CSE30310 Design of Concrete Structures

Lecture 12: Prestressed Concrete 2

Ir Prof Jian-Guo Dai

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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Outline of the lecture

• Prestress loss
• Deflection calculation
• Ultimate limit state design: flexure
• Ultimate limit state design: shear

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Prestress loss
Prestressing force is applied to tendons at their ends and the
stressing operation is the only time that this force is measured.

• The actual force at any section of the tendon will be less than the
force applied at the ends.

• The reduction in force is due to a number of factors dependent

both on the material properties and the geometric profile of the
tendon.

• It should be noted that the load applied to a tendon is dependant

on the characteristics of the jack employed. It is therefore essential
that the jack should be regularly calibrated so that the force
actually applied to the tendon can be known with confidence.
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Prestress loss
Loss of prestressing take places due to
1. Elastic shortening of the member
2. Creep of concrete under sustained compression
3. Relaxation of the prestressing steel under sustained tension
4. Shrinkage of the concrete
The elastic shortening is less when post-tensioning is used because of
the sequential stressing procedure.
Creep and shrinkage losses depends to a large extent on the
properties of the concrete especially the maturity at the time of
stressing.
The total losses of the above 4 causes are usually at 20-30% of the
initial prestress force.
There are other losses such as frictional loss between and strand and
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the duct, and loss due to slip of mechanical anchorage.
Prestress loss
Elastic shortening

If the transfer force is P0 and the force after elastic losses is P’

then
P ' = P0 − loss in force
and the corresponding concrete stress at the level of tendon
P ' ( P ' e)e
fc = + + f ( wd )
A I
where f(wd) is the stress due to self-weight which is small and
may be neglected. Hence
P'  e 2 A 
f c = 1 + 
A I 
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Prestress loss
The concrete strain = fc/Ec, which equals to the reduction in steel
strain. Therefore the reduction in steel stress is
fc
× Es = α e ⋅ f c
Ec
Thus, loss in prestress force = α e ⋅ f c ⋅ Ast
where Ast = area of tendons.
Therefore, P' e2 A
P ' = P0 − α e f c Ast = P0 − α e Ast (1 + )
A I
P0
which can be re-arranged to P' =
Ast  e 2 A 
1+ αe 1 + 
A  I 
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Prestress loss
The above equation applies to pre-tensioned construction.
In post-tensioned construction, the stressing is sequential and the
loss is smaller. An approximate estimation is by assuming a 50%
of the above loss, which leads to

P0
P' =
Ast  e 2 A 
1 + 0.5α e 1 + 

A  I 

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Prestress loss
Creep of concrete
Creep of concrete under sustained compressive stress causes another
stress loss.
Similar to elastic shortening, it is the stress in the concrete at the level
of the tendon which is important.
The definition of the creep coefficient is given by
ε creep ε creep
φ= =
ε ini. elastic
( f c / Ec )
The creep coefficient is affected by aggregate properties, mix design,
curing conditions, age at first loading, duration of the loading and
section dimension. Design values are provided in HK2013.
Loss of stress = f φ
ε creep × Es = φ c ⋅ Es = ⋅ Es ⋅ f c = scs ⋅ Es ⋅ f c
Ec Ec
Where scs = φ / Ec, the specific creep strain.
Prestress loss
P'  e2 A 
Substitute f c = 1 + , which is obtained from the
A  I 
previous section, into the above equation, we get

P'  e2 A 
Loss of prestress force = Es Ast 1 +  ⋅ scs
A I 

Shrinkage of concrete

Loss of prestress force due to a shrinkage strain εsh = Es Ast ε sh

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Prestress loss
Relaxation of steel
Despite developments in the technology of prestressing steel
manufacture, relaxation of wire or strand under sustained tension
still produce significant loss of prestressing force.
The loss depends on
• Type of prestressing (post-tension or pretension)
• Properties of steel
• Method of construction
• Ratio of initial tendon load to its breaking load

Usually this loss is about 8-10% of the tendon load after transfer.

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Prestress loss
Friction in ducts (post-tensioning only) (Page 182 of HK2013)
When post-tensioned cable is stressed, it will move relative to the
duct and friction will tend to resist this movement. The friction
reduces prestress force at positions remote from the jacking
point.
1. Due to unintentional profile variation
‘Wobble’ effects in straight ducts will usually be present.
If P0=jack force, and
Px=cable force at distance x from jack,
Then P = P ⋅ e − kx
x 0
where e = base of Napierian logs (2.718)
k = constant, depending on duct characteristics and construction
procedure.
Prestress loss
2. Due to designed curvature of duct Variation of cable force is given
by − µx / rps
Px = P0 ⋅ e
where µ = coefficient of friction,
γps = radius of curvature of the duct.

If the curvature is not constant, the duct profile must be subdivided

into segments, each assumed to have a constant γps. P0 is taken as
the force of a segment close to the jacking end of the section and
x the length of the segment. Px is the force at the end of the
current segment remote from the jack which becomes P0 for the
next segment and so on.

Jacking from both ends will reduce friction.

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Deflection calculation
The deflection of prestressed members must always be checked.
• Calculation of deflection is based on un-cracked section for class
1 and 2 members
• Calculation for class 3 members can also be based on un-cracked
section if the stress limit specified in HK2004 is satisfied.
Otherwise the deflection check should be based on that for RC
members.
• The limit on deflection is similar to that for RC members. In
addition it should also satisfy limit on upward deflection which is
normally span/350 or 20mm.
• In general, the calculation of deflection is based on elastic
theory, i.e. from the double integration of d2y
M ( x) = EI
dx 2
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Deflection calculation
A few common cases for simply supported member of span L:

1. Deflection due to UDL (uniform distributed load)

The mid-span deflection due to an UDL w is
5 wL4
y=
384 EI

2. Due to moment caused by a straight tendon with eccentricity e

below centroid
ML2 P ⋅ e ⋅ L2
M = − Pe = constant y= =−
8 EI 8 EI
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 Deflection calculation
Due to a symmetrical parabolic tendon without eccentricity (ecc)
at both ends

e bending moment is given by M = − Pex

cause the ex is parabolic, the bending moment distribution is
parabolic. We know the bending moment distribution under
UDL for a simply supported beam is also parabolic. Therefore,
the bending due to this ecc is equivalent to that due to UDL, and
the equivalent UDL is given by
1 8 P ⋅ ec
M = we L2 = − Pec or we =
8 L2
Deflection calculation
Therefore, the deflection at mid-span due to parabolic ecc is
5 wL4 5 P ⋅ ec ⋅ L2
y= =−
384 EI 48 EI
4. Due to symmetrical parabolic tendon with ecc at ends

M = P(e0 − ex ) = P ⋅ e0 − P ⋅ ex
Therefore, it is a superposition of cases 2 and 3. Hence,
P ⋅ e0 ⋅ L2 5 P ⋅ e'c ⋅L2
y= −
8 EI 48 EI
End block
In pre-tensioned members, the prestress is transferred to the
concrete by bond over a definite length at each end of the
member. The transfer of stress from tendon to concrete is
gradual.
In post-tensioned members, the prestress is transferred to the
concrete by end plates or anchors. The concentrated anchor
force leads to high-tensile forces at right-angles to the direction
of the tendon.
This tension zone must be heavily reinforced by closed links to stop
it from bursting. Design of this end block zone is based on
empirical methods.

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ULS design for flexure
After pretressing design to satisfy serviceability limit state, a check
must be made to ensure the safety of the structure at ultimate
limit state in terms of both bending and shear.
Bending
• The principles to calculate the ultimate moment is exactly the
same as that for an ordinary reinforced concrete member
except that the initial strain the steel must be taken into
account.
• For bonded tendon, the plane section assumption is used for
both concrete and steel. The stress of tendon is derived from
the relation shown in Fig.3.10 of HK2013.
• For un-bonded tendon, the stress of the tendon and
compression zone depth are given in HK2013 (cl. 12.3.7.3)
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ULS design for flexure
Considering rectangular stress blocks shown below

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ULS design for flexure
The resistance moment of a rectangular beam is easily seen
to be

The above equation applies to both rectangular beams

and to flanged beams in which the neutral axis lies
within the flange.
ULS design for flexure

Definitions of terms

Bonded post-tensioned beam, refer to a beam in which the

space between the tendon and the duct is grouted after
tensioning.

Unbonded post-tensioned beam, refers to a beam in which

the duct or ducts are not grouted.

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ULS design for flexure
For bonded tendons, values of fpb and x may be taken from
the table below (HK2013 Table 12.4):
ULS design for flexure
For unbonded tendons, values of fpb and x may be taken
from Eqs.12.2 and 12.3 from HK2013:
Design effective prestress tendons Characteristic strength of
after all losses the tendons

Normally taken as
the length of the
tendons between
the end
anchorages

Width of the rectangular beam or the

effective width of a flanged beam
ULS design for flexure: a general approach

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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
The corresponding εpb, i.e. the tendon strain at
the ultimate condition may be considered to be
made up of two parts:

εpb = εpe + εpa (4)

the strain due to the effective tendon
prestress after losses

the additional strain produced

by the applied loading

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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
The prestress strain : εpe

= fpe /Es (if the stress is within the elastic limit)

or

determined from fpe in the stress/strain curve.

The additional strain fpa can be evaluated by considering the change

in concrete strain at the level of the tendon.

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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
In general
The average concrete strain
1 /Ec times the concrete prestress at that level at ultimate
at the tendon level condition

εpa = β1 εe + β2 εu (5)

Bond factors

For bonded post-tensioned beams, β1, β2 = 1

For unbonded post-tentioned beams, β1 is often taken as 0.5 and
β2 as ranging [0.1, 0.25]
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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
From the figure of strain distribution, εu may be expressed in

term of εcu, so that

Substitute εpa into Equation 4, it gives

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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
Applying the equilibrium conditions,

Applying the compatibility condition in Eq.8, it gives

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ULS design for flexure: a general approach
There are two unknown variables in Eq.11, namely: fpb and εpb

fpb at the ultimate condition may be determined by solving Eq.11,

with the stress/strain curve for the tendon by trial and error.
• A slope can be assumed first and try a value of εpb and obtain fpb
from Eq.11;
• Obtain fpb from the assumed εpb from the stress/strain curve,
compare the fpb above;
• If so, stop and the fpb and εpb found are correct value;
• or repeat until the two fpb agree
Having found fpb and εpb, Eq.8 can be used to evaluate x, and the
ultimate moment of resistance is given as:

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ULS design for shear
• Calculate the shear force VL and the bending moment M due to the
design ultimate loads.
• Calculate M0, the moment necessary to produce zero stress in the
concrete at the extreme tension fibre:

(12)
Concrete compressive The second The distance of the
stress at the extreme moment of extreme tension fibre
tension fibre due to the area of the from the centroid of the
effective prestressing section beam section
force.
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ULS design for shear

• Compare M with M0:

if M < M0
the section is considered uncracked in flexure
If M > M0
the section is considered cracked

• Adjust the shear force VL as:

Uncracked Section : V = V L – Pe sinβ (20)
(13)
Cracked Section: V = VL - Pe sinβ or VL (21)
(14)
whichever is greater

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ULS design for shear
• Calculate the ultimate shear resistance of un-cracked concrete, Vc0,
• Calculate the ultimate shear resistance of a section cracked in
flexure, Vcr.

Uncracked section: V = VC0

Cracked section: V = Vc0 or Vcr

whichever is lesser

• Check in no case:

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ULS design for shear
Consider a concrete element at the centroidal axis of a beam,
subjected to fc and Vco.

Based on a Mohr circle analysis, it gives the principal tensile stress as:

(15)

or (16)
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ULS design for shear

The above figure shows a beam with a curved tendon profile.

At a typical section, the vertical component of the tendon force Pe
produces a shear force acting on the beam

(17)

where the negative sign is consistent with the sign convention

ULS design for shear
• It is well known that for a rectangular section of width
bc and depth h under a shear force Vco, the shear stress is
calculated as:
(18)
or
(19)

From Eq.26

(20)
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ULS design for shear
For design purpose, HK2013 states that fc should be taken
as 0.8 fcp.
where fcp is the concrete compressive stress at the centroidal axis
due to the effective prestress

Therefore

(21)

And

(22)
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ULS design for shear
HK2013 gives the following empirical equation for the ultimate
shear resistance of a section cracked in flexure:

(23)

where

fpe / fpu = the ratio of the effective tendon prestress to the

characteristic strength of the tendons
Vc = the design shear stress
Mo = the moment to check if cracking exists
V& M = the applied ultimate shear force and moment

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ULS design for shear
vc is given by the following equation:

(24)

Notes:
γm is given as 1.25
100 As /(bvd) should not be greater than 3
As = Aps + Area of any ordinary longitudinal reinforcement
bars
If d > 400mm, d is taken as 400
If fcu > 40 MPa, fcu is taken as 40 39
End of Lecture 12!

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