Prestressed concret structure

Q1: Explain the prestressing systems and differences between them. Advantages and
disadvantages
Prestressing is a technique used in structural engineering to improve the performance and
durability of concrete structures. It involves applying a compressive force to the concrete
element before it is loaded, to counteract the tensile stresses that will be induced during service.
The compressive force is typically applied using steel tendons, which are anchored at the ends
of the concrete element.
There are two main types of prestressing systems: pre-tensioning and post-tensioning.
Pre-tensioning: In pre-tensioning, the steel tendons are tensioned before the concrete is poured.
The tendons are anchored at one end of the concrete form and stretched to the required tension.
Once the concrete has been poured and has gained sufficient strength, the tendons are released,
and the compressive force is transferred to the concrete. The advantages of pre-tensioning are:
 High-quality concrete can be used as the concrete can be cast in a controlled
environment.
 The compressive force can be accurately controlled, leading to a more efficient use of
materials.
 It is suitable for producing long spans and large structures.
The disadvantages of pre-tensioning are:
 The process requires specialized equipment and skilled labor.
 The fabrication and transportation of pre-tensioned members can be more difficult than
post-tensioning.
Post-tensioning: In post-tensioning, the steel tendons are tensioned after the concrete has been
poured and has gained sufficient strength. The tendons are anchored at the ends of the concrete
element and are then tensioned using hydraulic jacks. The advantages of post-tensioning are:
 It is suitable for both precast and in-situ concrete structures.
 It is more flexible and can be used to adjust the tension in the tendons after the concrete
has been cast.
 It is less sensitive to cracking during construction.
The disadvantages of post-tensioning are:
 The quality of the concrete used is critical, as the strength of the concrete needs to be
sufficient to resist the tension induced by the tendons.
 The compressive force is not as accurately controlled as in pre-tensioning.
 It may require additional work to cut the tendons after the concrete has been cast.
In summary, both pre-tensioning and post-tensioning are effective methods of prestressing
concrete structures, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the
project. Pre-tensioning is suitable for producing long spans and large structures, while post-
tensioning is more flexible and can be used for both precast and in-situ concrete structures. The
advantages and disadvantages of each method should be carefully considered before selecting
the most appropriate prestressing system.
Q2: Effective prestressing force. Loss of prestressing stress in pre-tensioned and post-
tensioned systems
The effective prestressing force is the force that remains in the tendons after all losses have occurred.
The loss of prestressing stress in pre-tensioned and post-tensioned systems can be divided into two
main categories: immediate losses and long-term losses.

Immediate losses: Immediate losses occur as soon as the prestressing force is applied to the tendons.
They include:

 Friction losses: These occur due to the friction between the tendons and the surrounding
concrete. Friction losses are greater in pre-tensioned systems as the tendons are fully
embedded in the concrete, while in post-tensioned systems, the tendons are typically housed
in ducts, which reduces friction losses.
 Anchorage losses: These occur at the anchorages where the tendons are fixed to the concrete.
They are greater in pre-tensioned systems as the anchorages are typically larger and more
complex.

Long-term losses: Long-term losses occur over time and include:

 Creep: This is the gradual deformation of the concrete under sustained load. Creep causes the
tendons to lose their prestressing force over time.
 Shrinkage: This is the reduction in volume of the concrete as it dries out. Shrinkage causes the
tendons to lose their prestressing force over time.
 Relaxation: This is the loss of tension in the steel tendons over time due to the elastic
properties of the steel.

The total loss of prestressing force is the sum of the immediate and long-term losses. The effective
prestressing force is the initial prestressing force minus the total loss of prestressing force.

In pre-tensioned systems, the total loss of prestressing force is typically higher than in post-tensioned
systems, due to the greater friction losses and anchorage losses. However, pre-tensioning can result
in higher initial prestressing forces, which can offset some of the losses.

In post-tensioned systems, the losses are generally lower, due to the use of ducts to house the tendons,
which reduces friction losses, and the ability to adjust the tension in the tendons after the concrete
has been cast, which reduces the effects of creep and shrinkage.

In summary, both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned systems experience losses of prestressing force
due to friction, anchorage, creep, shrinkage, and relaxation. The effective prestressing force is the
initial prestressing force minus the total loss of prestressing force. While pre-tensioned systems
typically experience higher losses, they can result in higher initial prestressing forces, which may be
advantageous in certain applications. Post-tensioned systems offer greater flexibility and adjustability,
which can be beneficial in situations where long-term performance is a concern.
Q3: Describe briefly the design of pre-tensioned structures according to Eurocode 2 (ULS
and SLS design).
The design of pre-tensioned structures according to Eurocode 2 involves both ultimate limit state (ULS)
and serviceability limit state (SLS) design.

For ULS design, the structure is checked for its strength and stability under the most severe loading
conditions expected during its lifetime. The design process involves the following steps:

 Determination of loads: The loads acting on the structure, such as dead load, live load, wind
load, and earthquake load, are determined according to the Eurocode 1.
 Determination of prestressing force: The prestressing force required to resist the loads is
determined based on the principles of equilibrium and compatibility.
 Design of cross-section: The cross-section of the structure is designed to resist the loads and
the prestressing force. The design should ensure that the concrete and steel stresses are within
the permissible limits specified in the Eurocode 2.
 Verification of ULS criteria: The ULS criteria, such as bending moment capacity, shear capacity,
and deflection, are checked for the structure. If the criteria are met, the structure is considered
safe under the given loading conditions.

For SLS design, the structure is checked for its durability, serviceability, and aesthetics. The design
process involves the following steps:

 Determination of serviceability loads: The serviceability loads, such as creep, shrinkage,

temperature, and moisture, are determined based on the Eurocode 1 and the relevant national
annex.
 Verification of SLS criteria: The SLS criteria, such as cracking, deflection, and vibration, are
checked for the structure. If the criteria are met, the structure is considered to have acceptable
serviceability under the given loading conditions.

In summary, the design of pre-tensioned structures according to Eurocode 2 involves the

determination of loads, prestressing force, and cross-section, as well as the verification of ULS and SLS
criteria. The design process ensures that the structure is safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Q4: Design and execution of prestressed floor systems (design principles, ultimate and serviceability
limit states, technology)

The design and execution of prestressed floor systems involves several key principles and steps:

 Determination of loads: The loads that will act on the floor system are determined according
to relevant standards and codes.
 Design of prestressing tendons: The prestressing tendons are designed based on the loads,
span, and other factors. The tendons are typically arranged in a grid pattern and anchored at
the ends of the floor system.
 Design of cross-section: The cross-section of the floor system is designed to resist the loads
and the prestressing force. The cross-section should be adequate in terms of strength and
stiffness.
 Determination of camber: The camber, or upward curvature, of the floor system is determined
to ensure that the floor remains level under service loads.
 Casting of the floor: The floor system is cast with the prestressing tendons in place. The
tendons are tensioned after the concrete has gained sufficient strength.
 Monitoring of tensioning: The tensioning of the tendons is monitored to ensure that the
desired prestressing force is achieved. The tensioning is typically done using hydraulic jacks.
  Transfer of prestressing force: The prestressing force is transferred to the concrete through
the anchors at the ends of the floor system.
 Finishing of the floor: The floor system is finished with a layer of screed or topping to provide
a level and smooth surface.

In terms of limit states, the ultimate limit state (ULS) and serviceability limit state (SLS) are checked
during the design and execution of the floor system. The ULS checks ensure that the floor system can
withstand the expected loads and prestressing force without failing. The SLS checks ensure that the
floor system meets the requirements for deflection, cracking, and other serviceability criteria.

Overall, prestressed floor systems offer several advantages over conventional reinforced concrete
floor systems, including increased span-to-depth ratios, reduced deflections, and improved crack
control. However, the design and execution of prestressed floor systems require careful consideration
of the principles and steps outlined above to ensure that the system performs as expected.