ARCH 4A

Topic

PRE
TENSIONING

BT 105
01 INTRODUCTION
02 WHAT IS PRE TENSIONING?

03 HOW IT WORKS?

04 BENEFITS

05 APPLICATIONS

06 ADVANCEMENT OF PRE- TENSIONING

07 ADVANTAGES

08 CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

09 EXISTING PROJECTS

10 PRE- TENSIONING VS. POST TENSIONING

11 COST AND EFFICIENCY

12 CONCLUSION
This lecture will go into the subject of pre-tensioning, an innovative
technique used in the construction industry that has significantly boosted
the strength and adaptability of concrete buildings. We will look at the
fundamental principles and applications of pre-tensioning, highlighting its
benefits and demonstrating its influence on current building projects.
Pretensioning is an innovative concrete building process that greatly improves structural
strength, durability, and efficiency. It involves applying a pre-stress force into the concrete,
therefore "pre-loading" it to resist tensile stresses and increase overall performance. The
stressing wires or strands, called tendons. Pretensioning is a method in which concrete is cast
around steel tendons. This form of pre-stressing lends increased strength and durability. The
process involves:
‍
1. Tensioning the steel tendons before casting the concrete.
2. Allowing the concrete to harden while maintaining the tension.
3. Transferring the tension to the concrete once it has hardened.

‍ his makes pre-tensioning perfect for construction processes where high tensile strength is
T
required. Commonly, it's applied in the manufacture of beams, panels, and slabs for building and
bridge construction.
‍

SIMONE
 HOW IT WORKS?
1. Tendon Selection and Placement:

2. Tensioning and Anchoring:

3. Pouring and Curing:

4. Release and Stress Transfer:

SIMONE
BENEFITS OF PRE TENSIONING
IN CONSTRUCTION
APPLICATIONS
Pre-tensioned
Concrete
Pre-tensioned
Concrete is made by
pouring a concrete
cement to already
stressed reinforcement
bar, so in a sense, it is
made from the factory
unlike post-tension
concrete that can be
made on both factory
or on site
 APPLICATIONS
Pre-tensioned
Concrete
Because of how it is made
(strengthening the tensile force of
a structural element), this type of
pre-stressed concrete usually used
to make slabs , beams, panel, and
bridge girder. Even though post-
tensioning is more usable in longer
span structure, its structural
durability depends on the
anchorage that is used to pre-
stressed the rebars inside the
concrete unlike pre-tensioned
concrete that structural durability
is more reliable.
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.
Complexity in Design: Requires careful planning and precise calculations to determine appropriate tension forces, as incorrect
assumptions can lead to structural failures.

Material Behavior: Pre-tensioning relies heavily on the elastic properties of the material, which must be accurately understood to avoid
overstressing or underutilizing the material.

Quality Control: Consistent monitoring of the tensioning process is essential to ensure uniformity and avoid errors during manufacturing,
especially with the steel tendons.

Initial Costs: Pre-tensioning requires specialized equipment and skilled labor, increasing upfront costs compared to traditional
construction methods.

Dealing with Losses: Tension losses can occur over time due to relaxation of the prestressing steel, shrinkage, or creep in the concrete,
requiring careful post-tensioning adjustments.

Curing Time: Concrete must achieve sufficient strength before the tendons can be tensioned, which can extend construction timelines.

Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and curing conditions can affect the quality of tensioning, requiring controlled
environments during both installation and curing.

Safety Concerns: The high forces involved in tensioning require strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and material failure.

Long-Term Durability: The impact of external factors (e.g., corrosion, chemical exposure) on the prestressed elements must be evaluated
for the long-term performance of the structure.
Pre-Tensioning
Pre-tensioning is similar to post-tensioning, with the primary difference being the stage at which tension is
applied. In pre-tensioning, tension is applied to the tendons before pouring the concrete. This method often
incurs lower labour costs than post-tensioning but requires specialised equipment and facilities, which can
raise overall costs.
Reinforced Concrete
In this traditional method, steel cables are placed within the concrete to provide strength. It's generally
cheaper than post-tensioning regarding upfront costs as it requires less specialized labor and cheaper
materials.

Pre-Tensioning
Pre-Tensioning is manufactured offsite in a controlled environment, then transported and
assembled at the construction site. This method reduces labor costs and increases speed of
construction.

Shotcrete
In post-tensioning, it involves shotcrete. Which is a concrete being sprayed onto a surface, often used for vertical
or overhead work. While the materials are relatively inexpensive, the method requires highly skilled labor and
specialized machinery, which can increase costs compared to traditional methods.
High-Strength Steel Tendons:
Description: Steel wires or strands used to apply tension.
Price: Approximately ₱60,000 - ₱75,000 per ton.

Concrete:
Description: High-strength concrete mix, typically with a minimum grade of M40.
Price: Approximately ₱5,000 - ₱7,500 per cubic meter.
Anchorage Systems:
Description: Devices used to anchor the tendons in place.
Price: Approximately ₱2,500 - ₱5,000 per set.

Formwork
Description: Temporary molds into which concrete is poured.
Price: Approximately ₱1,000 - ₱2,500 per square meter.

Prestressing Jacks and Pumps:

Description: Equipment used to apply tension to the tendons.
Price: Approximately ₱250,000 - ₱500,000 per unit.
Skilled Labor (e.g., Engineers, Technicians):
Description: Professionals responsible for overseeing the pre-tensioning process, including tensioning the
tendons and ensuring quality control.
Price: Approximately ₱500 - ₱1,000 per hour.

General Labor (e.g., Construction Workers):

Description: Workers involved in the preparation, casting, and finishing of pre-tensioned concrete elements.
Price: Approximately ₱300 - ₱500 per hour.

Specialized Labor (e.g., Prestressing Jack Operators):

Description: Operators skilled in using prestressing jacks and other specialized equipment.
Price: Approximately ₱600 - ₱1,200 per hour.

Supervisory Staff:
Description: Supervisors who manage the overall pre-tensioning process and ensure compliance with safety and
quality standards.
Price: Approximately ₱400 - ₱800 per hour.
Material Use
Pre tensioning often requires less concrete and steel due to high initial compression. This can result in cost-
effective structures.

Construction Site
Pre tensioning is typically done off-site, which can reduce construction time.
More efficient for mass production of standard elements (e.g., beams, slabs, and
girders) in factories.
Pre-tensioned elements are fabricated off-site in a controlled environment,
allowing for parallel on-site activities, reducing overall project timelines.

Efficient in material use for repetitive elements, as molds, jigs, and tensioning
setups can be reused.
Requires specialized equipment and facilities, which are typically cost-efficient
for large-scale production.
GENERAL COMPARISON PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING

Timing of Tensioning Before casting After hardening

Construction
Factory (precast) Factory or on-site
Environment

Structural Applications Smaller components Larger structures

Cost Generally lower Generally higher

Durability High reliability Variable based on anchorage

Design Flexibility Limited shapes Greater design flexibility

STRUCTURAL
PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING
INTEGRITY

Effective for small precast elements;

Allows for larger spans; tension adjustment
Structural Integrity provides high load-bearing capacity due to
enhances performance under varying loads.
direct tendon bonding.

High durability through effective stress

Enhanced durability with protective grouting;
Durability transfer; potential environmental exposure
adaptable design improves long-term performance.
risks during transport.

Tendons are tensioned before casting,

Mechanism of Crack Tendons are tensioned after curing, allowing for
inducing compressive stresses upon
Resistance flexibility in design and load distribution.
release.

Effective for small elements; strong bond Reduces shrinkage cracking; accommodates larger
Advantages in Crack
reduces crack width and formation under spans; grouting provides additional protection
Control
load. against corrosion.
COST AND EFFICIENCY PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING

Generally higher; includes ducts and anchorage

Material Costs Generally lower; no sheathing required
systems

Labor Costs Lower; executed in a factory setting Higher; requires skilled labor on-site

Project Complexity Simpler; ideal for precast elements More complex; suitable for larger structures

Faster due to factory production;

Construction Time Longer due to on-site procedures; more complex
simplified process
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING

Design Environment Factory-controlled; limited adaptability On-site flexibility; adaptable to conditions

Shape Limitations Standardized shapes; linear tendons Supports complex shapes; curved designs

Span Capabilities Suitable for shorter spans Ideal for longer spans without supports

Architectural Creativity Limited by production constraints Enhanced creativity through active reinforcement

SAFETY AND RISKS PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING

Concrete cracking due to premature stressing;

Tendon release hazards; risk of stress reversal; complex
transportation challenges; limited on-site
Potential Risks installation requiring skilled labor; need for accurate
flexibility; need for controlled casting
monitoring of concrete strength before tensioning.
environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PRE-TENSIONING POST-TENSIONING
IMPACT

Significantly reduces material usage, allowing for thinner

Typically requires more concrete and steel due to
Material Usage slabs and longer spans, leading to lower concrete and
fixed shapes and sizes of precast elements.
steel requirements.

Higher overall carbon emissions due to increased Reduces carbon emissions by 20-30% through minimized
Carbon Footprint
material usage and transportation needs. material usage and transportation costs.

Limited flexibility in design can lead to inefficiencies Allows for rapid construction cycles with fewer materials,
Construction Efficiency
in construction, especially for large projects. leading to faster assembly and reduced waste.

Offers good durability but can be more susceptible Enhances durability by reducing cracking and deformation,
Durability and Longevity
to environmental factors if not properly managed. leading to longer-lasting structures.

Larger precast elements can increase transportation Smaller, lighter components require fewer truckloads,
Transportation Impact
costs and emissions due to their size and weight. lowering fuel consumption and emissions during transport.

Environmental Less adaptable to site conditions; modifications can Highly adaptable; allows for on-site adjustments based on
Adaptability be challenging once elements are cast. actual conditions, enhancing sustainability.

Potentially higher waste generation due to rigid Minimizes waste through efficient design that uses only
Waste Generation
design constraints and excess material use. necessary materials, contributing to sustainability goals.
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