Republic of the Philippines

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO STATE COLLEGE

Labangan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Website: www.omsc.edu.ph Email address: omsc_9747@yahoo.com
Tele/Fax: (043) 491-1460

School of Architecture
Contents of the Paper

I. Conclusion/Recommendations with regards on the use in Construction.

Chapter 4. Pre-stressed Concrete Composite Construction Method Cable/Tensile Structure

I. Introduction/Background

1.Pre-stressed Concrete (WALANG EXAMPLES)

1.1.Pre-tensioning

Pre-tensioning is a technique that is widely utilized in building and engineering, notably with
concrete constructions. Prior to casting concrete, steel tendons or cables are tensioned. This procedure
improves the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of concrete by mitigating tensile stresses that arise
during service. The fundamental purpose of pre tensioning is to increase the performance of concrete elements
by making them more resistant to cracking and deformation under load. This approach is especially useful for
long-span constructions like bridges and high-rise buildings, where strength-to-weight ratio is crucial. Pre-
tensioning improves the durability, efficiency, and safety of modern construction processes by introducing
compressive pressures into the concrete.

Pre-tensioning systems include pulling high-strength steel tendons between two end
abutments (also known as bulkheads) before casting concrete. The abutments are fastened to the ends of a
prestressing bed. When the concrete reaches the appropriate strength for prestressing, the tendons are cut
free from the abutments. The prestress is delivered to the concrete from the tendons via the link between
them. During prestress transfer, the member shortens elastically. If the tendons are positioned eccentrically, the
member will bend and deflect (camber).

II. Discussion on the Topic

 The various stages of the pre-tensioning operation are summarized as follows.

1. Anchoring of tendons against the end abutments

2. Placing of jacks
3. Applying tension to the tendons
4. Casting of concrete
5. Cutting of the tendons.
During the cutting of the tendons, the prestress is transmitted to the concrete through elastic
shortening and member camber.

Advantages of Pre-tensioning
The relative advantages of pre-tensioning as compared to post-tensioning are as follows.
 Pre-tensioning is suitable for precast members produced in bulk.
 In pre-tensioning large anchorage device is not present.
Disadvantages of Pre-tensioning
The relative disadvantages are as follows.
 A prestressing bed is required for the pre-tensioning operation.
 There is a waiting period in the prestressing bed, before the concrete attains sufficient strength
 There should be good bond between concrete and steel over the transmission length.

II. Examples of Details per topic (Pictures scanned from the book.)

Examples is Manufacturing of Pre-tensioned Railway Sleepers

The following photos show the sequence of manufacturing of pre-tensioned railway sleepers (Courtesy: The
Concrete Products and Construction Company, COPCO,Chennai). The steel strands are stretched in a stress bench that
can be moved on rollers. The stress bench can hold four moulds in a line. The anchoring device holds the strands at one
end of the stress bench. In the other end, two hydraulic jacks push a plate where the strands are anchored. The
movement of the rams of the jacks and the oil pressure are monitored by a scale and gauges, respectively. Note that
after the extension of the rams, the gap between the end plate and the adjacent mould has increased. This shows the
stretching of the strands. Meanwhile the coarse and fine aggregates are batched, mixed with cement, water and
additives in a concrete mixer. The stress bench is moved beneath the concrete mixer. The concrete is poured through a
hopper and the moulds are vibrated. After the finishing of the surface, the stress bench is placed in a steam curing
chamber for a few hours till the concrete attains a minimum strength.
 The stress bench is taken out from the chamber and the strands are cut. The sleepers are removed
from the molds and stacked for curing in water. After the complete curing, the sleepers are ready for
dispatching.

(a) Travelling pre-tensioning stress bench

( c ) Stretching of strands
(d) Stretching of strands

(e) Material Storage

(d) Batching of materials

(e) Pouring of concrete
 Pre-tensioning is a vital technique for improving the performance and lifespan of
concrete constructions. This approach efficiently counteracts tensile stresses that occur during
usage by providing tensile force to steel tendons before the concrete hardens. As a result,
constructions can attain higher load-bearing capacity, less cracking, and increased overall
longevity. Pre-tensioning not only improves material utilization but also provides for more
creative design options, resulting in lighter and more efficient structural shapes. Its established
advantages make it a must-have in modern construction, especially for high-performance
applications like bridges, parking garages, and multi-story structures.

In conclusion, pre-tensioning is critical to enhancing building technology by delivering

safer, more robust structures capable of meeting today's technical problems. Pre-tensioning's
full potential will be achieved in future building projects by emphasizing quality control, expert
implementation, and creative uses.

1.2.Post-tensioning (WALANG EXAMPLES)

Pre-stressing of structural components is frequently used in modern concrete

construction to enhance concrete's inherent tensile weakness. Steel tendons loaded with
tension are used to inject compressive pre-stress into the concrete. Post-tensioning is a method
of concrete building that includes applying tension to steel tendons after the concrete has
hardened. This method produces slim, efficient structural elements and is commonly utilized in
bridges, slabs, and precast concrete components. The primary goal of post-tensioning is to
improve concrete performance by applying compressive stresses that offset the tensile pressures
encountered during service. This method reduces cracking, deflection, and improves the
structure's overall load-bearing capability. Post-tensioning is especially useful for wide spans and
complicated designs, as it allows for greater flexibility in architectural and engineering
applications while also optimizing material utilization and boosting durability. There are two
forms of post-tensioning: grouted and ungrouted. After the tendons have been post-tensioned,
the tubes housing the tendons can be refilled with grout (cement), largely to prevent tendons
from rusting. If grout is not used, the tendons are often lubricated to avoid corrosion.
 In post-tensioning systems, ducts for the tendons (or strands) are installed alongside the
reinforcement before to concrete casting. The tendons are installed in the ducts after the
concrete is formed. During the tensioning procedure, the duct protects concrete and tendons
from coming into touch. Unlike pre-tensioning, the tendons are pulled as the response works
against the hardened concrete. If the ducts are filled with grout, this is referred to as bonded
posttensioning. The grout is a clean cement paste or a sand-cement mortar with an appropriate
admixture. The grouting procedure is covered later in the section. The characteristics of grout
are addressed in Section 1.6, "Concrete (Part-II)". Unbonded post-tensioning, as the name
implies, does not grout the ducts and instead relies exclusively on the end anchorages to keep
the tendon under tension. The drawing below depicts a grouted post-tensioned member. The
duct's profile is determined by its support conditions. For a simply supported component, the
duct has a drooping profile between its ends. For a continuous member, the duct sags in the
span and hangs over the support.

The various stages of the post-tensioning operation are summarized as follows.

1) Casting of concrete.
2) Placement of the tendons.
3) Placement of the anchorage block and jack.
4) Applying tension to the tendons.
5) Seating of the wedges.
6) Cutting of the tendons.
The steps are represented schematically in the following figures. A jack is used to apply
tension to the other end of a tendon once it has been anchored. Tendon tensioning and concrete
precompression occur at the same time. After extending the tendons, a system of self-
equilibrating forces emerges.

Advantages of Post-tensioning

The relative advantages of post-tensioning as compared to pre-tensioning are as follows.

• 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.

Disadvantage of Post-tensioning

The relative disadvantage of post-tensioning as compared to pre-tensioning is the

requirement of anchorage device and grouting equipment.

Post-tensioning is a significant innovation in concrete building, allowing engineers and architects

to design structures that are not only stronger but also more adaptable in their use. By
tensioning steel tendons after the concrete has set, this approach efficiently counteracts tensile
pressures, reducing cracking and bending while increasing the concrete's total load-carrying
capacity. Post-tensioning's adaptability allows for the building of greater spans and thinner slabs,
lowering material costs and improving aesthetics. Its capacity to maximize the use of concrete
contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of construction
projects. Furthermore, as the demand for creative and resilient infrastructure grows, post-
tensioning will become increasingly vital in tackling these difficulties. The construction industry
may maximize the potential of post-tensioning by encouraging collaboration among design
teams, using modern materials, and incorporating cutting-edge technology.
To summarize, post-tensioning not only improves structural integrity and performance,
but it also contributes to the advancement of current building processes. Post-tensioning will
continue to be an important technology for creating safe, efficient, and durable buildings in the
future if best practices, expert execution, and constant innovation are prioritized.

2.Composite Construction Method (walang discussion and examples)

Composite construction is a method for combining two materials to make the most use
of each. Some of the construction challenges associated with standard steel-concrete composite
beams are examined, including the deck concrete installation sequence and deflection
monitoring to assure proper slab thickness. Two novel approaches to steel-concrete composite
construction include a beam and column system and a box girder that uses the unoccupied area
as an air conditioning duct. Other types of composite construction are mentioned, including the
timber-concrete slab bridge, a timber-steel composite truss with a high-strength bridge strand as
the lower chord, a wood-steel open web joist with nailable chords, and light gage metal decking
with a concrete slab.
Experimental composite members employing an adhesive as a shear connection are shown.
Composite construction includes two or more distinct materials to improve structural
performance. It typically combines the strong compressive strength of concrete and the tensile
strength of steel. This strategy is common in modern engineering because it may maximize
material qualities, reduce total weight, and increase structural efficiency. Bridges, high-rise
buildings, and industrial structures are all particularly well-suited to composite construction.
Composite systems can offer higher load-carrying capabilities while using less material. This
method also allows for speedier development and lower expenses. As the demand for more
sustainable and robust buildings develops, composite construction evolves, combining new
materials and processes to solve modern engineering issues.

Composite construction method have emerged as a disruptive force in the building

industry, offering several benefits that meet today's needs for innovation and sustainability. At
the heart of these techniques is the capacity to mix several materials, resulting in structures that
are both lightweight and extremely strong. This increased strength-to-weight ratio is critical for a
variety of applications, allowing engineers to create structures that can handle bigger loads
while using less material. Finally, composite construction systems mark a substantial leap in
building technology. Their combination of strength, flexibility, sustainability, and economic
efficiency distinguishes them as an important alternative for the future of building. As the
industry accepts these novel materials, composite building will play an important role in creating
more robust, efficient, and visually appealing built environments.

3.Cable/Tensile Structure (walang discussion and examples)

Cable and tensile structures are novel engineering solutions that use cables and
membranes to generate lightweight, efficient shapes. This building style is based on tension and
compression principles, which allows structures to span long distances while using as little
material as possible. Historically, these structures have been employed for bridges, roofs, and
pavilions, demonstrating their aesthetic appeal and structural capability. Cable and tensile
structures use the tensile strength of cables and the lightweight characteristics of fabric or
membrane materials to produce stable and flexible shapes. The design is based on tension
principles, which employ cables to efficiently transmit stresses, resulting in spectacular forms
and open spaces. These buildings are not only physically appealing, but also extremely useful,
with benefits such as decreased dead weight, shorter construction periods, and flexibility to a
variety of settings. As architectural and technical demands change, cable and tensile structures
gain appeal due to their sustainability, adaptability, and novel design options.

To summarize, cable and tensile structures are an outstanding approach to modern

architecture and engineering, distinguished by their lightweight and efficient design. These
buildings use cables' natural strength to support loads, allowing for large spans and unique
designs that standard construction methods cannot produce. Cable and tensile systems have a
strong aesthetic appeal, with sleek, contemporary lines and the potential to generate dynamic
shapes that increase a space's visual impact. Furthermore, their material efficiency adds to
sustainability because they use less material to attain the same structural integrity as traditional
techniques.

Furthermore, these structures are very adjustable, making them suited for a wide range
of uses, including sports stadiums, exhibition spaces, temporary exhibits, and pedestrian
walkways. Their capacity to adapt to dynamic loads, such as wind and seismic activity,
emphasizes their engineering strengths. As technology and materials progress, the possibilities
for cable and tensile constructions will only increase, providing the path for novel solutions to
satisfy the needs of modern architecture. Overall, their mix of usefulness, beauty, and
sustainability establishes cable and tensile structures as an important part of the future built
environment.