A PROFESSOR'S PERSPECTIVE

SECONDARY
MOMENT EFFECTS
in Continuous Prestressed Concrete Beams
by Dr. Andrea Schokker, University of Minnesota Duluth

T he topic of secondary moment

effects in continuous prestressed
concrete beams is one that can be
is applied without external loads, the
reactions remain zero.
However, the case is different for an
due to the prestressing force directly
by applying the equivalent uniform
load due to the tendon profile and
tough to understand at first (or so it indeterminate structure such as a constructing the moment diagram.
seems, based on the looks I get when continuous beam. Figure 1 (bottom)
I first introduce the topic in class). shows the same beam with an The primary moment M1 is simply the
Perhaps we need some solid, practical intermediate support added. Now, the prestressing force multiplied by the
understanding of how prestressed reactions are affected and the center eccentricity, or:
concrete beams behave before we support keeps the beam from taking M1 = Pe
can really have a feel for how these its preferred deflected shape. This hold-
moments are induced. In this column, down reaction induces a moment— where
I will do my best to give a short specifically, a secondary moment.
introduction to the topic for those P = prestressing force
familiar with prestressed concrete. So, what does a secondary moment
Most prestressed concrete textbooks mean for my calculations? e = eccentricity of the tendon relative
and post-tensioned multispan design to the center of gravity of the
examples cover the topic in more detail. The secondary moment M 2 can be cross section
found by subtracting the primary
What are secondary moments, and prestressing moment M1 (the moment For the example shown in Fig. 2, the
why do I have to deal with them in due to the prestressing force applied at ends of the tendon are located at
continuous beams but not simply an eccentricity) from the total moment the center of gravity of the section.
supported beams? due to the prestressing force Mtotal PS : As expected, the secondary moment
diagram has the shape of a moment
To answer this question, consider a M2 = Mtotal PS – M1 diagram from a point load (the
simply supported prestressed concrete reaction). The moment diagrams can
beam such as the one shown in Fig. 1 Figure 2 shows a generic illustration of be taken from an analysis program, but
(top). You can visualize the deflected each of the components of moment the moment-distribution method can be
shape due to prestressing directly or due to the prestressing force. The top a useful tool for hand calculations (this
think of the prestress force as a uniform beam shows a typical tendon profile for is when my students groan, but hand
load acting upward on the beam. a multispan, post-tensioned concrete calculations really are a quick method
Either way, this beam is determinant, beam. A uniform load representing for continuous beams).
which means the reaction forces can this profile can be developed, but a
be calculated by equilibrium alone, simplified tendon profile is used in this For stress calculations, the total
and when the prestressing force (load) case. We can find the total moment moment due to prestressing force is all
we need. However, when we consider
Figure 1. Deflected shapes of determinate and indeterminate beams under prestress.
the required capacity of the section,
The top figure shows the curvature due to prestress for a simply supported member.
øMn, we need to consider the effect of
The bottom figure shows the curvature and induced reaction due to prestress for a
the secondary moment separated out
continuous beam. All Figures: Dr. Andrea Schokker.
because this will influence the factored
moment Mu:

øMn ≥ Mu – M2
1a: curvature due to prestress (simply supported)
The secondary moment can reduce the
required capacity of the section if its
effect is the opposite of the effect due
to the external loads (such as live and
dead loads). As with any calculation, do
not use the equations blindly without
considering the effect of signs.
1b: curvature and induced reaction due to prestressed (continuous)

34 | ASPIRE Summer 2018

 Figure 2. Example of a two-span post-tensioned beam to demonstrate secondary moment. Moments are plotted on tension side, and
figures are not to scale.

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