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EXAMPLE 1-009
FRAME - PRESTRESS
EXAMPLE DESCRIPTION
The SAP2000 beam prestress calculations are verified in this example using a
simply supported concrete beam with a parabolic prestressing tendon profile and
different eccentricities at each end. The beam is subjected to self weight load and
prestressing load. The bending moment and deflection at the beam center are
compared with independent hand calculated results.
In SAP2000 the beam is modeled using two frame elements so that there is a
node at the beam midpoint where the displacement values are to be calculated.
Important Note: Shear deformations are part of this example; however,
prestress losses are not included.
GEOMETRY AND LOADING
Prestressing tendon

18"

10"

TH =216 k

30"

3"

TH

CL

7"

Beam neutral axis

Section A-A

30' = 360"
Material Properties
E = 4320 k/in2
= 0.2
G = 1800 k/in2
Unit weight = 0.16 k/ft3

Section Properties
b = 18 in
d = 30 in
A = 540 in2
I = 40,500 in4
Av = 450 in2 (shear area)

Loading
Load Case 1: Prestressing alone
Load Case 2: Prestressing plus
self weight

Prestressing Tendon Notes

1. TH is the component of the tension force in the prestressing tendon that is in the frame local
1-axis direction.
2. The cable drapes at the left end, center and right end of the beam are illustrated in the figure.
3. The cable profile is parabolic.

EXAMPLE 1-009 - 1

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TECHNICAL FEATURES OF SAP2000 TESTED

Beam prestress with parabolic tendon profile and different eccentricities at the
two ends
The effect of beam prestress on the static analysis results
RESULTS COMPARISON
Independent results are hand calculated using basic principles and using the unit
load method described on page 244 in Cook and Young 1985.
Load
Case

Output
Parameter

SAP2000

Independent

Percent
Difference

My (center) kip-in

-2,160.000

-2,160.000

0%

Uz (center) in

0.15400

0.15400

0%

My (center) kip-in

-1350.000

-1350.000

0%

Uz (center) in

0.09050

0.09050

0%

COMPUTER FILE: Example 1-009

CONCLUSION
The SAP2000 results and the independent results match exactly.

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HAND CALCULATION

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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 9

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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 10

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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 11

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EXAMPLE 1-009 - 12