Prestressed Concrete

DESIGN OF A PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
INTRODUCTION TO PRESTRESSING:
Prestressed concrete is basically a concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude

and distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from external loads are
counteracted to a desire degree. In a reinforced concrete members, the prestress is commonly
introduced by tensioning the steel reinforcement.
The tensile strength of Plain concrete is only a fraction of its compressive strength and the
problem of it, being deficient in tensile strength appears to have been the driving factor in the
development of the composite material known as “Reinforced Concrete” .The development of
early cracks in reinforced concrete due to incompatibility in the strains of steel and concrete
was perhaps, the starting in the development of a new material like “PRESTRESSED
CONCRETE”. The application of permanent compressive stress to concrete, which is strong
in compression but weak in tension, increases the apparent tensile strength of that material,
because the subsequent application of tensile stress must first nullify the compressive prestress.
In 1904, Freyssinet attempted to introduce permanently acting forces in concrete to resist the
elastic forces developed under loads and this idea was later developed in the name
“Prestressing”.
Basic Principle of Prestressing:
Fig Deflection due to load in RCC and Psc
Defnition:
Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 1
Prestressing is the process where “artificially inducing compressive stresses in a structure

before it is loaded so that any tensile stresses which might be caused by the external dead
and live loads may be automatically cancelled, and the cracks are eliminated”.
Prestressed concrete is basically a “concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable
magnitude and distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from external
loads are counteracted to a desire degree”.
In a reinforced concrete members, the prestress is commonly introduced by tensioning the steel
reinforcement.
Materials used:
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.
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.
3
Minimum cement content of 300 to 360 kg/m 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
Types of prestressing :
The classification is identified in following four groups,
1. External/Internal prestressing: This is based on the transfer of

precompression on concrete from outside or from inside the structural element.
External prestressing is achieved by using systems like jacks for applying force
from outside or by elongated steel elements kept outside the concrete element
.Internal prestressing is done by elongated steel elements kept inside the
concrete elements.
2. Linear /Circular Prestressing: In case of beams, slabs, columns, piles etc.
prestressing is applied in straight alignment and this is called “Linear
Prestressing”. In cylindrical structures like silos, circular tanks, pipes etc. hoop
tension is generated due to applied loads. Hence pre hoop compression is
applied by “Circular Prestressing”.This is achieved by prestressing the steel
element in sectors of 120 degree and anchored at pilasters monolithically
constructed with cylindrical structural elements.
3. Pretensioning /Post-tensioning:
Pretensioning is a “method of prestressing in which the high tensile steel is
stretched between to two bulkheads in prestressing beds”.
Post-tensioning is a “method of Prestresseing where structural elements are
cast first with holes left for prestressing elements to run through. The force is
then transmitted through the external anchorage system at the ends structural
concrete element”.
4. Partial Prestressing ,Limited Prestressing or Full Prestressing: IS 1343
2012 has introduced this approach of classification of prestressing under Limit

state of Serviceability and designated the structural elements as Type 1, 2, 3

structures .Type 1 refers to Fully prestressed concrete , Type 2 refers to Limited
prestressing of concrete and Type 3 refers to the Partially prestressed concrete.
3.3 Methods of prestressing operations:
The different methods of prestressing operations are as follows,
1. Tensioning the cables from one end: This method is adopted only when there is no
facility of tensioning from both sides and in case of short beams. Tensioning from one
end causes heavy loss in force due to friction especially in long beams and there is no
uniformity of prestress along the length.
2. Tensioning the cables from both ends: This procedure is commonly adopted in
practice. Instead of pulling the same cable from both ends, alternate cables are pulled
from opposite sides, if more number of cables are used for prestressing.
3. Tensioning by Overstressing: This approach is adopted if the anticipatory loss due to
friction is from 5 to 10% of initial force. The prestressing is increased by an amount,
equal to the calculated loss in force at mid-section in case both ends are pulled or equal
to the calculated loss in force at farther end, in case of pulling from one side. This leads
to higher prestressing force at all other sections.
4. Overstressing and Slackening: This the most practical approach for long span
structures. If the change in force P is more than 10% of P, it is advisable to overstress
by an amount such that this increase in stress level at pulling end is balanced at farther
end. Then such an increase stress level at anchor end is released. The release of force
(slackening) does not affect the prestress for the full length of the tendon (Beam)
because of the return friction associated with return movement of the cable.
3.4 Prestressing systems:
Wires
A prestressing wire is a single unit made of steel. The nominal diameters of the wires are 2.5,
3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.0 and 8.0 mm. The different types of wires are as follows.
1) Plain wire: No indentations on the surface.
2) Indented wire: There are circular or elliptical indentations on the surface.

Fig no. 4 Wires
Strands
A few wires are spun together in a helical form to form a prestressing strand. The
Different types of strands are as follows.
1) Two-wire strand: Two wires are spun together to form the strand.
2) Three-wire strand: Three wires are spun together to form the strand.
3) Seven-wire strand: In this type of strand, six wires are spun around a central wire.
The central wire is larger than the other wires.
Fig no. 5 Strands

Tendons
A group of strands or wires are placed together to form a prestressing tendon. The tendons are
used in post-tensioned members. The following figure shows the cross section of a typical
tendon. The strands are placed in a duct which may be filled with grout after the post-tensioning
operation is completed.
Fig no. 6 Cross-section of a typical tendon

Cables
A group of tendons form a prestressing cable. The
cables are used in bridges.

Fig no. 7 Cable
Bars
A tendon can be made up of a single steel bar. The diameter of a bar is much larger than that
of a wire. Bars are available in the following sizes: 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 32 mm.
Fig no. 8 Forms of reinforcing and prestressing steel
Prestressing Anchorages
Prestressing anchorages are required to distribute the prestress forces into the structural
member without damage. When damage does occur it usually falls into two categories:
(a) Concrete crushing directly behind the anchor.
(b) Concrete bursting or splitting.

Fig no. 9 Anchorage
Prestressing sheaths
Prestressing sheaths are required to meet the following requirements:
(a) They should be grout-tight.
(b) They must enable bond forces to be transferred from the prestressing tendons to concrete.
(c) The sheathing should not react with the prestressing steel to cause a corrosion cell.
(d) The flexibility of the sheaths should be sufficient to form the required curvature.
(e) The sheaths should be strong enough to resist handling and prevent damage during
placing and vibrating of the concrete.
Fig no. 10 Sheathing
Grout:
• The water cement ratio W/C is usually in the range of 0.36 to 0.45.
• An approved admixture will improve fluidity and reduce bleeding. Air entrainers are often
used for this. Although only chlorides are limited in the specifications, admixtures should not
Contain nitrates, sulphides or sulphites.
Prestressing equipment:
Prestressing equipment should comply with the following requirements:
a) Should be able to measure the prestressing force to an accuracy of +/- 2%;
Force should by measured using a load cell (direct reading dynamometer).
b) The tensioning equipment should be calibrated before use and at frequent interval

POST – TENSIONING:
A method of prestressing concrete by tensioning the tendons against the hardened concrete.
Step by step procedure of post-tensioning.

1. The structural elements are cast first with holes left for prestressing elements to run
through and pocket formers are inserted.
Fig no. 11 Insertion of pocket formers
2. Placing of ANCHORAGE.
Fig no. 12 Placement of Anchorages

3. The prestressing steel elements are threaded through cable ducts later.
Fig no. 13 Insertion of strands
4. Applying grease on the HT strand for low friction and Corrosion protection.
Fig no. 14 Strands are greased

5. After that Polyethylene sheathing will be inserted to the HT strand.
Fig no. 15 Insertion of Sheathing
6. Concrete is poured.
Fig no. 16 Pouring of concrete

7. Pocket formers are removed.
Fig no. 17 Removal of pocket formers
8. Wedges are placed.
Fig no. 18 Placement of wedges

9. After the concrete attains required strength, the prestressing steel elements are pulled
against the concrete element by JACKS.
Fig no. 19 Stressing with jacks
10. The cable ducts are grouted with grouting material.
Fig no. 20 Grouting the Pockets

Maximum Premissible stresses in Concrete:

Permissible stresses in High tensile Steel:
Stress-stranin relationhips for Prestressing and reinforcing steel:

SYSTEMS OF PRESTRESSING:
In prestressed concrete structures, prestress is introduced by stretching steel wire and anchoring
them against concrete. Therefore, the prestressing systems should comprise essentially a
method of stretching the steel and a method of anchoring it to the concrete.
Different systems are adopted for pre-tensioning and post tensioning.
Types of Prestressing Systems

1. Pre-Tensioning System
Hoyer system or long line method is often adopted in pre-tensioning. Two bulk heads or
abutments independently anchored to the ground are provided several meters apart, say, 100m
wires are stretched between the bulkheads. Moulds are placed enclosing the wires. Concrete is
placed surrounding the wires.
With this Hoyer system, several members can be produced along one line. This method is
economical and is used in almost all pre-tensioning factories.

For tensioning, a hydraulic jack is used. Wires are gripped at the bulkheads, using split-cone
wedges. These wedges are made from tapered conical pins. Flat surface of the pin carries
serrations to grip the wire (fig. 1 and 2).
There is another pre-tensioning method known as Shorer system. In this system a central tube
of high strength steel carries the prestress from surrounding wires and the entire assembly is
placed in position and concreted.
After the concrete has attained sufficient strength, the tube is removed and the prestress is
transferred to concrete through bond. The hole left by the tube is grouted.
The advantage in pre-tensioning system is that there is no expenditure on end anchorages and
on rubber core or metal sheath required for post-tensioning system. There is greater certainty
about the prestressing force. In post-tensioned members certainty of the force depends on the
two end anchorages.
Disadvantages in this system are that the end abutments should be very strong and are provided
only in precast factories. This naturally limits the size of the member as large sizes are difficult
to transport from factory to the site of construction. Loss is more in pre-tensioned members.
Fig.1: Typical Pre-tensioning Bed

Fig.2: Some Typical Wire Gripping System
2. Post-Tensioning System
A metal tube or a flexible hose following intended profile is placed inside the mould and
concrete is laid. Flexible hose is then removed leaving a duct inside the member. Steel cable is
inserted in the duct.
The cable is anchored at one end of the member and stretched using a hydraulic jack at the
other end. After stretching the cable is anchored at the other end also. Therefore post tensioning
system consists of end anchorages and jacks.
The popular post-tensioning systems are the following:

1. Freyssinet system
2. Magnel Blaton system

3. Gifford-Udall system
4. Lee-McCall system
1. Freyssinet System
Freyssinet system was introduced by the French Engineer Freyssinet and it was the first method
to be introduced. High strength steel wires of 5mm or 7mm diameter, numbering 8 or 12 or 16
or 24 are grouped into a cable with a helical spring inside. Spring keeps proper spacing for the
wire. Cable is inserted in the duct.
Fig.3: Freyssinet system of Post-tensioning
Anchorage device consists of a concrete cylinder with a concentric conical hole and
corrugations on its surface, and a conical plug carrying grooves on its surface (Fig. 3). Steel
wires are carried along these grooves at the ends. Concrete cylinder is heavily reinforced.
Members are fabricated with the cylinder placed in position. Wires are pulled by Freyssinet
double acting jacks which can pull through suitable grooves all the wires in the cable at a time.
One end of the wires is anchored and the other end is pulled till the wires are stretched to the
required length. An inner piston in the jack then pushes the plug into the cylinder to grip the
wires.

2. Magnel Blaton system

In Freyssinet system several wires are stretched at a time. In Magnel Blaton system, two wires
are stretched at a time. This method was introduced by a famous engineer, Prof. Magnel of
Belgium.In this system, the anchorage device consists of sandwich plate having grooves to
hold the wires and wedges which are also grooved. Each plate carries eight wires.
Between the two ends the spacing of the wires is maintained by spacers. Wires of 5mm or 7mm
are adopted. Cables consists of wires in multiples of 8 wires. Cables with as much as 64 wires
are also used under special conditions.A specially devised jack pulls two wires at a time and
anchors them. The wires with the sandwich plate using tapered wedge is shown in fig.4.
Fig.4: Anchorage of Magnel System
3. Gifford Udall System

This system originated in Great Britain, is widely used in India. This is a single wire system.
Each wire is stressed independently using a double acting jack. Any number of wires can be
grouped together to form a cable in this system. There are two types of anchorage device in
this system.
a)Tubeanchorages
b) Plate anchorages
Tube anchorage consists of a bearing plate, anchor wedges and anchor grips. Anchor plate may
be square or circular and have 8 or 12 tapered holes to accommodate the individual prestressing
wires. These wires are locked into the tapered holes by means of anchor wedges.

In addition, grout entry hole is also provided in the bearing plate for grouting. Anchor wedges
are split cone wedges carrying serrations on its flat surface.There is a tube unit which is a
fabricated steel component incorporating a thrust plate, a steel tube with a surrounding
helix. This unit is attached to the end shutters and form an efficient cast-in component of the
anchorage (fig.5).
Fig.5: Plate Anchorage
4. Lee McCall System

This method is used to prestress steel bars. The diameter of the bar is between 12 and 28mm.
bars provided with threads at the ends are inserted in the performed ducts. After stretching the
bars to the required length, they are tightened using nuts against bearing plates provided at the
end sections of the member (fig.6).

Fig.6: End Anchorage for Lee McCall System
5. Other Methods of Prestressing

a) Electrical Prestressing
in this method, reinforcing bars is coated with thermoplastic material such as sulphur or low
melting alloy and buried in the concrete. After the concrete is set, electric current of low voltage
but high amperage is passed through the bar.
Electric current heats the bar and the bar elongates. Bars provided with threads at the other end
are tightened against heavy washers, after required elongation is obtained. When the bar cools,
prestress develops and the bond is restored by solidification of the coating.
b) Chemical Prestressing
Chemical prestressing is done using expanding cement. Prestressing can be applied b
embedding steel in concrete made of expanding cement. Steel is elongated by the expansion of
the concrete and thus gets prestressed. Steel in turn produces compressive stress in concrete.
Load Balaancinig Concept:



UNIT-2
Chapter 1: LOSS OF PRESTRESS
LOSSES OF PRE-STRESSING SYSTEMS:
In prestressed concrete applications, the most important variable is the prestressing force. In
the early days, it was observed that the prestressing force does not stay constant, but reduces
with time. Even during prestressing of the tendons and the transfer of prestress to the concrete
member, there is a drop of the prestressing force from the recorded value in the jack gauge.
The various reductions of the prestressing force are termed as the Losses in prestress.
The losses are broadly classified into two groups, Immediate and Time-dependent. The
immediate losses occur during prestressing of the tendons and the transfer of prestress to the
concrete member. The time-dependent losses occur during the service life of the prestressed
member. The losses due to elastic shortening of the member, friction at the tendon-concrete
interface and slip of the anchorage are the immediate losses. The losses due to the shrinkage
and creep of the concrete and relaxation of the steel are the time-dependent losses. The causes
of the various losses in prestress are shown in the following chart.
Fig no. 21 Causes of the various losses in prestress

5.1 Friction loss
The friction generated at the interface of concrete and steel during the stretching of a curved
tendon in a post-tensioned member, leads to a drop in the prestress along the member from the
stretching end. The loss due to friction does not occur in pre-tensioned members because there
is no concrete during the stretching of the tendons.
In addition to friction, the stretching has to overcome the wobble of the tendon. The wobble
refers to the change in position of the tendon along the duct. The losses due to friction and
wobble are grouped together under friction.
The total drop in prestress Px over length dx is equal to;
Px =Po e-(µα + kx)
Px = Drop in prestress due to friction in kN
Po = Initial prestressing force in kN
µ = Co-efficient of friction
α = Curvature of the tendon in radians
k = Wobble effect constant
x = Length of the cable in m
In the absence of test data, IS: 1343 - 2012 provides guidelines for the values of µ and k.
Table no. 1 Values of coefficient of friction (as per IS-1343 2012)
Type of interface µ
For steel moving on smooth concrete 0.55
For steel moving on steel fixed to duct 0.30
For steel moving on lead 0.25
The value of k varies from 0.0015 to 0.0050 per meter length of the tendon depending on the
type of tendon.
5.2 Anchorage slip

In a post-tensioned member, when the prestress is transferred to the concrete, the wedges slip
through a little distance before they get properly seated in the conical space. The anchorage
block also moves before it settles on the concrete. There is loss of prestress due to the
consequent reduction in the length of the tendon.
The total anchorage slip depends on the type of anchorage system.
Anchorage slip is given by,

s * Ap * E p
 lset 
Po
Where,
lset = Slip length in m
s = Slip in mm
Ap = Area of the strand in mm2
EP = Modulus of elasticity of steel in kN/mm
Po = Loss of prestress per unit length due to friction
Loss in prestress is given by,
 P = 2Polset
Where,
P = Loss of prestress due to anchorage slip

Fig no. 22 Force flow diagram for loss in prestress after friction loss and anchorage slip
5.3 Elastic shortening
The elastic shortening loss is quantified by the drop in prestress (∆fp) in a tendon due to the
change in strain in the tendon (∆εp). It is assumed that the change in strain in the tendon is equal
to the strain in concrete (εc) at the level of the tendon due to the prestressing force. This
assumption is called strain compatibility between concrete and steel. The strain in concrete at
the level of the tendon is calculated from the stress in concrete (fc) at the same level due to the
prestressing force. A linear elastic relationship is used to calculate the strain from the stress.
Elastic shortening is given by,
∆fp =  fc
Where,  = Modular ratio = Es/Ec

Fig no. 23 Strain variables in elastic shortening
5.4 Shrinkage of concrete
Shrinkage of concrete is defined as the contraction due to loss of moisture. Due to the shrinkage
of concrete, the prestress in the tendon is reduced with time. IS: 1343 – 2012 (6.2.4) gives
guidelines to estimate the shrinkage strain. Curing the concrete adequately and delaying the
application of load provide long term benefits with regards to durability and loss of prestress.
The value of the total shrinkage strain, εcs is given by:
εcs = εcd + εca
Where,
εcs = total shrinkage strain;
εcd = drying shrinkage strain; and
εca = autogenous shrinkage strain.
5.5 Creep in concrete
Creep of concrete is defined as the increase in deformation with time under constant load. Due
to the creep of concrete, the prestress in the tendon is reduced with time.
Loss of Prestress due to Creep in concrete = ϕ* *fs

Where,
εr = Creep strain
ϕ = Creep co-efficient
fs = Prestress after Immediate losses in N/ mm2
= Modular Ratio.
IS: 1343 – 2012 (6.2.5) gives guidelines to estimate the ultimate creep strain.
5.6 Relaxation of steel ( as per IS 1343-2012)
Relaxation of steel is defined as the decrease in stress with time under constant strain. Due to
the relaxation of steel, the prestress in the tendon is reduced with time. The relaxation depends
on the type of steel, initial prestress (fpi) and the temperature. To calculate the drop (or loss) in
prestress (∆fp), the recommendations of IS: 1343 – 1980 (19.5.2.3, Table 6) can be followed in
absence of test data.
Fig Relaxation losses for prestressing steel
Problems on Loss of Prestress:


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DESIGN OF A PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Prestressed concrete is basically a concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude

Basic Principle of Prestressing:

Fig Deflection due to load in RCC and Psc

Prestressing is the process where “artificially inducing compressive stresses in a structure

The cement used should be any of the following,

(a) Ordinary Portland cement conforming to IS269

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 2

(c) High tensile steel wire bar conforming to IS2090

The classification is identified in following four groups,

1. External/Internal prestressing: This is based on the transfer of

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 3

state of Serviceability and designated the structural elements as Type 1, 2, 3

3.3 Methods of prestressing operations:

The different methods of prestressing operations are as follows,

3.4 Prestressing systems:

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 4

Fig no. 4 Wires

Fig no. 5 Strands

Fig no. 6 Cross-section of a typical tendon

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 5

Fig no. 7 Cable

Fig no. 8 Forms of reinforcing and prestressing steel

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 6

Fig no. 9 Anchorage

Fig no. 10 Sheathing

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 7

Step by step procedure of post-tensioning.

Fig no. 11 Insertion of pocket formers

Fig no. 12 Placement of Anchorages

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 8

Fig no. 13 Insertion of strands

Fig no. 14 Strands are greased

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 9

5. After that Polyethylene sheathing will be inserted to the HT strand.

Fig no. 15 Insertion of Sheathing

Fig no. 16 Pouring of concrete

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 10

7. Pocket formers are removed.

Fig no. 17 Removal of pocket formers

8. Wedges are placed.

Fig no. 18 Placement of wedges

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 11

Fig no. 19 Stressing with jacks

10. The cable ducts are grouted with grouting material.

Fig no. 20 Grouting the Pockets

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 12

Maximum Premissible stresses in Concrete:

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 13

Permissible stresses in High tensile Steel:

Stress-stranin relationhips for Prestressing and reinforcing steel:

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 14

Different systems are adopted for pre-tensioning and post tensioning.

Types of Prestressing Systems

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 15

Fig.1: Typical Pre-tensioning Bed

Ms. Mary Bhagya Jyothi J ,Asst Professor,Dr.AIT ,Bengaluru Page 16

Fig.2: Some Typical Wire Gripping System

The popular post-tensioning systems are the following: