PRESTRESSED

CONCRETE
Engr. Jake Maramot
 INTRODUCTION

Philosophy of Prestressed Concrete:

 High flexural strength compared to RC beams

 Introduction of compression force on brittle concrete (axial or flexural) member
 Tension zone is minimized if not eliminated → Gross areas
• For beams, based on WSD concepts, Itr approx Ig / 5

 High Strength concrete (minimum is f’c= 34.5 Mpa)

Methods of Prestressing
 Pretensioned
 Post-tensioned
 PRETENSIONED
 Tension is done before concrete PROCEDURE
pouring
1. Jack tendons
 Done usually in a prestressing plant 2. Use hold down devices

 Geared for mass production 3. Place rebars and forms

 Steam curing – 70% f’c in 24 hrs 4. Pour concrete

5. After initial curing, release and cut tendons

 Tendons are directly in contact with
concrete 6. Remove and prepare for next batch

Pj

Use hold down devices for non-straight profiles

 POST-TENSIONED
 Tensioning is done after initial curing of
concrete PROCEDURE
 Available Profiles 1. Install rebars and forms
 Straight 2. Install tendons (inside a duct)
 Smooth Curves 3. Pour concrete
 Casting Methods 4. After initial curing, pull the tendons (Note: Normal
curing, 80% f’c after 14 days)
 Precast at the plant
5. Optional, grout
 Cast in place

 Cast on site
Jacks
Grout Grout Grout
Grout
Grout  Single strand jacks

 Multi strand jacks

Ducts
Pj  3 inch diameter can contain a maximum of 12
strands

 Or bigger duct can have 18 strands

 MATERIALS
CONCRETE AVAILABLE BRANDS
• Usual f’c = 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) • VSL

• Any supplier can provide 5000 psi concrete • CCL

• Freyssinet

PRESTRESSING STEEL (Tendons) • BBRV

• Wires

• Bars ADVANTAGES OF PRESTRESSED vs RC

• Strands (7-wires strand) • Very high flexural strength

• Grade 250 → Higher f’c

fpu = 250 ksi (1725 Mpa) → Precompression force makes the whole (gross)
section active
Aps = 0.144 sq. in. (92.9 sq. mm) (For ½ ” strand)

• Grade 270
DISADVANTAGES OF PRESTRESSED vs RC
fpu = 270 ksi (1863 Mpa)
• Problem with vibrations
Aps = 0.153 sq. in. (98.7 sq. mm)
 PRESTRESSING STAGES
1. Jacking Stage → Prestressing force = Pj; Stress fpj = Pj / Aps

a. Aps = total area of prestressing steel = n*Aps1

2. Transfer Stage/ Initial Stage

a. Force is transferred from the tendons to the concrete member

b. Concrete has initially cured (i.e. concrete strength = f’ci)

c. Instantaneous prestress losses have occurred (therefore, Pj > Pi)

d. Prestressing force = Pi; Stress fpi = Pi/ Aps

e. Active loads are:

i. Prestressing force, Pi (and its equivalent loads)

ii. Girder weight

3. Service Stage

a. Concrete has fully cured ( i.e. concrete strength = f’c)

b. Time dependent prestress losses have occurred. These are in addition to the previous instantaneous losses. (therefore, Pj > Pi > Pe)

c. Prestressing force = Pe ; Stress fpe = Pe /Aps

d. All loads (prestress, dead, live, earthquake, etc) are now active.

4. Cracking Stage → Theoretical stage where the beam starts to crack.

5. Ultimate Stage → Limit Capacity

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING VS FULL PRESTRESSING

Section Properties:
 Use concrete gross section.
 Neglect the area of prestressed and non-prestressed steel.

Use of Prestressed Concrete Technology is dangerous for

incompetent hands. The prestress force is an ACTIVE FORCE and
must be handled properly. The assumptions made during the design
should reflect the actual condition when constructed (and vice
versa).
 ANALYSIS OF METHODS

1. METHOD OF STRESSES

f = (P/A) + (M y / I)
f = (P/A) + ([Pe + MD+ML] y / I)