PRESTRESSED

CONCRETE
BASIC CONCEPTS OF PRESTRESSED
CONCRETE

By: Saumyajit Basu

Stream: CE
Semester: 7th
Year: 4th
University Roll No.: 10901322007
 01 INTRODUCTION

02 PRINCIPLES OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

LIST OF 03 MATERIALS USED IN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

04 TYPES OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

CONTENTS 05 APPLICATIONS OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
06 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
POPULAR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
07 STRUCTURES

08 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE TRENDS

 INTRODUCTION

Prestressed concrete is a form of concrete where internal

stresses are introduced before it is subjected to external loads.
This is achieved by tensioning steel tendons within the concrete,
which counteracts tensile stresses that would otherwise cause
cracking. Prestressing enhances the performance of concrete in
structural applications, allowing it to span longer distances, carry
higher loads, and remain more durable under service conditions.
 Principles of Prestressed Concrete
High-Strength Materials Prestressing Process Compression of Concrete

Principle: Prestressed concrete requires Principle: The process of prestressing Principle: By applying tension to the
the use of high-strength materials, both involves tensioning the steel tendons steel tendons, compressive stress is
for the concrete and the steel tendons. within the concrete before the application induced in the concrete. This
The concrete must have high compressive of external loads. This can be done compressive force helps to balance the
strength to withstand the compressive through pre-tensioning or post-tensioning tensile stresses that occur when the
forces introduced during prestressing, methods. Pre-tensioning involves structure is subjected to external loads,
while the steel tendons must have high tensioning the tendons before the preventing cracks and increasing the
tensile strength to bear the stress without concrete is cast, while post-tensioning structural integrity of the concrete.
yielding. involves tensioning the tendons after the Application: The compression ensures
Application: The use of these materials concrete has hardened. that the concrete remains in a
ensures that the concrete can effectively Application: This process introduces compressed state even under service
handle the stresses applied during the internal compressive forces that loads, reducing the likelihood of tensile
prestressing process and in service. counteract the tensile forces that would cracks forming.
typically cause cracking.
 Principles of Prestressed Concrete
Improved Performance Economic Efficiency Reduction of Structural Depth

Principle: Prestressing enhances the Principle: Although the initial cost of Principle: Prestressing allows for the
overall performance of concrete prestressing is higher due to the design of slimmer, lighter structural
structures. By counteracting the tensile specialized materials and processes elements by reducing the required
stresses, prestressed concrete involved, the long-term benefits include depth of beams, slabs, and other
elements can carry higher loads, span reduced maintenance costs, longer components. This is due to the ability of
greater distances, and exhibit better service life, and the ability to use less the prestressed concrete to handle
durability and crack resistance material for the same or greater greater loads with less material.
compared to conventional reinforced structural capacity. This results in Application: The reduced structural
concrete. overall economic efficiency. depth can lead to savings in material
Application: This leads to more efficient Application: Prestressed concrete costs, reduced weight, and more
and longer-lasting structures, such as structures can be more cost-effective aesthetically pleasing designs, with less
bridges, buildings, and industrial over their lifetime, especially in large- visual bulk and more open space in
facilities. scale or heavily loaded structures. architectural applications.
 High-Strength Concrete Anchors
Devices used to secure the
Provides the compressive
tendons at the ends of the
strength needed to withstand
concrete members, essential for
the internal forces introduced
transferring the prestressing
during prestressing.
forces..

High-Tensile Steel Tendons Ducts

Includes wires, strands, or bars Materials Tubular channels within which
that are tensioned to apply Used in the tendons are placed in post-
compressive forces to the tensioning systems, allowing for
Prestressed
concrete. the tensioning process.
Concrete

Grout Formwork
Used in post-tensioning systems Temporary structures used to
to fill ducts around the tendons, shape and support the concrete
bonding them to the concrete until it sets and gains sufficient
and protecting them from strength.
corrosion.
TYPES OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Pre-Tensioning
Description: Steel tendons are tensioned before
the concrete is cast. Once the concrete has set
and gained sufficient strength, the tendons are
released, transferring the stress to the concrete.
Usage: Common in precast concrete elements
like beams and slabs.

Post-Tensioning
Description: Tendons are placed in ducts within
the concrete and tensioned after the concrete
has cured. The tendons are anchored at the ends,
and the ducts are usually filled with grout to bond
the tendons to the concrete.
Usage: Often used in cast-in-situ construction,
such as in large slabs and bridge components.
 APPLICATIONS OF PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Prestressed concrete is a construction method that enhances the strength and durability of
structures by applying internal stresses to counteract external loads.

1 2 3 4 5 6

BRIDGES BUILDINGS WATER TANKS RAILWAY NUCLEAR STADIUMS AND

SLEEPERS CONTAINMENT ARENAS
Enables longer spans Used in floor slabs and Circular prestressed
with fewer supports, beams to create larger tanks resist internal Provides durable and Used in structures to Supports large roofs
ideal for highway and open spaces with pressure, minimizing stable support for withstand high and seating areas with
pedestrian bridges. fewer interior columns. cracks. railroad tracks. pressures and prevent minimal columns,
radiation leaks. improving visibility.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete
Advantages Disadvantages

1. High Load Capacity:Can support heavier loads due to 1. Higher Initial Cost:More expensive due to the need for
the counteracting internal stresses. high-strength materials and specialized processes.
2. Longer Spans:Enables longer spans without additional 2. Complexity:Requires specialized design and
supports, ideal for bridges and large spaces. construction skills, increasing labor costs.
3. Crack Resistance:Minimizes cracks by keeping concrete 3. Material Availability:High-strength materials may not be
in compression, improving durability. readily available everywhere.
4. Material Efficiency:Requires less material, leading to 4. Time-Consuming:The tensioning process can add time
lighter, more economical structures. to the construction schedule.
5. Versatility:Suitable for a wide range of applications, 5. Brittle Failure Risk:If not properly designed, the structure
from bridges to tanks. could fail suddenly.
6. Lower Maintenance:Enhanced durability leads to fewer 6. Difficult Modifications:Alterations and repairs are more
repairs and lower long-term costs. challenging compared to conventional concrete.
 Sydney Opera Sunshine Skyway Marina Bay Sands Magdalena Ridge
House, Australia Bridge, USA Hotel, Singapore Observatory
Description: The Sydney Description: The Sunshine Description: The Marina Bay Interferometer
Opera House is renowned Skyway Bridge in Florida is Sands is a famous hotel (MROI), USA
complex with a unique design Description: The MROI in
for its unique shell-like a cable-stayed bridge that
that includes three towers New Mexico uses prestressed
design. Its roof structure uses prestressed concrete
connected by a massive concrete for its telescope
uses prestressed concrete segments. These segments
rooftop sky park. The bases. These bases require
ribs, which allowed for the are precast and then post-
structure employs high precision and stability,
creation of the complex, tensioned together,
prestressed concrete for its which prestressed concrete
curved shapes that define allowing for long spans provides by minimizing cracks
load-bearing elements,
the building’s iconic over the Tampa Bay. and deformations.
allowing for the dramatic
appearance. Significance: Prestressed overhang of the sky park. Significance: This structure
Significance: This structure concrete's ability to create Significance: Prestressed highlights the use of
showcases the versatility of long spans with minimal concrete enabled the prestressed concrete in
prestressed concrete in supports is critical in bridge construction of this daring scientific applications where
achieving complex construction, especially in architectural feat, known for stability and precision are
architectural forms. challenging environments. its engineering complexity. critical.
Conclusion and
Future Trends
Prestressed concrete has revolutionized structural engineering
by enhancing load capacity, extending spans, and improving
durability through internal compressive stresses. As the industry
evolves, future trends are focusing on sustainability by
integrating eco-friendly materials and advanced cements,
adopting high-performance materials like fiber-reinforced
polymers, and incorporating smart technologies for real-time
monitoring. Innovations such as 3D printing, high-strength
concrete mixtures, and modular construction are set to further
advance prestressed concrete, making it more efficient,
adaptable, and environmentally friendly.
THANK
YOU VERY
MUCH!