S.K.P.

Engineering College, Tiruvannamalai IV SEM

SKP Engineering College

Tiruvannamalai – 606611

A Course Material
on
Prestressed Concrete Structures

By

P. Selvarasan
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Department

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Quality Certificate

This is to Certify that the Electronic Study Material

Subject Code: CE 6702

Subject Name: Prestressed Concrete Structures

Year/Sem: IV/VII

Being prepared by me and it meets the knowledge requirement of the University

curriculum.

Signature of the Author

Name: P. Selvarasan

Designation: Assistant Professor

This is to certify that the course material being prepared by Mr.P.Selvarasan is of the
adequate quality. He has referred more than five books and one among them is from
abroad author.

Signature of HD Signature of the Principal

Name: Mr. A. Saravanan Name: Dr.V.Subramania Bharathi

Seal: Seal:

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CE6702 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE STRUCTURES LTPC3003

OBJECTIVES:
To introduce the need for prestressing as well as the methods, types and advantages of
prestressing to the students. Students will be introduced to the design of prestressed
concrete structures subjected to flexure and shear.

UNIT I INTRODUCTION – THEORY AND BEHAVIOUR 9

Basic concepts – Advantages – Materials required – Systems and methods of
prestressing – Analysis of sections – Stress concept – Strength concept – Load
balancing concept – Effect of loading on the tensile stresses in tendons – Effect of
tendon profile on deflections – Factors influencing deflections – Calculation of
deflections – Short term and long term deflections - Losses of prestress – Estimation of
crack width.

UNIT II DESIGN FOR FLEXURE AND SHEAR 9

Basic assumptions for calculating flexural stresses – Permissible stresses in steel and
concrete as per I.S.1343 Code – Design of sections of Type I and Type II post-
tensioned and pre-tensioned beams – Check for strength limit based on I.S. 1343 Code
– Layout of cables in post-tensioned beams – Location of wires in pre-tensioned beams
– Design for shear based on I.S. 1343 Code.

UNIT III DEFLECTION AND DESIGN OF ANCHORAGE ZONE 9

Factors influencing deflections – Short term deflections of uncracked members –
Prediction of long term deflections due to creep and shrinkage – Check for serviceability
limit state of deflection. Determination of anchorage zone stresses in post-tensioned
beams by Magnel‟s method, Guyon‟s method and IS1343 code – design of anchorage
zone reinforcement – Check for transfer bond length in pre-tensioned beams.

UNIT IV COMPOSITE BEAMS AND CONTINUOUS BEAMS 9

Analysis and design of composite beams – Methods of achieving continuity in
continuous beams – Analysis for secondary moments – Concordant cable and linear
transformation – Calculation of stresses – Principles of design.

UNIT V MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES 9

Design of tension and compression members – Tanks, pipes and poles – Partial
prestressing – Definition, methods of achieving partial prestressing, merits and demerits
of partial prestressing.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS

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TEXTBOOKS:
1. Krishna Raju N., "Prestressed concrete", 5th Edition, Tata McGraw Hill Company,
New Delhi, 2012
2. Pandit.G.S. and Gupta.S.P., "Prestressed Concrete", CBS Publishers and
Distributers Pvt. Ltd, 2012.

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CONTENTS

S.No Particulars Page

1 Unit – I 6

2 Unit – II 25

3 Unit – III 58

4 Unit – IV 80

5 Unit – V 112

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Unit 1

Introduction – Theory And Behavior

Part – A

1. List out the advantages of prestressed concrete. (AUC Nov/Dec 2011 & 2012)
In case of fully prestressed member, which are free from tensile stresses under working
loads, the cross section is more efficiently utilized when compared with a reinforced
concrete section which is cracked under working loads.

2. What is meant by pretensioned and post tensioned concrete?

(AUC Nov/Dec 2010 & 2011)
Pre tensioning: A method of Pre stressing concrete in which the tendons are tensioned
before
the concrete is placed. In this method, the prestress is imparted to concrete by bond
between
steel and concrete.
Post tensioning: A method of pre stressing concrete by tensioning the tendons against
hardened concrete. In this method, the prestress is imparted to concrete by bearing.

3. Why is high tensile steel needed for prestressed concrete construction?

(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)
High strength concrete is necessary for prestress concrete as the material offers highly
resistance in tension, shear bond and bearing. In the zone of anchorage the bearing
stresses being hired; high strength concrete is invariably preferred to minimizing the
cost. High strength concrete is less liable to shrinkage cracks and has lighter modulus of
elasticity and smaller ultimate creep strain resulting in a smaller loss of prestress in
steel. The use of high strength concrete results in a reduction in a cross sectional
dimensions of prestress concrete structural element with a reduced dead weight of the
material longer span become technically and economically practicable.
Tensile strength of high tensile steel is in the range of 1400 to 2000 N/mm 2 and if initially
stress upto 1400 N/mm2 their will be still large stress in the high tensile reinforcement

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after making deduction for loss of prestress. Therefore high tensile steel is made for
prestress concrete.

4. What are the various methods of prestressing?

Pre-tensioning
Post-tensioning
5. What are the systems of prestressing? (AUC May/June 2013)
Pre-tensioning system
Post-tensioning system

6. List the loss of prestress. (AUC Nov/Dec 2010 & 2013)

Nature of losses of prestress.
Loss due to elastic deformation of concrete.
Loss due to shrinkage of concrete.
Loss due to creep of concrete.
Loss due to relaxation of stress in steel.
Loss of stress due to friction.
Loss due to anchorage slip.

What are the classifications of prestressed concrete structures? (AUC

7. Nov/Dec 2013)
Externally or internally prestressed
Pretensioning and post tensioning
End-Anchored or Non-End Anchored
Tendons
Bonded or unbonded tendons
Precast, cast-in-place, composite
construction
Partial or full prestressing
8. Define load balancing concept. (AUC Apr/May 2011 & 2012)

It is possible to select cable profiles in a prestressed concrete member such

that the traverse component of the cable force balances the given type of external
loads. This can be readily illustrated by considering the free body of concrete with

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the tendon replaced by forces acting on beam

9. What are the factors influencing deflections? (AUC Apr/May 2011)

Length of the deflection field
Spacing between the deflection plate
Difference of potential between the plates
Accelerating voltage of the second anode.

10. What are the sources of prestress force? (AUC Apr/May 2012)
Mechanical
Hydraulic
Electrical
Chemical

11. Define kern distance. (AUC Apr/May 2010)

Kern is the core area of the section in which if the load applied tension will not be
induced in the section Kt = Zb / A, Kb = Zt / A,
If the load applied at Kt compressive stress will be the maximum at the top most fiber
and zero stress will be at the bottom most fiber. If the load applied at K b compressive
stress will be the maximum at the bottom most fiber and zero stress will be at the top
most fiber.

12. What is Relaxation of steel?

When a high tensile steel wire is stretch and maintained at a constant strain the initially
force in the wire does not remain constant but decrease with time. The decrease of
stress in steel at constant strain is termed relaxation of steel.

13. What is concordant prestressing?

Pre stressing of members in which the cable follow a concordant profile. In case of
statically indeterminate structures. It does not cause any changes in support reaction.

14. Define bonded and non bonded prestressing concrete.

Bonded prestressing: Concrete in which prestress is imparted to concrete through
bond between the tendons and surrounding concrete. Pre tensioned members belong

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to this group.
Non-bonded prestressing: A method of construction in which the tendons are not
bonded to the surrounding concrete. The tendons may be placed in ducts formed in the
concrete members or they may be placed outside the concrete section.

15.Define axial prestressing.

Members in which the entire cross-section of concrete has a uniform compressive
prestress. In this type of prestressing, the centroid, of the tendons coincides with that of
the concrete section.

16. Define prestressed concrete.

It is basically concrete in which internal stresses of a suitable magnitude and
distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from external loads (or)
counteracted to a desire degree in reinforced concrete member the prestress is
commonly introduced by tensioning the steel reinforcement.

17. Define anchorage.

A device generally used to enable the tendon to impart and maintain prestress to
the concrete is called anchorage. E.g. Fressinet, BBRV systems, etc.,

18. What are the main factors for concrete used in PSC?
Ordinary Portland cement-based concrete is used but strength usually greater
than 50 N/mm2;

A high early strength is required to enable quicker application of

prestress; A larger elastic modulus is needed to reduce the
shortening of the member; A mix that reduces creep of the
concrete to minimize losses of prestress;

19.What are the uses of prestressed concrete?

Railway Sleepers;
Communications poles;
Pre-tensioned precast “hollow core” slabs;
Pre-tensioned Precast Double T units - for very long spans (e.g., 16 m span for car
parks);

Pre-tensioned precast inverted T beam for short-span bridges;

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Post-tensioned ribbed slab;

This is “glued segmental” construction;

20.Define Magnel diagram.

A Magnel Diagram is a plot of the four lines associated with the limits on stress. As can
be seen, when these four equations are plotted, a feasible region is found in which
points of 1 P and e simultaneously satisfy all four equations. Any such point then
satisfies all four stress limits.

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Part – B
1. A rectangular prestressed beam 150 mm wide and 300 mm deep is used over
an effective span of 10 m. The cable with zero eccentricity at the supports and
linearly varying to 50 mm at the centre carries an effective prestressing force
of 500 kN. Find the magnitude of the concentrated load located at the centre of
the span for the following conditions at the centre of span section:
a) If the load counteracts the bending effect of the prestressing force
(neglecting self weight of beam) and
b) If the pressure line passes through the upper kern of the section under
the action
of the external load, self weight and prestress. (AUC Nov/Dec 2011, Apr/May 2010)
Solution:

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2. Describe the effect of loading on the tensile stresses in tendons. (AUC Nov/Dec
2011)

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3. A concrete beam of 10 m span, 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep is prestressed

by 3 cables. The area of each cable is 200 mm2 and the initial stress in the cable
is 1200 N/mm2. Cable 1 is parabolic with an eccentricity of 50 mm above the
centroid at the supports and 50 mm below at the centre of span. Cable 2 is also
parabolic with zero eccentricity at supports and 50 mm below the centroid at the
centre of span. Cable 3 is straight with uniform eccentricity of 50 mm below the
centroid. If the cables are tensioned from one end only. Estimate the percentage
loss of stress in each cable due to friction. Assume μ = 0.35 and k = 0.0015 per m.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011)
Solution:

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4. A prestressed concrete beam of section 120 mm wide by 300 mm deep is used

over an effective span of 6 m to support a uniformly distributed load of 4 kN/m,
which includes the self weight of the beam. The beam is prestressed by a straight
cable carrying a force of 180 kN and located at eccentricity of 50 mm. Determine
the location of the thrust line in the beam and plot its position at quarter and
central span section.
(AUC Apr/May 2012) (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013)
Solution:

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5. A rectangular concrete beam 360 mm deep and 200 mm wide is prestressed by

means of fifteen 5 mm diameter wires located 65 mm from the bottom of the beam
and three 5 mm wires, located 25 mm from the top of the beam. If the wires are
initially tensioned to a stress of 840 N/mm2, calculate the percentage loss of
stress due to elastic deformation of concrete only. ES = 210 kN/mm2 and EC =
31.5 kN/mm2. (AUC Nov/Dec 2013)

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6. A prestressed concrete beam, 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep is used over an
effective span of 6 m to support an imposed load of 4 kN/m. the density of
concrete is 24 kN/m3. Find the magnitude of the eccentric prestressing force
located at 100 mm from the bottom of the beam which would nullify the bottom
fibre stress due to loading.
(AUC Apr/May 2011)

7. A pretensioned beam 200 mm x 300 mm is prestressed by 10 wires each of 7

mm diameter, initially stressed to 1200 MPa with their centroids located 100 mm
from the soffit. Estimate the final percentage loss of stress due to elastic

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deformation, creep, shrinkage and relaxation. Assume relaxation of steel stress =

60 MPa, ES = 210 GPa, EC = 36.9 GPa, creep coefficient = 1.6 and residual
shrinkage strain = 3 x 10–4.
(AUC Apr/May 2011)

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8. A concrete beam with a rectangular section, 120 mm wide and 300 mm deep, is
stressed by a straight cable carrying an effective force of 200 kN. The span of the
beam is 6 m. The cable is straight with a uniform eccentricity of 50 mm. if the
beam has an uniformly distributed load of 6 kN/m. EC = 38 kN/mm2. Estimate the
deflection at the centre of span for the following cases:
i. Prestress + self weight of the beam
ii. Prestress + self weight + live load. (AUC Nov/Dec 2010, May/Jun 2013, Apr/May
2010)
Solution:

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9. A simply supported PSC beam of cross section 100 mm wide and 250 mm deep
is loaded with a uniformly distributed load of magnitude 1.2 kN/m on a span of 8
m. Obtain the stress distribution at mid span by stress and strength concept, if
the prestressing force is 250 kN applied eccentrically all along with its centre of
gravity at 40 mm. Assuming the density of concrete as 24 kN/m3. (AUC Nov/Dec
2012)

Solution:

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10. Explain the factors influencing deflections? (AUC Apr/May

2012)

11. What is the necessity of using supplementary or untensioned reinforcement

in prestressed concrete members? (AUC Apr/May 2012)
Reinforcement in prestressed members not tensioned with respect to the
surrounding concrete before the application of loads. These are generally used in
partially prestressed members. The untensioned reinforcement is required in the
cross section of a prestressed member for various reasons such as to resist the
differential shrinkage, temperature effects and handling stresses. Hence this
reinforcement can cater for the serviceability requirements such as control of

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cracking and partially for the ultimate limit state of collapse which can result in
considerable reductions in the costlier high tensile steel. The saving in prestressing
steel contributes to an overall saving in cost of the structure.

Fully prestressed members are prone to excessive upward deflections especially in

bridge structures where dead loads form a major portion of the total service loads
and these deflections may increase with time due to the effect of creep. It is also well
established that fully prestressed members due to their higher rigidity have a lower
energy absorption capacity in comparison with partially prestressed members which
exhibit a ductile behaviour. There is no disadvantage in allowing tensile stress of
about 5 N/mm2 in a concrete where the strains are appropriately guided. High tensile
steel and mild steel have been used as untensioned reinforcement. The present
practice is to use high yield strength deformed bars which are considerably cheaper
than prestressing steel and at the same time have higher yield strength and better
crack control.

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Unit 2

Design For Flexure And Shear

Part – A
(AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec
1. Define partial prestressing. 2011)
The degree of prestress applied to concrete in which tensile stresses to a limited
degree
are permitted in concrete under working load. In this case, in addition to tensioned
steel, a
considerable proportion of untensioned reinforcement is generally used to limit the
width of
cracks developed under service load.

(AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec

2. Mention any two functions of end blocks. 2013)

 Provide Lateral (horizontal) stability from wind and other horizontal (Racking)
loads.

 Provide additional vertical load capacity for the ends of the joists from point
loads above.

3. Define anchorage zone. (AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

Prestressed concrete contains tendons which are typically stressed to about 1000
MPa.
These tendons need to be anchored at their ends in order to transfer (compressive)
force to the
concrete. The zone of region is called Anchorage
zone.

4. How can PSC beam be considered to carry its own(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

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weight?
By providing an external initial stress (the prestress) which compresses the beam.
Now they can only separate if the tensile stress induced by the self weight of the beam
is
greater than the compressive prestress introduced.

5. Mention the advantages of partial prestressing. (AUC Nov/Dec 2012 & 2013)

 Limited tensile stresses are permitted in concrete under service loads with
controls on the maximum width of cracks and depending upon the type of
prestressing and environmental condition.

 Untensioned reinforcement is required in the cross-section of a prestressed

member for various reasons, such as to resist the differential shrinkage,
temperature effects and handling stresses.

 Hence this reinforcement can cater for the serviceability requirements, such
as control of cracking, and partially for the ultimate limit state of collapse
which can result in considerable reduction in the costlier high tensile steel.

 Saving in the cost of overall structure.

6. Write any two assumptions on the compatibility of strains.(AUC Apr/May 2012)

2. The stress distribution in the compression zone of concrete can be defined by

means of coefficients applied to the characteristic compressive strength and
the average compressive strength stress and the position of the centre of
compression can be assessed.

3. The distribution of concrete strain is linear (plane sections normal to axis

remain plane after bending).

4. The resistance of concrete in tension is neglected.

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The maximum compressive strain in concrete at failure reaches a particular

value.

7. What is effective reinforcement ratio? (AUC Apr/May 2012)

Ratio of effective area of reinforcement to the effective area of concrete at any section
of a structural member is known as effective reinforcement
ratio.

8. At initial stage what forces are considered in prestressed concrete design?

(AUC Apr/May 2011)
Prestressing force is considered in prestressed concrete design at initial stage.

Why anchorage zone has to be given special attention in design? (AUC Apr/May
9. 2011)
Because the main reinforcement in the anchorage zone should be designed to withstand
the bursting tension, which is determined by the traverse stress distribution on the
critical axis, usually coinciding with the line of action of the largest individual force.

10. Draw a sketch showing the stress distribution in end block by double anchor
plate.
(AUC Apr/May 2010)

11. Explain conventional failure of an over reinforced prestressed concrete beam.

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(AUC Apr/May 2010)

An Over reinforced members fail by the sudden crushing of concrete. The failure
being reinforced members fail by the sudden crushing of concrete. The failure being
characterized by small deflections and narrow cracks, the area of steel being
comparatively large, the stresses developed in steel at failure of the member may not
reach the tensile strength.

12. What is meant by end block in a post tensioned member? (AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
The zone between the end of the beam and the section where only longitudinal
stress
exists is generally referred to as the anchorage zone or end
block.

13. List any two applications of partial prestressing. (AUC Nov/Dec 2010)

 Used in large diameter concrete pipes

 Used in railway sleepers

 Water tanks

 Precast concrete piles to counter tensile stress during transport and erection.

 Used in bridges construction

14. Define degree of prestressing.

A measure of the magnitude of the prestressing force related to the

resultant stress occurring in the structural member at working load.

15. Define Bursting tension.

The effect of transverse tensile stress is to develop a zone of bursting tension in

a direction perpendicular to the anchorage force resulting in horizontal cracking

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16. Define Proof stress.

The tensile stress in steel which produces a residual strain of 0.2 percent of
the original gauge length on unloading.

17. Define cracking load.

The load on the structural element corresponding to the first visible crack.

18. Define Debonding.

Prevention of bond between the steel wire and the surrounding concrete.

19. Write formula for Moment of resistance in BIS code.

Mu = Apb Aps (d - dn)

20. What are the types of flexural failure?

 Fracture of steel in tension

 Failure of under-reinforced section

 Failure of over-reinforced section

Other modes of failure

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Part – B
1. Explain in detail the concept of strain compatibility method.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

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2. Discuss briefly about the stress distribution in end block. (AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

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3. Discuss in detail about limit state design criteria for prestressed concrete
members.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

4. Explain the inadequacies of the elastic and ultimate load methods in the design
of prestressed concrete members. Discuss on the philosophy of limit state

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design explaining various limit states.

(AUC Apr/May 2011)
Inadequacies of the elastic and ultimate load methods:

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Philosophy of limit state design:

5. The end block of a post tensioned PSC beam 300 mm wide and 300 mm deep is
subjected to a concentric anchorage force of 800 kN by a freyssinet anchorage
system of area 11000 mm2. Design and detail the anchorage reinforcement for the
end block.
(AUC Nov/Dec & Apr/May 2012 & 2010)
Solution:

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6. A pretensioned T – section has a flange 1200 mm wide and 150 mm thick. The
width and depth of rib are 300 mm and 1500 mm respectively. The high tensile
steel has an area 4700 mm2 and is located at an effective depth of 1600 mm. if the
characteristic cube strength of the concrete and the tensile strength of steel are
40 and 1600 N/mm2 respectively; calculate the flexural strength of the T – section.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2013, Apr/May 2010)
Solution:

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7. The end block of a prestressed concrete beam, rectangular in section, is 100

mm wide and 200 mm deep. The prestressing force of 100 kN is transmitted to
concrete by a distribution plate, 100 mm wide and 50 mm deep, concentrically
located at the ends. Calculate the position and magnitude of the maximum tensile
stress on the horizontal section through the center and edge of the anchor plate.
Compute the bursting tension on these horizontal planes.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2013, May/June 2013)
Solution:

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8. A prestressed concrete beam of effective span 16 m is of rectangular section

400 mm wide and 1200 mm deep. A tendon consists of 3300 mm2 of strands of
characteristic strength 1700 N/mm2 with an effective prestress of 910 N/mm2. The
strands are located 870 mm from the top face of the beam. If fcu = 60 N/mm2,
estimate the flexural strength of the section as per British code provisions for the
following cases.
i. Bonded tendons
ii. Unbounded tendons (AUC May/June 2013) (AUC Apr/May 2012)

Solution:

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9. What is meant by partial prestressing? Discuss the advantages and

disadvantages when partial prestressing is done. (AUC Nov/Dec 2010) Partial
prestressing:

The degree of prestress applied to concrete in which tensile stresses to a

limited degree are permitted in concrete under working load. In this case, in addition
to tensioned steel, a considerable proportion of untensioned reinforcement is
generally used to limit the width of cracks developed under service load.
Advantages:
 Limited tensile stresses are permitted in concrete under service loads with
controls on the maximum width of cracks and depending upon the type of
prestressing and environmental condition.
 Untensioned reinforcement is required in the cross-section of a prestressed
member for various reasons, such as to resist the differential shrinkage,
temperature effects and handling stresses Hence this reinforcement can
cater for the serviceability requirements, such as control of cracking, and
partially for the ultimate limit state of collapse which can result in
considerable reduction in the costlier high tensile steel.
 Saving in the cost of overall structure.

Disadvantages:
 The excessive upward deflections, especially in bridge structure where dead
loads from a major portion of the total service loads, and these deflections
may increase with time of creep.

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10. The end block of a post tensioned beam is 80 mm wide and 160 mm deep. A
prestressing wire 7 mm in diameter stressed to 1200 N/mm 2 has to be
anchored against the end block at the centre. The anchorage plate is 50 mm
by 50 mm. the wire bears on the plate through a female cone of 20 mm
diameter. Given the permissible stress in concrete at transfer, fci as 20 N/mm2
and the permissible shear in steel as 94.5 N/mm 2. Determine the thickness of
the anchorage plate. (AUC Nov/Dec 2010)

Solution:

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11. The end block of a prestressed beam 200 mm wide and 300 mm deep has two
freyssinet anchorages (100 mm diameter) with their centres at 75 mm from top
and bottom of the beam. The force transmitted by each anchorage being 200 kN,
estimate the maximum tensile stress and the bursting tension developed.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)

Solution:

12. The end block of a post tensioned prestressed member is 550 mm wide and
550 mm deep. Four cables each made up of 7 wires of 12 mm diameter strands
and carrying a force of 1000 kN are anchored by plate anchorages, 150 mm by
150 mm located with their centres at 125 mm from the edges of the end block. The
cable duct is of 50 mm diameter. The 28 day cube strength of concrete fcu is 45
N/mm2. The cube strength of concrete at transfer fci is 25 N/mm2. Permissible
bearing stresses behind anchorages should confirm with IS: 1343. The
characteristic yield stress in mild steel anchorage reinforcement is 260 N/mm2.
Design suitable anchorages for the end block. (AUC Apr/May
2011)

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Solution:

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13. A post tensioned bonded prestressed concrete beam of rectangular cross

section, 400 mm wide by 550 mm deep, is subjected to a service load bending
moment of 166.6 kNm, torsional moment of 46.6kNm and shear force of 66.6 kN.
The section has an effective prestressing force, determined from service load
requirements of magnitude 500kN at an eccentricity of 150 mm, provided by
5numbers of 12.5 mm stress relieved strands of cross sectional area 506 mm2
with an ultimate tensile strength of 1820 N/mm2. If the cube strength of concrete
is 40 N/mm2, design a suitable longitudinal and transverse reinforcements in the
beam using IS: 1343 – 1980 code recommendations based on the skew bending
approach. (AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

Solution:

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Unit 3

Deflection And Design Of Anchorage Zone

Part – A
1. What are the functions of water stopper (water bar) in water tank construction?
(AUC May/June 2013)
 The base slab is subdivided by joints which are sealed by water stops.
 The reinforcement in the slab should be well distributed to control the cracking of
the slab due to shrinkage and temperature.

2. Differentiate prestressed cylinder and non-cylinder pipe. (AUC May/June

2013)
Prestressed cylinder pipe:
 It is developed by the Lock Joint Company.
 A welded cylinder of 16 gauge steel is lined with concrete inside and steel pipe
wrapped with a highly stressed wire.
 Tubular fasteners are used for the splices and for end fixing of the wire and pipe
is finished with a coating of rich mortar.
 It is suitable upto 1.2 m diameter.
Prestressed non-cylinder pipe:
 It is developed by Lewiston Pipe Corporation.
 At first concrete is cast over a tensioned longitudinal reinforcement.
 A concrete pipes after curing are circumferentially stressed by means of a spiral
wire wound under tension and protected by a coat of mortar.
 The main function of longitudinal prestress is to prevent cracking in concrete
during circumferential winding and cracking due to the bending stresses
developed during the handling and installation of pipes

3. Define circular prestressing. (AUC Nov/Dec 2011, 2012, 2013)

When the prestressed members are curved in the direction of prestressing, the prestressing is called
prestressing.
For example, circumferential prestressing in pipes, tanks, silos, containment structures and similar s
a type of circular prestressing

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4. What are the design criteria for prestressed concrete tanks? (AUC Nov/Dec
2011)
 It is to resist the hoop tension and moments developed are based on the
considerations of desirable load factors against cracking and collapse.
 It is desirable to have at least a minimum load factor of 1.2 against cracking and
2 against ultimate collapse as per IS code.
 It is desirable to have at least a minimum load factor of 1.25 against cracking and
2.5 against ultimate collapse as per BS code.
 The principal compressive stress in concrete should not exceed one-third of the
characteristic cube strength.
 When the tank is full, there should be a residual compressive stress of at least 0.7
N/mm2. When the tank is empty, the allowable tensile stress at any point is limited
to 1 N/mm2.
 The maximum flexural stress in the tank walls should be assumed to be
numerically equal to 0.3 times the hoop compression.

5. What are the design criteria for prestressed concrete pipes?(AUC Nov/Dec
2012)
 Circumferential prestressing, winding with or without longitudinal prestressing.
 Handling stresses with or without longitudinal prestressing.
 Condition in which a pipe is supported by saddles at extreme points with full
water load but zero hydrostatic pressure.
 Full working pressure conforming to the limit state of serviceability.
 The first crack stage corresponding to the limit state of local damage.

6. How are the tanks classified based on the joint? (AUC Nov/Dec 2013)
 Tank wall with fixed base.
 Tank wall with hinged base.
 Tank wall with sliding base.

7. Define two stage constructions. (AUC Apr/May 2012)

In the first the concrete is cast over a tensioned longitudinal reinforcement. In the
second stage the concrete pipes after curing are circumferentially stressed by means of
a spiral

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wire wound under tension and protected by a coat of mortar.

Write any two general failures of prestressed concrete

8. tanks. (AUC Apr/May 2012)
 Deformation of the pre-cast concrete units during construction.
 Manufacturing inaccuracies led to out of tolerance units being delivered
to the site under investigation.
 It May have affected the ability to achieve a good seal.

9. What is the stress induced in concrete due to circular prestressing? (AUC Apr/May
2010)
The circumferential hoop compression stress is induced in concrete by
prestressing counterbalances the hoop tension developed due to the internal
fluid pressure.

10. Explain the effect of prestressing force in concrete poles. (AUC Apr/May 2010)
It should be reduced in proportion to the cross section by the techniques of
debonding or dead ending or looping some of the tendons at mid height.

11. Write the various types of loadings that act on prestressed concrete poles.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
 Bending due to wind load on the cable and on the exposed face.
 Combined bending and torsion due to eccentric snapping of wires.
 Maximum torsion due to skew snapping of wires.
 Bending due to failure of all the wires on one side of the pole.
 Handing and erection stresses.

12. What are the advantages of prestressing water tanks? (AUC Apr/May 2011)
 Water storage tanks of large capacity are invariably made of prestressed
concrete.
 Square tanks are used for storage in congested urban and industrial sites
where land space is a major constraint.
 This shape is considerable reduction in the thickness of concrete shell.
The efficiency of the shell action of the concrete is combined with the prestressing at the
edges

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13. How are sleepers prestressed? (AUC Apr/May 2011)

 Two block sleepers
 Longitudinal sleepers
 Beam type single piece prestressed concrete sleepers.

14. Mention the importance of shrinkage in composite construction?

The time dependent behavior of composite prestressed concrete beams
depends upon the presence of differential shrinkage and creep of the concretes of
web and deck, in addition to other parameters, such as relaxation of steel, presence
of untensioned steel, and compression steel etc.

15. What are the different types of joints used between the slabs of prestressed
concrete tanks?
 Movement joint
 Expansion joint
 Construction Joint
 Temporary Open Joints.

16. What are the advantages of partially prestressed concrete poles?

 Resistance to corrosion in humid and temperature climate and to
erosion in desert areas.
 Easy handling due to less weight than other poles.
 Easily installed in drilled holes in ground with or without concrete fill.
 Lighter because of reduced cross section when compared with
reinforced concrete poles.
 Fire resisting, particularly grassing and pushing fire near ground line.

17. What are the types of prestressed concrete pipes?

 Monolyte construction
 Two stage construction
18. Distinguish between non-cylinder and cylinder pipes. Non-cylinder pipes:
The design principles are used for determining the minimum thickness of concrete
required and the pitch of circumferential wire winding on the pipe.
Cylinder pipes:

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The design principles of cylinder pipes are similar to those of the non-cylinder pipes
except that the required thickness of concrete is computed by considering the
equivalent area of the light gauge steel pipe embedded in the concrete.

19. Define the losses of prestress.

Due to elastic deformation of concrete during circumferential wire winding, there is a
loss of prestress which depends upon the modular ratio and the reinforcement ratio.

20. What are the advantages of prestressed concrete piles?

 High load and moment carrying capacity.
 Standardization in design for mass production.
 Excellent durability under adverse environmental conditions.
 Crack free characteristics under handling and driving.
 Resistance to tensile loads due to uplift.
 Combined load moment capacity.

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Part – B
1. Design a cylindrical prestressed concrete water tank to suit the following data:
Capacity of tank = 24500 x 10 6 liters. Maximum compressive stress in concrete
at transfer not to exceed 13 N/mm2 (compression). Minimum compressive
stress under working load to be 1 N/mm 2. The prestress is to be provided by
circumferential winding of 7 mm dia with an initial stress of 1000 N/mm 2 and
by vertical cables of 12 wires of 8 mm diameter which are stressed to 1200
N/mm2. Loss ratio = 0.75. The cube strength of concrete is 40 N/mm 2.Design
the walls of the tank and details of circumferential wire winding and
vertical cables for the following joint condition at the base: elastomeric pads
(assume coefficient of friction as 0.5). (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013,
Apr/May 2011)

Solution:

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2. Design a non – cylinder prestressed concrete pipe of 600 mm internal diameter

to withstand a working hydrostatic pressure of 1.05 N/mm2, using a 2.5 mm high
– tensile wire stressed to 1000 N/mm2 at transfer. Permissible maximum and
minimum stresses in concrete at transfer and service loads are 14 and 0.7
N/mm2. The loss ratio is 0.8. calculate also the test pressure required to produce
a tensile stress of 0.7 N/mm2 in concrete when applied immediately after
tensioning and also the winding stress in steel if ES = 28 kN/mm2 and EC = 35
kN/mm2. (AUC May/June 2013)
Solution:

3. Discuss in detail about the design procedure for prestressed concrete tanks.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011& 2012, Apr/May 2010)

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Solution:

4. A non – cylinder prestressed concrete pipe of internal diameter 1000 mm and

thickness of concrete shell 75 mm is required to convey water at a working
pressure of 1.5 N/mm2. The length of each pipe is 6 m. the maximum direct
compressive stresses in concrete are 15 and 2 N/mm2. The loss ratio is 0.8.
i. Design the circumferential wire winding using 5 mm diameter wires stressed to
1000 N/mm2.
ii. Design the longitudinal prestressing using 7 mm wires tensioned to 1000
N/mm2. The maximum permissible tensile stress under the critical transient
loading (wire wrapping at spigot end) should not exceed , where fci is the cube
strength of concrete at transfer = 40 N/mm2. ci f 8 .0
iii. Check for safety against longitudinal stresses that develop, considering the
pipe as a hollow circular beam as per IS: 784 provisions. (AUC
Nov/Dec 2011& 2012)
Solution:

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5. A prestressed concrete pipe of 1.2 m diameter, having a core thickness of 75

mm is required to withstand a service pressure intensity of 1.2 N/mm2. Estimate
the pitch of 5 mm diameter high tensile wire winding if the initial stress is limited
to 1000 N/mm2. Permissible stresses in concrete being 12 N/mm2 in compression
and zero in tension. The loss ratio is 0.8, if the direct tensile strength of concrete
is 2.5 N/mm2, estimate load factor against cracking.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2013)

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6. Explain the general features of prestressed concrete tanks. (AUC Apr/May

2012)

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7. Explain the junctions of tank wall and base slab with neat sketch. (AUC
Apr/May 2012)

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8. A cylindrical prestressed concrete water tank of internal diameter 30 m is

required to store water over a depth of 7.5 m. The permissible compressive stress
in concrete at transfer is 13 N/mm2 and the minimum compressive stress under
working pressure is
1 N/mm2, the loss ratio is 0.75, Wires of 5 mm dia with an initial stress of 1000
N/mm2 are available for circumferential winding and freyssinet cables made up of
12 wires of 8 mm dia stressed to 1200 N/mm2 are to be used for vertical
prestressing. Design the tank walls assuming the base as fixed. The cube
strength of concrete is 40 N/mm2. For the thickness of wall is 150 mm.
(AUC Apr/May 2012) Solution:

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9. What are the advantages of prestressed concrete poles and piles?

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(AUC Apr/May 2010)

Advantages of prestressed concrete poles:
 Resistance to corrosion in humid and temperature climate and to
erosion in desert areas.
 Easy handling due to less weight than other poles.
 Easily installed in drilled holes in ground with or without concrete fill.
 Lighter because of reduced cross section when compared with
reinforced concrete poles.
 Fire resisting, particularly grassing and pushing fire near ground line.
 Freeze-thaw resistance in cold regions.
 Clean and neat in appearance and requiring negligible maintenance for a
number of years, thus ideally suited for urban installations.
 Have increased crack resistance, rigidity and can resist dynamic loads
better than
reinforced concrete poles.
Advantages of prestressed concrete piles:
 High load and moment carrying capacity.
 Standardization in design for mass production.
 Excellent durability under adverse environmental conditions.
 Crack free characteristics under handling and driving.
 Resistance to tensile loads due to uplift.
 Combined load moment capacity.
 Good resistance to hand – driving loads and penetration into hard strata.
 Piles can be lengthened by splicing.
 Ease of handling, transporting and driving.
 Overall economy in production and installation.
 Adaptability to both developed and developing countries in tropical, sub –
arctic and desert regions.
 Use of solid and hollow cross – sectional configurations to suit design
requirements.
 Ease of connections with pile caps to form pier, trestle and jetty bents to
support bridge or wharf decks.
 Effective use of fender piling to resist the kinetic energy of ship impact.
 Particularly advantageous for deep foundations to carry heavy loads in weak
soils.

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10. Briefly explain the design of prestressed concrete poles. Give some sketches
suitable for prestressed concrete poles. (AUC Apr/May 2010 & 2011)

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Cross section of prestressed concrete poles:

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Unit 4
Composite Beams And Continuous Beams
Part – A

1. Define propped construction. (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013)

The dead load stress developed in the precast prestressed units can be
minimized by propping them while casting the concrete in situ. This method of
construction is termed as propped construction.

2. How to achieve compositeness between precast and cast in situ part and
show the sketches? (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013)

The composite action between the two components is achieved by

roughening the surface of the prestressed unit on to which the concrete is cast in
situ, thus giving a better frictional resistance or by stirrups protruding from the
prestressed unit into the added concrete or by castellations on the surface of the
prestressed unit adjoining the concrete which is cast in situ.

3. What is meant by composite construction of prestressed and in situ concrete?

(AUC Nov/Dec & Apr/May 2011)

In a composite construction, precast prestressed members are used in

conjunction with the concrete cast in situ, so that the members behave as monolithic
unit under service loads. The high strength prestressed units are used in the tension
zone while the concrete, which is the cast in situ of relatively lower compressive
strength is used in the compression zone of the composite members.

4. How deflections in composite members are computed? (AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

In the case of composite members, deflections are computed by taking
into account the different stages of loading as well as the differences in the modulus
of elasticity of concrete in the precast prestressed unit and the in situ cast element.

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5. What do you mean by unpropped construction? (AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

If the precast units are not propped while placing the in situ concrete,
stresses are developed in the unit due to the self weight of the member and the
dead weight of the in situ concrete. This method of construction is referred to as
unpropped construction.

6. What are the forces considered in the calculation of deflection of prestressed

concrete beams?
Prestressing force
Self weight of the beam
Dead load of the concrete
Live load acting on the concrete

7. What are the roles played by shear connectors in composite construction?

(AUC Apr/May 2010)
It is generally assumed that the natural bond at the interface contributes a
part of the required shear resistance depending upon the strength of the in situ cast
concrete and the roughness of the precast element. Any extra shear resistance over
and above this should be provided by shear connectors.

8. What are the advantages in using precast prestressed units? (AUC Apr/May
2011, Nov/Dec 2010 & 2012)

Saving in the cost of steel in a composite member compared with a reinforced

or prestressed concrete member.

Sizes of precast prestressed units can be reduced due to the effect of

composite action.

Low ratio of size of the precast unit to that of the whole composite member.

Composite members are ideally suited for construction bridge decks without
the disruption of normal traffic.

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9. Name the loadings to be considered for computing initial deflection.

(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
Prestress

Self weight of the beam

Weight of the in situ cast concrete

10. How do you compute the shrinkage and resultant stresses in composite
member?
(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

The magnitude of differential shrinkage is influenced by the composition of

concrete and the environmental conditions to which the composite member is
exposed. In the absence of exact data, a general value of 100 micro strains is
provided for computing shrinkage stresses.

11. Distinguish between propped and unpropped construction methods.

(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

S.No Propped construction Unpropped construction

1 If the precast units are not propped

The dead load stress developed in while placing them in situ concrete,
the precast prestressed units can stresses are developed in the unit due
be minimized by propping them to the self weight of the member and
while casting the concrete in the dead weight of the in situ
situ. This method of construction concrete. This method of construction
is termed as propped is referred to as unpropped
construction. construction.

2 If the pretensioned beam supports If the slab is externally supported while

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the weight of the slab while

casting. casting.

12. What are the assumptions made in stresses developed due to differential
shrinkage?
The shrinkage is uniform over the in situ part of the section.

Effect of creep and increase in modulus of elasticity with age and the
component of shrinkage, which is common to both the units are negligible.

13. Name the loadings to be considered for computing deflection if the beam
is propped section.

Prestress

Self weight of the beam

Dead weight of the in situ cast concrete

Live load of the in situ cast concrete

14.Name the loadings to be considered for computing deflection if the beam is

unpropped section.

Prestress

Self weight of the beam

Live load of the in situ cast concrete

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15. Sketch the typical cross section of precast prestressed concrete beam.

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Part – B

1. Design a precast prestressed inverted T – section to be used in a composite

slab of total depth 600 mm and width 300 mm. the composite slab is required
to support an imposed load of 16 kN/m 2 over a span of 14 m. the compressive
stress in concrete at transfer and the tensile stress under working loads may
be assumed to be 20 and 1 N/mm 2 respectively. The loss ratio is 0.85.
Determine the prestressing force required for the section.
(AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013)
Solution:

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2. Explain the term shrinkage stresses in composite beams.(AUC May/June

2013)

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3. A precast pretensioned beam of rectangular section has a breadth of 100 mm

and a depth of 200 mm. the beam with an effective span of 5 m is prestressed by
tendons with their centroids coinciding with the bottom kern. The initial force in
the tendons is 150 kN. The loss of prestress may be assumed to be 15 percent.
The beam is incorporated in a composite T – beam by casting a top flange of
breadth 400 mm and thickness 40 mm. if the composite beam supports a live load
of 8 kN/m2. Calculate the resultant stresses developed in the precast and insitu
concrete assuming the pretensioned beam as:
(a) Unpropped, (b) propped during the casting of the slab. Assume the same
modulus of elasticity for concrete in precast beam and insitu cast slab.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011)
Solution:

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4. Discuss in detail about the factors which influence flexural strength and shear
strength of composite prestressed section.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2011)

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Flexural strength of composite section:

Shear strength of composite section:

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5. A precast PSC beam of rectangular section has a breadth of 100 mm and a

depth of 200 mm. The beam with an effective span of 5 m is prestressed by
tendons with their centroids coinciding with bottom kern. The initial force in the
tendon is 150 kN. The loss ratio = 0.85. The beam is incorporated in a composite T
beam by casting a top flange of breadth 400 mm and thickness 40 mm. If the
composite beam supports a live load of 8 kN/m2. Calculate the resultant stresses
developed in the precast and insitu cast concrete assuming the pretensioned
beam as unpropped during the casting of the slab.
Eprecastpsc = 35 kN/mm2, Einsitu con = 28 kN/mm2.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)
Solution:

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6. Write step by step design procedure for composite construction.

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7. Explain the advantages of using precast prestressed elements along with in-
situ concrete. (AUC Apr/May
2010)

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8. Explain different types of composite construction with sketches.

(AUC Apr/May 2010, 2011, Nov/Dec 2012)

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9. A composite beam of rectangular section is made of inverted T-beam having a

slab thickness of 150 mm and width of 1000 mm. the rib size in 150 mm x 850 mm.
The in situ concrete slab has EC = 30kN/m2 and the thickness of cast in situ slab
is 1000 mm. If the differential shrinkage in 100 x 10-6 units, estimate the
shrinkage stress developed in the precast and cast in situ units. (AUC Apr/May

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10. A composite T - beam is made up of a pretensioned rib 100 mm wide and 200
mm deep and cast in situ slab 400 mm wide and 40 mm thick having a modulus of
elasticity of 28kN/mm2. If the differential shrinkage is 100 x 10-6 units, estimate
the shrinkage stress developed in the precast and cast in situ units.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
Solution:

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11. Explain the precast prestressed concrete stresses at serviceability limit state.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

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12. Design a composite slab for the bridge deck using a standard invested T-
section. The top flange is 250 mm wide and 100 mm thick. The bottom flange is
500 mm wide and 250 mm thick. The web thickness is 100 mm and the overall
depth of the inverted T-section is
655 mm. The bridge deck has to support a characteristic imposed load of 50
kN/m2over an effective span of 12 m. Grade 40 concrete is specified for the
precast pretensioned T section with a compressive strength at transfer of 36
N/mm2. Concrete of grade 30 is used for the insitu part. Determine the minimum
prestress necessary and check for safety under serviceability limit state. Section
properties: Area = 180500 mm2, position of centroid = 220 mm from the soffit.I =
81.1 x 108 mm4, Zt = 18.7 x 106 mm3,
Zb = 37 x 106 mm3. Loss ratio = 0.8, Mmin = 0.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

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Unit 5
Miscellaneous Structures
Part – A

1. Write the advantages of prestressed concrete bridges.

(AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2011, 2012 & 2013, Apr/May 2012)
High strength concrete and high tensile steel, besides being economical make for
slender sections which are aesthetically superior.
In comparison with steel bridges prestressed concrete bridges require very little
maintenance.
Prestressed concrete bridges can be designed as class 1 type structures without any
tensile stresses under service loads, thus resulting in a crack free structure.

2. Draw a typical cross section of pretensioned prestressed concrete bridgdecks.

(AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2011 & 2012)

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3. What are span range for solid slab and T-beam slab decks?
Span ranges
For solid slab decks – 10 to 20 m
For T-beam slab decks – 20 to 40 m

4. Draw the cross sectional profile of most commonly used prestressed concrete beams
in bridges. (AUC Apr/May 2010)

5. Write a short note on post tensioned bridge decks. (AUC Apr/May 2012)
Post tensioned bridge decks are generally adopted for longer spans exceeding 20 m.
bridge decks with precast post tensioned girders of either T – type or box – type in
conjunction
with a cast in situ slab are commonly adopted for spans exceeding 30 m.

Why the deck slab of prestressed concrete bridges is mostly made of non
6. prestressed concrete?
The pretensioned girders are provided with straight tendons. The use of seven wire
strands has been found to be advantageous in comparison with plain or indented wires.
The deflected strands are employed in larger girders.

7. What are the advantages of post tensioning system? (AUC Apr/May 2011)

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Post tensioning is suitable for heavy cast in place members.

The waiting period in the casting bed is less.
The transfer of prestress is independent of transmission length.
8. Draw neat sketches of two efficient sections used for prestressed concrete
bridges. (AUC Apr/May 2011)

9. List any four mechanical prestressing systems adopted for bridges in India.
(AUC Nov/Dec 2010)
Includes weights with or without lever transmission
Geared transmission in conjunction with pulley blocks
Screw jacks with or without
gear drives Wire winding
machines
10. What is meant by kern distance in a prestressed concrete bridge? (AUC
Nov/Dec 2010)
Kern is the core area of the section in which if the load applied tension will not be
induced in the section.
Kt = Zb / A, Kb = Zt / A,
If the load applied at Kt compressive stress will be the maximum at the top
most fiber and zero stress will be at the bottom most fiber. If the load applied at
Kb compressive stress will be the maximum at the bottom most fiber and zero
stress will be at the top most fiber.

11. What are the disadvantages of post tensioning system?

The relative disadvantage of post tensioning as compared to pretensioning is
the requirement of anchorage device and grouting equipment.

12. Where the prestressed concrete construction is suited?

The prestressed concrete is ideally suited for the construction of medium and
long span bridges.

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13. Define pretensioned prestressed concrete bridge decks.

Pretensioned prestressed concrete bridge decks generally comprise precast
pretensioned units used in conjunction with cast in situ concrete, resulting in
composite bridge decks which are ideally suited for small and medium spans in the
range of 20 to 30 m.

14. What is the span ranges for different types of slabs and beams?
 Solid slab decks – 10 to 20 m
 T-beam slab decks – 20 to 40 m
 Single or multicell box girder – 30 to 70 m
 Precast box girders – more than 50 m
 Simply supported, continuous beams – 20 to 500 m
 Composite bridge decks – 20 to 30 m
 Precast prestressed I and T - beam – 7
to 36 m Y – beams – 15 to 30 m

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Part – B
1. What are the general aspects of prestressed concrete bridges and its
advantages over RC bridges? (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2013)

Advantages over RC bridge:

 High strength concrete and high tensile steel, besides being economical
make for slender sections which are aesthetically superior.
 In comparison with steel bridges prestressed concrete bridges require very
little maintenance.
 Prestressed concrete bridges can be designed as class 1 type structures
without any tensile stresses under service loads, thus resulting in a crack
free structure.
 Prestressed concrete is ideally suited for composite bridge construction in
which precast prestressed girders support the cast in situ slab deck. This
type of construction is very popular since it involves minimum disruption of
traffic.
 Post tensioned prestressed concrete finds extensive applications in long
span continuous girder bridges of variable cross section. Not only does it
make for sleek structures, but it also effects considerable saving in the
overall cost of construction.

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2. Explain in detail about design of pretensioned prestressed bridge decks.

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3. Draw neat sketches showing the typical cross sections of pre tensioned PSC
bridge decks. (AUC Nov/Dec 2012)

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4. Explain in detail the general aspects of post tensioned concrete bridges decks.
(AUC Apr/May 2010, Nov/Dec 2010, 2012 & 2013)

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5. Draw neat sketches showing the typical cross sections of post tensioned PSC
bridge decks. (AUC Nov/Dec, Apr/May 2012)

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6. Briefly outline the design procedure of post tensioned prestressed concrete

slab bridge deck. (AUC May/June 2013, Nov/Dec 2011 & 2013)

Design procedure of post tensioned prestressed concrete slab bridge deck:

Step 1: Data collections

Clear span, width of bearing, clear width of roadway, footpath, kerbs, thickness
of wearing coat, live load and type of structure.
Step 2: Permissible stresses
The permissible compressive stresses in concrete at transfer and working

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loads as recommended in IRC – 18.

Step 3: Depth of slab and effective span
Assuming the thickness of the slab at span for highway bridge decks and to
find the overall thickness of the slab.
Step 4: Dead load bending moments
To calculate the dead weight of the slab and find the dead load
bending moment. Step 5: Live load bending moments
Generally the bending moment due to live load will be maximum for IRC class
AA tracked vehicle.
Step 6: Shear due to class AA tracked vehicle
For maximum shear force at the support section the IRC class AA tracked
vehicle is arranged.
Step 7: Check for minimum section modulus
Step 8: Minimum prestressing force
Step 9: Eccentricity of cables
Step 10: Check for stresses at service loads
Step 11: Check for ultimate strength (IRC: 18 – 2000) Step 12: Check for ultimate
shear strength
Step 13: Supplementary reinforcement Step 14: Design of end block reinforcement

7. Write the design procedure of post tensioned PSC T - beam slab bridge deck.
(AUC Apr/May 2010, Apr/May 2011)

Design procedure of post tensioned PSC T - beam slab bridge deck:

Step 1: Data collections

Clear span, width of bearing, clear width of roadway, footpath, kerbs, thickness
of wearing coat, live load and type of structure.
Step 2: Permissible stresses
The permissible compressive stresses in concrete at transfer and working
loads as recommended in IRC – 18.
Step 3: Cross section of deck
Step 4: Design of the interior slab panel
Step 5: Design of longitudinal girders

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 Reaction factors
 Dead load from slab per girder
 Dead load of the main girder
 Dead load moments and shears in the main girder
 Live load bending moments in the girder
 Live load shear forces in girders
 Design bending moments and shear forces
 Properties of main girder section
 Check for minimum section modulus
 Minimum prestressing force
 Permissible tendon zone
Step 6: Check for stresses
Step 7: Check for ultimate flexural strength
 Failure by yielding of steel
 Failure by crushing of concrete
Step 8: Check for ultimate shear strength
Step 9: Supplementary reinforcement
Step 10: Design of end block reinforcement
Step 11: Cross girders

8. Explain the advantages of prestressed concrete bridges. (AUC Apr/May

2012)

 High strength concrete and high tensile steel, besides being economical
make for slender sections which are aesthetically superior.
 In comparison with steel bridges prestressed concrete bridges require
very little maintenance.
 Prestressed concrete bridges can be designed as class 1 type structures
without any tensile stresses under service loads, thus resulting in a crack
free structure. Prestressed concrete is ideally suited for composite bridge
construction in which precast prestressed girders support the cast in situ
slab deck. This type of construction is very popular since it involves
minimum disruption of traffic.
 Post tensioned prestressed concrete finds extensive applications in long

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span continuous girder bridges of variable cross section. Not only does it
make for sleek structures, but it also effects considerable saving in the
overall cost of construction.
 In recent years, partially prestressed concrete (type – 3 structures) has
been preferred for bridge construction, because it offers considerable
economy in the use of costly high tensile steel in the girder.

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