B.
Requirements for PSC Materials
PSC requires high-strength materials to fully utilize the concepts and
minimize prestress losses.
Material Requirement Details
Concrete High Strength is Strength usually ¿ 50 N/mm 2. Needs high
mandatory early strength for quicker prestress
application. Minimum strength of
20 MPa must be attained before
prestress is applied.
Low Must have a mix design that reduces
Creep/Shrinkag creep to minimize losses.
e
High Elastic Required to reduce the elastic
Modulus ( Ec ) shortening of the member.
Prestressin High Tensile Nominal yield strength between 1550
g Steel Strength and 1800 N/mm2 is common.
Forms Wires, Strands, Tendon is a collection of strands
Tendons, Bars encased in a duct (used in post-
tensioning). Strands (typically 7-wires)
may be galvanized for corrosion
protection. Bars are typically high
strength steel ¿ 20 mm diameter.
C. Advantages (Positive Aspects) of PSC
PSC provides substantial benefits over traditional Reinforced Concrete (RC)
structures, particularly for long spans.
Category Advantage Details
Structural Increased Economical for large spans ( L>1 km ). Slab
Efficiency Span spans: 10−20 m ; T-beam spans: 20−40 m.
Lengths Generally recommended span ≈ 1.5 km.
Reduced Achieves longer and more slender spans,
Section leading to lighter elements.
Size
Full Section The entire concrete cross-section is
Utilization utilized in flexure, unlike RC where the
tension zone is ignored.
Performance Crack Ensures concrete remains uncracked
& Safety Control under heavy loads, essential for liquid
retaining structures, pressure vessels, and
pipes.
Increased Improved durability and fatigue
Durability resistance.
Enhanced Increased shear capacity due to internal
Capacity compression. Better load distribution
mechanism.
Economy & Overall Economical due to reduced number of
Construction Economy bearings and pier/foundation required
because of longer spans. Reduces cost of
construction for large spans.
Aesthetics Improved aesthetics due to slender
members.
D. Disadvantages (Negative Aspects) of PSC
Aspect Disadvantage Details
Cost High Initial Requires specialized equipment
Investment Cost and high quality materials.
Labor/ High Requires highly skilled labor and
Supervision Supervision/Skill technology.
Required
Losses Prestress Losses Losses due to elastic shortening,
creep, shrinkage, friction,
relaxation, and anchorage slip
must be calculated and accounted
for.
Detailing End Zone Requires special design of
Detailing transverse reinforcement
(links/hoops) in the end block to
contain bursting forces generated
by the anchorage system.
E. Prestressing Procedures
Prestressing is achieved primarily through pre-tensioning or post-tensioning
methods.
Method Pre-tensioning Post-tensioning (Site/Cast-
(Factory/Pre-cast) in-situ)
Timing Tendons are tensioned Tendons are tensioned after
before concrete concrete has hardened to
placement. sufficient strength.
Force Tension applied using Tendons are pulled using
Application jacks against end jacks placed against the
abutments/casting bed. hardened concrete
(anchorage arrangement).
Force By bond mechanism By anchorage devices
Transfer between steel and (bearing plates, wedges,
concrete upon cutting the nuts) at the end of the
tendons. section.
Duct/ No ducts required; direct Tendons are placed in
Grouting bond. ducts/sheathing, which are
later grouted to protect the
tendons.
Applications Pre-cast factory-made Suitable for heavy cast-in-
products (e.g., electric place members and larger
poles). Used for small spans (e.g., bridges).
spans.
Procedure Flowchart (Stages)
Stag Pre-tensioning Post-tensioning
e
1 Apply tension to tendons Place cable ducts and reinforcement
against end abutments in the beam mould. Ducts are usually
(prestressing bed). raised toward the Neutral Axis at the
ends to reduce eccentricity.
2 Concrete is cast into the Concrete is cast and allowed to cure
mold around the tensioned until the required strength is reached
tendons. (Minimum 20 MPa).
3 When concrete achieves Tendons are threaded through the
suitable strength, the ducts and tensioned to 70−80 % of
tendons are cut, their ultimate strength.
transferring prestress via
bond.
4 The prestressed member is Wedges are inserted into end
complete. anchorages, releasing the tensioning
force. Grout is pumped into ducts for
protection.