Where, Where (e,,,) m.

is the ultimate shrinkage strain

V/S = volume to surface ratio;
RH = relative humidity (percent), see Fig. 10.4.3-
1 for USA; and
= a factor that accounts for the amount of
shrinkage that will have taken place before
the prestressing is applied.
For post-tensioned members, Kil, is taken from
Table 10.4.3-1.
For pre-tensioned members. K,,,= 1;
In structures that are not moist cured, lc, is
typically based on the time when the concrete was
cast. It should be noted that in most structures, the
prestressing is applied within fwe days of casting
the concrete, whether or not it is moist-cured.
If the ultimate shrinkage value of the concrete Is
different from 550 micro-strain used in the above
relationships, the calculated stress loss must be
adjusted by the following coefficient.
of the concrete used.
10.4.4 Relaxation of
Prestressing Steel (RE) Relaxation Is defined as a
gradual decrease of stress In a material under
constant strain. In the case of steel, it is the result of
a permanent alteration of the grain structure. The
rate of relaxation at any point in time depends on
the stress level in the tendon at that time. Because
of other prestress losses, there is a continual
reduction of the tendon stress which causes a
corresponding reduction in the relaxation rate.
The equation given for prestress loss due to
relaxation of the tendons is:
RE =[K, J(SH +CR+ ES)]E (Exp 10.4.4-1)
Where, Ice and] are a function of the type of steel
and C is a function of both the type of steel and the
initial stress level in the tendon (41W.
Table 10.4.4-1 gives values of K and/ for different
types of steel. The factor/ accounts for the reduction
In tendon stress due to other losses. As can be
seen, the relaxation of low-relaxation strands Is
approximately one-quarter that of stress- relieved

tLage

SH.0,, SH[ (ti 550

l (Exp 10.4.3-2)
strands.

TABLE 10.4.4-1 Stress Relaxation Constants Emend/ (Tt7t)

Kre
Grade and type* US SI MKS /
(psi) (MPa) (kg/cm2)
270 strand or wire 20000 137.90 1406.14 0.15
250 strand or wire 18500 127.55 1300.68 0.14
Stress 240 wire 17600 121.35 1237.40 0.13
relieved 235 wire 17600 121.35 1237.40 0.13
160 bar 6000 41.37 421.84 0.05
145 bar 6000 41.37 421.84 0.05
270 strand 5000 34.47 351.54 0.040
Low 250 wire 4630 31.92 325.52 0.037
relaxation 240 wire 4400 30.34 309.35 0.035
235 wire 4400 30.34 309.35 0.035
'In accordance with ASTM A416-74, ASTM A421-76, ASTM A722-75