86

Lecture Note 17
PRESTRESS CONCRETE
Code: IS1343: 1980

Introduction:
Definition of Prestress:
Prestress 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 precompression 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.
Basic Concept
Prestressed 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.
Terminology
1. Tendon: A stretched element used in a concrete member of structure to impart
prestress to the concrete.
2. Anchorage: A device generally used to enable the tendon to impart and maintain
prestress in concrete.
3. Pretensioning: A method of prestressing concrete in which the tendons are tensioned
before the concrete is placed. In this method, the concrete is introduced by bond between
steel & concrete.
4. Post-tensioning: A method of prestressing concrete by tensioning the tendons against
hardened concrete. In this method, the prestress is imparted to concrete by bearing.
Materials for prestress concrete members:
1. Cement: The cement used should be any of the following
(a) Ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS269
(b) Portland slag cement conforming to IS455. But the slag content should not
be more than 50%.
(c) Rapid hardening Portland cement conforming to IS8041.
(d) High strength ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS8112.

87

2. Concrete: Prestress concrete requires concrete, which has a high compressive

strength reasonably early age with comparatively higher tensile strength than
ordinary concrete. The concrete for the members shall be air-entrained concrete
composed of Portland cement, fine and coarse aggregates, admixtures and water.
The air-entraining feature may be obtained by the use of either air-entraining
Portland cement or an approved air-entraining admixture. The entrained air
content shall be not less than 4 percent or more than 6 percent.
Minimum cement content of 300 to 360 kg/m3 is prescribed for the durability
requirement.
The water content should be as low as possible.
3. Steel:- High tensile steel , tendons , strands or cables
The steel used in prestress shall be any one of the following:(a) Plain hard-drawn steel wire conforming to IS1785 (Part-I & Part-III)
(b) Cold drawn indented wire conforming to IS6003
(c) High tensile steel wire bar conforming to IS2090
(d) Uncoated stress relived strand conforming to IS6006
High strength steel contains:
0.7 to 0.8% carbons,
0.6% manganese,
0.1% silica
Durability, Fire Resistance & Cover Requirements For P.S.C Members:According to IS: 1343-1980
20 mm cover for pretensioned members
30 mm or size of the cable which ever is bigger for post tensioned members.
If the prestress members are exposed to an aggressive environment, these covers are
increased by another 10 mm.
Necessity of high grade of concrete & steel:
Higher the grade of concrete higher the bond strength which is vital in pretensioned
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 pretensioned members.

88

The losses in prestress members due to various reasons are generally in the range of
250 N/mm2 to 400 N/mm2. If mild steel or deformed steel is used the residual stresses after
losses is either zero or negligible. Hence high tensile steel wires are used which varies from
1600 to 2000 N/mm2.
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.
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
Prestressed concrete structures can be classified in a number of ways depending upon the
feature of designs and constructions.
1. 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.

89
2. 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 various methods by which pre-compression are imparted to concrete are classified as
follows:
1. Generation of compressive force between the structural elements and its
abutments using flat jack.
2. Development of hoop compression in cylindrically shaped structures by
circumferential wire binding.
3. Use of longitudinally tensioned steel embedded in concrete or housed in ducts.
4. Use of principle of distortion of a statically indeterminate structure either by
displacement or by rotation of one part relative to the remainder.
5. Use of deflected structural steel sections embedded in concrete until the hardening
of the latter.
6. Development of limited tension in steel and compression in concrete by using
expanding cements.
The most widely used method for prestressing of structural concrete elements is
longitudinal tensioning of steel by different tensioning devices. Prestressing by the
application of direct forces between abutments is generally used for arches and
pavements, while flat jacks are invariably used to impart the desired forces.
Tensioning Devices
The various types devices used for tensioning steel are grouped under four principal
categories, viz.
1. Mechanical devices: The mechanical devices generally used include weights with
or without lever transmission, geared transmission in conjunction with pulley
blocks, screw jacks with or without gear devices and wire-winding machines.
These devices are employed mainly for prestressing structural concrete
components produced on a mass scale in factory.
2. Hydraulic devices: These are simplest means for producing large prestressing
force, extensively used as tensioning devices.
3. Electrical devices: The wires are electrically heated and anchored before placing
concrete in the mould. This method is often referred to as thermo-prestressing and
used for tensioning of steel wires and deformed bars.
4. Chemical devices: Expanding cements are used and the degree of expansion is
controlled by varying the curing condition. Since the expansive action of cement

90
while setting is restrained, it induces tensile forces in tendons and compressive
stresses in concrete.
Prestressing System:

Pretensioning system:
In the pre-tensioning systems, the tendons are first tensioned between rigid anchor-blocks
cast on the ground or in a column or unit mould types pretensioning bed, prior to the
casting of concrete in the mould. The tendons comprising individual wires or strands are
stretched with constant eccentricity or a variable eccentricity with tendon anchorage at
one end and jacks at the other. With the forms in place, the concrete is cast around the
stressed tendon. The system is shown in Fig. 1 below.
1.

Tendon
A nchorage

Tendon

B eam

B eam w ith straight tendon

Fig. 1 Prestressing system

Jack

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a) prior to prestressing

b) effect of prestressing,
ignoring self-weight

c) Prestress plus self-weight

d) Prestress plus self-weight

and live load

Fig. 2 Effect of load during Prestressing

2.
Post-tensioned system:
In post-tensioning the concrete unit are first cast by incorporating ducts or grooves to
house the tendons. When the concrete attains sufficient strength, the high-tensile wires
are tensioned by means of jack bearing on the end of the face of the member and
anchored by wedge or nuts. The forces are transmitted to the concrete by means of end
anchorage and, when the cable is curved, through the radial pressure between the cable
and the duct. The space between the tendons and the duct is generally grouted after the
tensioning operation.
Most of the commercially patented prestressing systems are based on the following
principle of anchoring the tendons:
1. Wedge action producing a frictional grip on the wire.
2. Direct bearing from the rivet or bolt heads formed at the end of the wire.
3. Looping the wire around the concrete.

92
Methods:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Freyssinet system
Gifford-Udall system
Magnel blaton system
Lee-McCall system

Differnces of Prestressed Concrte Over Reinforced Concrete:

1. In prestress 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 prestress 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. Prestress concrete has more shear resistance, where as shear resistance of R.C.C is less.
4. In prestress concrete members, deflections are less because the eccentric prestressing
force will induce couple which will cause upward deflections, where as in R.C.C.,
deflections are more.
5. In prestress 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. Prestress 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 prestress concrete dimensions are less because external stresses are counterbalance by
the internal stress induced by prestress. 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.

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Comparative Study: Pretension Vs Post-tensioned Member

Pretension member

Post-tensioned member

1. In pretensioned prestress concrete, steel is

tensioned prior to that of concrete. It is
released once the concrete is placed and
hardened. The stresses are transferred all
along the wire by means of bond.
2. Suitable for short span and precast products
like sleepers, electric poles on mass
production.

1. Concreting is done first then wires are

tensioned and anchored at ends. The stress
transfer is by end bearing not by bond.

3. In pretensioning the cables are basically

straight and horizontal. Placing them in
curved or inclined position is difficult.
However the wires can be kept with
eccentrically. Since cables can not be aligned
similar to B.M.D. structural advantages are
less compare to that of post-tensioned.

2. Suitable for long span bridges

3. The post tensioning cables can be aligned in

any manner to suit the B.M.D due to external
load system. Therefore it is more economical
particularly for long span bridges. The curved
or inclined cables can have vertical component
at ends. These components will reduce the
design shear force. Hence post-tensioned
beams are superior to pretensioned beams both
from flexural and shear resistances point.
4. Prestress losses are more compare to that of 4. Losses are less compare to pre-tensioned
post-tensioned concrete.
concrete

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Lecture Note 18
Analysis of Prestress Member
Basic assumption
1. Concrete is a homogenous material.
2. Within the range of working stress, both concrete & steel behave elastically,
notwithstanding the small amount of creep, which occurs in both the materials
under the sustained loading.
3. A plane section before bending is assumed to remain plane even after bending,
which implies a linear strain distribution across the depth of the member.
Analysis of prestress member
The stress due to prestressing alone are generally combined stresses due to the action of
direct load bending from an eccentrically applied load. The following notations and sign
conventions are used for the analysis of prestress members.
PPrestressing force (Positive when compressive)
eEccentricity of prestressing force
M = PeMoment
ACross-sectional area of the concrete member
ISecond moment of area of the section about its centroid
Z t , Z b Section modulus of the top & bottom fibre respectively
f top , f bot Prestress in concrete developed at the top & bottom fibres

y t , y b Distance of the top & bottom fibre from the centroid of the section
rRadius of gyration
(i) Concentric tendon
In this case, the load is applied concentrically and a compressive stress of magnitude
(P/A) will act through out the section. Thus the stress will generate in the section as
shown in the figure below.

95

P
L

S tr e s s = P /A

C o n c e n tr ic p r e s tr e s s in g

(ii) Eccentric tendon

T en d o n
A n ch o rag e

S u p p o rt fo rce

B eam

T en d o n

H o ld d o w n fo rce

B eam w ith b en d ten d o n

Jack

96

L
Cross section

P/A
Direct stress

Pe/Zb
Bending stress

P/A + Pe/Z
Resultant stress

Fig. Stress distribution for eccentric prestressing

Thus the stresses developed at the top & bottom fibres of the beam can be written as:

P Pe P eyb
P Pe P eyt
fbot = +
= 1 + 2 ; ftop = = 1 2
A
r
r
A Zb
A Zt A

97

Pe/Zt

Ml/Zt

Md/Zt

Case 1

Resultant
Stress

Pe/Zb

(Prestress)

Md/Zb (DL)

Md/Zt

Ml/Zb

(LL)

Ml/Zt
Resultant
Stress

Case 2
Prestress

Md/Zb (DL)

Md/Zt

Ml/Zb

(LL)

Ml/Zt
Resultant
Stress

Case 3
Prestress

Md/Zb (DL)

Ml/Zb (LL)

Example
A rectangular concrete beam of cross-section 30 cm deep and 20 cm wide is prestressed
by means of 15 wires of 5 mm diameter located 6.5 cm from the bottom of the beam and
3 wires of diameter of 5 mm, 2.5 cm from the top. Assuming the prestress in the steel as
840 N/mm2, calculate the stresses at the extreme fibers of the mid-span section when the
beam is supporting its own weight over a span of 6 m. If a uniformly distributed live load
of 6kN/m is imposed, evaluate the maximum working stress in concrete. The density of
concrete is 24kN/m3.
Solution:Data Provided:
Cross section of beam: 30 cm 20 cm
Prestressed by ;
15 no. 5 mm diameter wires (6.5 cm from bottom)
3 no. 5mm diameter wires (2.5 cm from top)

98
Prestress in steel:
Span of the beam:
Density of concrete:

840 N/mm2
6m
24 kN/mm2
200 mm

LL=6kN/m

25 mm
6m

300
mm

65 mm

Distance of the centroid of prestressing force from the base

(15 65) + (3 275)
y=
=100mm
18

Eccentricity, e = 150-100= 50 mm
Prestressing force, P = (840 18 19.7 ) = 3 10 5 N
Area of concrete section, A = (300 200) = 45 105mm2
Second moment of area, I = 200 3003/12 = 45 107mm4
Section modulus (Zt & Zb) = (45 107/150)=3 106 mm3
Self weight of the beam = (0.2 0.3 24) = 1.44kN/m

1.44 6 2
= 6.48 kNm
Moment due to self weight, Md =
8

2
66
= 27kNm
Live load Moment Ml =
8
5
P 3 10

= 5N/mm2
Direct stress due to prestress =
4
A 6 10
5
Pe 3 10 50
= 5N/mm2
Bending stress due to prestress =
6
Z
3
10

6.48 106
=
Self weight stress,
= 2.16 N/mm2
Z 3 106

6
27 10
M
Live load stress l =
= 9N/mm2
6
Z
3 10
Md

The resultant working stresses due to (self weight + prestress + LL) in the concrete
=11.16N/mm2 (compressive) and 1.16N/mm2 (tensile)

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5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0
Prestress

2.16

2.16
Self weight
Stress

11.16

9.0

9.0
Live load
Stress

1.16
Resultant
Stress

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Lecture Note 19
Losses in Prestress -I
The initial prestressing concrete undergoes a gradual reduction with time from the stages
of transfer due to various causes. This is generally defined as total Loss of Prestress.
The various losses are explained below:
Types of losses in prestress
Pretensioning
1. Elastic deformation of concrete
2. Relaxation of stress in steel
3. Shrinkage of concrete
4. Creep of concrete
Post-tensioning
1. No loss due to elastic deformation if all wires are simultaneously
tensioned. If the wires are successively tensioned, there will be loss of
prestress due to elastic deformation of concrete.
2. Relaxation of stress in steel
3. Shrinkage of concrete
4. Creep of concrete
5. Friction
6. Anchorage slip
Loss due to elastic deformation of the concrete
The loss of prestress due to deformation of concrete depends on the modular ratio & the
average stress in concrete at the level of steel.
If
f c Prestress in concrete at the level of steel
E s Modulus of elasticity of steel
E c Modulus of elasticity of concrete

e Modular ratio
Strain in concrete at the level of steel =

fc
Ec

Stress in steel corresponding to this strain =

fc
Es
Ec

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Therefore, Loss of stress in steel = e f c
If the initial stress in steel is known, the percentage loss of stress in steel due to elastic
deformation of concrete can be computed.
Example 1: (Elastic deformation)
A pre-stressed concrete beam, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre-tensioned by
straight, wires carrying an initial force of 150kN at an eccentricity of 50 mm. The
modulus of elasticity of steel and concrete are 210 and 35 kN/mm2 respectively. Estimate
the percentage loss of stress in steel due to elastic deformation of concrete if the area of
steel wires is 188 mm2.
Solution:
Here,

Force, P = 150 kN ; Eccentricity, e = 50 mm

Area of concrete section, A = (100 300 ) = 3 10 4 mm2
Area of the steel wire = 188 mm2
Section modulus, I = 225 106 mm4
Es
=6
Ec

Modular ratio, e =
fc =

P P Pe
+ +

A A Zb
150 103
2
= 800 N/ mm
188

Initial stress in steel =

150 103 150 103 50 50

2
+
= 6.66 N/ mm
4
6
225 10
3 10

Stress in concrete, f c =

Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of concrete= e f c = (6 6.66 ) = 40 N/mm2

40 100
0
=5 0
800

Percentage loss of stress in steel =

Loss due to shrinkage of concrete

Factors affecting the shrinkage in concrete
1. The loss due to shrinkage of concrete results in shortening of tensioned wires &
hence contributes to the loss of stress.
2. The shrinkage of concrete is influenced by the type of cement, aggregate & the
method of curing used.
3. Use of high strength concrete with low water cement ratio results in reduction in
shrinkage and consequent loss of prestress.

102
4. The primary cause of drying shrinkage is the progressive loss of water from
concrete.
5. The rate of shrinkage is higher at the surface of the member.
6. The differential shrinkage between the interior surfaces of large member may
result in strain gradients leading to surface cracking.
Hence, proper curing is essential to prevent cracks due to shrinkage in prestress members.
In the case of pretensioned members, generally moist curing is restored in order to
prevent shrinkage until the time of transfer. Consequently, the total residual shrinkage
strain will be larger in pretensioned members after transfer of prestress in comparison
with post-tensioned members, where a portion of shrinkage will have already taken place
by the time of transfer of stress. This aspect has been considered in the recommendation
made by the code (IS:1343) for the loss of prestress due to shrinkage of concrete and is
obtained below:
If

cs Total residual shrinkage strain= 300 106 for pre-tensioning and

200 106
=
for post-tensioning.
log10 ( t + 2 )

Where,
t Age of concrete at transfer in days.
Then, the loss of stress = cs E s
Here, E s Modulus of elasticity of steel
Example 2: (Shrinkage)
A concrete beam is pre-stressed by a cable carrying an initial pre-stressing force of
300kN. The cross-sectional area of the wires in the cable is 300 mm2. Calculate the
percentage loss of stress in the cable only due to shrinkage of concrete using IS: 1343
recommendations assuming the beam to be, (a) pre-tensioned and (b) post-tensioned.
Assume Es = 210 kN/mm2 and age of concrete at transfer = 8 days.
Solution:
300 103
2
= 1000 N/mm
300

Initial stress in wires =

(a) If the beam is pre-tensioned, the total residual shrinkage strain = 300 10 6 units
Loss of stress = cs E s = ( 300 10 6 )( 210 103 ) = 63 N/mm2

103
63

100 = 6.3 0 0
Percentage loss of stress =
1000

(b) If the beam is post-tensioned, the total residual shrinkage strain

200 10 6 200 10 6
cs =
=
= 200 10 6 units
log (t + 2 ) log ( 8 + 2 )
10
10

Loss of stress = cs E s = ( 200 10 6 )( 210 103 ) = 42 N/mm2

42

100 = 4.2 0 0
Percentage loss of stress =
1000

Loss due to creep of concrete

The sustained prestress in the concrete of a prestress member results in creep of concrete
which is effectively reduces the stress in high tensile steel. The loss of stress in steel due
to creep of concrete can be estimated if the magnitude of ultimate creep strain or creepcoefficient is known.
1. Ultimate Creep strain method
The loss of stress in steel due to creep of concrete = cc f c E s
Where, cc Ultimate creep strain for a sustained unit stress.
f c Compressive stress in concrete at the level of steel
E s Modulus of elasticity of steel
2. Creep Coefficient Method
Creep coefficient =

Creep strain
Elastic strain

c
e

f
Therefore, loss of stress in steel = c Es = e Es = c
Ec
Where, Creep Coefficient

c Creep strain
e Elastic strain
e Modular ratio
f c Stress in concrete
E c Modulus of elasticity of concrete
E s Modulus of elasticity of steel

Es = f c e

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The magnitude of creep coefficient varies depending upon the humidity, concrete quality,
duration of applied loading and the age of concrete when loaded. The general value
recommended varies from 1.5 for watery situation to 4.0 for dry conditions with a relative
humidity of 35%.
Example 3: (Creep)
A concrete beam of rectangular section, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre-stressed
by five wires of 7 mm diameter located at an eccentricity of 50 mm, the initial stress in
the wires being 1200 N/mm2. Estimate the percentage loss of stress in steel due to creep
of concrete using the ultimate creep strain method and the creep coefficient method (IS:
1343-1980). Use the following data:
Solution: Here,
E s = 210 kN/mm2; E c = 35 kN/mm2 ; I = 225 106 mm4 ;
Ultimate creep strain cc = 41 10 6 mm/mm per N/mm2
Creep coefficient ( ) = 1.6 ;
Prestressing force, P= (5 38.5 1200) = 23 10 4 N
Area of concrete section, A=300 100= 3 10 4 mm2
Es
= 6
Ec

Modular ratio, e =

Stress in concrete at the level of steel is given by

23 10 4

fc =

3 10

23 10 4 50 50
2
+
= 10.2 N/mm
6
225 10

Ultimate Creep Strain Method

Loss of stress in steel = cc f c E s = ( 41 10 6 ) (10.2 ) ( 210 103 ) = 88 N/mm2

Creep Coefficient Method

Loss of stress in steel = f c e = (1.6 10.2 6 ) = 97.92 N/mm2

105

Lecture Note 20
Losses in Prestress -II
Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel
Most of the codes provide for the loss of stress due to relaxation of steel as a percentage
of initial stress in steel. The BIS recommends a value varying from 0 to 90 N/mm2 for
stress in wires varying from 0.5 f pu to 0.8 f pu
Where, f pu Characteristic strength of pre-stressing tendon.
Loss of stress due to friction
The magnitude of loss of stress due to friction is of following types: a.
Loss due to curvature effect, which depends upon the tendon form or
alignment, which generally follows a curved profile along the length of the beam.
b.
Loss of stress due to wobble effect, which depends upon the local
deviations in the alignment of the cable. The wobble or wave effect is the result of
accidental or unavoidable misalignment, since ducts or sheaths cannot be
perfectly located to follow a predetermined profile throughout the length of beam.

C a b le

P
x

Px
?

Px = Po e ( + kx )
Where,
Po The Prestressing force at the jacking end.

Coefficient of friction between cable and duct

The cumulative angle in radians through the tangent to the cable profile has
turned between any two points under consideration.
k Friction coefficient for wave effect.

106
The IS code recommends the following value for k
k = 0.15 per 100 m for normal condition
= 1.5 per 100 m for thin walled ducts where heavy vibration are encountered and in
other adverse conditions.
Example 4 (friction)
A concrete beam of 10 m span, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre-stressed by 3
cables. The area of each cable is 200 mm2 and the initial stress in the cable is 1200
N/mm2. Cable 1 is parabolic with an eccentricity of 50 mm above the centroid at the
supports and 50 mm below at the center of span. Cable 2 is also parabolic with zero
eccentricity at supports and 50 mm below the centroid at the center of span. Cable 3 is
straight with uniform eccentricity of 50 mm below the centroid. If the cables are
tensioned from one end only, estimate the percentage loss of stress in each cable due to
friction. Assume = 0.35 and k= 0.015 per m.

Equation of parabola is given by: y = 4e

Slope at ends (at x = 0 ) = dy
Solution:

dx

= 4e

L2

L2

) (L x )

) (L 2x ) = ( 4e L )

) (L x )
Slope at ends (at x = 0 ) = dy
= 4e
L 2x ) = ( 4e )
dx ( L ) (
L
(

Given Equation of parabola: y = 4e

Here,

L2

For cable 1
e = 100 mm

4 100
Slope at end =
=0.04
10 1000
Cumulative angle between tangents, = 2 0.04 = 0.08 radians

For cable 2
e = 50 mm
4 50
Slope at end
=0.02
10 1000
Cumulative angle between tangents, = 2 0.02 = 0.04 radians

Initial pre-stressing force in each cable, P0 = ( 200 1200 ) = 24,0000 N

107

If Px = pre-stressing force (stress) in the cable at the farther end,

Px = Po e ( + kx )

For small values of ( + kx ) , we can write

Px = P 1 ( + kx )

Loss of stress = P0 ( + kx )
Cable 1 = P0 ( 0.35 0.08 + 0.0015 10 ) = 0.043P0
Cable 2 = P0 ( 0.35 0.04 + 0.0015 10 ) = 0.029P0
Cable 3 = P0 ( 0 + 0.0015 10 ) = 0.015P0
PO = Initial stress = 1200 N/mm2

If

Cable No
1
2
3

Loss of stress, kN/mm2

51.6
34.8
18.0

Percentage loss
4.3
2.9
1.5

Loss due to Anchorage slip

The magnitude of loss of stress due to the slip in anchorage is computed as follows: Slip of anchorage, in mm
If
LLength of the cable, in mm
ACross-sectional area of the cable in mm2
Es Modulus of elasticity of steel in N/mm2
PPrestressing force in the cable, in N
PL
Then, =
AE s
Hence, Loss of stress due to anchorage slip =

P Es
=
;
A
L

Example 5:(Anchorage slip)

A concrete beam is post-tensioned by a cable carrying an initial stress of 1000 N/mm2.
The slip at the jacking end was observed to be 5 mm. The modulus of elasticity of steel is
210 kN/mm2. Estimate the percentage loss of stress due to anchorage slip if the length of
the beam is 30 m.
Solution:
E
Loss of stress due to anchorage slip = s
L

108

( 210 10 ) (5 ) = 35 N/mm2
3

Percentage loss of stress

30 1000
35
100 = 3.5 0 0
=
1000

Since the loss is caused by a definite total amount of shortening, the percentage loss is
higher for short members than for long members.
Total loses allowed for in a design
It is a normal practice in the design of prestressed concrete members to assume the total
loss of stress as a percentage of the initial stress & provide for this in the design
computation. Since the loss of prestress depends on several factors it is difficult to
generalize the exact amount of total loss of prestress. However, typical values of the total
losses of the stress that could be encountered under normal conditions of work are
recommended as follows:

The typical values for losses are as follows:Type of loss

Elastic shortening & bending of concrete
Creep of concrete
Shrinkage of concrete
Creep in steel

Percentage loss of stress

Pre-tensioning
Post-tensioning
4
1
6
5
7
6
8
8

Total

25

20

In thses recommendation, it is assumed that temporary over stressing is done to reduce

relaxation, and to compensate for friction and anchorage losses.
If
f pe Effective stress in tendons after loss
f pi Stress in tendon at transfer

Reduction factor for loss of prestress

Then,

f pe
f pi

= 0.75 for pretensioned members

= 0.80 for post-tensioned member

109

Lecture Note 21
Pressure line or thrust line
In prestress, the combined effect of prestressing force & external load can be resolved
into a single force. The locus of the points of application of this force in any structure is
termed as the pressure line or thrust line. The load here is such that stress at top fiber of
support & bottom fiber of the central span is zero.
Let us consider a beam which is prestressed by a force P at a constant eccentricity e. The
magnitude of load & eccentricity is such that the stress at the bottom fiber at the mid span
is zero. It is possible if the eccentricity is e = d/6 it can be seen from the resultant stress
distribution at the support due to a prestressing force P at an eccentricity e = d/6 &
bending moment zero is equivalent to a force P applied at an eccentricity e = d/6. At
quarter span the resultant stress distribution due force P applied at an eccentricity e =
d/12. Similarly, at mid span the resultant stress distribution due to a force P at an
eccentricity e = d/6 & BM due to uniformly distributed load is equivalent to a force P
applied at an eccentricity e = -d/6.

Pressure line

e=d/12

e=d/6
e=d/6
P
L/4
Cable line

L/2
L

At support, x = 0
P M

y=0
A I

d
Pe
P
2

=
1
bd
bd 3
12
d
e =
6

e = d/6
P
x=0

110
At mid span x =

L
2

Stress at the bottom is zero

P M
So, +
y=0
A I
d
Hence, e =
6

e = -d/6
P

x =L/2

The negative sign in eccentricity indicates that it is measured above the central line. Thus,
the pressure line has shifted from e = d/6 at the support to e = - d/6 at the mid span.
Example:
A prestressed concrete beam with a rectangular section 120 mm wide by 300 mm deep
supports a uniformly distributed load of 4 kN/m, which includes the self weight of the
beam. The effective span of the beam is 6 m. The beam is concentrically prestressed by a
cable carrying a force of 180 kN. Locate the position of the pressure line in the beam.
Solution:Data Provided;
Dimensions of the prestressed concrete Beam = 120 mm 300 mm
Effective span, l = 6m
UDL, w = 4 kN/m (including self weight.)
Prestressing force P = 180 kN
Eccentricity, e =0
Area, A = 36 103 mm2
Section modulus, Zt = Zb = 18 105 mm3
Bending moment at the center of span, M = (0.125 4 62) =18 kNm
180 103
Direct stress (P/A) =
= 5 N/mm2
3
36 10
18 106
Bending stress (M/Z) =
= 10 N/mm2
18 105
Resultant stresses;
At top =10+5 =15N/mm2 (compressive)
At bottom = 5 10 = -5N/mm2 (tensile)
If N = Resultant thrust in the section
e = Corresponding eccentricity (shift of pressure line),

111

then

N/A +Ne/Z = 15

But, N = 180 kN, A= 36 103 mm2 and Z= 18 105mm3

Solving the above equation, e = 100mm;

10

15 N/mm2

5 N/mm2
10
Bending stress

Direct stress

Resultant stress

Pressure line

100mm
P

6m

Cable line

Fig. Location of pressure line in prestressed beam

Example:A prestressed concrete beam of section 120 mm wide by 300 mm deep is used over an
effective span of 6 m to support a uniformly distributed load of 4 kN/m, which includes
the self weight of the beam. The beam is prestressed by a straight cable carrying a force
of 180 kN & located at an eccentricity of 50 mm. Determine the location of the thrustline in the beam and plot its position at quarter and central span sections.
Solution:Here, Given

P = 180 kN ; e = 50 mm

A = 36 10 mm2 ; Z = 18 10 5 mm3
3

At Central Span Section:

112
3
P 180 10
= 5 N/mm2
Prestress due to direct stress =
3
A

36
10

3
Pe 180 10 50
= 5 N/mm2
Prestress due to bending =
5
Z 18 10

BM at the centre = 4 6 2 8 =18 kNm

18 10 6
= 10 N/mm2
Bending stresses at the top and bottom =
5
18 10
Resultant stresses at the central section:
At Top = (5 5 + 10) = 10 N/mm2
At bottom = (5 + 5 - 10) = 0 N/mm2
18 106
Shift of pressure line from cable line =M/P =
= 100 mm
4
18
10

At Quarter Span Section:

BM at quarter span section = (3/32) ql2 = 13.5 kNm.
13.5 10 6
Bending stresses at the top and bottom =
4
18 10
Resultant stresses at the quarter span section:
At Top = (5 5 + 7.5) = 7.5 N/mm2
At bottom = (5 + 5 7.5) = 2.5 N/mm2

= 7.5 N/mm2

13.5 106
Shift of pressure line from cable line =M/P =
= 75 mm
4
18 10
The location of the pressure line is shown in the figure
75mm

Pressure line

100mm
50mm
P
1.5m
6m

Cable line

Fig. Location of pressure line in the prestressed concrete

Example:-

113
A rectangular concrete beam 250 mm wide by 300 mm deep is prestressed by a force of
540 kN at a constant eccentricity of 60 mm.The beam supports a concentrated load of 68
kN at the centre of the span of 3 m. Determine the location of the pressure line at the
centre, quarter span and support sections of the beam. Neglect the self weight of the
beam.
Solution:Here, Given

P = 540 kN; A = (250 300) = 375 10 3 mm2; e = 60 mm; Z =

250 3002
=375 104
6

mm3
At the centre of the span M q = (0.25 68 3) = 51 kNm
At the quarter span M q = (0.125 68 3) = 25.5 kNm
Stresses due to prestressing force:
4
P 54 10
Prestress due to direct stress =
3
A 75 10

=7.2 N/mm2

4
Pe 54 10 60
2
Prestress due to bending =
= 8.6 N/mm
4
Z 375 10

Stresses due external loads

Mq
At the centre of span
Z
Mq
At the quarter span
Z

51 10 6
=
= 13.6 N/mm2
4
375 10

25.5 10 6
=
4
375 10

= 6.8 N/mm2

1 2 .2 (N /m m 2 )

5 .4

y1

y2

300m m

2 .2

114
The position of the resultant thrust from the top fibre of the beam is as follows:
(300 2.2 )150 + (1 2 300 10 )100
y1 =
= 115 mm
660 + 1500

(300 5.4 )150 + (1 2 300 3.6 )200

y2 =
= 162 mm
1620 + 540

Thus, the location of the pressure line will be as follows:

Pressure line

35mm

12mm
P

3m

Cable line

Fig. Location of pressure line in the prestressed concrete

115

Lecture Note 22
Concept of load balancing
In the prestress concrete, it is possible to select cable profile in such a way that the
transverse component of the cable force balances the given type of external loading.
If in a parabolic prestressing tendon
emax Maximum eccentricity
PPrestressing force
Then the prestressing force may be considered as an upward uniformly distributed load.
The maximum prestressing moment can be equated to the maximum BM due to upward
uniformly distributed load on the beam. So
wp l 2
8

= Pemax

8 Pemax
l2
If w The downward load
Then net load, w0 = w w p

wp =

Net bending moment, M = =

w0l 2
8

116

Equivalent
moment or
Load

Tendon profile

Equivalent loading

Camber

C.G

M = pe
M

ML2
8EI

P
L

L
P

C.G
P

W = 4Pe
L

e
L/2

L/2

WL3
48EI
L/2

L/2

L
4

C.G
P

w=

5 wL

8Pe
L2

384 EI
w

L/2

L/2

C.G

W =
e

aL

aL
L
Example: (Load balancing concept)

Pe
a ( 3 4a 2 )WL3

aL
aL

W
aL

24 EI

117
A rectangular concrete beam 300 mm wide, 800 mm deep supports two concentrated
loads of 20 kN each at third point of a span of 9 m.
a)

Suggest a suitable cable profile. If eccentricity of the cable profile is 100 mm for
middle third portion of the beam, calculate the prestressing force required to
balance the bending effect of the concentrated loads neglecting the self weight.
b) For the same cable profile find effective force in cable if the resultant stress due
to self wt., imposed load, and prestressing force is zero at the bottom fiber of mid
span section.(Assume density of concrete = 24 kN/m3)
Solution:Here given section = 300 mm 800 mm; Span (L) = 9 m
For (a)
A trapezoidal cable profile is selected since the bending moment diagram is trapezoidal
in shape.
e = 100 mm;
QL
Pe =

3
QL 20 9000
P =
=600 kN
=
3e 3 100
For (b)
Self wt of beam, g = (0.3 0.8 24) = 5.76 kN/m
Self wt moment, Mg = (0.125 5.76 92) = 58.32 kNm

58.32 10 6
Bending stress=
6
32 10

= 1.82 N/mm2

QL 20 9
Moment at the center due to the loads =
= 60 kNm
=
3 3

60 10 6
= 1.875 N/mm2
Stresses due to loads =
6
32 10
Total tensile bending stress at the bottom fiber = 1.82 + 1.875 = 3.695 N/mm2
Let, P be required prestressing force in cable,
e = 100 mm, Area of the concrete section, A =300 800=24 104 mm2
Thus,

P Pe
+
= 3.695
A Z

P = 507 kN.

Example:- (Concrete beam with over hang)

118
A concrete beam with a single overhang is simply supported at A & B over a span of 8 m
& the overhang BC is 2 m. The beam is of rectangular section 300 mm wide 900 mm
deep & supports a uniformly distributed live load of 3.52 kN/m over the entire length in
addition to its self-weight. Determine the profile of the prestressing cable with an
effective force of 500 kN which can balance the dead & live loads on the beam. Sketch
the profile of the cable along the length of the beam. The single overhang beam ABC
supporting the UDL is shown in the figure below.
Solution:Span = 8 m, overhang = 2 m. Section = 300 mm 900 mm
Udl = 3.52 kN/m
A

C Overhang

20kNm
A

B.M.diagram

M max =70.3kNm

300mm
40mm
900mm Cable
profile

140.6mm
300mm
A

Prestressing force in the cable, P = 500 kN.

Self weight of the beam = (0.3 0.9 24) = 6.48 kN/m
Live load on the beam = 3.52 kN/m
Thus, the total load = 10.00 kN/m
Reactions at A and B are
Ra = 37.5 kN; Rb = 62.5 kN

119

Mb = 0.5 10 22 = 20 kNm
Bending moment at a distance x from a is
M x = 37.5 x - 0.5 10 x2

dM x
= 0 37.5 -10x= 0
dx
x = 3.75m
Hence, maximum BM = 37.5 3.75 0.5 10 3.752 = 70.3 kNm
M x = 0, at x = 7.5 m [As, 5x2 37.5x = 0]

For maximum BM

The eccentricity of the cable at the position of maximum BM is

70.3 106
M
e = max =
= 140.6 mm
500 103
P
20 106
Mb
Eccentricity at B, eb =
= 40 mm
=
3
P 500 10
Since the bending moment at point A and C are zero, the cable is concentric at these
points. The cable profile is parabolic with eccentricity of 140.6 mm below the centroidal
axis at D and and 40 mm above the centroidal axis at support section B.
Example:A beam of symmetrical I-section spanning 8 m has a flange width of 150m m & flange
thickness of 80 mm respectively. The overall depth of the beam is 450 mm. Thickness of
the web is 80 mm. The beam is prestressed by a parabolic cable with an eccentricity of
150 mm at the centre of the span & zero at the supports. The LL on the beam is 2.5
kN/m.
(a) Determine the effective force in he cable for balancing the DL & LL on the beams.
(b) Sketch the distribution of resultant stress at the centre of span section for the above
case.
(c) Calculate the shift of the pressure line from the tendoncentreline.
Solution:The properties of the I-section are as follows:
Area of the section, A = 0.63m 2
Moment of inertia, I = 1.553 109 mm 4
Section modulus, Z = 6.9 106 mm3
Eccentricity, e = 150 mm

120
Span, L = 8 m
Live load, wl = 2.5 kN/m
Dead load, wd = 0.63 25 = 1.57 kN/m [Assuming unit weight of concrete as 25 kN/m3]
250mm

3.44N/mm2

80mm

80mm
450mm
150mm

Fig. Prestressed concrete beam of symmetrical I-section

The BM at the centre of the span due to DL, Md = (0.125 1.57 82) = 12.56 kN
The BM at the centre of the span due to LL, Ml = (0.125 2.5 82) = 20.00 kN
Therefore,
Total moment, M = (Md + Ml ) = 12.56 + 20=32.56 kN
If , P tendon force
For load balancing we have

The

M 32.56 103
P=
=
= 217 kN
e
150
centerof-span section is subjected

217 10
( P A) = 0.063
10
3

to

direct

=3.44 N/mm2

M 32.56 106
=
Shift of pressure line =
=150 mm
P
217 103
The pressure line coincides with the centroidal axis of the beam

stress

of

intensity,

121

Lecture Note 23
Deflections
Factors influencing deflection:
1. Imposed load & self load
2. Magnitude of prestressing force
3. Cable profile
4. Second moment of area of cross-section
5. Modulus of elasticity of concrete
6. Shrinkage, creep & relaxation of steel stress
7. Span of the member
8. Fixity condition
Short-term deflection of uncracked members
Mohrs theorem

a
C

D
T an g en t at A

T an gent at C

Fig. Slope and deflection of beam

If

Slope of the elastic curve at A

ADIntercept between the tangent at C & vertical at A
aDeflection at the centre for symmetrically loaded simply supported beam
AArea of the beam between A and C
xDistance of the centroid of the BMD between A and C from the left support
EIFlexural rigidity of the beam

Then by Mohrs first theorem

Slope =

Area of BMD
Flexural rigidity

;=

A
EI

122
According to Mohrs second theorem
Intercept, a =

moment of area of BMD

Flexural rigidity

Ax
=

EI

Effect of tendon profile on deflection

1. Straight tendon

L
Pe

BMD

If

P Effective prestressing force

e Eccentricity
L Length of the beam

Then,
L L
Pe
PeL2
2 4

=
Deflection, a =
EI
8 EI

123

2. Trapezoidal tendon

L2

L1

L
2 1
3L

BM D

Pe

L 1 +L 2 /2

Deflection, a =

PeL2
Pe
l1 2
=

2l12 + 6l1l 2 + 3l 22
l
l
l
+
+
/
2
2 ( 1 2 )
8 EI
EI
2 3l1

3. Parabolic tendons (Central Anchors)

e
L

Pe

BMD

5
8L/2
a

Deflection, a =

5 PeL2
Pe 2 L 5 L

EI 3 2 8 2
48EI

124
4. Parabolic tendons (Eccentric Anchors)
P

e2 P

e1
L

5
8L/2

BMD

-P(e1+e2)

L/4
a

Pe2 L2
5 PL2
PL2
(e1 + e2 ) +
( 5e1 + e2 )
Deflection, a =
=
48EI
8EI
48 EI
5. Sloping tendon (Eccentric Anchors)

e2

e1
L/2

L/2

-P(e 1 .e 2 )
2
3 .L/2

BM D

Pe 2

2
2

PL2
(e1 + e2 ) + Pe2 L = PL ( 2e1 + e2 )
Deflection, a =
8EI 24 EI
12 EI

125
6. Parabolic and straight Tendon

e
L

5 L 1 /8
Pe BM D
( l1+ l2/2 )

Deflection, a =

l2
Pe 2l1 5l1
Pe

5l12 + 12l1l2 + 6l22

+ l2 l1 + =

EI 3 8
2
12 EI

7. Parabolic & straight tendons (Eccentric Anchors)

L1

L2
P

P
e1
L
5 1
8L
BMD

-P(e 1e 2)

( l 1 +l 2 /2)

Pe 2

Deflection, a =

P ( e1 + e2 ) 2
Pe L2
5l1 + 12l1l2 + 6l22 + 2
12 EI
8EI

126
Load due to external loading
If g Self weight of the beam per metre
q Uniformly distributed superimposed load per metre

Then, Downward deflection, a =

5 ( g + q ) L4
384 EI

Example

A concrete beam with cross-sectional area of 32 10 3 mm2 & the radius of gyration is
72mm is prestressed by a parabolic cable carrying an effective stress of 1000 N/mm2.
The span of the beam is 8 m. The cable, composed of 6 wires of 7mm diameter, has an
eccentricity of 50mm at the centre & zero at the supports. Neglecting all losses, find the
central deflection of the beam as follows:
(a) self-weight + prestress
(b) self-weight + prestress + live load of 2 kN/m.
Solution: Data Provided;

Cross sectional area of beam, A= 32 10 3 mm2

Modulus of elasticity, E = 38 kN/mm2; Dead weight of concrete, Dc = 24 kN/mm3;
Radius of gyration , i = 72 mm; Span, L =8 m =8000 mm;
Eccentricity, e =50 mm

I = Ai2 = 32 10 3 72 2 = 166 10 6 mm4

Prestressing force, P = (6 38.5 1000) = 231000 N =231 kN

32 10 3
24 =0.77 kN/m =0.00077 kN/mm
Self weight, g =
6

10
5 gL4 5 0.00077 8000 4
=
Downward deflection due to self weight =
6
384
EI
384 38 166 10

= 6.5 mm

4
5 PeL 5 231 50 8000 4
=
=12.2 mm
Upward deflection due to prestressing force =
6
48EI 48 38 166 10
6 .5

Downward deflection due to live load =

2 = 16.9 mm
0.77

(a) Deflection due to (self-weight + prestress) =(12.2 - 6.5) = 5.7 mm()

(b) Deflection due to (self-weight + prestress + live load) = (6.5-12.2+16.9) =11.2 mm()