Unit I Introduction Theory & behaviour Two marks

1. Explain the term Prestressed Concrete

Prestressed concrete is basically a concrete in which internal stresses of suitable magnitude and
distribution are introduced so that the stresses resulting from external loads are counteracted to a desired
degree.
2. How the prestressing is imparted into R.C. Structures?
In R.C. Structural members, the prestressing is commonly introduced by tensioning the steel
reinforcement.
3. Explain the principle of prestressing?
The principle of prestressing is that when the system is expected to have tensile stresses due to external
loads, a pre-compression can be given to the system to a desired level even before the application of the
external loads. Then the tension developed due to the external loads will get largely nullified by the
initially applied compression.
Examples (i) force fitting of metal bands on wooden barrels. (ii) pre-tensioning the spokes in a bicycle
wheel.
4. Classify the prestressed concrete structures?
Prestressed concrete structures are broadly classified into two types. They are as follows
(i) Pretensioned prestressed concrete
(ii) Post tensioned prestressed concrete
5. Explain pretensioning and post tensioning in prestressed concrete?
(i)Pretensioned prestressed concrete
Pretensioned is a method of prestressing a concrete in which the tendons are tensioned before the concrete
is placed. In this method, the prestress is imparted to concrete by bond between the steel and concrete
(ii)Post tensioned prestressed concrete
Post tensioned is a method of prestressing concrete by tensioning the tendons against hardened concrete.
In this method prestress is imparted to concrete by bearing action.
6. Define anchorage zone
Anchorage zone is defined as the zone within which the force gets uniformly distributed on to the
structural element.
7. What are Tendons in prestressed concrete?
Tendons are the stretched element used in a concrete member of structure to impart prestress to the
concrete. Generally, high tensile steel wires, bars or strands are used as tendons.

Unit I Introduction Theory & behaviour Two marks

8. What is meant by Anchorage? What are the different types of anchorages used?
Anchorage is a device generally used to enable the tendon to impart and maintain prestress in the
concrete. The commonly used anchorages are
(i)Freyssinet, (ii)Magnel Blaton,(iii)Gifford-Udall,(iv)LeeMcCall,(v)Leonhardt-Baur,(vi) Dywidag,
(vii)Roebling (viii) BBRV systems
9. What is the need for High strength steel and concrete in prestressed concrete?
The early attempts to use mild steel in prestressed concrete were not successful as a working stress
of 120 N/mm
2
in mild steel is more or less completely lost due to elastic deformation, creep and
shrinkage of concrete.
The normal loss of stress in steel is generally about 100 to 240 N/mm
2
, if this loss is to be small
portion of the initial stress, the stress in the initial stages must be very high, about 1200 to 2000
N/mm
2
. These high stress ranges are possible only with the use of high strength steel.
High strength concrete is less liable to shrinkage cracks, and has a higher 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 the reduction in the cross sectional dimensions of
prestressed concrete structural elements.
With a reduced dead weight of the material, long span becomes technically as well as economically
practicable.
10. What are the materials required for prestressing concrete?
The main materials required are as follows
High strength concrete
High strength steel
11. What is creep and shrinkage of concrete?
The creep in concrete is the progressive increase in the inelastic deformation of concrete under sustained
stress component. Shrinkage of concrete is the contraction of concrete on drying.
12. What are the different stages of loading?
The stages of loading are as follows
Initial loading (i) during tensioning of steel (ii) at transfer of prestress to concrete
Intermediate loading it includes the loads during transportation of the prestressed members
Final loading (i) at service during operation (ii) at ultimate during extreme conditions



Unit I Introduction Theory & behaviour Two marks

13. List the Advantages of prestressing
(i) The section remains uncracked under service loads
Reduction of steel corrosion which increases durability.
Full section is utilized as high stiffness and less deformations
Increase in shear capacity and improved resilience under dynamic and fatigue loading
Suitable for liquid retaining structures and pressure vessels
(ii) High span to depth ratios
Larger spans are possible with prestressing (buildings with large column free spaces)
Reduction in self-weight results in slender section
More aesthetic and more economical sections
(iii) Suitable for precast construction
Rapid construction.
Better quality control
Reduced maintenance
Suitable for repetitive construction
Reduction of formwork
Availability of standard shapes
14. What are the Limitations of prestressing?
Prestressing requires skilled technology hence it is not common as reinforced concrete
The use of high strength materials is costly
There is additional cost in auxiliary equipments
There is need for quality control and inspection
15. What are the types of prestressing?
(i) Source of prestressing force a)hydraulic prestressing b)mechanical prestressing c) electrical
prestressing d) chemical prestressing
(ii) External or internal prestressing
(iii) Pretensioning or post tensioning
(iv) Linear prestressing or circular prestressing
(v) Full, limited or partial prestressing
(vi) Uniaxial, biaxial or multi axial prestressing
(vii) Concentric or eccentric prestressing

Unit I Introduction Theory & behaviour Two marks

16. Compare reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete
In reinforced concrete, concrete and steel are combined such that concrete resists compression and steel
resists tension. This is a passive combination of the two materials
In prestressed concrete, high strength concrete and high strength steel are combined such that the full
section is effective in resisting tension and compression. This is a active combination of the two materials.
17. Define creep co-efficient
Creep co-efficient is defined as the ratio of the ultimate creep strain to the elastic strain.
Creep co-efficient values Age in days
2.2 7
1.6 28
1.1 360(one year)
18. List the losses of prestress
S.No Pretensioning Post tensioning
1
Elastic deformation of
concrete
No such losses if simultaneously stressed the wires but if successively tensioned
there will be a loss of prestress due to elastic deformation of concrete
2
Relaxation of stress in
steel
Relaxation of stress in steel
3 Shrinkage of concrete Shrinkage of concrete
4 Creep of concrete Creep of concrete
5 Friction
6 Achorage slip