Ten Commandments for the prestressed concrete engineer (Adapted from Leonhardt, 1964)

In the design office

1. Prestressing means compressing the concrete. Compression can only take place where shortening is
possible. Make sure that your structure can shorten in the direction of prestressing!
2. Any change in tendon direction produces "radial" forces when the tendon is tensioned. Changes in
the direction of the centroidal axis of the member are associated with "unbalanced forces," likewise
acting transversely to the general direction of the member. Remember to take these forces into
account in the calculations and structural design.
3. The high permissible compressive stresses must not be fully used regardless of the circumstances!
Choose cross-sectional dimension of the concrete, especially at the tendons, in such a way that the
member can be properly concreted - otherwise the laborers on the job will not be able to place and
consolidate the concrete correctly, which is essential to prestressed concrete construction.
4. Avoid tensile stresses under dead load and do not trust the tensile strength of concrete.
5. Provide non-tensioned reinforcement preferably in a direction transverse to the prestressing
direction and, more particularly, in those regions where the prestressing forces are transmitted to the
concrete.

On the construction site

6. Prestressing steel is a superior material to ordinary reinforcing steel and is sensitive to rusting,
notches, kinks, and heat. Treat it with proper care. Position the tendons accurately, securely, and
immovably held in the lateral direction, otherwise friction will take its toll.
7. Plan your concreting program in such a way that the concrete everywhere be properly consolidated,
and deflections of scaffolding will not cause cracking of the young concrete. Carry out the concreting
with the greatest possible care, as defects in the concreting are liable to cause trouble during the
tensioning of the tendons.
8. Before tensioning, check that the structure can move and shorten freely in the direction of
tensioning. Make it a rule to always cover high pressure hydraulic lines and never stand in the line of
the tendon during stressing.
9. Tension the tendons in long members at an early stage, but at first only apply part of the prestress to
produce a moderate compressive stress, which prevents cracking in the concrete due to shrinkage and
temperature. Do not apply the full prestress force until the concrete has developed sufficient strength.
The highest stresses in the concrete usually occur during the tensioning of the tendons. When
tensioning, always check the tendon elongation and the jacking force. Keep careful records of the
tensioning operations.
10. Do no start grouting of tendons until you have checked that the ducts are free from obstructions
and water. Perform the grouting strictly in accordance with the relevant directives and specifications.