a prestressing jack to the tendon, tension it and then anchor it.
To avoid tension, it is necessary to reduce the eccentricity so that the centroid of the
prestressing steel at the end of the beam is within the middle third for a rectangular section.
This is achieved by using harped or blanketed strands in pretensioned beams, and draped tendons in post-
tensioned beams to maintain emax at mid-span, while having a smaller eccentricity at the ends.
In post-tensioning we use a small number of large tendons as opposed to a large number of individual
strands in pretensioning.
Reasons for this are:
1. In pretensioning we rely on bond between concrete and steel, and thus we wish to
maximize bond surface, whereas in post-tensioning where we rely on mechanical
anchorage at end of a tendon bond is not an issue.
2. Fewer larger tendons results in less labour, and thus less cost, in terms of the stressing
Operation.
In post-tensioned concrete, steel tendons are usually grouted after anchoring to prevent corrosion. The
prestressing steel is under a relatively high level of stress and is susceptible to stress corrosion.
Cement (or epoxy) grout > bonded member
Grease (or no grout) > unbonded member
Grout is pumped into duct under pressure to ensure that duct is completely filled with grout.
RCC Floor Systems
The behaviour of bonded and unbonded members is the same as long as concrete is not cracked - once
cracking occurs there is a distinct difference in behaviour.
Pretensioning > Factory operation - precast industry

Post-tensioning > Insitu construction mainly
 Steel held at length longer than what it wants to be—Tension

 Concrete compressed shorter than what it wants to be—Compression
Differences of Pre-stressed Concrete Over Reinforced Concrete:
1. In pre-stress concrete member steel plays active role. The stress in steel prevails whether external load is
there or not. But in R.C.C., steel plays a passive role. The stress in steel in R.C.C members depends upon
the external loads. i.e., no external load, no stress in steel.
2. In pre-stress concrete the stresses in steel is almost constant where as in R.C.C the stress in steel is
variable with the lever arm.
3. Pre-stress concrete has more shear resistance, where as shear resistance of R.C.C is less.
4. In pre-stress concrete members, deflections are less because the eccentric pre-stressing force will induce
couple which will cause upward deflections, where as in R.C.C., deflections are more.
5. In pre-stress concrete fatigue resistance is more compare to R.C.C. because in R.C.C. stress in steel is
external load dependent where as in P.S.C member it is load independent.
6. Pre-stress concrete is more durable as high grade of concrete is used which are more dense in nature.
R.C.C. is less durable.
7. In pre-stress concrete dimensions are less because external stresses are counterbalance by the internal
stress induced by pre-stress. Therefore reactions on column & footing are less as a whole the quantity of
concrete is reduced by 30% and steel reduced by about 60 to 70%. R.C.C. is uneconomical for long span
because in R.C.C. dimension of sections are large requiring more concrete & steel. Moreover as self-
weight increases more reactions acted on columns & footings, which requires higher sizes.
RCC Floor Systems
Comparative Study: Pre-tension Vs Post-tensioned Member
Pre-tension member Post-tensioned member
1. In pre-tensioned pre-stress concrete, steel is 1. Concreting is done first then wires are
tensioned prior to that of concrete. It is released tensioned and anchored at ends. The stress
once the concrete is placed and hardened. The transfer is by end bearing not by bond.
stresses are transferred all along the wire by
means of bond.
2. Suitable for short span and precast products 2. Suitable for long span bridges.
like sleepers, electric poles on mass production.
3. In pre-tensioning the cables are basically 3. The post tensioning cables can be aligned in any
straight and horizontal. Placing them in curved or manner to suit the B.M.D due to external load
inclined position is difficult. However the wire’s system. Therefore it is more economical
can be kept with eccentrically. Since cables cannot particularly for long span bridges. The curved or
be aligned similar to B.M.D. structural advantages inclined cables can have vertical component at
are less compare to that of post-tensioned. ends. These components will reduce the design
shear force. Hence post-tensioned beams are
superior to pre-tensioned beams both from
flexural and shear resistances point.
4. Pre-stress losses are more compare to that of 4. Losses are less compare to pre-tensioned
post-tensioned concrete. concrete.

Class Notes RCC Floors

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Class Notes RCC Floors

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RCC Floor Systems

Third Year B. Arch-20017-18

Sr. Possible Means to achieve objectives

The RCC flooring systems can be;

FLAT SLAB WITH DROP PANEL

 Drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical ducting

 Vertical penetrations need to avoid area around columns

 No beams—simplifying under-floor services

 Minimum structural depth and reduced floor-to floor height.

 Limited lateral load capacity as part of a moment frame

 May need shear heads or shear reinforcement at the columns

 Long-term deflection may be controlling factor

 May not be suitable for supporting brittle(masonry) partitions

 May not be suitable for heavy loads.

OPTIMUM SINGLE AND MULTISPAN FOR FLAT PLATE

SINGLE SPAN BAND BEAM

MULTI SPAN BAND BEAM

Prestressed and post-tensioned RCC Slabs:

Review of Reinforced Concrete:

Option-1- Increase the depth of the beam.

Disadvantage- Increase in self-weight and material wastage.

Option-2- Provide additional steel along the vertical face of steel.

Disadvantage- Increase use of steel.

Option-3- Introduce compression stresses to counter the tensile stress.

Advantage: No extra material is required.

Disadvantage: Use of sophisticated equipment and requirement of specialised skilled labour.

Tension + compression = Net zero stress

Behaviour of pre-stresses Concrete member

Reasons for Prestressing:

Section remains un-cracked under service loads

High span-to-depth ratios

For the same span, less depth compared to RC member.

3. In prestressed members, dead loads may be counter-balanced by eccentric prestressing.

7. Factory products are possible.

8. Prestressed members are tested before use.

Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete

1. The availability of experienced builders is scanty.

2. Initial equipment cost is very high.

3. Availability of experienced engineers is scanty.

4. Prestressed sections are brittle

5. Prestressed concrete sections are less fire resistant.

Classifications and Types

2. External or internal prestressing

4. Linear or circular prestressing

5. Full, limited or partial prestressing

6. Uniaxial, biaxial or multi-axial prestressing

Pretensioning: Steel tensioned before casting concrete

pre-stressing plus self weight and

Bonded tendons: Use grout as explained above.

Process of post tension

Pretensioning > Factory operation - precast industry

 Steel held at length longer than what it wants to be—Tension

Differences of Pre-stressed Concrete Over Reinforced Concrete:

Comparative Study: Pre-tension Vs Post-tensioned Member

Pre-tension member Post-tensioned member

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