Pre-tensioned Concrete

Its definition and practical application

Prepared and presented by: Purchia Jeda A. Pague

Objectives

Define Define what a pre-tensioned concrete is.

Learn Learn how it is done.

Know Know how it is applied and how it works.

Evaluate Evaluate its advantages and disadvantages

 Compressive stresses are introduced in
prestressed concrete either by pre-tensioning or
post-tensioning the steel reinforcement (Concrete
Organization, n.d.).

What is a
pre-tensioned
concrete?

Image source: The Constructor.org

Why do we introduce
pre-tensioning to
concrete?
 Concrete: strong in
compression but
weak in tension

For this reason it needs

help in resisting the
tensile stresses caused
by bending forces from
applied loads which can
result in cracking and
ultimately failure
(Concrete Organization, n.d.).
Image source: Quora
 Prestressed
Concrete

In service bending
stresses (tensile)
can therefore be
counteracted by
prestressing (Concrete
Organization, n.d.).

Image source: Dentapreg

 Pre-tensioned
Concrete
The tendons attempt to
shorten and transfer the
energy stored to the
concrete through the bond
between the concrete and
the reinforcement. A
compressive force is
therefore induced into the
concrete.(Concrete Organization,
n.d.).

Image source: Quora

How is a pre-tensioned
concrete done?
 How is a
pre-tensioned
concrete done?
It is accomplished by
stressing wires or
strands, called tendons,
to predetermined
amount by stretching
them between two
anchorages prior to
placing concrete
beforehand (The
Constructor, n.d.).

Image source: Mini-Engineer-Blogspot

 How is a
pre-tensioned
concrete done?
The concrete is then
placed and tendons
become bounded to
concrete throughout
their length.
After the concrete as
cured, the tendons
are released by
cutting them at the
anchorages (The
Constructor, n.d.).
Image source: Mini-Engineer-Blogspot
 How is a
pre-tensioned
concrete done?
The tendons are usually
stressed by the use of
hydraulic jacks.
The stress in tendons is
maintained during the
placing and curing of
concrete by anchoring
the ends of the tendons
to abutments that may
be as much as 200m
apart (The Constructor, n.d.).
Image source: Engineering Feed
 How does a
pre-tensioned concrete
work?
 How does a
pre-tensioned
concrete work?
The tendons tend to
regain their original
length by shortening
and in this process
transfer through
bond a compressive
stress to the
concrete (The Constructor,
n.d.).

Image source: Buzzle

 Advantages and
Disadvantages of
Prestressed/Pre-tensioned
Concrete
Advantages of pre-tensioned concrete
1. Prestressed concrete members are free from cracks and the resistance to the effect of
impact, shock, and stresses are higher than rcc structures.
2. Longevity of prestressed structure is greater than rcc structure because the reinforcement
stays unaffected from outer agencies.
3. High compressive strength of concrete and high tensile strength of steel are used for
prestressing that makes it more economical.
4. Prestressed members are lighter in weight and easily transportable.
5. It requires a smaller amount of construction materials.
6. The shear resistance of members can be increased by using curved tendons.
7. Prestressing also reduces the diagonal tension in concrete.

(Santra, 2016)
Disadvantages of pre-tensioned concrete
1. The main disadvantage of prestressing is that it requires some special
equipment like jacks, anchorage etc.
2. High tensile steel is required for prestressing that is very difficult to
procure.
3. It requires highly skilled workers and should be prepared under expert
supervision.
4. It is costlier than other rcc structures.

(Santra, 2016)
References
Concrete Organization. (n.d.). Pre-tensioned Concrete. Retrieved from Concrete
Organization: http://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips-nuggets.asp?cmd=display&id=8
Santra, M. (2016, December 22). What are the advantages and disadvantages of
prestressed concrete? Retrieved from Quora: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-
advantages-and-disadvantages-of-prestressed-concrete
The Constructor. (n.d.). Pre Tentioning and Post Tentioning in Prestressed Concrete.
Retrieved from The Constructor:
https://theconstructor.org/concrete/prestressed/pre-tensioning-and-post-
tensioning/3291/
End of Presentation