Pre-stressed Concrete

Faruque Abdullah
Lecturer
Dept. of Civil Engineering
Dhaka International University
Introduction
 Reinforced Concrete
❖Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension.
❖Steel is strong in tension.
❖Reinforced Concrete uses concrete to resist compression
and to hold bars in position and uses steel to resist tension.
❖Tensile strength of concrete is neglected (i.e. zero).
❖R.C. beams allows cracks under service load.
Pre-stressed Concrete
❖Pre-stressed concrete is a method for overcoming
concrete’s natural weakness in tension.
❖In 1904, Freysinet attempted to introduce permanent
acting forces in concrete to resist elastic forces under loads
and called ‘pre-stressing’.
❖It can be used to produce beams, floors or bridges with a
longer span than in practical with ordinary reinforced
concrete.
Pre-stressed Concrete

Without
load

With
load

Pre-stressing
Without
load

Pre-stressing
With
load
 Principle of pre-stressing

𝑀𝐷𝐿 𝑌 𝑀𝐿𝐿 𝑌
𝐼 𝐼 Large
compression

𝐹
𝐴

Very little or
zero tension

Cross Pre-stressing Stress Stress Resultant

section force from DL from LL Stress

Stress in concrete when pre-stressing is applied at the c.g. of the section.

 Principle of pre-stressing
𝐹𝑒𝑌 𝑀𝐷𝐿 𝑌 𝑀𝐿𝐿 𝑌
𝐼 𝐼 𝐼 Large
compression

𝐹
𝐴

Very little or
zero tension

Cross Pre-stressing Pre-stressing Stress Stress Resultant

section force Force due to from DL from LL Stress
eccentricity

Stress in concrete when pre-stressing is applied

eccentrically w.r.to the c.g. of the section.
Basic concept of pre-stressing

There are three basic concepts of pre-stressing:

o First concept: Pre-stressing to transform concrete into an
elastic material.
o Second concept: Pre-stressing for combination of high
strength steel with concrete.
o Third concept: Pre-stressing to achieve load balancing
Advantages of pre-stressing
❑Full section is utilized.
❑Reduction in steel corrosion.
❑Improved performance under dynamic and fatigue loading.
❑High span to depth ratio.
❑Rapid construction.
❑Better quality control.
❑Reduced Maintenance.
❑Availability of standard shapes.
Limitations for pre-stressing

✓Pre-stressing needs skilled technology.

✓The use of high strength material is costly.
✓There is additional cost in auxiliary equipment.
✓Harder to recycle.
✓There is need for quality control and inspection.
 Pre-stressing

Pre-tensioning: The tendons Post-tensioning: In post-

are tensioned against some tensioning, the tendons are
abutments before the tensioned after the concrete has
concrete is placed. After the hardened. Commonly metal or
concrete hardened, the plastic ducts are placed inside the
tension force is released. The concrete before casting. After the
tendon tries to shrink back its concrete hardened and had enough
initial length but concrete strength, the tendon was placed
resists it through its bond inside the duct, stressed and
between them. Thus anchored against concrete. This
compressive force is induced can be done either as pre-cast or
in concrete. cast-in-place.
 Pre-tensioning
1. Tension is applied on tendons
before concrete placement.
2. Pre-stress loss due to anchorage
slip and friction loss is zero.
3. Pre-stress loss due to elastic
deformation occur.
4. Pre-stress is applied against the
abutment.
5. Use- Prefabricated element.
Post-tensioning
1. Tensions is applied after the
concrete placement.
2. Pre-stress loss occur due to
anchorage slip and friction.
3. Pre-stress loss occur due to elastic
deformation if all the tendons are not
equally tensioned.
4. Pre-tension is provided against the
concrete.
5. For cast-in-situ element (slab &
beam).
Application
❖Bridges.
❖Slab in buildings.
❖Water tank.
❖Repair and rehabilitations.
❖Nuclear power plant.
❖Off shore platform.
❖Thin sheet structure.
❖Concrete piles, etc.
Concrete strain characteristics

In pre-stressed concrete, strain are produced as well as stresses.

Such strain can be classified in 4 types:
❖ Elastic strain
❖ Lateral strain
❖ Creep strain
❖ Shrinkage strain
Elastic strain
➢ For an average value for concrete at 28 days old, for compressive
stress up to about 0.4𝑓𝑐 ′ , the secant modulus has been approximated
by the followings.
✓ ACI code,
𝐸𝑐 = 𝑤 1.5 0.043 𝑓𝑐 ′
For normal concrete it can be simplified as,
𝐸𝑐 = 4730 𝑓𝑐 ′
✓ By Jensen,
41400
𝐸𝑐 = 14
1+ ′
𝑓 𝑐
✓ Empirical formula proposed by Hognestad,
𝐸𝑐 = 12420 + 460𝑓𝑐 ′
Lateral strain

❖ Lateral strains are computed by poison's ratio.

❖ Poison's ratio varies from 0.15 to 0.22
avg.=0.17
Creep strain
❖ Defined as time dependent deformation resulting from the
presence of stress.
❖ Creep continued over the entire period of the total creep.
✓18-35% occurred in the first 2 weeks of loading.
✓40-70% with in 3 months.
✓60-83% with in one year.
❖ Creep increase with a larger w/c ratio and with a lower
aggregate cement ratio.
Shrinkage strain

❖As distinguished from creep, shrinkage in concrete is the

contraction due to drying and chemical changes dependent
on time and on moisture condition, but not on stresses.
❖It may be ranges from 0.0000 to 0.0010 and beyond under
vary dry condition 0.0010 can be expected.
Compaction

❖Compacting the concrete by vibration is desirable and

necessary.
❖Usually without using an excessive amount of mortar, a low
w/c ratio and a low slump concrete must be chosen.
Curing

❖To early curing may results shrinkage cracks before

applying pre-stress.
❖Only by the careful curing the specified high strength
concrete an be attained.
Pre-stressing steel

❖The development of pre-stressed concrete was introduced by

the invention of high strength steel.
❖It is an alloy of iron, carbon, manganese and optimal
materials.
Wires

❖A pre-stressing wire is a single unit made of steel. The

nominal diameter of the wires are 2.5, 3.0, 4.5, 5.0, 7.0 &
8.0 mm.

Two types:
1. Indented wire: There are circular or indentation on the
surface.
2. Plain wire: No indentation on the surface.
Stands

❖A few wires are spun together in a helical form to form a

pre-stressing stand. There are different types of stands are as
follows:
1. Two wire stands.
2. Three wire stands.
Tendons:

❖A group of stands or wire are placed together to form a pre-

stressing tendon. The tendons are used in post tensioned
member.

Cables:

❖A group of tendon form a pre-stressing cable. The cables are

used in bridges.
Problem-1:
A rectangular concrete beam is pre-stressed by means of 15 wires of 5 mm
diameter located 65 mm from the bottom of the beam and 3 wires of diameter
of 5 mm 25 mm from the top. Assuming the pre-stress in the steel as 840
N/𝑚𝑚2 , calculate the stresses at the extreme fibers of the of the mid-span
section when the beam is supporting its own weight over a span of 6 m.
Evaluate the maximum working stress in concrete. The density of concrete is 24
kN/𝑚3 .
Solution:
(15 𝑥 65+3 𝑥 275
y=[ ] = 100 mm
18

e = 150 – 100 = 50 mm
𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝑠 = 18 x x 𝑑 2 = 18 x x 52 = 353.43 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Pre-stressing force P = 840 x 353.43= 3 x 105 N

A = 300 x 200 = 6 x 104 𝑚𝑚2

𝑏ℎ3 ℎ 𝑏ℎ2 200 𝑥 3002

Z = I/C = / = = = 3 x 106 𝑚𝑚3
12 2 6 6
Self weight of beam = 0.3 x 0.2 x 24 = 1.44 kN/m
 𝑤𝑔 𝑙 2 1.44 𝑥 62
Self weight moment, 𝑀𝑔 = = = 6.48 kN-m
8 8

𝑤𝑙 𝑙 2 6 𝑥 62
Live load moment, 𝑀𝑙 = = = 27 kN-m
8 8

Top fiber stress,

𝑃 𝑃𝑒 𝑀𝑔 𝑀𝑙 3 x 105 3 x 105 𝑥 50 6.48 𝑥 106 27 𝑥 106
- + - - =- + - - = -11.16 N/𝑚𝑚 2
𝐴 𝑍 𝑍 𝑍 6 x 104 3 x 106 3 x 106 3 x 106
Bottom fiber stress,
𝑃 𝑃𝑒 𝑀𝑔 𝑀𝑙 3 x 105 3 x 105 𝑥 50 6.48 𝑥 106 27 𝑥 106
- - + + =- - + + = 1.16 N/𝑚𝑚 2
𝐴 𝑍 𝑍 𝑍 6 x 104 3 x 106 3 x 106 3 x 106
5.0 5.0 2.16 9.0 11.16

5.0 5.0 2.16 9.0 1.16

Prestress Self- weight Live load Resultant

stress stress stress

Analysis of stresses at Mid-Span

Problem-2:
A rectangular concrete beam 250 mm wide and 600 mm deep, is pre-stressed by
means of four 14 mm high-tensile bars located 200mm 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?
Solution: A = 250 x 600 = 15 x 104 𝑚𝑚2
𝑏ℎ3 ℎ 𝑏ℎ2
Z = I/C = / =
12 2 6

250 𝑥 6002
=
6

= 15 x 106 𝑚𝑚3
 𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝑠 = 4 x x 𝑑2 = 4 x x 142 = 616 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

e = 100 mm
P = 616 x 700 = 431200 N
For zero tension at the soffit,
𝑃 𝑃𝑒 𝑀
- - + =0
𝐴 𝑍 𝑍

431200 432100 𝑥 100 𝑀

=> - 4 - 6 + 6 =0
15 𝑥 10 15 𝑥 10 15 𝑥 10
=> M = 5.76 x 15 x 106
= 86.42 x 106 N-mm
= 86.42 kN-m.
Problem-3:
An unsymmetrical I-section beam is used to support an imposed load of 2 kN/m
over a span of 8 m. The effective pre-stressing force is 100 kN. Estimate the
stresses at the center of the span section of the beam.
300 mm

60 mm

80 mm 400 mm

60 mm
50 mm
100 mm
 300 mm

60 mm
y

400 mm
80 mm

e = 194 mm

60 mm
50 mm
100 mm

400−60−60
60 𝑥 300 𝑥 30+80 𝑥 400−60−60 𝑥 60+ 2
+60 𝑥 100 𝑥 [400−30]
Solution: y =
60 𝑥 300+80 𝑥 400−60−60 +60 𝑥 100

= 156 mm
e = 400 – 156 – 50 = 194 mm
 300 mm

60 mm
y = 156 mm

400 mm
80 mm

e = 194 mm

60 mm
50 mm
100 mm

P = 100 KN
A = 60 𝑥 300 + 80 𝑥 400 − 60 − 60 + 60 𝑥 100 = 46400 𝑚𝑚2
300 𝑥 603 2 80 𝑥 2803
I= + (60 x 300) x (156−30) + + (80 x 280) x (200−156) 2 +
12 12

100 𝑥 603
+ (60 x 100) x (400−156−30) 2 = 75.7 x 107 𝑚𝑚4
12
 300 mm

60 mm
y = 156 mm

400 mm
80 mm

244 mm e = 194 mm

60 mm
50 mm
100 mm

𝐼 75.7 x 107 1.12 𝑥 82

𝑍𝑡 = = = 485 x 104 𝑚𝑚3 𝑀𝑔 = = 8.96 kN-m
𝐶𝑡 156 8

𝐼 75.7 x 107 2 𝑥 82
𝑍𝑏 = = = 310 x 104 𝑚𝑚3 𝑀𝑙 = = 16 kN-m
𝐶𝑏 244 8

g = 0.0464 x 1 x 24 = 1.12 kN/m

 Type of stress At top fiber (N/𝑚𝑚2 ) At bottom fiber (N/𝑚𝑚2 )
Pre-stress P/A = - 2.15 P/A = - 2.15
Pe/𝑍𝑡 = + 4.0 Pe/𝑍𝑏 = + 6.25
Self-weight stress 𝑀𝑔 /𝑍𝑡 = - 1.85 𝑀𝑔 /𝑍𝑏 = - 2.9
Live load stress 𝑀𝑙 /𝑍𝑡 = - 3.3 𝑀𝑙 /𝑍𝑏 = + 5.15
Resultant -3.3 -0.35
 260 mm
Assignment-1 300 mm

60 mm 60 mm

400 mm 80 mm
400 mm 80 mm

50 mm 60 mm
50 mm 60 mm
300 mm
400 mm 300 mm

300 mm
300 mm

80 mm

60 mm

50 mm
 300 mm

80 mm 70 mm

400 mm
70 mm

80 mm

50 mm 80 mm

300 mm
 260 mm
300 mm

60 mm 60 mm
80 mm

400 mm 60 mm 60 mm
400 mm
80 mm
50 mm 60 mm
50 mm 80 mm
300 mm
400 mm 300 mm

70 mm 80 mm
80 mm

300 mm
300 mm

60 mm

50 mm
Thrust Line
Pressure line/ Thrust line:
At any given section of a pre-stressed concrete beam, the combined
effect of the pre-stressing force and the externally applied load will
result in a distribution of concrete stresses that can be resolved into
a single force. The locus of the point of application of this resultant
force in any structure is termed as the pressure line or thrust line.
Problem-4:
A pre-stressed 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 of 4 kN/m,
which includes the self weight of the beam. The beam is pre-stressed by a
straight cable carrying a force of 180 kN and located at an eccentricity of 50
mm. Determine the location of the thrust line in the beam and plot its position at
quarter and central span locations.

Solution: A = 120 x 300 = 36 x 103 𝑚𝑚2

F = 180 kN
e = 50 mm
For Mid span:
𝑤𝑙 𝐿2 4 𝑥 62
Moment at mid span, 𝑀𝑚 = = = 18 kN-m
8 8

𝑀 18
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 100 mm
𝐹 180

For Quarter span:

𝑤𝑙 𝐿2 3 4 𝑥 62 3
Moment at quarter span, 𝑀𝑞 = x = x = 13.5 kN-m
8 4 8 4

𝑀 13.5
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 75 mm
𝐹 180

75 mm
100 mm
P = 180 kN P = 180 kN
1.5 m 3m
Problem-5:
A pre-stressed concrete beam of section 250 mm wide by 400 mm deep is used
over an effective span of 4 m to support a point load of 70 kN. The beam is pre-
stressed by a straight cable carrying a force of 600 kN and located at an
eccentricity of 65 mm. Determine the location of the thrust line in the beam and
plot its position at quarter, central and support sections for the concentrated load
only.

Solution: A = 250 x 400 = 100 x 103 𝑚𝑚2

F = 600 KN
e = 65 mm
 70 KN

35 KN 35 KN
For Mid span: 2m 2m
Moment at mid span, 𝑀𝑚 = 35 x 2 = 70 KN-m
𝑀 70
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 116.67 mm
𝐹 600

For Quarter span:

Moment at mid span, 𝑀𝑞 = 35 x 1 = 35 KN-m
𝑀 35
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 58.33 mm
𝐹 600
 70 kN

For support: 35 kN 35 kN

Moment at support, 𝑀𝑠 = 35 x 0 = 0 kN-m 2m 2m

𝑀 0
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 0 mm
𝐹 600

58.33 mm
116.67 mm
P = 600 kN P = 600 kN
1m 2m
Problem-6:
A pre-stressed concrete beam of section 250 mm wide by 400 mm deep is used
over an effective span of 4 m to support a point load of 70 kN at quarter span
from left support. The beam is pre-stressed by a straight cable carrying a force
of 600 kN and located at an eccentricity of 65 mm. Determine the location of
the thrust line in the beam and plot its position at quarter, central and support
sections for the concentrated load only.

Solution: A = 250 x 400 = 100 x 103 𝑚𝑚2

F = 600 kN
e = 65 mm
 70 kN

For Mid span:

Moment at mid span, 𝑀𝑚 = 17.5 x 2 = 35 kN-m 52.5 kN 17.5 kN
𝑀 35 1m 3m
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 58.33 mm
𝐹 600

For Quarter span:

Moment at quarter span from right support, 𝑀𝑞 = 17.5 x 1 = 17.5 kN-m
𝑀 17.5
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 29.17 mm
𝐹 600

Moment at quarter span from left support, 𝑀𝑞 = 52.5 x 1 = 52.5 kN-m

𝑀 52.5
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 87.5 mm
𝐹 600
For support:
Moment at support, 𝑀𝑠 = 17.5 x 0 = 0 kN-m
𝑀 0
Location of the thrust line = = x 1000 = 0 mm
𝐹 600

87.5 mm
58.33 mm
29.17 mm
P = 600 kN P = 600 kN
1m 2m
 Assignment-2
70 kN 35 kN
70 kN 35 kN

2m 2m
2m 2m

5 kN/m 5 kN/m 5 kN/m

2m 2m 2m 2m
Pre-stress Loss
 Pre-stress Loss
Pre-stress loss is the difference between initial pre-stress and
effective pre-stress that remains in a member.
Pre-stress loss

Short term or immediate losses: Long term or time dependent losses:

❖ Elastic shortening of concrete. ❖ Creep and shrinkage of concrete.
❖ Slip at anchorages immediately ❖ Relaxation of pre-stressing steel.
after pre-stressing.
❖ Friction between tendon and
cable effect.
 Pre-stress Loss According to Material

Pre-stress loss

Concrete Steel

Elastic Creep Shrinkage Friction Anchorage Relaxation

Shortening slip
Problem-7:
A pre-tensioned concrete beam, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre-stressed
by straight wires carrying an initial force 150 KN at an eccentricity of 50 mm.
The modulus of elasticity of steel and concrete are 210 and 35 KN/mm2
respectively. Estimate the percentage of loss of stress in steel due to elastic
deformation of concrete if the area of steel wires is 188 mm2 .

Solution:

F = 150 KN
𝐸𝑠 = 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑐 = 35 KN/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴𝑠 = 188 mm2
 𝐹 150 𝑥 103
Initial stress in tendon = = = 798 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴𝑠 188
𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
Stress in concrete, 𝑓𝑐 = +
𝐴 𝐼
150 𝑥 103 150 𝑥 103 𝑥 50 𝑥 50
= +
100 𝑥 300 225 𝑥 106
= 5 + 1.67 = 6.67 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑠 210
Modular ratio, n = = =6
𝐸𝑐 35
Loss of prestress in tendon = n𝑓𝑐
= 6 x 6.67 = 40 N/𝑚𝑚2
40.𝑥 100
Percentage loss = =5%
798
Problem-8:
A rectangular concrete beam is pre-stressed by means of 15 wires of 5 mm
diameter located 65 mm from the bottom of the beam and 3 wires of diameter
of 5 mm 25 mm from the top. Assuming the pre-stress in the steel as 840
N/𝑚𝑚2 , calculate the percentage loss of stress in steel immediately after
transfer, allowing for the loss of stress due to elastic deformation of concrete
only. 𝐸𝑠 = 210 kN/𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐸𝑐 = 31.5 kN/𝑚𝑚2
Solution:
(15 𝑥 65+3 𝑥 275
y=[ ] = 100 mm
18

e = 150 – 100 = 50 mm
𝜋 𝜋
𝐴𝑠 = 18 x x 𝑑2 = 18 x x 52 = 353.43 𝑚𝑚2
4 4

Pre-stressing force P = 840 x 353.43= 3 x 105 N

A = 300 x 200 = 6 x 104 𝑚𝑚2

𝑏ℎ3 200 𝑥 3003

I= = = 45 x 107 𝑚𝑚4
12 12
𝐸𝑠 210
Modular ration, n = = = 6.68
𝐸𝑐 31.5
Top fiber stress,
𝑃 𝑃𝑒𝑦 3 x 105 3 x 105 𝑥 50 𝑥 125
- + =- + = 0.83 N/𝑚𝑚 2
𝐴 𝐼 6 x 104 45 x 107
Bottom fiber stress,
𝑃 𝑃𝑒𝑦 3 x 105 3 x 105 𝑥 50 𝑥 85
- - =- - = 7.85 N/𝑚𝑚 2
𝐴 𝐼 6 x 104 45 x 107
Loss of stress in wires at top = 6.68 x 0.83 = 5.55 N/𝑚𝑚2
Loss of stress in wires at bottom = 6.68 x 7.85 = 52.5 N/𝑚𝑚2
5.55 𝑥 100
Percentage loss of stress for wires at top = = 0.66 %
840

52.5 𝑥 100
Percentage loss of stress for wires at top = = 6.25 %
840
Problem-9:
A post-tensioned concrete beam, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre-
stressed by three cables, each with a cross-sectional area of 50 𝑚𝑚2 and with
an initial stress of 1200 N/𝑚𝑚2 . All the three cables are straight and located
100 mm from the soffit of the beam. If the modular ratio is 6, calculate the loss
of stress in the three cables due to elastic deformation of concrete for only the
following cases:
a) Simultaneously tensioned and anchoring of all the three cables; and
b) Successive tensioning of the three cables, on at a time.
Solution:
e = 50 mm
𝐴𝑠 = 50 𝑚𝑚2
Pre-stressing force P = 50 x 1200 = 60 x 103 N
A = 300 x 100 = 3 x 104 𝑚𝑚2
𝑏ℎ3 100 𝑥 3003
I= = = 225 x 106 𝑚𝑚4
12 12

Stress in concrete at the level of steel,

𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑐 = +
𝐴 𝐼
60 𝑥 103 60 𝑥 103 𝑥 50 𝑥 50
= + = 2.7 N/𝑚𝑚2
3 x 104 225 𝑥 106
Pre-stress loss = n𝑓𝑐 = 6 x 2.7 = 16.2 N/𝑚𝑚2
a) Under simultaneous tensioning and anchoring of all the three cables, there
will be no loss due to the elastic deformation of concrete.
b) When the cables are successively tensioned:

Loss (N/𝑚𝑚2 )
Cable-1 Cable-2 Cable-3
When cable-1 tensioned 0 0 0
When cable-2 tensioned 16.2 0 0
When cable-3 tensioned 16.2 16.2 0
Total loss 32.4 16.2 0
Problem-10:
A concrete beam is post tensioned by a cable carrying an initial stress of 1000
N/𝑚𝑚2 . The slip at the jacking end was observed to be 5 mm. The modulus of
elasticity of steel is 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2 . Estimate the percentage loss of stress due to
anchorage slip if the length of the cable is a) 30 m; b) 3 m.
Solution:
∆ = 5 mm
𝐸𝑠 = 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2
𝑃 ∆𝐸𝑠 5 𝑥 210 𝑥 103
a) = = = 35 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴 𝐿 30 𝑥 103
35
∴ percentage loss of stress = x 100 = 3.5%
1000
𝑃 ∆𝐸𝑠 5 𝑥 210 𝑥 103
b) = = = 350 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴 𝐿 3 𝑥 103
350
∴ percentage loss of stress = x 100 = 35%
1000
Example 11:
A concrete beam is post tensioned by a cable carrying an initial stress of 600
N/𝑚𝑚2 . The slip at the jacking end was observed to be 3 mm. The modulus of
elasticity of steel is 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2 . Estimate the percentage loss of stress due to
anchorage slip if the length of the cable is a) 5 m; b) 8 m.
Solution:
∆ = 3 mm
𝐸𝑠 = 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2
𝑃 ∆𝐸𝑠 3 𝑥 210 𝑥 103
a) = = = 126 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴 𝐿 5 𝑥 103
126
∴ percentage loss of stress = x 100 = 21%
600
𝑃 ∆𝐸𝑠 3 𝑥 210 𝑥 103
b) = = = 78.75 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴 𝐿 8 𝑥 103
350
∴ percentage loss of stress = x 100 = 13.13%
600
Problem-12:
A concrete beam is pre-stressed by a cable carrying an initial pre-stressing force
300 KN. The cross-sectional area of the wires in the cable is 300 𝑚𝑚2 .
Calculate percentage loss of stress in the cable only due to shrinkage of concrete.
𝐸𝑠 = 210 KN/𝑚𝑚2 . Age of concrete at transfer = 8 days.
a) For post tensioning.
b) For pre tensioning.
Solution:
200 𝑥 10−6 200 𝑥 10−6
a) For post tensioning, 𝜖𝑐𝑠 = = = 200 x 10−6
log10 (𝑡+2) log10 (8+2)

∴ Loss of stress = 𝜖𝑐𝑠 x 𝐸𝑠 = 200 x 10−6 x 210 = 0.042

𝐹 300
Initial stress, P = = = 1 KN/𝑚𝑚2
𝐴 300

0.042 𝑥 100
∴ Percentage of loss = = 4.2%
1
b) For pre tensioning, 𝜖𝑐𝑠 = 300 x 10−6
∴ Loss of stress = 𝜖𝑐𝑠 x 𝐸𝑠 = 300 x 10−6 x 210 = 0.063
0.063 𝑥 100
∴ Percentage of loss = = 6.3%
1
Problem-13:
A concrete beam of rectangular section, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is pre
stressed by five wires of 7 mm diameter located at an eccentricity of 50 mm, the
initial stress in the wires being 1200 N/𝑚𝑚2 . Estimate the loss of stress in steel
due to creep of concrete using the ultimate creep strain method and the creep
coefficient method (IS: 1343-1980). Use the following data:
𝐸𝑠 = 210 kN/𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑐 = 35 kN/𝑚𝑚2
Creep co-efficient, φ = 1.6
Ultimate creep strain, ∈𝑐𝑐 = 41 x 10−6 mm/mm per N/𝑚𝑚2
Solution:
𝜋
P = 5 x x (7)2 x 1200 = 23 x 104 N
4

A = 100 x 300 = 3 x 104 𝑚𝑚2

𝐸𝑠
∝𝑐 = = 210/35 = 6
𝐸𝑐

𝑏ℎ3 100 𝑥 3003

I= = = 225 x 106 𝑚𝑚4
12 12

Stress in concrete at the level of steel is given by,

𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑐 = +
𝐴 𝐼
23 𝑥 104 23 𝑥 104 𝑥 50 𝑥 50
= + = 10.2 N/𝑚𝑚2
3 x 104 225 𝑥 106
1. Ultimate Creep Strain Method:
Loss of stress in steel = ∈𝑐𝑐 .𝑓𝑐 . 𝐸𝑠
= (41 x 10−6 ) x (10.2) x (210 x 103 )
= 88 N/𝑚𝑚2
2. Creep Co-efficient Method:
Loss of stress in steel =φ .𝑓𝑐 .∝𝑐
= 1.6 x 10.2 x 6
= 97.92 N/𝑚𝑚2
Problem-14:
A post-tensioned concrete beam of rectangular section, 100 mm wide and 300
mm deep, is stressed by parabolic cable with zero eccentricity at the supports
and an eccentricity of 50 mm at the centre of span. The area of the cable is 200
𝑚𝑚2 and initial stress in the cable is 1200 N/𝑚𝑚2 . If the ultimate creep strain is
30 x 10−6 mm/mm per N/𝑚𝑚2 of stress and modulus of elasticity of steel is 210
𝑚𝑚2 , compute the loss of stress in steel only due to creep of concrete.
𝐸𝑠 = 210 kN/𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑐 = 35 kN/𝑚𝑚2
Creep co-efficient, φ = 1.1
Solution:
P = 200 x 1200 = 24 x 104 N
A = 100 x 300 = 3 x 104 𝑚𝑚2
𝐸𝑠
∝𝑐 = = 210/35 = 6
𝐸𝑐

𝑏ℎ3 100 𝑥 3003

I= = = 225 x 106 𝑚𝑚4
12 12

Stress in concrete at the level of steel :

𝐹 𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
At support section = At centre of span section = +
𝐴 𝐴 𝐼
24 𝑥 104 24 𝑥 104
= = 8 N/𝑚𝑚2 =
3 x 104
+
3 x 104
24 𝑥 104 𝑥 50 𝑥 50
225 𝑥 106
= 10.7 N/𝑚𝑚2
 2
Average stress at the level of steel 𝑓𝑐 = 8 + x 2.7 = 9.8 N/𝑚𝑚2
3
1. Ultimate Creep Strain Method:
Loss of stress in steel = ∈𝑐𝑐 .𝑓𝑐 . 𝐸𝑠
= (30 x 10−6 ) x (9.8) x (210 x 103 )
= 62 N/𝑚𝑚2
2. Creep Co-efficient Method:
Loss of stress in steel =φ .𝑓𝑐 .∝𝑐
= 1.1 x 9.8 x 6
= 64.68 N/𝑚𝑚2
Problem-15:
A cylindrical concrete tank 40 m external diameter is to be Prestressed
circumferentially by means of a high strength steel wire (𝐸𝑠 = 210 kN/𝑚𝑚2 )
jacked at 4 points, 90 degree apart. If the minimum stress in the wires
immediately after tensioning is to be 600 N/𝑚𝑚2 and the coefficient of friction
is 0.5, calculate
a) The maximum stress to be applied to the wires at the jack, and
b) the expected extension at the jack.
Solution:
The pre-stressing force at the farther end, 𝑃𝑥 is related to the force at the
jacking end 𝑃0 , by the expression.
𝑃𝑥 = 𝑃0 𝑒 −𝜇𝑥
𝜋
−(0.5 𝑥 2 )
=> 600 = 𝑃0 𝑒
=> 𝑃0 = 1320 N/𝑚𝑚2
1320+600
Average stress in the wire = = 960 N/𝑚𝑚2
2

2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋𝑑 𝜋𝑑 𝜋 𝑥 40 𝑥 1000

Length of wires = = = = = 10000π mm
4 4𝑥2 4 4

960
∴ Extension at the jack = x 10000π = 144 mm
210 𝑥 103
Ultimate Moment
 Ultimate Moment
Problem-16:
Find the nominal & ultimate moment capacity of the beam section.

18"
𝐴𝑝𝑠 = 2.75 𝑖𝑛2
7"
𝑓𝑠𝑒 = 160 ksi
36"
𝑓𝑝𝑢 = 270 ksi
4.5"
𝑓𝑐 ′ = 7 ksi
3.5"
Solution: 18"

𝐴𝑝𝑠 2.75 −3 7"

𝜌𝑝 = = = 4.8 x 10
𝑏𝑑 18 𝑥 31.5
36"
𝜌𝑓𝑝𝑢
𝑓𝑝𝑠 = 𝑓𝑝𝑢 x ( 1 - 0.5 )
𝑓𝑐 ′
4.5"
4.8 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 270 3.5"
= 270 x ( 1 – 0.5 x )
7

= 245 ksi
0.5 𝑓𝑝𝑠 = 0.5 x 245 = 122.5 ksi < 𝑓𝑠𝑒 (ok)
𝐴𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑝𝑠 2.75 𝑥 245
a= ′ = = 6.29" < 7"
0.85 𝑓𝑐 𝑏 0.85 𝑥 7 𝑥 18
 𝜌𝑝 𝑓𝑝𝑠 4.8 𝑥 10−3 𝑥 245
𝑤𝑝 = ′ = = 0.17 < 0.3 (ok)
𝑓𝑐 7

∴ Rectangular beam confirmed. 18"

𝑎 7"
𝑀𝑛 = 𝐴𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑝𝑠 (d - )
2
36"
6.29
= 2.75 x 245 x ( 31.5 - )
2
4.5"
= 19104 k-in
3.5"
= 1592 k-ft
𝑀𝑢 = φ𝑀𝑛 = 0.9 x 1592 = 1432.8 k-ft.
Problem-17: A box shaped pre-stressed beam with 𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 2400 𝑚𝑚2 .
Effective stress is 1100 MPa. Determine ultimate moment capacity of
′
the beam. 𝑓𝑐 = 50 N/𝑚𝑚2 , 𝑓𝑝𝑢 = 2200 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 .

500 mm

175 mm

100 mm 100 mm 875 mm

200 mm
100 mm
 500 mm

Solution: 175 mm

𝐴𝑝𝑠 2400 100 mm 100 mm 875 mm

𝜌𝑝 = = = 0.00619
𝑏𝑑 500 𝑥 775

𝜌𝑓𝑝𝑢
𝑓𝑝𝑠 = 𝑓𝑝𝑢 x ( 1 - 0.5 ′ ) 200 mm
100 mm
𝑓𝑐

0.00619 𝑥 2200
= 2200 x ( 1 – 0.5 x )
50

= 1900 ksi
0.5 𝑓𝑝𝑠 = 0.5 x 1676 = 838 ksi < 𝑓𝑠𝑒 (ok)
 500 mm

175 mm
𝐴𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑝𝑠 2400 𝑥 1900
a= =
100 mm 100 mm 875 mm 0.85 𝑓𝑐 ′ 𝑏 0.85 𝑥 50 𝑥 500

= 214.58 mm > 175 mm

∴ T-beam confirmed.
200 mm
100 mm

0.85 𝑓𝑐 ′ 𝑏𝑓 −2𝑏𝑤 𝑥 ℎ𝑓 ′ ℎ𝑓
𝐴𝑝𝑓 = 𝑀𝑛1 = 0.85 𝑓𝑐 𝑏𝑓 − 2𝑏𝑤 𝑥 ℎ𝑓 𝑥 (𝑑 −
2
)
𝑓𝑝𝑠

0.85 𝑥 50 𝑥 500−2 𝑥 100 𝑥 175 0.85 x 50 x (500−2x100) x 175 x (775−175

2
)
= =
1900 106

= 1331 𝑚𝑚2 = 1534 KN-m

 500 mm
𝐴𝑝𝑤 = 2400 – 1331 = 1069 𝑚𝑚2
175 mm
𝐴𝑝𝑤 1069
𝜌𝑝𝑤 = =
100 mm 100 mm 875 mm 𝑏𝑤 𝑑 2 𝑥 100𝑥 775

= 0.0069
𝜌𝑝𝑤 𝑓𝑝𝑠 0.0069 𝑥 1676
200 mm 𝑤𝑝𝑤 = =
100 mm 𝑓𝑐 ′ 50

= 0.23 < 0.3 (OK)

Apw fps 1069 x 1676
a = 0.85 f ′ = = 211 mm
c bw 0.85 x 50 x 2 x 100 𝑀𝑛 = 𝑀𝑛1 + Mn2
a = 1534 + 1200 = 2734 KN-m
Mn2 = Apw fps (d - )
2
𝑀𝑢 = φMn
211
1069 x 1676 x (775 − 2
)
= = 0.9 x 2734 = 2460.6 KN-m
106

= 1200 KN-m
Cracking Moment
 Cracking Moment
The bending moment at which visible cracks develop in pre-stressed
concrete members is generally referred to as cracking moment.
 Cracking Moment
Problem-18: A symmetrically I beam has the effective flange width
400 mm, overall depth 800 mm, flange and web thickness are 160
mm each. Beam is post-tensioned by cables with 𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 2250 𝑚𝑚2 at
an eccentricity of 275 mm at mid span. Determine cracking moment.
′ 2 2 2 ′
𝑓𝑐 = 40 N/𝑚𝑚 , 𝑓𝑝𝑢 = 1800 𝑁/𝑚𝑚 , 𝑓𝑝𝑒 = 1000 𝑁/𝑚𝑚 and 𝑓𝑡 =
3.15 N/𝑚𝑚2
400 mm

160 mm 𝐴𝑠𝑝 = 2250 𝑚𝑚2

160 mm 800 mm

e = 275 mm
160 mm
Ac = 2 x 160 x 400 + 160 x 480 = 204.8 x 103 mm2
400 x 8003 120 x 4803
Ic = -2x = 1.49 x 1010 mm4
12 12

Pe = Asp x fpe = 2250 x 1000 = 2.25 x 106 N

r2 I 1.49 x 1010
Kt = = =
cb Ac cb 204.8 x 103 x 400
= 181.33 mm

f t ′ Ic
∴ Cracking moment, Mcr = Pe (e + k t ) +
cb

3.15 x 1.48 x 1010

= 2.25 x 106 (275 + 181.33) +
400

= 1.143 x 109 N-mm = 1143 KN-m.

Effective Stress
 Effective Stress
Problem-19: A pre-tensioned member has a section of 8 in by 12 in. It
is eccentrically pre-stressed with 0.8 𝑖𝑛2 of high tensile steel wire
which is anchored to bulkheads at a unit stress of 150000 psi. The
c.g.s. is 4 in above the bottom fiber. Assuming that, n = 6, compute
the effective stress in the concrete immediately after transfer.
Solution: 𝐴𝑔 = 8 x 12 = 96 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴𝑠 = 0.8 𝑖𝑛2
𝐴𝑡 = 𝐴𝑔 + (n-1) 𝐴𝑠 = 96 + (6-1) x 0.8 = 100 𝑖𝑛2 12 in
0.8 𝑖𝑛2
F = PA = 150000 x 0.8 = 120000 lb 4 in
(n-1) 𝐴𝑠 = (6-1) x 0.8 = 4 𝑖𝑛2
8 in
8 𝑥 12 𝑥 6+4 𝑥4
y= = 5.92 in
100
 8 𝑥 123
I= + 8 x 12 x (6−5.92) 2 + 4 x (5.92−4) 2
12

= 1167.3 𝑖𝑛4
𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑡 =- +
𝐴 𝐼

120000 120000 𝑥 5.92−4 𝑥 (12−5.92)

=- +
100 1167.3

= 0 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑏 = - -
𝐴 𝐼

120000 120000 𝑥 5.92−4 𝑥 (5.92)

=- -
100 1167.3

= -2368.48 N/𝑚𝑚2
Problem-20: A post-tensioned beam has a midspan cross section with
a duct of 2 in by 3 in to house the wires. It is prestressed with 0.8 𝑖𝑛2
of steel to an initial stress of 150000 psi. Immediately after transfer
the stress is reduced by 5% owing to anchorage loss and elastic
shortening of concrete. Compute the stress in the concrete at transfer.

Solution: 𝐴𝑐 = 8 x 12 – 2x 3 = 90 𝑖𝑛2
F = PA = 150000 x 0.8 x 0.95= 114000 lb
12 in
2 in
8 𝑥 12 𝑥 6−2𝑥3𝑥3
y= = 6.2 in 3 in
90 3 in

8 in
 8 𝑥 123 2 𝑥 33
I= + 8 x 12 x (6.2−6) 2 - - 2 x 3 x (6.2−3) 2
12 12

= 1090 𝑖𝑛4
𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑡 = - +
𝐴 𝐼

114000 114000 𝑥 6.2−3 𝑥 (12−6.2)

=- +
90 1090
= 675 N/𝑚𝑚2
𝐹 𝐹𝑒𝑌
𝑓𝑏 =- -
𝐴 𝐼

114000 114000 𝑥 6.2−3 𝑥 6.2

=- -
90 1090
= -3842 N/𝑚𝑚2
Load Balancing
Problem-21: The live load on the beam is 2.5 k/ft and L is 8 m.
a) Determine the effective force in the cable for balancing the dead and live
loads on the beam.
b) Calculate the shift of the pressure line from the tendon center line.

250 mm

80 mm

80 mm 450 mm

e = 150 mm
80 mm
 250 mm

80 mm

Solution: 𝐴𝑐 = 2 x 250 x 80 + 80 x (450-80-80) 80 mm 450 mm

= 63200 𝑚𝑚2
e = 150 mm
−6
Self weight = 24 x 63200 x 10 = 1.52 KN/m 80 mm
Total weight = 2.5 +1.52 = 4.02 KN/m
𝑤𝐿2 4.02 𝑥 82
Moment = = = 32.16 KN-m
8 8

e = 150 mm
𝑀 32.16 𝑥 103
P= = = 214.4 KN
𝑒 150

𝑀 32.16
⸫ Shift of the pressure line = = m = 0.15 m = 150 mm.
𝑃 214.4
Internal Resisting
Couple Method
Problem-22: Calculate the resultant thrust by Internal resisting couple method.
F = 7000 KN, eccentricity at mid span is 800 mm and concentric in support. The
wall is of uniform thickness of 200 mm and the live load moment at mid span of
40 m span is 2000 KN-m.

1200 mm

200 mm 200 mm

1800 mm
e = 800 mm
 1200 mm

Solution: 𝐴𝑐 = 1.2 x 1.8 – 0.8 x 1.4 200 mm 200 mm

= 1.04 𝑚2

1800 mm
𝑀𝐿𝐿 = 2000 KN-m

e = 800 mm
F = 7000 KN
e = 800 mm
Self weight = 1.04 x 24 = 24.96 KN/m
24.96 𝑥 402
𝑀𝐷𝐿 = = 4992 KN-m
8

⸫ Total Moment, M = 4992 + 2000 = 6992 KN-m

6992
Lever arm, a = = 0.99 m
7000

⸫ 𝑒 ′ = a – e = 0.99-0.8 = 0.19 m
 1.2 x 1.83 0.8 x 1.43
I= -
12 12

= 0.4 m4
F Fe′ y 7000 7000 x 0.19 x 0.9
fsup = + = +
A I 1.04 0.4

= 6730.77 + 2992.5 = 9723.27 KN/mm2

F Fe′ y 7000 7000 x 0.19 x 0.9
finf = − = -
A I 1.04 0.4

= 6730.77 - 2992.5 = 3738.27 KN/mm2