Deflection

• Why does adding top bars reduce the

deflection so much?

• Is this realistic?

• Ieff/Igross. What is this all about and

what to use.
 • Why does adding top bars reduce the deflection so much?
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Shrinkage strain in concrete - no reo/PT

Shrinkage strain in concrete – with top reo

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 • Is this realistic?
3
C (Conc)

Neutral axis
T (PT)
T (Reo)

Beam or thick (300+) slabs section

C (Conc) Neutral axis

T (PT)
T (Reo)
Slab section
Top bar is not effective for thin slabs!

3
 Slabs - check NA (ku.d) is below top bar level.

As bars get closer to NA, less strain at that level -> less effective

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Restraint of PT elements

PT elements must be allowed to shorten to work

 Ieff/Igross
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Igross Ieff

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 7 Ieff/Igross

Uncracked at service and completely unrestrained 1.0 Cantilever?

(fully prestressed)
Judgement

Cracked at service and/or restrained 0.7

Ieff/Igross limited due to restraint +

• Shrinkage
• Creep
-> Induced tension (more cracking)

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P/A levels
 C Pj

Pu = (Conc compression)
Pj = Jacking force
Anchorage zones

Approx D
 1
1

11
 1
2

Tendon at the supports -> Otherwise full shear in RC

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Losses and their implications
 1
4

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 1
5
Tendon
Tension

Alternate tendons for efficiency – Symmetrical runs

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 Watch-its
1
6

Vertical Prestress not present before grouting -> Reduced shear

Cold weather vs lab environment

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