UNIT- I INTRODUCTION – THEORY AND BEHAVIOUR

2-MARKS

1. What is Pre stressed concrete structure?

A pre stressed concrete structure is different from a conventional reinforced
concrete structure due to the application of an initial load on the structure prior to
its use. The initial load or „pre stress‟ is applied to enable the structure to counteract
the stresses arising during its service period.

2. What is Pre stressed and Reinforced concrete?

Pre stressed concrete:
Pre stressed concrete is basically 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 desired degree. In reinforced concrete members,
the pre stress is commonly introduced by tensioning the steel reinforcement.
Reinforced concrete:
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 development of the composite material known as “Reinforced
Concrete”.

3. How will you assess the safe stress for a high tensile steel tendon?
Tensile stresses in steel at the time of tension behind the anchorages and after
allowing for all possible losses are generally expressed as a fraction of the ultimate
tensile strength or proof stress.
At the time of initial tensioning = Initial pre stress not to exceed 80% of the
characteristic tensile strength of tendons.
Final stress after allowing for all losses of Pre stress = Not less than 45% of the
characteristic tensile strength of tendons.

4. Define the term tendon.

A stretched element used in concrete member of structure to impart pre stress
to the concrete. High tensile wires, bars, cables, strands are used as tendons.

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5. Why high strength materials are essential for Pre stressed concrete?
(Jun 2009, Dec 2012, Dec 2015, May 2016)
 Shrinkage cracks will be very little when high strength materials are used.
 Bursting stresses are not be resisted by low strength material
 When the stress transfer the material should have a high bond stress.
 It will reduce the losses of Pre stress.

6. Define Pre-tensioning and Post tensioning? (Jun 2012)

Pre tensioning:A method of Pre stressing concrete in which the tendons
aretensioned before the concrete is placed. In this method, the Pre stress is
imparted to concrete by bond between steel and concrete. It is called “Pre-
tensioning”.
Post-tensioning:A method of Pre stressing concrete by tensioning the tendons
against hardened concrete. In this method, the pre stress is imparted to concrete
by bearing. It is called Post-tensioning.

7. What is thermo electric Pre stressing? (May 2008)

The method of Pre stressing by heated tendons achieved by passing an electric
current with high-tensile wire, are referred as “Thermo-Electric Pre stressing‟ The
process consist of electrically heating the bars to a temperature of 300-400oc
within 3-5 min. The bars undergo an elongation of about 0.4-0.5%.

8. What is Anchorage?
A device generally used to enable the tendon to impart and maintain pre stress
in concrete. The commonly used anchorages are the Freyssinet, MagnelBalton,
Gifford Udal, Lee- Mccal etc.,

9. What is transmission length?

The length of the bond anchorage of the pre stressing wire from the end of a
pre tensioned member to the point of full steel stress.

10. What is cracking load?

The load on the structural element corresponding to the first visible crack.

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11. What are the various methods/systems of Pre stressing?
(May 2010, May 2013)
Pre stressing

Pre tensioning system Post tensioning system

Beam with Straight tendon Freyssinet Anchorage
Beam with variable tendon eccentricity Lee-Mccall system
Hoyer‟s long line system Magnel-Blaton system
Supplementary Anchoring Gifford Udall system
Prescon system
B.B.R.V system

12. Differentiate bonded and un bonded tendon.

Bonded tendon:
When there is adequate bond between the pre stressing tendon and concrete, it
is called a bonded tendon. Pre-tensioned and grouted post-tensioned tendons are
examples bonded tendons.

Unbonded tendon:
When there is no bond between the pre stressing tendon and concrete, it is
called un bonded tendon. Un grouted post tensioned tendons are examples of
unbounded tendons.

13. What is concordant pre stressing? (Dec 2011)

Pre stressing of members in which the cables follow a concordant profile. In
the case of statically indeterminate structures, concordant pre stressing does not cause
any change in the support reactions.

14. What is supplementary or un-tensioned reinforcement?

Reinforcement in prestressed members not tensioned with respect to the
surrounding concrete before the application of loads.

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15. What are the stages of loading in pre stressing?
The analysis of pre stressed members can be different for the different stages of
loading. The stages of loading are as follows.
Initial : It can be subdivided into two stages.

a) During tensioning of steel

b) At transfer of pre stress to concrete.
Intermediate : This includes the loads during transportation of
the pre stressed members.

Final : It can be subdivided into two stages.

a) At service, during operation.

b) At ultimate, during extreme events.

16. Write down the assumptions in the analysis of pre stress.

1. Concrete is a homogenous elastic material.
2. Within the range of working stress, both concrete and steel behave
elastically.
3. A plane section before bending is assumed to remain plane even after
bending which implies a linear strain distribution across the depth of
member.

17. Write down the factors influencing deflections. (May 2011, Dec 2011, Dec
2015, May 2016)
The deflection of the pre stressed concrete members is influenced by the
following salient factors
1. Imposed load and self- weight.
2. Magnitude of the pre stressing force
3. Cable Profile
4. Second moment of area of cross section
5. Modulus of elasticity of concrete
6. Shrinkage, creep and relaxation of steel stress.
7. Span of the member

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 8. Fixity condition.

18. What is load balancing concept? (May 2010)

Load balancing concept is primarily balancing a portion of the load on the
structure by choosing the proper profile for the cable, appropriate to the moments due
to dead load weight and applied loads.

19. What is Pressure line or thrust line?

The combined effect of pre stress force and externally applied load is resolved
as a single force. The locus of the point of application of resultant force in any
structure is “Pressure or thrust line”

20. Define short term and long term deflection.

Short Term Deflection:
Short term deflection at transfer is due to the pre stressing force and self-
weight. The effect of creep and shrinkage of concrete are not considered.

Long Term Deflection:

Long term deflectionunder service loadsis due to the effective pre stressing
force (after long term losses) and gravity loads. The effect of creep and shrinkage of
concrete are considered.

21. What is P-line and C-line?

P-line: The line of action of P-force is called “P-line”, where P- Force is the
tension in tendon.
C-line: The line of action of C-force is called “P-line”, where C- Force is the
compressive force acting on concrete.

22. What is Elastic deformation of concrete in losses of Pre stress?

When the tendons are cut, the pre stressing force is transferred to the members
the concrete undergoes immediate shortening due to pre stress. The tendons also
shorten by the same amount, which leads to the loss of pre stress.

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23. What are the losses encountered in pre tensioned and post tensioned
members? (May2008, Jun 2009, Jun2012, Dec2013)

Losses of Pre stress

Pre tensioning (ERSC) Post tensioning (ERSCAF)

Elastic deformation of concrete Elastic deformation of concrete
Relaxation of stress in steel Relaxation of stress in steel
Shrinkage of concrete Shrinkage of concrete
Creep of concrete Creep of concrete
Anchorage slip
Friction
24. What is relaxation of steel?
When a high tensile steel wire is stretch and maintained at a constant strain the
initially force in the wire does not remain constant but decrease with time. The
decrease of stress in steel at constant strain is termed relaxation of steel. The
relaxation of steel depends upon the type of steel, initial pre stress and temperature.

25. What is shrinkage of concrete?

Shrinkage of concrete is defined as the contraction due to the loss of moisture.
Due to the shrinkage of concrete, the pre stress in tendon is reduced with time.

26. What is creep of concrete?

Creep of concrete is defined as the increase in deformation with time under
constant load. Due to creep of concrete, the pre stress in the tendons is reduced with
time.

27. What is loss due to friction?

The friction generated at the interface of concrete and steel during the
stretching of a curved tendon in post-tensioned members, leads to drop in the pre
stress along the member for the stretching end.

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28. What is loss due to anchorage slip?
In post-tensioned members, when the pre stress is transferred to the concrete,
the wedges slip through a little distance before they get properly seated in conical
shape. The anchorage block also moves before it settles on the concrete. There is loss
of pre stress due to the consequent reduction in the length of the tendon.

29. What are the stages of operation involved in pre tensioning?

1. Anchoring of tendons against the end abutments.
2. Placing of jacks.
3. Applying tension to the tendons.
4. Casting of concrete
5. Cutting of tendons
During the cutting of tendons, the pre stress is transferred to the concrete with
elastic shortening and camber of the member.

30. What are the stages of operation involved in post tensioning?

1. Casting of concrete
2. Placement of tendon with duct formation.
3. Placement of the anchorage block and jack.
4. Applying tension to the tendons
5. Seating of the wedges
6. Cutting the tendons.

31. What are the advantages of PSC construction? (Dec 2012, May 2013)
 In case of fully pre stressed member, which are free from tensile stresses
under working loads, the cross section is more efficiently utilized when
compared with a reinforced concrete section which is cracked under
working loads.
 The flexural member is stiffer under working loads than a reinforced
concrete member of the same length.

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32. What are the materials used for Pre stressed concrete?
The materials used in pre stressed concrete are
1. High strength concrete and 2. High tensile steel

33. State the advantages and disadvantages of post-tensioning.

Advantages:
1. Post-tensioning is suitable for heavy cast-in-place members.
2. The waiting period of in the casting bed is less.
3. The transfer of pre stress is independent of transmission length.

Disadvantages:

The relative disadvantage of post-tensioning as compared to pre-tensioning

is the requirement of anchorage device and grouting equipment.

34. Define Kern distance. (May 2010)

Kern is the core area of the section in which if the load applied tension will not
be induced in the section
Kt = Zb/A, Kb = Zt/A,
If the load applied at Kt compressive stress will be the maximum at the top
most fibre and zero stress will be at the bottom most fibre.
If the load applied at Kb compressive stress will be the maximum at the bottom
most fibre and zero stress will be at the top most fibre.

35. Define circular pre stressing.

When the pre stressed members are curved, in the direction of pre stressing, the
pre stressing is called circular pre stressing. For example, circumferential pre stressing
of tanks, silos, pipes and similar structures.

36. Define axial Pre stressing.

Members in which the entire cross-section of concrete has a uniform
compressive pre stress. In this type of pre stressing, the centroid, of the tendons
coincides with that of the concrete section.

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37.What are the classifications of pre stressed concrete structures. (Dec 2013)
1. Class I structure
2. Class II structure
3. Class III structure

38. Write down the classification of pre stressed concrete member.

Pre stressing of concrete can be classified in several ways. The following
classifications are discussed.
1. Based on Source of Pre stressing Force
(Mechanical, Hydraulic, Electrical and Chemical pre stressing)
2. Based on Location of the pre stressing tendon
(External & Internal pre stressing)
3. Based on sequence of casting the concrete and applying tension to the
tendons.
(Pre-tensioning & Post-tensioning)
4. Based on the shape of the member pre stressed
(Linear and Circular Pre stressing)
5. Based on the amount of pre stressing force.
(Fully, Limited and Partial pre stressing)
6. Based on the directions of pre stressing a member
(Uni- axial, Biaxial and multi axial pre stressing)

39. What are the applications of post tensioning? (May 2014)

1. Long span bridge.eg: long span cable stayed bridge.
2. Long span folded plate roof, aircraft hangers, nuclear containment vessels,
pavements, road sleepers, piles, poles, TV towers and masts.
3. Marine structures like floating docks, off shore oil drilling platform, floating
liquefied gas and storing vessels, large capacity liquid retaining structures.

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40. List the types of losses in pre stress in pre tensioned system.
(May 2008, Jun 2012, Dec 2013)
1. Elastic deformation of concrete
2. Relaxation of stress in steel
3. Shrinkage of concrete
4. Creep of concrete

41. List the types of post tensioning losses. (Jun 2009)

1. Elastic deformation of concrete
2. Relaxation of stress in steel
3. Shrinkage of concrete
4. Creep of concrete
5. Creep of concrete,
6. Anchorage slip
7.Friction.

42. What are the types of devices used for tensioning. (May 2014)
Jacks, Hydraulic jack.

43. Define degree of pre stressing.

A measure of the magnitude of the pre stressing force related to the resultant
stress occurring in the structural member at working load.

44. Define limited or partial pre stressing.

The degree of pre stress applied to concrete in which tensile stresses to a
limited degree are permitted in concrete under working loads. In this case, in addition
to tensioned steel, a considerable proportion of un tensioned reinforcement is
generally used to limit the width of cracks developed under service loads.

45. What is the principle of post tensioning? (Dec 2014)

Pre stressing force from the tendons is transferred to the hardened concrete by
means of end anchorages normally made of wedge and bolts.

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46. What is Self-stressing or chemical pre stressing? (Dec 2014)
Self-stressing or chemical prestressing of concrete was made possible by the
development of expanding cements. Generally, expanding cements consist and 75 %
Portland cement, 15 % high alumina cement and 10 % gypsum, which results in the
formation of calcium sulphoaluminate.

Since the expansion of concrete is restrained by high tensile steel wires, the
compressive stresses that develop in concrete and steel wires are subjected to tensile
stresses. Tensile stresses up to 850 N/mm2 were developed in steel by the expansion
of concrete.

47. Explain why steel with a low yield stress is not used in pre stressed
construction. (May 2015)
Mild steel has working stress of 120 N/mm2 which is completely lost
due to shrinkage, creep and elastic deformation. Normal loss of stress in steel is 100 –
240 N/mm2. Hence high initial stress of about 1200-2000 N/mm2 is required to make
up for the losses. Therefore steelwith a low yield stress is not used in pre stressed
construction.

48. Why loss due to creep is more for pretensioned beam compared to that of
post tensioned member?
Pre-tensioned members have large magnitude of loss due to creep then post
tensioned over, as transfer of prestress usually takes place earlier in pretensioned
member.

49. Why is smaller diameter wires used in pretensioning works?

The ultimate tensile strength of wires varies with its diameter. The tensile
strength decreased with increases in the diameter of wires.

50. What are the three forms in which high tensile steel is used in the prestressed
concrete?
 High tensile steel wire
 Cables
 Strands

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 CE 6702 -Prestressed concrete structures
16 Marks

1. Briefly explain various systems and methods of pre stressing with neat sketch
(May 2015, Dec 2015, May 2016)
Pre stressing

Pre tensioning system Post tensioning system

a. Beam with Straight tendon a. Freyssinet Anchorage

b. Beam with variable tendon eccentricity b. Lee-Mccall system
c. Hoyer‟s long line system c. Magnel-Blaton system
d. Supplementary Anchoring d. Gifford Udall system
e. Prescon system
f. PSC monowire system
g. CCL standard system

PRE-TENSIONING SYSTEM:

In the pre-tensioning system, the tendons are first tensioned between rigid
anchor-blocks cast on the ground or in a column or unit-mould pre stressing bed, prior
to the casting of concrete in the moulds.

a. Beam with Straight Tendon:

The tendons comprising individual wires or strands are stretched with constant
eccentricity is shown in Figure (a).

Fig a. Beam with Straight tendon

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b. Beam with Variable Tendon:

Figure (b) shows the tendons of variable eccentricity with tendon anchorage at
one end and jacks at the other. The tendons are harped using special hold down
devices.

Fig b. Beam variable tendon

c. Hoyer’s long line system of pretensioning:

For mass production of pre tensioned elements, the long line process developed
by Hoyer is generally used. Strands of 18mmØ and high tensile wires of 7mmØ are
used. Ends are clipped using Weinberg anchor clip or Donald clip which is close to
the end diaphragms of the units before concreting operation.

Fig c. Hoyer long line system

d. Supplementary Anchoring devices:

Supplementary anchoring devices are required when single wires of larger

diameter (exceeding 7mm) are used in the pretensioned units.The most commonly
used devices are „‟Weinberg clip' and „Dorland clip.The tension is applied by
hydraulic jacks or by a moveable stressing machine.

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 Fig d. Supplementary anchoring devices
2. POST-TENSIONING SYSTEM:

In post-tensioning, the concrete units are first cast by incorporating ducts or

grooves to house the tendons. When concrete attains sufficient strength, the high
tensile wires are tensioned by means of jack bearing on the end of the member and
anchoraged by wedges or nuts.

a. Freyssinet Anchorage system:

High tension wires 5- 8mmø of 12 nos are formed into a cable with a
spiral spring inside.Spring gives the clearance between wires and enhances
grouting.The whole is enclosed in sheet metal .Anchorage has cylinder of concrete
with corrugations outside, central conical hole and hoop reinforcement.Conical
pugs are pushed inside after tendons are tightened. The space is grouted.

a. Freyssinet Anchorage system

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 b. MagnelBalton system:

Cables are of rectangular section. Layers of wires 5-8mmø (up to 16 layers for
64 wires) layer clearance is 4mm. Spacers or grills are provided to maintain clearance.
Anchoring by sandwich plates 25mm thick. 2 wires in each- wedge shaped groove-
steel wedge is driven to tighten the wires. 8 plates can be used – each plate can have 8
wires. Sandwich plates are arranged against a distribution plate.

B.MagnelBalton system
c. Gifford Udall system:

Consist of steel split cone and cylindrical female cone to house the HT
wires bearing against the steel plates. Each wire is tensioned separately and
anchored using wedge in bearing plate. The ducts are formed using metal sheaths
cast into the concrete member.

c.Gifford Udall system

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d. CCL standard system:

Wires are tensioned individually. 12 nos of wires are used in circular cable.
Size of duct is 40mmø for 8 wire cable, 50mmø for 12 wire cable. Spacers are
provided at 60mm interval. CCL anchor grip is used for anchorage which consists of
steel wedges which fit over the wire and are accommodated in a steel barrel having a
tapered hole. These wedges bear against a drilled anchored plate. The anchor plates
bears against a thrust ring which is cast into the concrete. Thrust ring is of mild steel
6mm thick having rectangular central hole. Bearing plate 18mm thick and has9mm
ø@25mmc/c holes to accommodate the wires

e. Lee Mccall System:

High tensile alloy steel bars (silico manganese steel) are used as tendons. Bars
of ø 22,25,28, & 30mm, length is of 20m. Bars threaded at ends. Anchoring is done by
screwing special threaded nuts. Nuts bear against the distribution plate at the end of
the beam. Forces are transmitted by bearing at the end blocks.

Lee Mccall System

f. BBRV System:(Birkenmeier, Brandestini, Ros and Vogt):

Developed by 4 swiss engineers in 1949.Suitable for transmitting very large forces.

Forces upto 12000kN can be developed. Used in heavy construction like long – span
bridges, nuclear vessels. (90-170 wires are used). Several parallel wires (HT) with
ends as cold formed buttons are anchored using machine. In case of strands, they are
anchored to a machined fixture by split cone sleeves. All wires are stressed
simultaneously. Anchorage is done- a threaded nut is screwed to anchor head against a
bearing plate.

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2. Explain the classification of pre stressed concrete.
Pre stressing of concrete can be classified in several ways. The following
classifications are discussed.
i. Based on Source of Pre stressing Force
ii. Based on Location of the pre stressing tendon
iii. Based on sequence of casting the concrete and applying tension to the
tendons.
iv. Based on the shape of the member pre stressed.
v. Based on the amount of pre stressing force
vi. Based on the directions of pre stressing a member.
i. Based on Source of Pre stressing Force:

This classification is based on the method by which the pre stressing force is
generated. There are four sources of pre stressing force:

a. Mechanical pre stressing

b. Hydraulic pre stressing
c. Electrical pre stressing
d. Chemical pre stressing.
a. Mechanical Pre stressing:

In this type of pre stressing, the devices includes weights with or

without lever transmission, geared transmission in conjunction with pulley blocks,
screw jacks with or without gear drives and wire-winding machines. This type of pre
stressing is adopted for mass scale production.

b. Hydraulic Pre stressing:

This is the simplest type of pre stressing, producing large pre stressing
forces. The hydraulic jack used for the tensioning of tendons, comprises of calibrated
pressure gauges which directly indicate the magnitude of force developed during the
tensioning.

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c. Electrical Pre stressing:

The method of Pre stressing by heated tendons achieved by passing an electric

current with high-tensile wire, are referred as “Thermo-Electric Pre stressing‟.

d. Chemical Pre stressing:

Chemical pre stressing or self-stressing pre stressing of concrete was made

possible by the development of expanding cements.

ii. Based on Location of pre stressing tendon:

This classification is based on the location of the pre stressing tendon with
respect to the concrete section.

a. External Pre stressing

b. Internal Pre stressing
a. External Pre stressing:

When external steel wires known as tendons are placed on the outer section of
the region being stressed, then the technique is called external pre stressing.

b. Internal Pre stressing:

When the pre stressing is achieved by elements located inside the

concrete member (commonly, by embedded tendons), it is called internal
prestressing. Most of the applications of pre stressing are internal prestressing.
In the following figure, concrete will be cast around the ducts for placing the
tendons.

iii.Based on the sequence of casting the concrete and applying tension to the
tendons.

a. Pre- tensioning
b. Post – tensioning

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a. Pre-tensioning:

The tension is applied to the tendons before casting of the concrete. The pre-
compression is transmitted from steel to concrete through bond over the transmission
length near the ends. Post-tensioning:

The tension is applied to the tendons (located in a duct) after hardening of the
concrete. The pre-compression is transmitted from steel to concrete by the anchorage
device (at the end blocks).

iv. Based on the the shape of the member pre stressed:

a. Linear Pre stressing

b. Circular Pre stressing
a. Linear Prestressing:

When the prestressed members are straight or flat, in the direction of

prestressing, the prestressing is called linear prestressing. For example, prestressing of
beams, piles, poles and slabs. The profile of the prestressing tendon may be curved.

b. Circular Prestressing:

When the prestressed members are curved, in the direction of prestressing, the
prestressing is called circular prestressing. For example, circumferential prestressing
of tanks, silos, pipes and similar structures. The following figure shows the
containment structure for a nuclear reactor which is circularly prestressed.

v. Based on the amount of pre stressing force :

a. Fully prestressing
b. Limited prestressing
c. Partial prestressing
a. Full Pre stressing:

When the level of prestressing is such that no tensile stress is allowed in

concrete under service loads, it is called Full Prestressing (Type 1, as per IS: 1343 -
1980).

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b. Limited Pre stressing:

When the level of prestressing is such that the tensile stress under service loads
is within the cracking stress of concrete, it is called Limited Prestressing (Type 2).

c. Partial Prestressing:

When the level of prestressing is such that under tensile stresses due to service
loads, the crack width is within the allowable limit, it is called Partial Prestressing
(Type 3).

vi . Based on the direction of prestressing member:

a. Uniaxial prestressing
b. Biaxial prestressing
c. Multi-axial prestressing

a. Uniaxial Prestressing:

When the prestressing tendons are parallel to one axis,it is called Uniaxial
Prestressing.For example: longitudinal pre stressing of beams.
b. Biaxial Prestressing:

When there are prestressing tendons parallel to two axes, it is called Biaxial
Prestressing. For example: biaxial prestressing of slabs.
c. MultiaxialPrestressing:

When the prestressing tendons are parallel to more than two axes, it is called
Multiaxial Pre stressing. E.g: pre stressing of domes.

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3. Discuss about the importance of control of deflections and factors influencing
the deflection of PSC beams. (May 2013)

IMPORTANCE OF CONTROL OF DEFLECTIONS:

The structural concrete members should be designed to have adequate stiffness

to limit deflections, which may adversely affect the strength or serviceability of the
structure at working loads.
Suitable control on deflection is very essential for the following reasons:
Excessive, sagging of principal structural members is not only unsightly, but at
times, also renders the floor unsuitable for the intended use.
Large deflections under dynamic effects and under the influence of variable
loads may cause discomfort to the users.
Excessive deflections are likely to cause damage to finishes, partitions and
associated structures.
FACTORS INFLUENCING DEFLECTIONS:

1. Imposed load and self-weight.

2. Magnitude of the pre stressing force
3. Cable Profile
4. Second moment of area of cross section
5. Modulus of elasticity of concrete
6. Shrinkage, creep and relaxation of steel stress.
7. Span of the member
8. Fixity condition.
4. Describe the various types of losses in pre stress. What are the steps to be
taken to reduce these losses? (May 2013)
The following are the various types of losses of pre stress
a. Loss due to Elastic deformation of concrete
b. Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel
c. Loss due to shrinkage of concrete
d. Loss due to creep of concrete
e. Loss due to Anchorage slip
f. Loss due to friction.

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a. Loss due to elastic deformation of concrete:
The loss of pre stress due to elastic deformation of concrete depends on the
modular ratio and the average stress in concrete at the level of steel.
Loss of stress in steel = c x fc

If fc= prestress in concrete at the level of steel.

Es  Modulusof elasticityof steel
Ec  Modulusof elasticityof concrete

Es
c  = modular ratio.
Ec
fc
Strain in concrete at the level of steel =
Ec
fc
Stress in steel corresponding to this strain = x Es
Ec
Loss of stress in steel = c x fc

If the initial stress in steel is known, the percentage loss of stress due to the
elastic deformation of concrete can be computed.
b. Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel:
Most of the code provides for the loss of stress due to relaxation of steel as a
percentage of the initial stress in steel. The Indian standard code recommends a value
varying from 5 to 10% initial stress in steel.

c. Loss due to shrinkage of concrete:

The shrinkage of concrete in pre stressed members results in a shortening of
tensioned wires and hence contributes to the loss of stress. The shrinkage of concrete
is influenced by the type of cement and aggregates and the method of curing used. Use
of high-strength concrete with low water cement ratios result in a reduction in
shrinkage and consequent loss of pre stress.
According IS1343 for the loss of pre stress due to the shrinkage of concrete
 cs = total residual shrinkage strain having values

 cs = 300 x106 for pre tensioning and

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  200 x106 
 cs   for post tensioning and
 log10 t  2  

Where,
t = age of concrete at transfer in days.
The loss of stress in steel due to the shrinkage of concrete is estimated
as, Loss due to shrinkage of concrete =  cs xEs

d. Loss due to creep of concrete:

The sustained pre stress in the concrete of a pre stressed member results in
creep of concrete which 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 creep coefficient is known.
ULTIMATE CREEP STRAIN METHOD:
If  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.

Loss of stress in steel due to creep of concrete =  cc f c E s

CREEP COEFFICIENT METHOD:
If  = creep coefficient
 c = creep strain
 e = elastic strain
 c = modular ratio
f c = stress in concrete
E s = modulus of elasticity of steel.
E c = modulus of elasticity of concrete.

 
Creep coefficient(  ) =  c 
 e 
Loss of stress in steel =  f c c

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e. Loss due to anchorage slip:
In most post-tensioned system, when the cable is tensioned and the jack is
released to transfer pre stress to concrete, the friction wedges, employed to grip the
wires, slip over a small distance before the wires are firmly housed between the
wedges. The magnitude of slip depends upon the type of wedge and the stress in the
wire.
Loss = ( E s Δ/L)
Where Δ = slip of anchorage, mm
L = length of the cable, mm
A = cross sectional area of the cable, mm2
E s = modulus of elasticity of steel.
P = Pre stressed force in the cable
f. Loss of stress due to friction:
On tensioning the curved tendons, loss of stress occurs in the post tensioned
members due to friction between the tendons and the surrounding concrete ducts. The
magnitude of this loss is of the following types:
(a) Loss of stress due to the curvature effects, which depends upon the
tendon from or alignment which generally follows a curved profile along
the length of the beam.
(b) Loss of stress due to the wobble effect, which depends upon the local
deviation in the alignment of the cable. The wobble or wave effect is the
result of accidental or unavoidable misalignment, since ducts or sheaths
cannot beperfectly located to follow predetermined profile throughout the
length of thebeam.

Px  Poe 
   kx 
= Po 1     Kx 

25
Stress Concept
5. A rectangular concrete beam 100 mm wide by 250 mm deep spanning over 8
m is prestressed by a straight cable carrying an effective prestressing force of
250 kN located at an eccentricity of 40 mm. The beam supports a live load of
1.2 kN/m.
(a) Calculate the resultant stress distribution for the centre of span cross
section of the beam assuming the density of concrete as 24 kN/m3
(b) Find the magnitude of prestressing force with an eccentricity of 40 mm
which can balance the stresses due to dead and live loads at the soffit of the
centre span section.

Given Data:

Wide (b) = 100 mm

Deep (D) = 250 mm
Span (L) = 8m
Effective prestressing force (P) = 250
Eccentricity (e) = 40
Live load (wq) = 1.2 kN/m
Density of concrete (Dc) = 24 kN/m3
To calculate:
1. Calculate the resultant stress distribution for centre span section
2. Find the magnitude of prestressing force
Solution:
Resultant stress forcentre span of cross section

 P Pe   M g   M q 
f top =  - + + 
 A c Zt   Zt   Zt 
P Pe   M g   M q 
f bot =  + - - 
 A c Z b   Z b   Zb 

26
 Step 1: Direct stress due to pre stress:

 P   250 x 103  2
  =   = +10 N/mm
 Ac   100 x 250 

Step 2: Bending stress due to Prestress:

P x e
Bending stress due to Prestress =  
 Z 

i. Section Modulus:
 bD2   100 x 2502  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb = 
 6    = 1.041 x 10 mm
=
   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb
ii. Bending stress due to Prestress

P x e  250 x 103 x 40  2
  =   =  9.615 N/mm
 Z   1.04 x 10 
6

Step 3: Bending Stress due to self-weight of beam at centre (Mg):

 Mg 
Bending Stress due to self-weight of beam =  
 Z 

i. Self-weight of beam :(Wg)

w g =  b x D x Dc 
wg =  0.1 x 0.25 x 24 = 0.6 kN/m
ii. Bending moment due to Self-weight of beam :(Mg)

 w g L2   0 . 6 x 82 
Mg =   =  = 4 . 8 kN m
 8   8 
 

iii. Bending stress due to self weight of the beam

 Mg   4.8 x 106  2
  =  6  = ±4.615 N/mm
 Z   1.04 x 10 

27
 Step 4: Bending Stress due to live load of beam at centre (Mq):
i. Bending Moment due to Live load at centre
wq = 1.2 kN/m
 w q L2   1. 2 x 8 2 
M q=   =  = 9 . 6 kN m
 8   8 
 

ii. Bending stress due to live load

 Mq   9.6 x 106  2
  =  6  = ±9.23 N/mm
 Z   1.04 x 10 
Step 5: Resultant stresses for centre span section:

 P Pe   M g   M q 
f top =  - + + 
 Ac Zt   Zt   Zt 

= 10-9.615  +  4.615  +  9.23

= 14.23 N/mm 2 (comp)

 P Pe   M g   Mq 
f bot =  + -  - 
 c
A Z b   Zb   Zb 

= 10+9.615  -  4.615  -  9.23

= 5.77 N/mm 2 (comp)

Step 6: Magnitude of prestressing force:

If P = prestressing force required to balance the stresses at soffit (or) bottom of
the beam, then

 P Pe   M g   M q 
 +  -  - 
 c
A Z b   b   Zb 
Z

 M g   M q   P Pe 
 + = + 
 b   b   c Zb 
Z Z A

28
  1 e   1   40 
 4.615 +  9.23 = P  +  ; 13.845 = P  + 
 100 x 250   1.04 x 10 
6
 A c Zb 

13.845 = P (7.846 x 10-5 ) ; P = 176.45 kN

Results:

i. Resultant stresses for centre span section

At top fibre = 14.23 N/mm2; At bottom fibre = 5.77 N/mm2
ii. Magnitude of prestress to balance the stresses at soffit
P = 176.45 kN.
6. 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 pre stress 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.

Given Data:

Wide (b) = 200 mm

Deep (D) = 300 mm
Span (L) = 6m
15 wires of 5 mm diameter located 6.5 cm from the bottom
3 wires of diameter of 5 mm, 2.5 cm from the top
Prestress in steel (fpi) = 840 N/mm
Live load (udl) (wq) = 6 kN/m
Density of concrete (Dc) = 24 kN/m3
To calculate:
1. To evaluate the maximum working stress in concrete

29
 Solution:

Resultant stress distribution top and bottom for centre span section

 P Pe   M g   M q 
f top =  - + + 
 A c Z t   Z t   Zt 
P Pe   M g   M q 
f bot =  + - - 
 A c Z b   Z b   Zb 

Step 1: Centroid distance and Eccentricity (e):

i. Centroid distance (y)
y = CG of wires distance from bottom
  x 52 
 19.63mm
2
Area of wire = 
 4 
 15 x 19.63 x 65  +  3 x 19.63 x 275  
y=  =100 mm
 (18 x 19.63) 
ii. Eccentricity (e):
e = ((D/2)-y) = (150-100) = 50 mm
Step 2: Prestressing force (P):


P = No's of wires x f pi x As 
P = (18 x 840 x 19.63) = 296.80 x 103 N

Step 3: Cross section area (AC):

A c =  b x D

Ac = (200 x 300) = 60000 mm2

Step 4: Direct Stress:
 P   296.88 x 103  2
  =   = +4.95 N/mm
 Ac   60000 

30
 Step 5: Bending Stress due to Prestress:

P x e
Bending stress due to Prestress =  
 Z 

i. Section Modulus:
 bD2   200 x 3002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb = 
 6    = 3 x 10 mm
=
   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

ii. Bending stress due to Prestress:

P x e  296.88 x 103 x 50  2
  =   =  4.95 N/mm
 Z   3 x 106

Step 6: Bending Stress at centre due to Self-weight of beam:

i. Self-weight of beam (Wg)

wg =  b x D x Dc 

wg =  0.2 x 0.3 x 24 = 1.44 kN/m

ii. Self-weight moment (Mg)

 w g L2   1. 44 x 62 
Mg =   =  = 6 . 48 kN m
 8   8 
 

iii. Bending stress due to self-weight:

 Mg   6.48x 106  2
  =  6  = ±2.16 N/mm
 Z   3 x 10 
Step 7: Bending Stress at centre due to live load:
i. Bending moment due to live load (Mq)

wq = 6 kN/m
 w q L2   6 x 6 2 
Mq =   =  = 27 kN m
 8   8 
 

31
 ii. Bending stress due to live load
 Mq   27 x 106  2
  =  6  = ±9 N/mm
 Z   3 x 10 
Step 8: Resultant stress for centre span section:
R.S at top = 4.95 – 4.95 + 2.16 + 9.0 = 11.16 N/mm2
R.S at bottom = 4.95 + 4.95 - 2.16 - 9.0 = -1.26 N/mm2
The resultant stresses due to (self-weight + prestress + Live load) are shown in fig.1.
Maximum working stress in concrete = 11.16 N/mm2 (Compression)

1. Diagram:
4.95 4.95 2.16 9.0 11.16

4.95 4.95 2.16 9.0 1.26

Result:
Maximum working stress in concrete = +11.16 N/mm2

7. A rectangular concrete beam, 250 mm wide and 600 mm deep, is prestressed

by means of 4 No’s of 14 mm diameter high tensile bars located 200 mm from
the soffit of the beam. If the effective stress in the wires is 700 N/mm2, what is
the maximum bending moment that can be applied to the section without
causing tension at the soffit of the beam?

Given Data:
Wide (b) = 250 mm
Deep (D) = 600 mm
4 wires of 14 mm diameter located 200 from the bottom (soffit)
Effective stress in wire (fpe) = 700 N/mm2

32
To calculate:
1. To determine the maximum bending moment

Solution:

M
  = Total stresses at soffit
Z

Step 1: Centroid distance and Eccentricity of prestressing wire

i. Centroidal distance

y = CG distance from bottom

  x142 
 153.93mm
2
Area of wire = 
 4 

  4 x 153.93 x 200  
y=  =200 mm
 (4 x 153.93) 

ii. Eccentricity (e):

e = ((D/2)-y) = (300-200) = 100 mm

Step 2: Pre stressing force (P):


P = No's of wires x f pi x As 
P = (4 x 700 x 153.93) = 431.00 x 103 N

Step 3: Cross section area (Ac):

Ac =  b x D

AC = (250 x 600) = 150 x 103 mm2

Step 4: Direct Stress:

 P   431.0x 103 
  =  3 
= +2.87 N/mm2

 c
A  150 x 10 

Step 5: Bending Stress due to Prestress:

Bending Stress due to Prestress = 

P x e

 Z 

33
 i. Section modulus:

 bD2   250 x 6002  6 3

Z=Zt =Zb = 
 6    = 15 x 10 mm
=
   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

ii. Bending stress due to prestress

P x e  431.0 x 103 x 100  2

  =   =  2.87 N/mm
 Z   15 x 10 6


Step 6: Maximum moment on the section for zero tension at the soffit:

M
  = Total stresses at soffit
Z

i. Total stresses at soffit :

 P P xe 
Total stresses at soffit of the beam due to pre stress=   
 c
A Z 
= (2.87 + 2.87) = 5.74 N/mm2
ii. Total stresses at soffit :

If M = maximum moment on the section for zero tension at the soffit

M
  = Total stresses at soffit
Z
M
  = 5.74
Z
M = 5.74 x (15 x 106 )
M = 86.1 x 106 N mm

Result:
Maximum bending moment at soffit of the beam without causing
tension M = 86.1 x 106 N mm

34
8. An unsymmetrical I-section beam is used to support an imposed load of 2
kN/m over a span of 8m. The sectional details are top flanges, 300 mm wide and
60 mm thick; bottom flange, 100 mm wide and 60 mm thick; thickness of web =
80 mm; overall depth of the beam is 400 mm. At the centre of the span, the
effective prestressing force of 100 kN is located at 50 mm from the soffit of the
beam. Estimate the pre stress at the centre of span section of the beam for the
following load condition:
a. Prestress + self-weight
b. Prestress + self-weight + live load

Given Data:

Top Flange:

Wide = 300 mm

Thickness = 60 mm

Bottom Flange:

Wide = 100 mm

Thickness = 60 mm

Overall depth (D) = 400 mm

Thickness of web = 80 mm

Span (L) = 8m

Prestressing force (P) = 100 kN

Cable location (y) = 50 mm from soffit of beam

Assume the unit weight of concrete (Dc) = 24 kN/m3

To calculate:
To estimate the stresses at the centre of span section at following condition:
i. Prestress + self-weight
ii. Prestress + self-weight + live load

35
Solution:

P Pe Mg
Extreme stresses for (Prestress + Self weight) =  
Ac Z Z

P Pe Mg Mq
Extreme stresses for (Prestress + Self weight + live load) =   
Ac Z Z Z

Step 1: Centroid distance of unsymmetrical section from top:

yt = CG of section from top bottom
 A y + A 2 y 2 + A 3 y3 
yt =  1 1 
 A1 +A 2 +A3 

 (300 x 60)(30)+(280 x 80)(200)+(100 x 60)(370) 

= 
 (18000)+(22400)+(6000) 
= 156.03 mm

Step 2: Eccentricity (e):

e = (yb- ye) = ((D - yt) - 50) = ((400-156.03)-50) = 193.97 mm

Say e = 194 mm

Step 3: Moment of inertia about X-X axis:

 b d3   b 2d 32   b3d33 
I xx =  1 1  +(A1 (y t - y1 )) 2 + 
2
 +(A 2 (y t - y 2 )) +   +(A 3 (y t - y3 ))
2
 12 
   12   12 
 300x603  2  80x280 
3
= +(22400(156-200) 2
 12 
+(18000(156-30) + 
Ixx  12 
   
 100x603 
+ +(6000(156-370)2
 12 
 
I xx = 75.745 x 107 mm 4
Step 4: Section modulus
 Ixx   75.745 x 107  6 3
Zt =   =   = 4.854 x 10 mm
 yt   156.03 
 I xx   75.745 x 107  6 3
Zb =   =   = 3.104 x 10 mm
 yb   243.97 

36
Step 5: Direct Stress:
 P   100 x 103  2
  =   = +2.155 N/mm
 Ac   (18000)+(22400)+(6000) 
Step 6: Bending Stress due to Prestress:
i. For top fibre:
P x e  100 x 103 x 194  2
  =  6  = -3.996 N/mm
 Zt   4.854 x 10 
ii. For bottom fibre:
P x e  100 x 103 x 194  2
  =  6  = +6.250 N/mm
 Zb   3.104 x 10 
Step 7: Bending Stress due to self-weight at centre:
i. Self-weight of beam (Wg):
w g =  (Area of section )x (Dc ) 
= (  (18000)+(22400)+(6000)  /106 ) x 24
= 1.113 kN/m

ii. Bending moment due to self-weight (Mg)

 w g L2   1.113 x 82 
Mg =   =  = 8.90 kN m
 8   8 
 

iii. Bending stress due to self-weight

For top fibre:
 Mg   8.90 x 106  2
  =  6  = +1.838 N/mm
 Zt   4.854 x 10 
For bottom fibre:
 Mg   8.90 x 106  2
  =  6  = -2.867 N/mm
 Zb   3.104 x 10 
Step 8: Bending Stress due to live load at centre:
wq = 2 kN/m

i. Bending moment due to live load (Mq)

 w q L2   2x 8 2 
Mq =   =  = 16 kN m
 8   8 
 

37
 ii. Bending stress due to live load:
For top fibre:
 Mq   16 x 106  2
  =  6  = +3.296 N/mm
 Zt   4.854 x 10 
For bottom fibre:
 Mq   16 x 106  2
  =  6  = -5.154 N/mm
 Zt   3.104 x 10 
Step 9: Resultant stress for the given Conditions:
Condition: 1 (Prestress + self-weight
Top fibre = (Prestress + self-weight)
= (-3.996+2.155+1.838)
= -0.003 N/mm2
Bottom fibre = (Prestress + self-weight)
= (6.250+2.155-2.867)
= +5.538 N/mm2

Condition: 2 (Prestress + self-weight + Live load

Top fibre = (Prestress + self-weight + Live load)
= (-3.996+2.155+1.838+3.296)
= +3.293 N/mm2
Bottom fibre = (Prestress + self-weight + Live load)
= (6.250+2.155-2.867-5.154)
= +0.384 N/mm2

Result:
Resultant Stress forCondition: 1 (Prestress + self-weight)
i. R.S attop fibre = -0.008 N/mm2
ii. R.S at bottom fibre = +5.538 N/mm2

Resultant Stress forCondition: 2 (Prestress + self-weight + Live load)

i. R.S at top fibre = +3.293 N/mm2
ii. R.S at bottom fibre = +0.384 N/mm2

38
9. A prestressed concrete beam of section 200 mm wide by 300 mm deep is used
over an effective span of 6 m to supports an imposed load of 4 kN/m. The density
of concrete is 24 kN/m3.
At the centre of span section of the beam, find the magnitude of
(a) The concentric prestressing force necessary for zero fibre stress at the
soffit when the beam is fully loaded; and
(b) The eccentric prestressing force located 100 mm from the bottom of the
beam which would nullify the bottom fibre stresses due to loading.

Given Data:
Wide (b) = 200 mm
Deep (D) = 300 mm
Effective span (L) = 6m
Imposed load (wq) = 4 kN/m
Density of concrete (Dc) = 24 kN/m3
Steel wires location (ye) = 100 mm from soffit

To calculate:
1. To determine the concentric prestressing force (if e = 0; P =?)
2. To determine the eccentric prestressing force (if e = 50; P =?)

Solution:

 P Pe M g M q 
Resul tan t stress at soffit of the beam      0
 A C Zb Zb Zb 

Step 1: Cross section area (Ac):

Ac =  b x D

Ac = (200 x 300) = 60000 mm2

Step 2: Bending stress due to self-weight:

i. Self-weight of the beam (Wg):

w g =  b x D x Dc 
wg =  0.2 x 0.3 x 24 = 1.44 kN/m

39
 ii. Self-weight moment (Mg):

 w g L2   1. 44 x 62 
Mg =   =  = 6 . 48 kN m
 8   8 
 
iii. Section modulus:
 bD2   200 x 3002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb = 
 6    = 3 x 10 mm
=
   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

iv. Bending stress due to self-weight:

 Mg   6.48x 106  2
  =  6  = ±2.16 N/mm
 Z   3 x 10 
Step 3: Bending stress due to live load:

i. Bending moment due to live load (Mq):

wq = 4 kN/m

 w q L2   4 x 6 2 
Mq =   =  = 18 kN m
 8   8 
 

ii. Bending stress due to live load :

 Mq   18 x 106  2
  =  6  = ±6 N/mm
 Z   3 x 10 
Step 4: Concentric Prestressing force:

Total stresses (self-weight + live load) at soffit of beam = -2.16 - 6

= - 8.16 N/mm2
If P = concentric prestressing force, for zero stresses at the soffit of the beam under
loads
 P Pe M g M q 
    0
 C
A Z b Z b Z b 

For concentric Prestressing force, e = 0

 P   Mg Mq 
    
 A C   Zb Zb 

40
  P 
 A   8.16 N/mm
2
 c

P = (8.16 x 60000)

P = 489.60 kN
Step 5: Eccentric Prestressing force:

If P = eccentric prestressing force, for zero stresses at the soffit of the beam

under loads

 P Pe M g M q 
    0
 C
A Z b Z b Z b 

 P  P x e
   8.16 N/mm
2

 Ac   Zb 

i. Eccentricity (e):
e = ((D/2)-ye) = (150-100) = 50 mm

ii. Eccentric Prestressing force:

 P   P x 50 
    8.16
 60000   3 x 106 
 1 50 
P   8.16
 60000 3 x 106 
 
P(1.666 x 10-5 +1.666 x 10-5 )  8.16
P = 244.80 kN

Result:

i. Concentric prestressing force = 489.6 kN

ii. Eccentric prestressing force = 244.8 kN

41
 10. A Prestressed concrete beam of rectangular section 300 mm wide and 600
mm deep has a span of 12 m. The effective prestressing force is 980 kN, at an
eccentricity of 120 mm. The dead load of the beam is 4.5kN/m and the beam has
to carry a live load of 7.5 kN/m. Find the extreme stresses for the following
conditions:

i. at the end section

ii. at mid span section without the action of Live load
iii. at mid span section with the action of Live load
Given Data:

Wide (b) = 300 mm

Deep (D) = 600 mm
Span (L) = 12 m
Prestressing force (P) = 980 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 120 mm
Dead load (udl) (wg) = 4.5 kN/m
Live load (udl) (wq) = 7.5 kN/m
To calculate:
Extreme stresses for the given conditions:
i. at the end section
ii. at mid span section without the action of Live load
iii. at mid span section with the action of Live load

Solution:

i. Extreme stresses at the end section(For simply supported beam, at end

section the end moments due to dead load and live load will be zero.)

 P Pe   P Pe 
R.S at top     and R.S at bottom    
 A C Z t   A C Zt 

ii. Extreme stresses at mid span section without the action of Live load

 P Pe M g   P Pe M g 
R.S at top      and R.S at bot     
 AC Zt Zt   AC Zt Zt 

42
 iii. Extreme stresses at mid span section with the action of Live load

 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at top       and
 AC Zt Zt Zt 
 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at bot      
 A C Zb Zb Zb 

Step 1: Cross sectional area (AC):

Ac =  b x D

AC = (300 x 600) = 180 x 103 mm2

Step 2: Section Modulus:

 bD 2   300 x 6002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =  =  = 18 x 10 mm
 6   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 3: Direct stress due to pre stress:

 P   980 x 103  2
  =  3  = + 5.44 N/mm
 Ac   180 x 10 

Step 4: Bending stress due to pre stress:

P x e  980 x 103 x 120  2

  =   =  6.53 N/mm
 Z   18 x 106


Step 5: Bending stress due to Self-weight:

i. Self-weight of beam, wg = 4.5 kN/m (given)

ii. Self –weight moment (Mg)

 w g L2   4.5 x 12 2 
Mg =   =  = 81 kN m
 8   8 
 

iii. Bending stress due to self-weight

43
  Mg   81 x 106  2
  =  6  = ± 4.5 N/mm
 Z   18 x 10 

Step 6: Bending stress due to live load:

wq = 7.5 kN/m

i. Bending moment due to live load (Mq)

 w q L2   7.5 x 12 2 
Mq =   =  = 135 kN m
 8   8 
 

ii. Bending stress due to live load

 Mq   135 x 106  2
  =  6  = ± 7.5 N/mm
 Z   18 x 10 

Step 7: Extreme stresses for the given conditions

Condition 1: Extreme stresses at the end section

 P Pe 
Resultant stress at end section =   
 AC Z 
Note: For simply supported beam, at end section the end moments due to dead
load and live load will be zero.
 P Pe   980 x103 980 x103 x120 
R.S at top       3
 
 AC Zt   180 x10 18x106 

= 5.44 – 6.53 = - 1.09 N/mm2

 P Pe   980 x103 980 x103 x120 
R.S at bottom       3
 
 A C Zb   180 x10 18x106 

= 5.44 + 6.53 = - 11.97 N/mm2

44
Condition 2 : Extreme stresses at mid-span without the action of live load
Resultant stress at mid-section without the action of Live load
 P Pe M 
=   g
 AC Z Z 
 P Pe Mg   980 x103 980 x103 x120 81x106 
R.S at top        3
  
 AC Zt Zt   180 x10 18x106 18x106 
= 5.44 – 6.53 + 4.5 = 3.41 N/mm2

 P Pe Mg   980 x103 980 x103 x120 81x10 6 

R.S at bottom          
 AC Zb Zb   180 x10
3
18x106 18x106 
= 5.44 + 6.53 - 4.5 =7.47 N/mm2

Condition 3 : Extreme stresses at mid-span with the action of live load

Resultant stress at mid-section with the action of Live load
 P Pe M g M q 
=    
 AC Z Z Z 

 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at top      
 AC Zt Zt Zt 

 980 x103 980 x103 x120 81x106 135 x106 

    
 180 x103 6 6
18 x106
 18 x10 18 x10 
= 5.44 – 6.53 + 4.5 + 7.5 = 10.91 N/mm2

 P Pe Mg Mq 
R.S at bottom      
 A C Zb Zb Zb 

 980 x103 980 x103 x120 81x106 135 x106 

    
 180 x103 6 6
18 x106
 18 x10 18 x10 

= 5.44 + 6.53 - 4.5 - 7.5 = - 0.03 N/mm2

Result:

i. Extreme stresses at the end section

Resultant stress at top = -1.09 N/mm2
Resultant stress at bottom = + 11.97 N/mm2

45
ii. Extreme stresses at mid span section without the action of Live load
Resultant stress at top = + 3.41 N/mm2
Resultant stress at bottom = + 7.47 N/mm2
iii. Extreme stresses at mid span section with the action of Live load
Resultant stress at top = + 10.91 N/mm2
Resultant stress at bottom = - 0.03 N/mm2

Strength concept / Pressure line / Thrust line / Internal Resisting Couple

11. A prestressed concrete beam of section 120 mm wide by 300 mm deep is used
an effective span of 6 m to support a uniformly distributed load 4kN/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 (or) thrust line in beam.

Given Data:

Wide (b) =120 mm

Overall depth (D) = 300 mm

Span (L) = 6m

Dead load and live load = 4 kN/m

Prestressing force (P) = 180 kN

Eccentricity (e) = 0 mm (Concentrically Prestressed)

To calculate:
(1) Locate the position of pressure line (or) thrust line

Solution:

M
i. Lever arm distance „a‟ =
P
ii. Shift of pressure line e‟ = a-e

46
 wl2
iii. B.M at centre span = (for udl)
8

Step 1: Bending Moment at centredue to load (including self-weight of beam):

w g  q  = 4 kN/m

w 2
4x62
 g  q L
Mq =   =  = 18 kN m
 8   8 
 

Step 2: Section modulus

 bD2   120 x 3002 

Z=Z t =Zb =   =  = 1.8 x 106 mm3
 6   6 
   
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 3: Lever arm ‘a’ (Shift from tendon line)

M 18 x106
a  100mm
P 180 x103

Step 4: Shift of Pressure line e’ (Shift from neutral axis)

Shift of pressure line e‟ = a-e = 100 – 0 = 100 mm.

Step 5: Area of cross section (AC)

AC = 120 x 300 = 36000mm2

Step 6: Extreme fiber stress:

 P Pe '   180x103 180x103 x100 

i. R.S at top =   =  3
 6  =15 N/mm
2

 c
A Z t   36 x10 1.8x10 

47
  P Pe '   180x103 180x103 x100 
ii. R.S at top =   =  3
 6  =-5 N/mm
2

 c
A Z t   36 x10 1.8x10 

Result:

i. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at mid span = 100 mm
ii. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at mid span =+100 mm
iii. Extreme stress at mid-span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 15 N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = -5 N/mm2

12. 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 4kN/m,
which includes the self-weight of the beam. The beam is prestressed by a straight
cable carrying a force of 180kN and located at an eccentricity of 50 mm.
Determine the location of the thrust line (or) pressure line in the beam and plot
its position at quarter and central span section. And also find the extreme fibre
stress at mid-span and quarter span section.

Given Data:
Wide (b) = 120 mm
Overall depth (D) = 300 mm
Span (L) = 6m
Dead load & Live load = 4 kN/m
Prestressing force (P) = 180 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 50 mm
To calculate:

Locate the position of pressure line (or) thrust line at quarter and central span
section

Solution:

M
i. Lever arm distance „a‟ =
P
ii. Shift of pressure line e‟ = a-e

48
 wl2
iii. B.M at centre span = (for udl)
8
3wl2
iv. B.M at quarter span = (for udl)
32
 P Pe' 
v. Extreme stresses at mid span =   mid 
A Z 

 P Pe 'quarter 
vi. Extreme stresses at quarter span =   
A Z 

Step 1: Bending moment at central and quarter span section:

wl2 4x62
i. Bending moment at centre span = =  18kN.m
8 8
3wl2 3x4x62
ii. Bending moment at quarter span = =  13.5kN.m
32 32

Step 2: Lever arm ‘a’ (shift from tendon line)at central and quarter span section:

M centre 18 x106
i. a mid   100mm
P 180 x103

M quarter 13.5 x106

ii. a quarter    75mm
P 180 x103
Step 3: Shift of Pressure line e’ (shift from neutral axis)at central and quarter
span section:
i. e'mid  a mid  e  100  50  50mm

ii. e'quarter  a quarter  e  75  50  25mm

Note : Since e‟ is +ve, lies above Neutral axis

49
Step 4: Section Modulus:

 bD 2   120 x 3002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =  =  = 1.8 x 10 mm
 6   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 5: Extreme fibre stress for mid-span section and quarter span section:
a.Extremefibre stress at mid-span section:
 P Pe'mid   180 x103 180 x103 x50 
i. R.S at top fibre=    =   6  = +10 N/mm
2

A z t   120 x 300 1.8x10 

 P Pe'mid   180 x103 180 x103 x50 

ii. R.S at bottom fibre =    =   6  = 0 N/mm
2

A z b   120 x 300 1.8x10 

b. Extreme fibre stress at quarter span section:

 P Pe 'quarter   180 x103 180 x103 x25 

i. R.S at top fibre =   =   6  = + 7.5 N/mm
2

A zt   120 x 300 1.8x10 

 P Pe 'quarter   180 x103 180 x103 x25 

ii. R.S at bottom fibre =    =   6  = + 2.5 N/mm
2

A zb   120 x 300 1.8x10 

Result:

i. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at mid span = 100mm
ii. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at quarter span = 75mm
iii. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at mid span = + 50mm
iv. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at quarter span = +25 mm
v. Extreme stress at mid-span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 10N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = 0 N/mm2
vi. Extreme stress at quarter span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 7.5 N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = + 2.5 N/mm2

50
13. 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 span of 3 m. Determine the location of
the pressure line at the centre, quarter span and support section of the beam,
Neglect the self-weight of the beam. And also find the extreme stress at centre
and quarter span section.

Given Data:
Wide (b) = 250 mm
Overall depth (D) = 300 mm
Span (L) = 3m
Concentrated load = 68 kN
Prestressing force (P) = 540 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 60 mm

To calculate:

i. Locate the position of pressure line (or) thrust line at quarter and central span
section
ii. Extreme stress at centre and quarter span section

Solution:

M
i. Lever arm distance „a‟ =
P
ii. Shift of pressure line e‟ = a-e

wl
iii. B.M at centre span = (for point load)
4
wl
iv. B.M at quarter span = (for point load)
8
 P Pe' 
v. Extreme stresses at mid span =   mid 
A Z 

 P Pe 'quarter 
vi. Extreme stresses at quarter span =   
A Z 

51
Step 1: Bending moment at central and quarter span section:
wl 68x3
i. Bending moment at centre span = =  51kN.m
4 4

wl 68x3
ii. Bending moment at quarter span = =  25.5 kN.m
8 8

Step 2: Lever arm ‘a’ (shift from tendon line)at central and quarter span section:

M centre 51x106
i. a mid    94.4mm
P 540 x103

M quarter 25.5 x106

ii. a quarter    47.2mm
P 540 x103
Step 3: Shift of Pressure line e’ (shift from neutral axis)at central and quarter
span section:
i. e'mid  a mid  e  94.4  60  34.4mm( ve,liesabove N.A)

ii. e'quarter  aquarter  e  47.2  60 12.8mm(ve,liesbelow N.A)

Note: e‟ is +ve means lies above Neutral axis and e‟ is -ve means lies below
Neutral axis

Step 4: Section Modulus:

 bD 2   250 x 3002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =  =  = 3.75 x 10 mm
 6   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

52
Step 5: Extreme fibre stress for mid-span section and quarter span section:
a. Extreme fibre stress at mid-span section:

 P Pe'   540 x103 540x103 x34.4 

i. R.S at top fibre=   mid  =   
 A z t

  250 x 300 3.75x106 
=+12.15 N/mm2

 P Pe'mid   540 x103 540x103 x34.4 

ii.R.Sat bottom fibre=    =  
A z b   250 x 300 3.75x106 
=+ 2.25 N/mm2

b. Extreme fibre stress at quarter span section:

 P Pe 'quarter   540 x103 540x103 x12.8 
i. R.S at top fibre=    =   
A zt   250 x 300 3.75x106 
= + 9.04 N/mm2

 P Pe 'quarter   540 x103 540x103 x12.8 

ii. R.S at bottom fibre =    =   6 
A zb   250 x 300 3.75x10 
= + 5.36 N/mm2

Result:

vii. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at mid span = 94.4 mm
viii. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at quarter span = 47.2 mm
ix. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at mid span = + 34.4 mm
x. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at quarter span = - 12.8 mm
xi. Extreme stress at mid-span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 12.15 N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = + 2.25 N/mm2
xii. Extreme stress at quarter span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 9.04 N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = + 5.36 N/mm2

53
14. A box girder of prestressed concrete bridge of span 40 m has overall
dimensions of 1200 mm by 1800 mm. The uniform thickness of the wall is 200
mm. The live load analysis indicates a maximum live load moment of 2000 kNm
at the centre of the span. The beam is prestressed by parabolic cables with an
effective force of 7000 kN. The cables which are concentric at supports have an
eccentricity of 800 mm at the centre of span section. Compute the resultant
stresses at the centre of span section using the internal resisting couple method.
The longitudinal elevation and C/S of the girder is shown in figure.

Given Data:

Wide (b) = 1200 mm

Overall depth (D) = 1800 mm

Thickness of wall = 200 mm

Span (L) = 40 m

Maximum load moment at centre = 2000 kN

Prestressing force (P) = 7000 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 800 mm
To calculate:
Resultant stresses at the centre of span section using the internal resisting
couple method

Solution:

P Pe' 
Resultant stress =   
 Ac Z 

54
Step 1: Cross sectional area of Girder:

Ac = (1200x 1800) - (800 x 1400) = 1040x103 mm2

Step 2: Section Modulus of Girder:

i. Moment of inertia about XX-axis
b d 3 b d 3   1200 x18003 800 x14003 
I xx   1 1  2 2  =     400.26x10 mm
9 4
 12 12 12 12
   
ii. Centroid distance ytand andyb:
1800
yt=yb =  900mm
2
iii. Section Modulus:

 I   400.26x109  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =   =   = 444x10 mm
 yt   900 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 3: Bending moment due to self- weight:

i. Self-weight of the beam (Wg):
wg =  Area of girder x Dc  = 1.04x25 = 26 kN/m

ii. Self-weight moment (Mg):

 w g L2   26 x 402 
Mg =   =  = 5200kNm
 8   8 
 
Step 4: Total bending moment (M):


M = Mg  Mq 
Where
Mg = Bending moment due to self-weight = 5200 kNm

Mq = Bending moment due to live load = 2000 kNm (given)

M  5200  2000  7200kNm

55
Step 5: Lever arm ‘a’ (Shift from tendon line):

M 7200x106
a  1028mm
P 7000 x103

Step 5: Shift of pressure line e’ (Shift from Neutral axis):

e'  a  e  1028  800  228mm

Step 6: Resultant stress at mid span section:

Since e‟ is +ve

 P Pe '   7000 x103 7000x103 x228 

i. R.S at top fibre=    =  3
 
 A z t   1040x10 444x106 
= +10.32 N/mm2

 P Pe'   7000 x103 7000x103 x228 

ii. R.S at bottom fibre=   =  3
 6 
 A zb   1040x10 444x10 
= + 3.14 N/mm2

Result:

i. Lever arm distance „a‟ (shift from tendon line) at mid span = 1028 mm
ii. Shift of pressure line e‟(shift from neutral axis) at mid span = + 228
mm
iii. Extreme stress at mid-span section
a. R.S at top fibre = + 10.32 N/mm2
b. R.S at top fibre = + 3.14 N/mm2

56
Concept of Load Balancing:

15. A Prestressed concrete beam is prestressed with a tendon bent as shown. The
external load of the beam consists of a concentrated load of 180 kN at mid-span.
If the effective prestressing force is 1200 kN. Find the extreme stresses at
midspan section, using load balancing method.

Given Data:

Wide (b) = 400 mm

Overall depth (D) = 600 mm

Span (L) = 6m

Dead load = 6 kN /m
Live load = 180 kN
Prestressing force (P) = 1200 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 140 mm
To calculate:
Extreme stresses at mid-span section using load balancing method

Solution:

P M 
i. Resultant stress =   
 Ac Z 

 Net downward load x L 

ii. B.M due to point load =  
 4 

iii. Net downward load = Downward load – Upward load

 4Ph 
iv. For bent tendon, upward load =  
 L 

57
Step 1: Upward load for bent tendon:

 4Ph   4x1200x140 
Upward load =  =   112kN
 L   6000 

Step 2: Net downward load:

Net downward load = Downward load – upward load

=180 – 112 = 68 kN

Step 3: Bending moment at centre due to self-weight (Mg):

Wg  6kN / m

 Wg L2   6 x 62 
Mg      27 kNm
 8   8 
 

Step 4: Bending moment at centre due to Net downward load (Mq(net)):

Wq net   68kN

W 
q  net  L
M q  net      for point load 
 4 
 
 68 x 6 
  102 kNm
 4
 

Step 5: Total bending moment at centre (M):


M = M g  M q(net) 
Where
Mg = Bending moment due to self-weight = 27 kNm

Mq = Bending moment due to live load = 102 kNm

(net)

M  27 102 129 kNm

58
Step 6: Section Modulus of the section:
Section Modulus:

 bD 2   400x6002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =  =  = 24x10 mm
 6   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 7: Extreme fibre stresses at mid span section:

 P M   P M   1200 x103 129 x106 

i. R.S at top fibre =   =      6 
 A c Z t   Ac Zt   600 x 400 24 x10 
= +10.375 N/mm2

 P M   P M   1200 x103 129 x106 

ii. R.S at top fibre =   =      
 c b
 24 x106 
A Z  c
A Z b  600 x 400

= - 0.375 N/mm2
Results:
i. Resultant stress at top = + 10.375 N/mm2
ii. Resultant stress at bottom = - 0.375 N/mm2

16. The figure shows a prestressed concrete beam provided with a tendon having
a parabolic profile.If the external load on the beam is 35kN/m on the whole span.
Find the extreme fibre stresses at mid-span section by load balancing method.
The tendon carries a prestressing force of 1000kN.

59
Given Data:

Wide (b) = 400 mm

Overall depth (D) = 600 mm

Span (L) = 6m

Live load = 35 kN/m

Prestressing force (P) = 1000 kN
Eccentricity (e) = 100 mm
To calculate:
Extreme stresses at mid-span section using load balancing method

Solution:

P M 
i. Resultant stress =   
 Ac Z 

 Net downward load x L2 

ii. B.M due to udl =  
 8
 

iii. Net downward load = Downward load – Upward load

 8Ph 
iv. For Parabolic tendon, upward load =  2 
 L 

Step 1: Upward load transmitted by for parabolic tendon:

 8Ph   8x1000x0.1 
Upward load =  2  =    22.22kN / m
 L   62 

Step 2: Net downward load:

Net downward load = Downward load – upward load

= 35 – 22.22 = 12.78 kN/m

Step 3: Bending moment at centre due to self-weight (Mg):

Wg  (bx Dx Dc )  (0.4x0.6x25)  6kN / m

60
  Wg L2   6 x 62 
Mg      27 kNm
 8   8 
 

Step 4: Bending moment at centre due to Net downward load (Mq(net)):

Wq net  12.78kN / m

W 2
q  net  L
M q  net      for udl 
 8 
 
 12.78 x 62 
   57.51kNm
 8
 

Step 5: Total bending moment at centre (M):


M = M g  M q(net) 
Where
Mg = Bending moment due to self-weight = 27 kNm

Mq = Bending moment due to live load = 57.51 kNm

(net)

M  27  57.51  84.51kNm

Step 6: Section Modulus of the section:

Section Modulus:

 bD 2   400x6002  6 3
Z=Zt =Zb =  =  = 24x10 mm
 6   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 7: Extreme fibre stresses at mid span section:

 P M   P M   1000 x103 84.51x106 

ii. R.S at top fibre =   =      
 A c Z t   Ac Zt   600 x 400 24 x106 

= + 7.68 N/mm2

61
  P M   P M   1000 x103 84.51x106 
ii. R.S at top fibre =   =      
 c b
 24 x106 
A Z  c
A Z b  600 x 400

= 0.64 N/mm2
Results:
iii. Resultant stress at top = + 7.68 N/mm2
iv. Resultant stress at bottom = 0.64 N/mm2

17. A prestressed concrete beam 500 mm x 800 mm deep has simply supported
span of 10 m. It is prestressed with a linearly bent tendon with zero eccentricity
at end and an eccentricity of 200 mm below the axis at mid-span. The beam
carries a concentrated load of 150 kN at centre besides its self -weight. Compute
the extreme fibre stresses at mid-span using the stress concept, Strength concept
and load balancing concept. The prestressing force in the beam is 1000 kN.

Given Data:

Wide (b) = 500 mm

Overall depth (D) = 8600 mm

Span (L) = 10 m

Live load = 150 kN

Prestressing force (P) = 1000 kN
Eccentricity (e) = zero at end and 200 mm at mid span
To calculate:
Extreme stresses at mid-span section using

i. Stress Concept

ii. Strength Concept

iii. Load balancing concept

62
Solution:

i. Stress Concept
 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at top      
 AC Zt Zt Zt 
 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at bottom      
 C
A Z b Z b Zb 
ii. Strength Concept

 P Pe ' 
R.S    
 A C Zt 

M
Lever arm distance „a‟ =
P
Shift of pressure line e‟ = a-e
iii. Load balancing Concept

P M 
Resultant stress =   
 Ac Z 

 4Ph 
For bent tendon, upward load =  
 L 

 wx L 
B.M due to point load =  
 4
 

Net downward load = Downward load – Upward load

I. Stress Concept

Step 1: Cross sectional area (AC):

Ac =  b x D

AC = (500 x 800) = 400 x 103 mm2

63
Step 2: Section Modulus:

 bD2   500 x 8002  6 3

Z=Z t =Zb = 
 6    = 53.33 x 10 mm
=
   6 
Note: Given section is symmetric section so Z=Z t =Zb

Step 3: Direct stress due to pre stress:

 P   1000 x 103  2
  =  3  = + 2.5 N/mm
 Ac   400 x 10 

Step 4: Bending stress due to pre stress:

P x e  1000 x 103 x 200  2

  =   =  3.75 N/mm
 Z   53.33 x 10
6


Step 5: Bending stress due to Self-weight:

i. Self-weight of beam, wg = (0.5 x 0.8 x 25) = 10 kN/m

ii. Self –weight moment (Mg)

 w g L2   10x 10 2 
Mg =   =  = 125 kN m
 8   8 
 

iii. Bending stress due to self-weight

 Mg   125 x 106  2
  =  6  = ± 2.34 N/mm
 Z   53.33 x 10 

Step 6: Bending stress due to live load:

wq = 150 kN

iii. Bending moment due to live load (Mq)

 w q L   150 x 10 
Mq =   =  = 375 kN m
 4   4 

iv. Bending stress due to live load

64
  Mq   375 x 106 
  =  6
= ± 7.03 N/mm2

 Z   53.33 x 10 

Step 7: Extreme stresses at mid-span section

 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at top      
 AC Zt Zt Zt 

 1000 x103 1000 x103 x 200 125 x106 375 x106 

    
 400 x103 6 6
53.33x106
 53.33x10 53.33x10 
= 2.5 – 3.75 + 2.34 + 7.03 = 8.12 N/mm2
 P Pe M g M q 
R.S at bottom      
 C
A Z t Z t Zt 

 1000 x103 1000 x103 x 200 125 x106 375 x106 

    
 400 x103 53.33x106 53.33x106 53.33x106
 
= 2.5 + 3.75–2.34 - 7.03 = - 3.12 N/mm2

II. Strength Concept

Step 1: Total bending moment (M):

M = Mg + M q

M = 125+ 135 = 500 kNm

Step 2: Lever arm (shift from tendon line) ‘a’:

 M   500 x10 
6
a   =    500mm
 P   1000 x103 

Step 3: Shift of pressure line (shift from neutral axis) e’:

e'  a  e  500  200   300mm

65
Step 4: Extreme stresses at mid-span section:

Since e‟ is +ve,

 P Pe '   1000 x103 1000x103 x300 

i. R.S at top fibre=   =  
 A Zt   400x10 53.33x106 
3

= +8.12 N/mm2

 P Pe'   1000 x103 1000x103 x300 

ii. R.S at bottom fibre=   =   
 A Z b   400x10 3
53.33x106 

= - 3.12 N/mm2

II. Load balancing Concept

Step 1: Upward load for bent tendon:

 4Ph   4x1000x103 x200 

Upward load =  =    80kN
 L   10000 

Step 2: Net downward load:

Net downward load = Downward load – upward load

=150 – 80 = 70 kN

Step 3: Bending moment at centre due to self-weight (Mg):

Wg  (0.5x0.8x25)  10kN / m

 Wg L2   10 x102 
Mg     125kNm
 8   8 
 

Step 4: Bending moment at centre due to Net downward load (Mq(net)):

Wq net   70kN

W   
q  net  L
Mq net      for point load    70 x10  175kNm
 4   4
   

66
Step 5: Total bending moment at centre (M):


M = M g  M q(net) 
Where
Mg = Bending moment due to self-weight =125kNm

Mq = Bending moment due to live load = 175kNm

(net)

M 125 175  300 kNm

Step 6: Extreme fibre stresses at mid span section:

 P M   1000 x103 300 x106 

   
 400 x103 53.33x106 
i. R.S at top fibre= 
 c
A Z t  
= +8.12 N/mm2

 P M   1000 x103 300 x106 

ii. R.S at top fibre =      6
 3 
 Ac Zb   400 x10 53.33x10 
= - 3.12 N/mm2
Results
Extreme stress at mid-span section
I. Stress Concept:
i. Resultant stress at top = + 8.12 N/mm2
ii. Resultant stress at bottom = - 3.12 N/mm2
II. Strength Concept:
i. Resultant stress at top = + 8.12 N/mm2
ii. Resultant stress at bottom = - 3.12 N/mm2

III. Load Balancing Concept:

i. Resultant stress at top = + 8.12 N/mm2
ii. Resultant stress at bottom = - 3.12 N/mm2

67
LOSSES OF PRESTRESS:
18. A pre-tensioned concrete beam of rectangular cross section 150 mm wide and
300 mm deep is pre-stressed by eight high tensile wire of 7 mm diameter located
at 100 mm from the soffit of the beam. If the wires are tensioned to a stress of
1100 N/mm2, calculate the percentage loss of stress due to elastic deformation
assuming the modulus of elasticity of concrete and steel as 31.5 kN/ mm2 and 210
kN/mm2 and also find strain in concrete at the level of wire.

Given Data:
Wide (b) = 150 mm
Deep (D) = 300 mm
Pre-tensioned stress of wires (fpi) = 1100 N/mm2
Modulus of elasticity of concrete (EC) = 31.5 kN/mm2
Modulus of elasticity of steel (ES) = 210 kN/mm2
8 No‟s of high tensile wire of 7 mm diameter located at 100 mm from the soffit
To Calculate:
To calculate the percentage loss of stress due to elastic deformation

Solution:

i. Loss of pre stress due to elastic deformation =  αc x fc 

E 
ii. Modular ratio  c   s 
 Ec 
 P   Pe 
iii. Stress in concrete f c =  + 
 A c   I/e 
Step 1: Prestressing force:
P = (pretensioned stress x area of wires)
 πd 
2

Area of wires =   x No of wires

 4 
πx7 
2

=  x 8 = 307.87 mm
2

 4 
P = (1100 x 307.87) = 338.65 x 10 N 3

P = 338.65 kN

68
Step 2: Cross section Area:

Ac =  b x D

Ac = (150 x 300) = 45000 mm2

Step 3: Moment of inertia:

 bD3   150x3003 
I xx       337.5x106 mm4
 12   12 
   

Step 4: Modular Ratio:

 Es   210 
c      6.667
 E c   31.5 
Step 5: Stress in concrete at level of steel (wire)
 P   Pe 
2
fc      
 A   I 
 333.65x103   333.65x103 x50 2 
 
 45000   337.5x106 
   
 10.03N / mm 2
Step 6: Strain concrete at the level of steel (wire):
 f   10.03 
 c    0.00031
 E c   31.5 

Step 7: Loss of prestress due to elastic deformation:

  c xf c  6.667 x10.03
 66.87 N / mm 2
Step 8:Percentage loss of prestress in steel:
 Loss prestress 
=  x100
 Initial stress 
 66.87 
=  x100
 1100 
= 6.079 %
Result:
The percentage loss of stress due to elastic deformation = 6.079 %

69
19. A prestressed concrete pile, 250 mm square, contains 60 pre-tensioned wires,
each of 2 mm diameters, uniformly distributed over the section. The wires are
initially tensioned on the prestressing bed with a total force of 300 kN. Calculate
the final stress in concrete and the percentage loss of stress is steel after all losses,
gives the following data:
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 32 kN/mm2
Shortening due to creep = 30 x 10-6 mm/mm per N/mm2
Total shrinkage = 2 x 10-4 per unit length
Relaxation of steel stress = 5 % of initial stress
Given Data:
Prestressed concrete pile (Square)= 250 x 250 mm
60 wires of 2 mm diameter
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 32 kN/mm2
fcu = 42 N/mm2
Total shrinkage ( εcs ) = 2 x 10-4 per unit length

Relaxation of steel stress = 5 % of initial stress

Shortening due to creep ( εcc ) = 30 x 10-6 mm/mm per N/mm2

Relaxation loss = 5%
To Calculate:
To calculate the final stress in concrete and the percentage loss of stress is steel
after all losses
Solution:
 Effective prestress x Totalloss 
a. Final stress in concrete =  
 Area of c / s 
b. Effective pre stress = (Initial pre stress – Total loss)
c. For Pre tensioned Total loss
Lossdue toelasticdeformation  Lossdue to Relaxation of steelstress
=
 Lossdue toShrinkage  Lossdue tocreep

 Totalloss 
4. % Loss of stress in steel =   x100
 Initialstress 

70
Step 1:Area of concrete (Ac):
Ac = (b x D)
Ac = (250 x250) = 62500 mm2
Step 2: AverageInitial stress in concrete:

 P   300 x 103  2
fc =   =   = 4.8 N/mm
 Ac   62500 
Step 3: Initial stress in wire (fpi)
 πd 2 
As = No's of wires x 
 4 
 
 π(2)2 
As = 60 x  = 188.49 mm2
 4 
 

 P   300 x 103  2
f pi =   =   = 1591 N/mm
 As   188.49 
Step 4:Modular Ratio:
 Es   210 
c      6.58
 c
E  32 
Step 5: Losses of pre stress (Pre-tensioned member):
i. Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of concrete:
= (α c x f c )
= (6.58 x 4.8)
= 31.5 N/mm 2

b. Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel:

 5 
=  x 1591.59
 100 
= 79.55 N/mm 2

c. Loss due to shrinkage of concrete:

Loss of stress = (ε cs x Es )
= (2 x 10-4) x (210 x 103)
= 42.0 N/mm2

71
d. Loss of stress due to creep:
loss of stress in steel = ε cc x Es
where ε cc  30x106 mm / m per N / mm 2 of stress (given)
= (30 x 10-6 )(4.8) = 144x106
= (144x106 )(210 x 103 )
= 30 N/mm 2
Step 6: Total loss: (Pre-tensioned beam)

Elastic deformation of concrete = 31.50 N/mm2

Relaxation of steel stress = 79.55 N/mm2
Shrinkage of concrete = 42.00 N/mm2
Creep of concrete = 30.00 N/mm2
Total loss of stress = 183.05 N/mm2

Step 7: Effective pre stress:

Effective pre stress = Initial stress – Total loss
= (1591 – 183.05)
= 1408 N/mm2
Step 8:Final stress in concrete:
 Effective prestress x Total loss 
= 
 Area of concrete 

 1408 x183.05 
= 
 250x250 

= 4.12 N/mm2

Step 9:Percentage loss of stress in steel:

 Totalloss 
% loss of stress =   x100
 Initialstress 

 183.05 
% loss of stress =   x 100 = 11.5 %
 1591 

Result:
Percentage loss of stress in wires = 11.51 %

72
20. A prestressed concrete beam, 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is prestressed
with wires (area = 320 mm2) located at a constant eccentricity of 50 mm and
carrying an initial stress of 1000 N/mm2. The span of the beam is 10 m. calculated
the percentage loss of stress in wires if (a) the beam is pre-tensioned, and (b) the
beam is post-tensioned, using the following data:
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 35 kN/mm2
Creep co-efficient = 1.6
Total shrinkage = 3 x 10-4 for pre-tensioning
Total shrinkage = 2 x 10-4 for post-tensioning
Relaxation of steel stress = 5 % of initial stress
Slip at anchorage = 1 mm
Frictional co-efficient for wave effect = 0.0015 per m
Given Data:
Wide (b) = 200 mm
Deep (D) = 300 mm
Span (L) = 10 m
Initial stress in wire (fpi) = 1000 N/mm2
Eccentricity (e) = 50 mm
Relaxation loss = 5%
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 35 kN/mm2
Creep co-efficient (  ) = 1.6
Total residual shrinkage ( εcs )=3 x 10-4 for pre-tensioning

Total residual shrinkage ( εcs ) = 2 x 10-4 for post-tensioning

Slip at anchorage (Δ) = 1 mm

Frictional co-efficient for wave effect (k) = 0.0015 per m
Area or wire (As) = 320 mm2
To Calculate:
To calculate the percentage loss of stress in wires if (a) the beam is
pre-tensioned, and (b) the beam is post-tensioned
Solution:

73
Step 1:Prestressing force (P):


P = As x f pi 
P = (320 x 1000) = 320 x 103 N

Step 2:Area of concrete:

Ac =  b x D Ac = (200 x 300) = 60000 mm2

Step 3: Modular Ratio:

 Es   210 
c     6
 E c   35 
Step 4:Moment of inertia:
 bd 3   200 x 3003  6 4
I xx =  =  = 450 x 10 mm
 12   12 
6 4
I xx = 450 x 10 mm

Step 5: Stress in concrete at level of steel:

 P   Pe 2 
fc =  + 
 Ac   I 
 320 x 103   320 x 103x 50 2 
= + 6 
 60000   450 x 10 
= 7 N/mm 2

Step 6: Losses of pre stress (Pre-tensioned member):

ii. Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of concrete:
= (α c x f c )
= (6 x 7)
= 42 N/mm 2

e. Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel:

 5 
=  x 1000
 100 
= 50 N/mm 2

f. Loss due to shrinkage of concrete:

74
 Loss of stress = (ε cs x Es )
= (300 x 10-6) x (210 x 103)
= 63.0 N/mm2

g. Loss of stress due to creep:

loss of stress in steel = ε cc x E s
f 
where ε cc    c 
 Ec 
f  E 
Loss    c  xE s   xf c x c where  c   s 
 Ec   Ec 
= (1.67x7x6)
= 67.20 N/mm 2
h. Total loss: (Pre-tensioned beam)

Elastic deformation of concrete = 42.0 N/mm2

Relaxation of steel stress = 50. N/mm2
Shrinkage of concrete = 63.0 N/mm2
Creep of concrete = 67.2 N/mm2
Total loss of stress = 222.20 N/mm2

i. Percentage loss of stress in steel:

 Totalloss 
% loss of stress =   x100
 Initialstress 

 222.20 
% loss of stress =   x 100 = 22.22 %
 1000 

Step 7: Losses of pre stress (Post-tensioned member):

iii. Loss of stress due to elastic deformation of concrete:
= (α c x f c )
= (6 x 7)
= 42 N/mm 2

h. Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel:

 5 
=  x 1000
 100 
= 50 N/mm 2
i. Loss due to shrinkage of concrete:

75
 Loss of stress = (ε cs x Es )
= (200 x 10-6) x (210 x 103)
= 42.0 N/mm2

j. Loss of stress due to creep:

loss of stress in steel = ε cc x E s
f 
where ε cc    c 
 Ec 
f  E 
Loss    c  xE s   xf c x c where  c   s 
 Ec   Ec 
= (1.67x7x6)
= 67.20 N/mm 2
k. Loss of stress due to Anchorage slip:
E
Loss  s
L
210x103 x1

10000
 21N / mm 2
l. Loss of stress due to friction:
Loss  Po kx
1000  0.0015 x10 
15 N / mm2
m. Total loss: (Pre-tensioned beam)

Elastic deformation of concrete = 42.0 N/mm2

Relaxation of steel stress = 50. N/mm2
Shrinkage of concrete = 42.0 N/mm2
Creep of concrete = 67.2 N/mm2
Anchorage slip = 21.0N/mm2
Friction = 15.0N/mm2
Total loss of stress = 237.20 N/mm2

n. Percentage loss of stress in steel:

76
  Totalloss 
% loss of stress =   x100
 Initialstress 

 237.20 
% loss of stress =   x 100 = 23.7 %
 1000 

Result:

1. Percentage loss of stress in Pre tensioned member = 22.22%

2. Percentage loss of stress in Pre tensioned member = 23.70%

21. A concrete beam AB of span 12 m is post tensioned by a cable which is

concentric at supports A and B and has an eccentricity of 200 mm in the mid-
third span with a linear variation towards the supports. If the cable is tensioned
at the jacking end A, what should be the jacking stress in the wires if the stress at
B is to be 1000 N/mm2? Assume the co-efficient of friction between the cable duct
and concrete as 0.55 and the friction co-efficient for the wave effect as 0.0015/m.

Given Data:
Eccentricity (e)
Span (L)
Area of cable (As)
Initial stress in wires (Px) =
μ = 0.55 and k = 0.0015 per m
= 200 mm (at 1/3 of span)
= 12 m
= 800 mm2
1000 N/mm2 (At un-jacked end B)

To Calculate:
To determine the stress in the wires at the jacking end
Solution:
Step 1:Slope of cable:
 e 
Slope at A ( ) =  
 L/3 

 200 
=  = 0.05
 12000/3 
Total change of slope of cable from A to B   = (2 x 0.05) = 0.1

If Po is the stress in the wires at jacking end A, the loss of stress in the wires
from A to B is

77
 Loss of stress = Po (μα + kx)
= Po (0.55 x 0.1 + 0.0015 x 12) Step 2:Prestress in jacking end
= 0.073 Po
at A:
Px = Po (1-(μα + kx))
1000 = Po (1-(0.55 x 0.1 + 0.0015 x 12))
1000 = 0.927 Po
 1000  2
Po =   = 1078.74 N/mm
 0.927 
Result:
The stress in the wires at the jacking end (Po) = 1078.74 N/mm2

Deflection

22. The deck of prestressed concrete culvert is made up of a slab 500 mm thick.
The slab is spanning over 10.4 m and supports a total uniformly load comprising
the dead load and live loads of 33.5 kN/m. The modulus of elasticity of concrete is
38kN/mm2. The concrete slab is prestressed by straight cables each containing 12
high-tensile wire of 7 mm diameter stressed to 1200 N/mm2 at a constant
eccentricity of 195 mm. The cables are placed at 328 mm intervals in the
transverse direction. Estimate the instantaneous deflection of the slab at centre of
span under prestress and the imposed loads.

Given Data:
Deep (D) = 500 mm
Span (L) = 10.4 m
Dead and Live load (wq) = 33.5 kN/m
Modulus elasticity of concrete (Ec) = 38 kN/mm2
12-high-tensile wires of 7 mm diameter
Initial stress of wires = 1200 N/mm2
Constant eccentricity (e) = 195 mm
Spacing of cables = 328 mm (transverse direction)

To Calculate:

78
 To estimate the instantaneous deflection of the slab at centre of span section
under prestress and imposed load

Solution:

Considering 1 m width of the slab, the properties of the cross section are computed.

Width (b) = 1000 mm

 PeL2 
Upward deflection due to prestress   
 8EI 
 

 5gL4 
Downward deflection due to D.L & L.L  
 384EI 
 

Step 1: Prestressing force in cable:

P = (pretensioned stress x area of wires)

P = (1200 x 461.81)
P = 554.17 kN

Spacing of cables in transverse direction = 328 mm

Hence, the prestressing force per „m‟ width of slab is computed as

 1000 
P =  554.17 x   1689.54 kN
 328 

Step 2: Moment of inertia:

 bD3   1000 x 5003 

I    10416.67x106 mm4
 12   12 
   

Step 3: Upward deflection due to pre stress:

 PeL2 
Upward deflection due to prestress(PS )   
 8EI 
 

 1689.54x195x 10.4x1000 2 
 
 8x38x10416.67x10 6 
 

79
 = -11.25 mm (Upwards)

Step 4: Downward deflection due to dead load and live load:

Total uniformly distributed load on the beam

= w = 33.5 kN/m = 0.0335 kN/mm
 5WL4 
Downward deflection due todead & liveload (DL  LL )  
 384EI 
 
 5x0.0335x104004 

 384x38x10416.67x106 
 
 12.89mm(downward)
Step 5: Resultant deflection:
= (-11.25 + 12.90)
= 1.65 mm (downward)

23. A concrete beam with a rectangular section 300mm wide and 500mm deep is
prestressed by 2 post-tensioned cables of area 600mm2each.Initially stressed to
1600N/mm2.The cables are located at a constant eccentricity of 100mm
throughout the length of the beam having a span of 10m. The modulus of
elasticity of steel and concrete is 210 and 38kN/mm2 respectively.

a. Neglecting all losses, find the deflection at the centre of span when it is
supporting its own weight.

b. Allowing for 20% loss in prestress, find the final deflection at the centre of
when it carries an imposed load of 18kN/m. Dc = 25kN/m3.

Given Data:
Beam size = 300 x 500 mm
Span (L) = 10 m
Area of prestressing cable = 2x600mm2
Eccentricity e = 100mm
Modulus elasticity of concrete (Ec) = 38 kN/mm2
Modulus elasticity of steel (Es) = 210kN/mm2
Density of concrete Dc = 25kN/m3

80
Live load = 18 kN/m
Loss = 20%
Type of cable = Straight cable at uniform eccentricity.

To Calculate:

1. Deflection at the centre of span when it is supporting its own weight.

2. Final deflection at the centre of when it carries an imposed load with 20% loss

Solution:

 PeL2 
i. Upward deflection due tostraight tendon   
 8EI 
 

 5gL4 
ii. Downward deflection due to D.L  
 384EI 
 

 5qL4 
iii. Downward deflection due to L.L   iv. Final deflection   PS   DL   LL
 384EI 
 

Step 1: Self-weight of beam (g):

g = (Area of c/s x unit weight of concrete)

g = (0.3x 0.5 x 25)
g = 3.75 kN/m = 0.0037 kN/mm
Step 2: Moment of inertia:

 bD3   300 x 5003 

I     3125x106 mm4
 12   12 
   

Step 3: Pre stressing force P:

P = Prestress x Area of tendon

= 1600 x 2x 600 = 1920kN

81
Step 4: Upward deflection due to pre stress:

 PeL2 
Upward deflection due to prestress(PS )   
 8EI 
 

1920x100x100002

8x38x3125x106

= -20.20 mm (Upwards)

Step 5: Downward deflection due to dead load:

Self-weight of the beam = g = 3.75 kN/m = 0.0037 kN/mm

 5gL4 
Downward deflection due todead load (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.0037x10000 4
 DL 
384x38x3125x106
 DL  4.05mm(downward)

Step 6: Downward deflection due to Live load:

Live load on the beam = g = 18 kN/m = 0.018 kN/mm

 5qL4 
Downward deflection due toliveload (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.018x100004
 DL 
384x38x3125x106
 DL  19.73mm(downward)

Step 7: Deflection at the centre of the span when it supports its own weight:

Final    PS   DL

= -20.20+ 4.05 = -16.15mm (upward)

Step 8: Upward deflection after 20% loss:

Upward deflection after 20% loss = 0.8 x -20.20

= -16.16mm

82
Step 9: Final Deflection at the centre of the span after loss in prestress when it
carries an udl of 18kN/m:
Final    PS   DL   LL

= -16.16+ 4.05+19.73
= +7.62mm(downward)
Result:
1. Final  at the centre of span when it is supporting its own weight = -16.15 mm
2. Final  at the centre of span when it carries an udl of 18kN/m and allowing for
20% loss = +7.62 mm

24. A concrete beam with a cross sectional area of 32 x 103 mm2 and radius of
gyration of 72mm is prestressed by a parabolic cable carrying an effective
prestress of 1000 N/mm2.The span of the beam is 8m.The cable composed of 6
wires of 7mm diameter has an eccentricity of 50mm at the centre and zero at
supports. Neglecting all losses, Find the central deflection of the beam as follows.

a. Self-weight + Prestress

b. Self-weight + Prestress + LL of 2kN/m. Assume Ec = 38kN/mm2

Given Data:
c/s area of beam = 32x103 mm2
Radius of gyration rxx = 72 mm
Span (L) = 8m
Prestress = 1000N/mm2
Eccentricity e = 50 mm @ centre and zero @ supports
Modulus elasticity of concrete (Ec) = 38 kN/mm2
Live load = 2kN/m
Type of cable = Parabolic cable (central Anchors)

To Calculate:

Central deflection for the following:

83
a. Self-weight + Prestress

b. Self-weight + Prestress + LL of 2kN/m.

Solution:

 PeL2 
i. Upward deflection due to parabolic tendon centralanchors  5 
 48EI 
 

 5gL4 
ii. Downward deflection due to D.L  
 384EI 
 

 5qL4 
iii. Downward deflection due to L.L  
 384EI 
 

Step 1: Self-weight of beam (g):

g = (Area of c/s x unit weight of concrete)

 32x103 
 x25 
 10002
 
 0.8kN / m  0.0008kN / mm
Step 2: Moment of inertia:

I  Arxx 2  32x103 x722  165.88x106 mm4

Step 3: Pre stressing force P:

P = Prestress x Area of tendon

 x72
Area of tendon = x6 = 231 mm2
4

P = 1000 x 231 = 231kN

Step 4: Upward deflection due to pre stress:

84
  PeL2 
Upward deflection due to prestress(PS )  5 
 48EI 
 

 231x150x80002 
 5 
 48x38x165.88x106 
 

= -12.22 mm (Upwards)

Step 4: Downward deflection due to dead load:

Self-weight of the beam = g = 0.8kN/m = 0.0008kN/mm

 5gL4 
Downward deflection due todead load (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.0008x8000 4
 DL 
384x38x165.8x106
 DL  6.76mm(downward)

Step 5: Downward deflection due to Live load:

Live load on the beam = g = 2 kN/m = 0.002kN/mm

 5qL4 
Downward deflection due toliveload (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.002x80004
 DL 
384x38x165.88x106
 DL  16.92mm(downward)

Step 6: Central deflection for the given condition:

Condition 1:  PS   DL

Final deflection = -12.22 + 6.76 = -5.44mm (upward)

Condition 2:  PS   DL   LL

Final deflection = -12.22 + 6.76 + 16.92 = 11.42 mm (downward)

25. A rectangular concrete beam of cross section 150 mm wide and 300 mm deep
is simply supported over a span of 8 m and is prestressed by means of a

85
symmetric parabolic cable, at a distance of 75 mm from the bottom of the beam
at mid span and 125 mm from the top of the beam at support sections. If the
force in the cable is 350 kN and the modulus of elasticity of concrete is 38
kN/m2calculate
(a) The deflection at mid-span when the beam is supporting its own weight, and
(b) The concentrated load which must be applied at mid-span to restore it to the
level of supports.

Given Data:
Beam size = 150 x 300 mm
Span (L) = 8m
Prestressing force = 350 kN
Eccentricity e 1 = 75 mm; e2 = 25mm
Modulus elasticity of concrete (Ec) = 38 kN/mm2
Type of cable = Parabolic cable with eccentric anchors.

To Calculate:

1. Deflection at the centre of span when it is supporting its own weight.

2. Concentrated load „Q‟ at mid-span to restore it to the level of support

Solution:

 PL2 
 48EI  
i. Upward deflection due toparabolic with eccentricanchors    5e1  e2 
 

 5gL4 
ii. Downward deflection due to D.L  
 384EI 
 

 5qL4 
iii. Downward deflection due to L.L  
 384EI 
 

Step 1: Self weight of beam (g):

86
 g = (Area of c/s x unit weight of concrete)
g = (0.15x 0.3 x 25)
g = 1.125 kN/m = 0.00125 kN/mm
Step 2: Moment of inertia:

 bD3   150 x 3003 

I    337.5x10 mm
6 4
 12   12
   

Step 3: Upward deflection due to pre stress:

 PL2 
 48EI  
Upward deflection due to prestress(PS )   5e1  e2 
 

350x80002
  5x75  25
48x38x337.5x106

= -12.70 mm (Upwards)

Step 4: Downward deflection due to dead load:

Self-weight of the beam = g = 1.125 kN/m = 0.00125 kN/mm

 5gL4 
Downward deflection due todead load (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.00125x8000 4
 DL 
384x38x337.5x106
 DL  5.19mm(downward)

Step 5: Deflection at the centre of the span when it supports its own weight:

Final    PS   DL

= -12.70+ 5.19 = -7.50mm (upward)

Step 6: Concentrated load:

87
If „Q‟ = Concentrated load required at the centre of span,

wl 3
For concentrated load ,  
48EI

Ql3
Then, 7.51 =
48EI

Qx80003
d. =
48x38x337.5x106
Q = 9.02kN

Result:
1. Final  at the centre of span when it is supporting its own weight = -12.70 mm
2. Concentrated load Q = 9.02kN

26. A concrete beam having a rectangular section 100mm wide and 300mm deep
is prestressed by a parabolic cable carrying an initial force of 240kN. The cable
has an eccentricity of 50mm at the centre of span at the supports. If the span of
the beam is 10m wide and the live load is 2kN/m.Estimate the short time
deflection at the centre of span.Assuming Ec= 38kN/mm2 and creep co-efficient
Ф = 2.0. Loss of pre stress = 20% of initial stress after 6 months. Estimate the
long time deflection at the centre of span at this stage, assuming the dead and live
loads are simultaneously applied after the release of pre stress.

Given Data:
Beam size = 100 x 300 mm
Span (L) = 10 m
Initial Prestressing force = 240 kN
Eccentricity e = 50mm @ centre and zero @ supports
Modulus elasticity of concrete (Ec) = 38 kN/mm2
Creep co-efficient = 2.0
Live load = 2 kN/m
Loss = 20% of initial stress
Type of cable = Parabolic cable with central anchors

88
To Calculate:

1. Short time deflection at centre

2. Long time deflection at centre

Solution:

Short time deflection:

 PieL2 
i. Upward deflection due to parabolic tendon with centralanchors  5 
 48EI 
 

 5gL4 
ii. Downward deflection due to D.L  
 384EI 
 

 5qL4 
iii. Downward deflection due to L.L  
 384EI 
 

Long time deflection:

 L p   Lp  
Long time deflection  i1 1     ip 1    1   
 Pi   2Pi  

Step 1: Self -weight of beam (g):

g = (Area of c/s x unit weight of concrete)

g = (0.1x 0.3 x 25)
g = 0.75 kN/m = 0.0075 kN/mm
Step 2: Moment of inertia:

 bD3   100 x 3003 

I    225x10 mm
6 4
 12   12
   

Step 4: Upward deflection due to pre stress:

89
  5P eL2 
Upward deflection due to prestress(PS )    i
 48EI 
 

5x240x50x100002
   14.61mm
48x38x225x106

= -14.61 mm (Upwards)

Step 4: Downward deflection due to dead load:

Self-weight of the beam = g = 0.75 kN/m = 0.00075kN/mm

 5gL4 
Downward deflection due todead load (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.00075x100004
 DL 
384x38x225x106
 DL  11.42mm(downward)

Step 5: Downward deflection due to Live load:

Live load on the beam = g = 2kN/m = 0.002kN/mm

 5qL4 
Downward deflection due toliveload (DL )  
 384EI 
 

5x0.002x100004
 DL 
384x38x225x106
 DL  30.45mm(downward)

Step 6: Short term deflection at centre:

Final    PS   DL   LL

= -14.61+ 11.42+30.45 = + 27.26mm (downward)

Step 7: Long time deflection:

90
 i. Initial deflection due to transverse loads(  i1 )
 i1   LL   DL = 11.42 + 30.45 = 41.87 mm
ii. Initial deflection due to pre stress = 14.61 mm
iii. Final deflection (  f )

 L   L  
 f  i1 1     ip 1  p   1  p   (Note: L = 20% of initial stress)
 Pi   2Pi   p

 0.2Pi   0.2 Pi  
 f  41.87 1  2   14.61 1    1   2
 Pi   2Pi  

 f  + 89.11 mm (downward)

Result:
1. Short time deflection = + 27.26 mm (downward)
2. Long time deflection = + 89.1 mm (downward)

27. Explain in detail about the basic concepts, advantages, materials required
and methods of prestressing. (April / May - 2015)
 A prestressed concrete structure is different from a conventional reinforced
concrete structure due to the application of an initial load on the structure
prior to its use. The initial load or „pre stress‟ is applied to enable the structure
to counteract the stresses arising during its service period.
 The prestressing of a structure is not the only instance of prestressing. The
concept of prestressing existed before the applications in concrete. Two
examples of prestressing before the development of prestressed concrete are
provided.

Force-fitting of metal bands on wooden barrels:

The metal bands induce a state of initial hoop compression, to counteract the
hoop tension caused by filling of liquid in the barrels.

91
 Fig 1 Force-fitting of metal bands on wooden barrels

Pre-tensioning the spokes in a bicycle wheel:

The pre-tension of a spoke in a bicycle wheel is applied to such an extent that
there will always be a residual tension in the spoke.

Fig 2 Pre-tensioning the spokes in a bicycle wheel

For concrete, internal stresses are induced (usually, by means of tensioned steel) for
the following reasons.
 The tensile strength of concrete is only about 8% to 14% of its compressive
strength.
 Cracks tend to develop at early stages of loading in flexural members such
as beams and slabs.
 To prevent such cracks, compressive force can be suitably applied in the
perpendicular direction.
 Prestressing enhances the bending, shear and torsional capacities of the
flexural members.
 In pipes and liquid storage tanks, the hoop tensile stresses can be effectively
counteracted by circular prestressing.

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Advantages of prestressing:
The prestressing of concrete has several advantages as compared to traditional
reinforced concrete (RC) without prestressing. A fully prestressed concrete member is
usually subjected to compression during service life. This rectifies several deficiencies
of concrete.
 In case of fully prestressed member, which are free from tensile stresses under
working loads
 The cross section is more effectively utilized when compared with a reinforced
concrete section which is cracked under working loads.
 Within certain limits, a permanent dead load may be counteracted by
increasing the eccentricity of the prestressing force in a prestressed structural
elements, thus effecting saving in the use of materials.
 Prestressed concrete members possess improved resistance to shearing forces,
due to the effect of compressive prestress, which reduces the principle tensile
stress.
 The use of high strength concrete and steel in prestressed members results in
lighter and slender members than is possible with reinforced concrete.
 It is free from cracks, contributes to the improved durability of the structure
under aggressive environmental conditions.
 The economy of prestressed concrete is well established for long span
structures.
 A prestressed concrete flexural member is stiffer under working loads than a
reinforced concrete member of the same depth.
1) Section remains un-cracked under service loads:
 Reduction of steel corrosion
• Increase in durability.
 Full section is utilized
• Higher moment of inertia (higher stiffness)
• Less deformations (improved serviceability)of
 Increase in shear capacity.
 Suitable for use in pressure vessels, liquid retaining structures.
 Improved performance (resilience) under dynamic and fatigue loading.

93
2) High span-to-depth ratios:
Larger spans possible with prestressing (bridges, buildings with
large column-free spaces)
Typical values of span-to-depth ratios in slabs are given below.

Non-Prestressed slab 28:1

Prestressed slab 45:1

For the same span, less depth compared to RC member.

 Reduction in self-weight
 More aesthetic appeal due to slender sections
 More economical sections.
3) Suitable for precast construction:
The advantages of precast construction are as follows
 Rapid construction
 Better quality control
 Reduced maintenance
 Suitable for repetitive construction
 Multiple use of formwork
 Reduction of formwork
 Availability of standard shapes

Materials for prestressed concrete:

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

94
 High strength concrete:
Prestressed concrete requires concrete which has a high
compressive strength at a reasonably early age, with comparatively higher
tensile strength than the ordinary concrete. Low shrinkage, minimum creep
characteristic and a high valve of Young‟s modulus are deemed necessary for
concrete used for prestressed members.
High strength concrete is necessary in prestressed concrete, as the
materials offers high resistance in tension, shear, bond and bearing. In the zone
of anchorages, the bearing stresses being higher, high strength concrete is
invariably preferred to minimize costs. The use of high strength concrete
results in a reduction in the cross sectional dimensions of prestressed concrete
structural elements. With a reduced deadweight of the material, longer spans
become technically and economically practicable.
High tensile steel:
For prestressed concrete members, the high-tensile steel used
generally consists of wires, bars, or strands. The higher tensile strength is
generally achieved by marginally increasing the carbon content in comparison
mild steel.
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
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-

95
grade concrete. Generally minimum M30 grade concrete is used for post-
tensioned & M40 grade concrete is used for pretensioned members.
The normal loss of stress in steel is generally about 100 to 240 N/mm2
and it is apparent that if this loss of stress is to be a small portion of the initial
stress, the stress in steel in the initial stages must be very high, about 1200 to
2000 N/mm2 . These high stress ranges are possible only with the use of high
strength steel.

96
 Anna university Two marks Questions

1. Explain why steel with a low yield stress is not used in pre-stressed construction.
(April-May 2015)
2. List the loss of pre-stress. (April-May 2015)
3. What is the principle of post-tensioning? (April-May 2015)
4.What are the advantages of PSC construction? (Nov / Dec 2014)
5. Define Pre tensioning and Post tensioning. (Nov / Dec 2014)
6. Define Basic Concept. (Nov / Dec 2013)
7. What is Relaxation of steel? (April-May 2014)
8. Define chemical pre-stressing (or) self -stressing (Nov / Dec 2014)
9. Define bonded and non -bonded pre-stressing concrete (Nov / Dec 2014)
10. Why high tensile steel is essential for pre-stressed concrete (Nov / Dec 2012, Nov
/ Dec 2015, May / June 2016)(Pg. no:3, Q.no:5)
11. List down the factors that influence the deflection of prestressed concrete
members.(Nov / Dec 2015, May / June 2016)(Pg. no:5, Q.no:17)

97
 Anna University Sixteen Marks Questions

1. A post tensioned cable of beam 10 m long is initially tensioned to a stress of

1200 N/mm2 at one end. If the tendons are curved so that the slope is 1 in 24 at
each end, with an area of 600 mm2, calculate the loss of pre-stress due to
friction given the following data
Co-efficient of friction b/w duct and cable = 0.55; friction co-efficient
for „wave‟ effect = 0.0015 per m. During anchoring, if the there is slip of 3 mm
at the jacking end, calculate the final force in the cable and the percentage loss
of pre-stress due to friction and slip. Es = 210 kN/mm2. (NOV-DEC 2014)

2. A pre-tensioned beam, 300 mm wide and 450 mm deep, is prestressed by 14

wires of 7 mm diameter initially stressed to 1300 N/mm2, with their centroid
located 150 mm from the soffit. Find the maximum stress in concrete
immediately after transfer, allowing only for elastic shortening of concrete.
If the concrete undergoes a further shortening due to creep and
shrinkage while there is a relaxation of five percent of steel stress, estimate the
final percentage loss of stress in wires using the Indian standard code IS: 1343
regulations, and following data:

(NOV-DEC 2014)
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 5700 x (fcu)1/2
fcu = 45 N/mm2
Creep co-efficient (  ) = 1.6 and Total residual shrinkage = (3 x 10-4)
3. A rectangular concrete beam of cross section 150 mm wide and 300 mm deep
is prestressed by a parabolic cable having an eccentricity of 75 mm at mid span
towards the soffit and an eccentricity 25 mm towards the top at support
sections. The effective force in the cable is 350 kN. The beam supports a
concentrated load of 20kN at the centre of span in addition to the self-weight. If
the modulus of elasticity of concrete is 38 kN/m2 and span is 8 m. calculate
(a) Short term deflection at centre of span under prestress, self-weight and live
load.

98
 (b) Long term deflection assuming the loss ratio as 0.8 and creep co-efficient as
1.6 (APRIL-MAY 2015)

4. Rectangular beam 180 mm wide and 400 mm deep is simply supported over a
span of 8 m and is reinforced with 3 wires of 8 mm diameter. The wires are
located at a constant eccentricity of 80 mm and are subjected to an initial stress
of 1200 N/mm2. Calculate the percentage loss of stress in wires if the beam is
(a) Pre-tensioned and
(b) Post-tensioned Es = 210 kN/mm2, modular ratio is 6, slip at anchorage is 0.8
mm, friction co-efficient = 0.002/m, relaxation of steel stress = 6%. Adopt
creep and shrinkage co-efficient as per IS 1343 (APRIL-MAY
2015)

5. A simply supported beam of 6 m span and rectangular section 125 mm x 250

mm is prestressed by a cable in which the total tensile force as 220 kN. The
cable is located at a constant eccentricity of 75 mm above the soffit at the
middle third of the beam and then the cable is curved towards the extreme ends
and the eccentricity of cable at both the ends are 50 m above the centre line.
The modulus of elasticity and density of concrete are 35 kN/m2 and 24 kN/m3,
respectively. Determine the deflection of the beam.
(i) When it is supporting its own weight
(ii) When the beam carries an imposed load of 4.5 kN/m (APRIL-MAY 2015)

6. Explain in detail about the basic concepts, advantages, materials required and
methods of prestressing. (April / May - 2015)

7. A prestressed concrete beam, 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is prestressed

with wires (area = 320 mm2) located at a constant eccentricity of 50 mm and
carrying an initial stress of 1000 N/mm2. The span of the beam is 10 m.
calculated the percentage loss of stress in wires if (a) the beam is pre-tensioned,
and (b) the beam is post-tensioned, using the following data: (Nov / Dec 2012)
Es = 210 kN/mm2

99
 Ec = 35 kN/mm2
Creep co-efficient = 1.6
Total shrinkage = 3 x 10-4 for pre-tensioning
Total shrinkage = 2 x 10-4 for post-tensioning
Relaxation of steel stress = 5 % of initial stress
Slip at anchorage = 1 mm
Frictional co-efficient for wave effect = 0.0015 per m

8. 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. (Nov / Dec 2013)

9. 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 4kN/m,
which includes the self-weight of the beam. The beam is prestressed by a
straight cable carrying a force of 180kN and located at an eccentricity of 50
mm. Determine the location of the thrust line (or) pressure line in the beam and
plot its position at quarter and central span section. (Nov / Dec 2013).

10. A pre-tensioned concrete beam of rectangular cross section 150 mm wide and
300 mm deep is pre-stressed by eight high tensile wire of 7 mm diameter
located at 100 mm from the soffit of the beam. If the wires are tensioned to a
stress of 1100 N/mm2, calculate the percentage loss of stress due to elastic
deformation assuming the modulus of elasticity of concrete and steel as 31.5
kN/mm2 and 210 kN/mm2.and also find strain in concrete at the level of wire.
(Nov / Dec 2012)

100
11. Explain the systems and methods of prestressing with neat sketches.(Nov / Dec
2015, May / June 2016)(Pg.No:13, Q.No:1)

12. A pre-tensioned concrete beam of span 8m having a rectangular sectionof 150

mm wide x 300 mm deep. The beam is pre-stressed by a parabolic cable having
an eccentricity of 75mm below the centroidal axis at the centreof the span and
an eccentricity of 25 mm above the centroidal axis at the support sections. The
initial force in the cable is 350 kN. The beam supports three concentrated loads
of 10 kN each at intervals of 2m. Ec = 38 kN/mm2.
(i) Neglecting losses of prestress, estimate the short term deflection due
(Prestress + self -weight)
(ii) Allowing for 20% loss in prestress, estimate long term deflection under
(Prestress + self -weight + live load) assume creep co-efficient as 1.80.
(Nov / Dec 2015, May / June 2016)

101
 Important Two marks Questions
1. What are the advantages of PSC construction?
2. Define Pre tensioning and Post tensioning.
3. Define Basic Concept.
4. What is the need for the use of high strength concrete and tensile steel in Pre-
stressed concrete?
5. Define Kern Distance.
6. What is Relaxation of steel?
7. What is concordant prestressing?
8. Define bonded and non-bonded prestressing concrete.
9.Define axial prestressing
10. Define prestressed concrete.
11. State any four losses that can take place in prestressed concrete.
12. State the advantages of prestressed concrete over reinforced concrete.
13. Write any four system of prestressing?
14. Define anchorage.
15. Explain why steel with a low yield stress is not used in prestressed construction.
(April-may 2015)
16. List the loss of prestress. (April-may 2015)
17. What is the principle of post-tensioning? (April-may 2015)
18. What is mean by load balancing method of design in prestressed concrete?
19. Why loss due to creep is more for pre-tensioned beam compared to that of post
tensioned member?
20. Why is smaller diameter wires used in pre-tensioning works?
21. What are the three forms in which high tensile steel is used in the pre stressed
concrete?
22. Why high tensile steel is essential for prestressed concrete?
23. Briefly explain thermo electric prestressing.
24. Define chemical prestressing (or) self-stressing.

102
 Important Sixteen marks Questions
1. A post tensioned cable of beam 10 m long is initially tensioned to a stress of
1200 N/mm2 at one end. If the tendons are curved so that the slope is 1 in 24 at
each end, with an area of 600 mm2, calculate the loss of prestress due to
friction given the following data
Co-efficient of friction b/w duct and cable = 0.55; friction co-efficient
for „wave‟ effect = 0.0015 per m. During anchoring, if the there is slip of 3 mm
at the jacking end, calculate the final force in the cable and the percentage loss
of prestress due to friction and slip. Es = 210 kN/mm2. (NOV-DEC 2014)

2. A pre-tensioned beam, 300 mm wide and 450 mm deep, is prestressed by 14

wires of 7 mm diameter initially stressed to 1300 N/mm2, with their centroid
located 150 mm from the soffit. Find the maximum stress in concrete
immediately after transfer, allowing only for elastic shortening of concrete.
If the concrete undergoes a further shortening due to creep and
shrinkage while there is a relaxation of five percent of steel stress, estimate the
final percentage loss of stress in wires using the Indian standard code IS: 1343
regulations, and following data:

(NOV-DEC 2014)
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 5700 x (fcu)1/2
fcu = 45 N/mm2
Creep co-efficient (  ) = 1.6 and Total residual shrinkage = (3 x 10-4)
3. A rectangular concrete beam of cross section 150 mm wide and 300 mm deep
is prestressed by a parabolic cable having an eccentricity of 75 mm at mid span
towards the soffit and an eccentricity 25 mm towards the top at support
sections. The effective force in the cable is 350 kN. The beam supports a
concentrated load of 20kN at the centre of span in addition to the self-weight. If
the modulus of elasticity of concrete is 38 kN/m2 and span is 8 m. calculate
(a) Short term deflection at centre of span under prestress, self weight and live
load.

103
 (b) Long term deflection assuming the loss ratio as 0.8 and creep co-efficient as
1.6 (APRIL-MAY 2015)

4. Rectangular beam 180 mm wide and 400 mm deep is simply supported over a
span of 8 m and is reinforced with 3 wires of 8 mm diameter. The wires are
located at a constant eccentricity of 80 mm and are subjected to an initial stress
of 1200 N/mm2. Calculate the percentage loss of stress in wires if the beam is
(a) Pre-tensioned and
(b) Post-tensioned Es = 210 kN/mm2, modular ratio is 6, slip at anchorage is 0.8
mm, friction co-efficient = 0.002/m, relaxation of steel stress = 6%. Adopt
creep and shrinkage co-efficient as per IS 1343 (APRIL-MAY
2015)

5. A simply supported beam of 6 m span and rectangular section 125 mm x 250

mm is prestressed by a cable in which the total tensile force as 220 kN. The
cable is located at a constant eccentricity of 75 mm above the soffit at the
middle third of the beam and then the cable is curved towards the extreme ends
and the eccentricity of cable at both the ends are 50 m above the centre line.
The modulus of elasticity and density of concrete are 35 kN/m2 and 24 kN/m3,
respectively. Determine the deflection of the beam.
(i) When it is supporting its own weight
(ii) When the beam carries an imposed load of 4.5 kN/m (APRIL-MAY 2015)

6. a. Explain in detail about the basic concepts, advantages, materials required and
methods of prestressing. (April / May - 2015)
b. Explain the systems and methods of prestressing with neat sketches.(Nov /
Dec 2015, May / June 2016)( Pg. No : 13, Q. No :1)

104
7. A prestressed concrete beam, 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is prestressed
with wires (area = 320 mm2) located at a constant eccentricity of 50 mm and
carrying an initial stress of 1000 N/mm2. The span of the beam is 10 m.
calculated the percentage loss of stress in wires if (a) the beam is pre-tensioned,
and (b) the beam is post-tensioned, using the following data: (Nov / Dec 2012)
Es = 210 kN/mm2
Ec = 35 kN/mm2
Creep co-efficient = 1.6
Total shrinkage = 3 x 10-4 for pre-tensioning
Total shrinkage = 2 x 10-4 for post-tensioning
Relaxation of steel stress = 5 % of initial stress
Slip at anchorage = 1 mm
Frictional co-efficient for wave effect = 0.0015 per m

8. 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. (Nov / Dec 2013)

9. 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 4kN/m,
which includes the self-weight of the beam. The beam is prestressed by a
straight cable carrying a force of 180kN and located at an eccentricity of 50
mm. Determine the location of the thrust line (or) pressure line in the beam and
plot its position at quarter and central span section. (Nov / Dec 2013).

105
10. A pre-tensioned concrete beam of rectangular cross section 150 mm wide and
300 mm deep is pre-stressed by eight high tensile wire of 7 mm diameter
located at 100 mm from the soffit of the beam. If the wires are tensioned to a
stress of 1100 N/mm2, calculate the percentage loss of stress due to elastic
deformation assuming the modulus of elasticity of concrete and steel as 31.5
kN/mm2 and 210 kN/mm2.and also find strain in concrete at the level of wire.
(Nov / Dec 2012).

106