Pre-stressed concrete is a form of concrete where initial compression is given in the concrete before applying
the external load so that stress from external loads are counteracted in the desired way during the service
period. This initial compression is introduced by high strength steel wire or alloys (called ‘tendon’) located in
the concrete section.
How Pre-Stressed Concrete works?
[Image source: Wikipedia]
So by now, I have had our concept. We have learned why and when we should use prestressed conc rete.
So, how does it work? In the real life, high tensile strength steel wires are inserted into the beam section and
they are stretched and anchored, then released. Now the steel tendon wants to gain its original length and
tensile stresses are transformed into a compressive stress in the concrete. Now after loading there are two
kinds of forces on the beam,
1. Internal prestressing force
2. External forces (Dead load, Live load etc.)
Which must counteract each other. Observing the moment diagram, we will find something like this
[Image source: ptsindia.net]
Pre-Stressed Concrete Materials
According to AASHTO, high strength seven wire strand, high strength steel wire or alloys of grade and type
(as specified by the designer) should be used in prestressed concrete. Also, stronger concrete is required in
prestressed than normal RC. Generally, minimum 28-day cylinder strength of 5000 psi concrete must be
used. So, why this high strength concrete? Well, if the concrete is not strong enough, it can be cracked or
failed when it is stressed by tendons. As well as high compressive strength offers highe r resistance to
tension and shear and so it is desirable for prestressed concrete.
Moreover, high strength concrete is less subjected to shrinkage crack. It has a higher modulus of elasticity
and smaller creep strain. As a result, loss of prestressing is small.
Types of Pre-stressed Concrete
Pre-tensioned Concrete
In this method, wires or tendons are tensioned at first and concrete is poured later. It creates a good
bondage between the tendon and concrete. As a result, the tendons are protected from corrosion and
tensions are transferred directly. Tendons are anchored and stretched and the stress is tr ansferred to the
concrete when it is hard. Then the tendon tries to get back to the original length, but resisted by the bond
between the concrete hence it induces compressive force in it.
Pre-tensioned Concrete [Image source: Google]
Bonded Post-tensioned Concrete
Similar to pre-stressing but here concrete is poured first then tendons are tensioned. Tendons are placed at
suitable places in the member and then casting is done. After the concrete becomes hard, the tendons are
tensioned by hydraulic jacks against the concrete. When the tendons have tensioned sufficiently, according
to design, they are fixed in position. After the jacks are removed, tension remains and it transfers pressure to
the concrete. This method is widely used in building monolithic slabs for mega house construction projects
where expansive soil sometimes creates problems. Moreover, p ost-tensioned concrete is also used in
bridges.
Pre-tensioning Cables [Image source: Wikimedia
Commons]
Unbonded Post-tensioned Concrete
It is little different from bonded post-tensioned concrete. It allows freedom to move the cables. For this, each
tendon is coated with grease and covered by plastic. Stress transfer to the concrete is achieved by the
cables through anchors. There are some advantages to this like -
a. The ability to distress tendons before trying to repair work.
b. The ability to individually adjust cables
Also, there are some disadvantages like if damaged, one or more than cable can be distress itself and burst
out of the slab.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Prestressed Concrete
Mithun Ray
Prestressed concrete is the most durable, reliable and strongest concrete that is widely used for the construction of
mega buildings and bridges. It has made significant contributions to the construction industry, the precast
manufacturing industry, and the cement industry.
Advantages of Prestressed Concrete
Followings are the advantages of prestressed concrete:
Longer span length increases untroubled floor space and parking facilities.
Thinner slabs, that are important for high rise building as with the same amount of cost, it can construct more slabs
than traditional thicker slabs.
As the span length is larger, fewer joints are needed than traditional RC structures.
Because of fewer joints, maintenance cost also becomes reduced during the design life as joints are the major locus
of weakness in a concrete building.
Long-term Durability.
Better finishing of placed concrete.
It requires a smaller amount of construction materials.
It resists stresses are higher than normal RCC structures and is free from cracks.
Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete
Followings are the disadvantages of prestressed concrete:
It requires high strength concrete and high tensile strength steel wires.
The main disadvantage is construction requires additional special equipment like jacks, anchorage, etc.
It requires highly skilled workers under skilled supervision.
Construction cost is little higher than RCC structures.
