WHEN AND WHY TO CHOOSE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE AS A STRUCTURAL MATERIAL

Conventional reinforced concrete has high tensile strength of steel and is combined with concrete’s
great compressive strength to form a structural material that is strong in both compression and tension
while prestressed concrete is that compressive stresses induced by high-strength steel tendons before
loads area applied and this will balance the tensile stresses imposed in the member during service.
Compressive stresses are induced in prestressed concrete either by pre-tensioning or post-tensioning
the steel reinforcement. The inherent compressive strength of concrete is used to its fullest and shear
stresses are reduced. The special alloy steels used to form the pre-stressing tendons are used to their
fullest. Tension cracks are eliminated, and it also reduce the risk of the steel components in corroding. A
composite member can also be formed by joining individual precast concrete units together. For
prestressed concrete, any given span and loading condition, a reduction in weight can be achieved from
using a component with a smaller cross section.

Prestressing are mostly used on building of roofs, floors, wall with longer unsupported spans, and
bridges because it removes several design limitations over conventional reinforced concrete. It has
better crack control, has higher durability, and higher span-to-depth ratio. Architects and engineers use
this to design and build lighter and shallower concrete structures without sacrificing strength. It is also
an ideal choice for commercial buildings because it provides span length that will be necessary for the
flexibility and alteration of the internal structure. Pre stressed concrete is also used in school
auditoriums, gymnasiums, and cafeterias because of its acoustical properties and its ability to provide
long and open spaces. One of the most widespread uses of prestressed concrete is parking garages.