Chap 1 Basic Concepts

1.1 Introduction
Prestressed concrete may be defined as concrete which has been introduced internal stresses of such magnitude that the stresses resulting from given external loadings are countered to a desired degree.

1.2 Stress Control by Prestressing

(stress concept)

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For an unreinforced concrete beam (a) w

ft = f r

If f t = f r = tensile strength of concrete crack failure = modulus of rupture (b) No Eccentricity

Q

@Mid Span If

QL h Mc 3 QL = 4 32 = = fc bh I 2 bh 2 12

P = fc bh The resulting stress @ mid span is fc fc 2 fc

and

(c) Constant eccentricity

ft = fc

0
2Q

e=

h 6

2h 3

At of span (1) Stress due to 2Q

ft = 2 fc

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(2) Stress induced by prestress a. Axial foce P

P = fc bh

b. Moment

Ph 6 Ph h 6 2= P = f c bh3 bh 12

fc

fc

2 fc

Therefore , the total stress distribution is

2 fc

2 fc

ft = 2 fc

2 fc

The stress diagram is the same as case (b) . However , in case (c) the external load is 2Q which is 2 times of case (b) . Therefore ,
** the advantage of eccentric prestressing is obvious .

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(d) Variable eccentricity

e=
h 3

h 6

If = small @ Mid Span , the stress diagram is

2 fc

fc

fc

2 fc

@ ends , the stress diagram is

fc

fc

* The situations @ midspan are exactly the same as case (c) . However , the

stress distributions at other sections may not be the same as case (c) . This is simply because the eccentricity of presstressing is varying along the span of case (d) .
* The "best" tendon profile is the one which produces a prestress moment

diagram corresponding to that of applied load .

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If the prestress countermoment is equal and opposite to the moment from the loads all along the span , the result is a beam that is subject only to uniform axial load . (e)

h 3

@ Midspan

2 fc

fc

fc

@ end

fc

fc

1.3 Equivalent Loads (Balanced Load Concept Moment Balancing)

The vertical alignment of the tendon together with the prestress force acting at the ends of the moment through the tendon anchorage may be looked upon as a system of external forces , in studying the effect of prestressing
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1.4 Overload Behavior and Strength in Flexure ( strength concept )

The aforementioned superposition method requires the beam remain uncracked and both steel & concrete be stressed only within elastic ranges . service load . For overload condition , the beam will be in a partially cracked state , as shown in the above figure . Only the concrete in compression is considered to be effective as the analysis of ordinary reinforced concrete . factored load For flexural failure , the ultimate resisting moment is

Mn = C z = Tz

So far , the view points are involved (1) stress control (2) equivalent transverse load (3) overload strength through an internal force couple .
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1.5 Partial Prestressing

Full Prestressing eliminate tensile stress in member at normal service loading no crack in concrete . Weakness large camber (or negative deflection ) may result . Partial Prestressing concrete tension , usually some flexural cracking , is permitted at full service loading .
* The cracks are small and will close completely when

the load is removed .

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Prestressing Methods
Pretentioned Tendons between external anchorages are stretched before the concrete is placed . Post tensioned Tendons are stressed after the concrete has hardened and achieved sufficient strength , by jacking against the concrete itself .

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Pretensioning (1) High early strength concrete with steam curing to accelerate the hardening of concrete . (2) Prestressing force is transmitted by bond between concrete and tendons , no anchorage is needed ( force is transmitted mostly near the ends of beam ) (3) Hold down and hold up devices are needed to vary the eccentricity . The hold down devices are often embedded in the member .

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Post Tensioning (1) Hollow conduits containing the unstressed tendons are placed in the beam before pouring of the concrete . (2) Conduit is wired to auxiliary beam reinforcement ( unstressed stirrups ) to prevent accident displacement .

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1.7 Change in Prestress Force

The magnitude of prestressing force is not constant during the life of the member (1) instantaneous loss (2) time dependent loss

Jacking force = Pj (1) anchorage ship ( grips seat themself into the steel tendon ) (2) elastic shortening of concrete beam (3) Friction between the steel ( strands ) and conduit ( post tensioned only ) Initial Prestress force = Pi

Instantaneous loss

Time dependent loss ( creep + shrinkage of concrete , relaxation of tendon )

Effective prestress force = Pe

1.8 Loads
( refer to tables & figures in the book ) Service load = the load that structure or member is expected to carry during its service life . Factored load = failure load = a structure must be capable of resisting to ensure an adequate margin of safety against collapse .
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