Structural Engineering Notes

Various Systems of Pre-Stressing, Applications, and Uses of Pre-Stressed

Concrete

Pre-stressing is a technique used in concrete structures to enhance their strength and performance

by inducing compressive stresses into the concrete before it is subjected to external loads. The

systems of pre-stressing primarily include pre-tensioning, post-tensioning, and external

pre-stressing. In pre-tensioning systems, high-strength steel tendons are stretched and anchored at

fixed ends before the concrete is poured. Once the concrete hardens, the tension is released,

transferring the compressive forces to the concrete. This system is predominantly used for precast

concrete members, such as railway sleepers, electric poles, and beams. On the other hand, in

post-tensioning systems, the tendons are stressed after the concrete has been cast and hardened.

Ducts are placed within the concrete structure to allow tendons to pass through, and these tendons

are stressed using hydraulic jacks, followed by anchoring. Post-tensioning is ideal for long-span

structures like bridges, slabs, and large roof trusses. External pre-stressing is another method where

the tendons are placed outside the structural section, which makes it easy to maintain and replace

the tendons without disturbing the structure. This system is commonly used in the retrofitting and

strengthening of older structures.

The applications of pre-stressed concrete are vast in the construction industry due to its economic

and structural advantages. In bridges, pre-stressed girders allow for larger spans without requiring

intermediate supports, reducing construction costs and improving aesthetics. In buildings,

pre-stressed slabs are commonly used as they allow for thinner sections with higher load-carrying

capacities, making the floors lightweight and efficient. Circular water tanks and silos also benefit

from pre-stressing, as it allows the concrete to resist hoop stresses caused by internal water

pressure. Additionally, industrial structures such as large-span roofs, factory floors, and cooling

towers utilize pre-stressing for better performance and durability. Overall, pre-stressed concrete
offers improved crack resistance, higher load-bearing capacity, and greater longevity, making it an

essential technique in modern structural engineering.

In pre-stressed concrete structures, the tendon profile plays a critical role in optimizing structural

performance and ensuring efficient load distribution. The term "tendon profile" refers to the shape or

alignment of the tendons within the concrete member. Tendons can be straight, parabolic,

trapezoidal, or circular, depending on the structural requirements and the nature of the applied

loads. A straight tendon profile is often used in simple pre-tensioned members such as small beams

or slabs where the loading is uniform, and there is no significant bending moment variation. It is the

easiest profile to design and implement. The parabolic tendon profile is the most common in

post-tensioned beams and girders because it efficiently balances the applied bending moments. In

this profile, the tendon is placed eccentrically, curving toward the tension zone, which counteracts

the external tensile stresses induced by loads. This reduces deflection and cracking under service

loads.

A trapezoidal tendon profile is employed where the loading is uneven or the support conditions vary,

as it provides flexibility in adjusting the pre-stress forces to match the bending moment diagram. For

structures with circular or cylindrical geometries, such as water tanks and silos, a circular tendon

profile is used to resist hoop stresses effectively, ensuring the structure remains stable under

pressure. The selection of the tendon profile depends on factors such as the span length, loading

conditions, and the type of pre-stressing system (pre-tensioning or post-tensioning). An optimized

tendon profile ensures that the pre-stress forces effectively counteract the external forces, thereby

reducing deflections and preventing the development of cracks in the concrete. Tendon profiles are

also designed to minimize material usage and enhance the structural efficiency of the member.
Deflections, Flexural, and Shear Modes Observed in Pre-Stressed Concrete

Deflection, flexural failure, and shear failure are critical behaviors observed in pre-stressed concrete

members. Deflections in pre-stressed structures are reduced significantly compared to ordinary

reinforced concrete members due to the upward camber introduced by pre-stressing. This upward

curvature counteracts the downward deflection caused by live and dead loads, making pre-stressed

concrete particularly suitable for long-span structures where excessive deflections can compromise

functionality. However, long-term deflections can still occur due to creep and shrinkage of concrete

over time, which must be accounted for in design.

Flexural modes of failure in pre-stressed concrete occur when the member cannot resist bending

stresses. These failures can be classified into two main types: concrete crushing and steel yielding.

Concrete crushing occurs when the compressive stresses in the concrete exceed its strength,

resulting in a brittle failure. This is more common in under-reinforced sections. In contrast, steel

yielding failure occurs when the steel tendons yield first, leading to a ductile mode of failure. Proper

design ensures that failure occurs in a controlled and predictable manner to avoid sudden collapse.

Shear modes of failure are another concern in pre-stressed concrete beams. Web shear failure

occurs when high shear forces cause diagonal cracks in the web region of the beam, often near

supports. This failure is brittle and sudden, posing a significant risk to structural integrity. Another

type, flexural shear failure, arises from the combined effects of bending and shear stresses. The

cracks in this mode typically initiate in the flexural tension zone and propagate diagonally toward the

compression zone. To prevent shear failures, adequate shear reinforcement in the form of stirrups

or inclined tendons is provided. Understanding these deflections and failure modes is essential for

ensuring that pre-stressed concrete structures are designed to achieve strength, serviceability, and

safety under various loading conditions.