127

Lecture Note 24
Prediction of long time deflection

t = mt + pt

mt = (1 + ) i
Where,

mt Change of curvature due to transverse load.

pt Change of curvature due to prestress

t Total curvature
Creep coefficient

i Initial curvature immediately after the application of transverse load.

According to ACI committee,

pt =

Pie (Pi Pt )e (Pi + Pt )e

+

EI
EI
2 EI

pt =

Where,

Lp
Pie L p
+ 1
1
EI
Pi 2 Pi

Pi Initial prestress
Pt Prestress after time t
eEccentricity of the prestressing force at the section
EIFlexural rigidity
L p = (Pi Pt ) Shrinkage and creep

Thus the total deflection after time t obtained from the above expression is

Lp
Lp
+ 1
a f = ait (1 + ) aip 1

2
P
P

i
i

Where,

ait Initial deflection due to transverse load

aip Initial deflection due to prestress
a f Final deflection after time t

Simplified method

P
a f = a it a ip t (1 + )
Pi

Here ,
+ve(positive) sign refers upward deflection.
-ve(negative) sign refers downward deflection.

128
Example:
A concrete beam having a rectangular section 100 mm wide and 300 mm deep is
prestressed by a parabolic cable carrying an initial force of 240 kN. The cable has an
eccentricity of 50 mm at the centre of the span is concentric at the supports. If the span of
the beam is 10m and live load is 2 kN/m. Estimate the long time deflection after 6 months
if E = 38 kN/mm2 & creep coefficient = 2.0 , loss of prestress = 20% of the initial stress
after 6 months. Estimate the long time deflection at the center of the span at the stage
assuming that the DL & LL are simultaneously applied after the release of prestress.
Solution:Here, Given
Pi = 240 kN.
I = 225 10 6
e = 50 mm
= 2.0
DL = 0.1 0.3 24 = 0.72kN/m
LL = 2 kN/m
Loss of prestress = 20% of Pi
Short time deflection:

5Pi eL2
Initial deflection due to prestress =
48EI

5 240 50 (10 1000 )2

=

48 38 225 10 6

=14.7 mm ()

5( g + q )L4
Deflection due to self weight and live loads =

384EI
5 (0.00072 +0.002 )(10 1000 )4
=

384 38 225 10 6

= 41.5 mm ()
Therefore, net deflection = 41.5 14.7 = 26.8 mm ().

Long time deflection:

L
L
The long time deflection, a f = ait (1 + ) aip 1 p + 1 p
Pi 2 Pi
0.2 Pi 0.2 Pi
= 41.5 (1+2) - 14.7 1
+ 1
2
Pi
2
P

= (124.5 - 38) = 86.5 mm()

129
Using simplified formula

P
a f = a it a ip t (1 + )
Pi

= (41.5 -14.7 0.8)(1 + 2) = 89.1 mm()

Load

Deflection of cracked member

Camber due to
prestress

Deflection

Short time
Unilinear method:
a=

L2 M
Ec I r

a Maximum deflection
L Effective span
M Maximum moment
E c Modulus of elasticity of concrete

I r Second moment of area of equivalent or transformed cracked section

A constant depending upon the end conditions, positions of the given section and
load distribution.

130

Support condition & load

5/48

1/12

1/24

1/16

1/3

Bilinear method
M
M M cr
a = L2 cr +
E c I c 0.85 E c I c
Where,
M cr Cracking moment

MMoment at which deflection is required

I c Second moment of area of uncracked equivalent concrete section
I cr Second moment of area of cracked equivalent concrete section

constant

131

Moment

M
Cracked Section

Mo

Uncracked Section

Curvature

M cr =

f cr
Ig
yt

3
M cr 3
M cr
Effective moment of inertia, I e =
I g + 1 M I cr
M


Where,
M cr Cracking moment

M a Moment at which deflection is required

Ig Moment of inertia of the gross concrete section neglecting the reinforcement
I cr Second moment of area of cracked equivalent concrete section
ytDistance from the C.G. to the extreme fibre in tension
f cr Modulus of rupture of concrete
Long time deflection of the cracked members
As per ACI-318:1989

Multiplying factor, =
/
1 + 50
Deflection = immediate deflection
Where,

132

A/

/ = s At mid-span for simple and continuous beam and at support for cantilevers
bd
As/ Area of compression reinforcement

b Width of section
d Effective depth
A time dependent factor having the following values
Age
Five years or more( 5)
12 months
6 months
3 months

2.0
1.4
1.2
1.0

Requirement as per IS1343

1. The final deflection, due to all loads including the effects of temperature, creep &
shrinkage should not exceed span/250.
2. The deflection including the effects of temperature, creep & shrinkage occurring after
the erection of partition and the application of the finishes should not exceed span/350 or
20 mm whichever is less.
3. If finishes are to be applied to the prestressed concrete members, the total upward
deflection should not exceed span/300, unless uniformity of camber between adjacent
units can be ensured.

133

Lecture Note 25
Example:The floor slab shown in the figure below comprises precast pretensioned beams & an insitu concrete slab. If the span of the beam is 5 m & the imposed load is 5 kN/m2
(including finish), determine the stress distribution at the various load stages. Assume all
long-term losses have occurred before the beams are erected & that the net force in each
end is 19.4 kN.

75

250

600

40

Section properties of the beams:

Ac = 1.13 10 5 mm 2
I c = 7.5 108 mm4 ;
Z t = Z b = 6 106 mm3

Solution:Given,
Eccentricity of the wires, e = 125 - 40 = 85 mm
Self weight of the beams = 0.113 24 = 2.7 kN/m.

Moment due to self weight, M o = (2.7 5 2 ) / 8 = 8.4 kN/m.

The total prestress force after all losses have occurred is given by Po = 6 19.4 =116.4
kN.
Stress distribution in the beams is thus given by

t =

116.4 103 116.4 85 103 8.4 106

= 1.03 - 1.65 + 1.40 = 0.78 N/mm2

+
1.13 105
6 106
6 106

b =

116.4 103 116.4 85 103 8.4 106

+

=1.03 + 1.65 - 1.40 = 1.28 N/mm2

1.13 105
6 106
6 106

134
i) The weight of the slab is supported by the beams acting alone, so
M d = 8.4 + 0.075 0.6 24 5 2 / 8 =11.8 kNm

The stress distribution within the beams is now given by

11.8 10 6
= -0.62 + 1.97 = 1.35 N/mm2
6
6 10
b = 1.03 + 1.65 1.97 = 0.71 N/mm2

t = 1.03 1.65 +

iii) The imposed load of 5 kN/m2 is supported by the composite section & the section
properties of this are now required. To find the neutral axis of the composite section,
taking moments about the soffit of the beams gives:

(1.13 10

) (

+ 75 600 y = 1.13 10 5 125 + 75 600 288

y = 171mm

I comp = 7.5 10 8 + 1.13 10 5 (171 125) + 75 3 600 / 12 + (75 600 ) / (288 171)
2

= 1.63 10 9 mm 4

The imposed load bending moment, (M des M d ) = 0.6 5 5 2 / 8 = 9.4 kNm

The stress distribution within the composite section under this extra bending moment is
given by

t , slab =

9.4 10 6
(325 171) = 0.89 N/mm2
1.63 10 9

t ,beam =

9.4 106
(250 171) = 0.46 N/mm2
1.63 109

b ,beam =

9.4 106
171 = -0.99 N/mm2
1.63 109

The total stress distributions under the three load cases are shown in the fig. below

135

0.78

1.35

0.89
0.46

1.28
(a)

1.81

0.71
(b)
-0.28
(c)

Fig. Stress distribution for composite section

[(a) for beam, (b) for beam & slab (c) for beam , slab & imposed load ]
The maximum compressive stress occurs at the upper fibers of the beams, but is
significantly lower than the level of stress had the beam carried the total imposed load
alone. This explains the advantage of inverted T-section in composite construction, where
only a small compression flange is required for bending moments M o and M d , the
compression flange for bending moment M des being provided by the slab.

136

Lecture Note 26

Example:
Find the profile of prestressing cable with an effective force of 500kN, which can balance
the DL & LL on the beam. Sketch the profile of the cable along the length of the beam.
4kN/m

250
50

6m
50

550

50
150

Solution:
Cross sectional area of the beam = 150 50 + 250 50+450 50
= 850 50
= 42500 mm2
250 50 25 + 150 50 525 + 450 50 275
y1 =
42500
y1 = 245.59 mm

y1

y2 = 304.41 mm

y2

3
RB = wl
8

3
wx 2
M X = wlx
8
2
3 2
3
If M X = 0 , x =
l= l
8
4
Now, Dead load = A 25 kN/m = 1.02 kN/m
Live load = 4 kN/m
Therefore, total load, w = (4+1.02) kN/m = 5.02 kN/m
Ms =

wl 2
= 22.59kNm
8

137
Location
M s 22.59
=
= 0.04518m = 45.18mm
P
500
Maximum moment
dM
For maximum moment,
=0
dx
es =

d 3
wx 2
wlx

=0
dx 8
2
3
x = l
8
3
3
w 9
wl L l 2
8
8
2 64
9
9
1
=
wl 2 1 =
wl 2
64
2 128

So maximum moment, Mmax =

9
5.02 62
128
=12.71 kNm

Hence, e =

12.71
= 0.02541 m = 25.41 mm
500

245.6

45.18
25.41

304.4
2.25m

1.5m

Fig. Cable profile

138

Lecture Note 27
Flexural strength of prestressed concrete member

Types of flexural failure

1. Fracture of steel:- A minimum longitudinal reinforcement of 0.2% of the total concrete
area shall be provided in all the cases except in the case of prestressed units of small
sections. This reinforcement may be further reduced to 0.15% in the case of HYSD bars.
The percentage of steel provided, both tensioned & un-tensioned taken together should be
sufficient so that when the concrete in precompressed tensile zone cracks, the steel is in
position to take up the additional tensile stress, transferred on to it by the cracking of the
adjacent fiber of concrete & a sudden failure is avoided.
2. Failure of over reinforced section:- When the effective reinforcement index , which is
expressed in terms of the percentage of reinforcement, the compressive strength of the
concrete and the tensile strength of the steel, exceeds a certain range of values, the
section is said to be over reinforced. Generally, over-reinforced members fall by the
sudden crushing of concrete, the failure being characterized by small deflection 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 & in many cases it may well
be within the proof stress of the tendon.
3. Failure of under reinforced section:- If the cross-section is provided with a steel
greater than the minimum prescribed above, the failure is characterized by an excessive
elongation of steel followed by crushing of concrete. This type of behaviors is generally
desirable since there is considerable warning before the impending failure. As such, it is
common practice to design the under-reinforced sections, which become more important
in case of statically indeterminate structure.
Strain compatibility method
Assumption
1. The stress distribution in the compression zone of concrete can be defined by
means of coefficients applied to the characteristic compressive strength & the
average compressive stress & the position of the centre of compression can be
assessed.
2. The distribution of concrete strain is linear. (i.e. the plane section normal to axis
remains plane after bending)

139
3. The resistance of concrete in tension is neglected.
4. The maximum compressive strain in concrete at failure reaches at a particular
level.

cu

k 1 f ck
k 2x
x

A ps

su

se )

Tu

Fig. Stress-Strain Distribution at Failure

Total compressive force, Cu = k1 f ck bx
Total tensile force, Tu = Aps f pb
The ultimate flexural strength of the concrete, M u = k1 f ck bx ( d K 2 x )
Where,
f ck Characteristic strength of the prestressing concrete
bEffective width
x Neutral axis depth
Aps Area of prestressing tendons
f pb Characteristic tensile strength of the prestressing tendon

k1 A constant whose value varies from 0.5-0.7 for f ck = 60-20 Mpa

k2 A constant whose value varies from 0.42-0.47 for f ck = 60-20 Mpa
The typical stress strain characteristic of different types of tendons used in prestressed
concrete as recommended by IS1343 is given in the figure below.

Cu

140

Fig. Characteristic of Hognestad et als stress block

Steps
1. Compute the effective strain

se in

steel due to prestress after allowing for all

losses from the stress-strain curve of steel.

141
2. Assume a trial value for neutral axis depth x & evaluate ( su se )
3.

Using the stress-strain curve for steel, determine the value of stress in steel at
failure f pb corresponding to su

4. Compute total compression C & tension T.

5. If C = T the assumed value of x is OK. Otherwise if tension is less than the
compression decrease the value of x & vice versa to repeat the process 2-4 again.
6. Evaluate moment of resistance (ultimate moment), M = Aps f pb ( d k2 x )
Example
A pretensioned concrete beam with a rectangular section, 100 mm wide by 160 mm deep,
is prestressed by 10 hightensile wire of 2.5 mm diameter located at an eccentricity of 40
mm. The initial force in each wire is 6.8 kN. The strain loss in wires due to elastic
shortening, creep and shrinkage of concrete is estimated to be 0.0012 units. The
characteristic cube strength of the concrete is 40 N/mm2. Given the load-strain curve of
2.5 mm diameter steel wire (fig below), estimate the ultimate flexural strength of the
section using strain compatibility method.

142
Solution:From the above figure (Hognestad stress block) we can have for fck = 40 N/mm2,
cu = 0.0033 ,;k1 = 0.57 ; k2 = 0.45.
As per figure strain due to load of 6.8 kN in wire is 0.0073
So effective strain in steel after all losses is given by

se = ( 0.0073 0.0012 ) =0.0061

First trial
Assuming x = 60 mm
From the strain diagram ( su se ) =0.0033
Therefore,

su = ( 0.0033 + 0.0061) =0.0094

Corresponding force in the wire =8.4 kN
Total tensile force = 10 8.4 = 84 kN.
Total compressive force = ( k1 f ck b x )
=

( 0.57 40 100 60 ) =136.8 kN

1000
Since tension is less than compression, x is decreased for second trial
Second trial
Assuming x = 43 mm
From the strain diagram ( su se ) =0.0059

su = ( 0.0059 + 0.0061) = 0.012

Corresponding force in the wire =9.9kN
Total tensile force = (10 9.9 ) =99 kN
Total compressive force =

( 0.57 40 100 43) =98 kN

1000
Since tension is nearly equal to compression, strain compatibility is established.

M u = Aps f pb ( d k2 x )
= 99 103 (120 - 0.45 43)
=9.96 106 Nmm
=9.96 kNm

143

Lecture Note 28
Design of Prestressed Concrete Member

Indian code (as per IS 1343 1980)

Assumption
1. The plane sections normal to the axis remain plane after bending.
2. The maximum strain in concrete at outermost compression fibre is taken as 0.35%
in bending regardless of the strength of concrete.
3. The relationship between stress & strain distribution in concrete is assumed to be
parabolic. The maximum compressive stress is equal to 0.446 f ck
Where, fckCharacteristic strength of the concrete
4. The tensile strength of concrete is ignored.
5. The steel & concrete are bonded completely.
6. The stresses in bonded prestressing tendons are derived from the respective stressstrain curve for the particular steel.

If
M u Ultimate moment of resistance of the section
f pu Tensile strength developed in tendons at the failure stage of the beam
f p Characteristic tensile strength of the prestressing steel
f pe Effective prestress in tendon after losses

144
Ap Area of prestressing tendons

d Effective depth
b Effective width
xu Neutral axis depth
Then moment of resistance, M u = f pu Ap ( d 0.42 xu )
The value of f pu depends upon the effective reinforcement ratio

Ap f p

bdf ck
For pre-tensioned & post-tensioned members with an effective bond between concrete &
tendon, the value of f pu & xu are given in table 11 of IS1343. The effective prestress f pe
after all losses should not be less than 0.45 f p . For post-tensioned rectangular beams with
un-bonded tendons, the value of f pu & xu are influenced by the effective span to depth
ratios, and their values for different span/depth ratios are given in Table-12 of IS1343.

145

Moment of resistance of flanged section

The ultimate moment of resistance of flanged sections in which the neutral axis falls
outside the flange is computed by combining the moment of resistance of web & flange
portion & considering the stress block is shown below.

146
0.45f ck

0.45f ck

b
Df

0.45xu(b-bw)Df

0.42xu
xu
d

(d-0.5Df )
Aps
f pApf

f puApw

bw
Fig. Moment of Resistance of flanged sections (xu>0.5Df )

Apw Area of prestressing steel for web

Apf Area of prestressing steel for flange
Df Thickness of flange

If

Then, Ap = ( Apw + Apf

But,

D
Apf = 0.45 f ck ( b bw ) f
f
p

After evaluating Apf , the value of Apw is obtained as

Apw = ( Ap Apf

Apw f p
the corresponding values of
bw df ck

For effective reinforcement ratio of

x
/ 0.87 f p ) & u are obtained from Table 11 of IS 1343 1980. The moment of
d
resistance of the flange section is obtained from the expression

(f

pu

M u = f pu Apw ( d 0.42 xu ) + 0.45 f ck ( b bw ) D f ( d 0.5 D f

147
Example
A pretensioned prestressed concrete beam having a rectangular section 150 mm wide
350 mm deep has an effective cover of 50 mm If fck = 40 N/mm2 & fp = 1600 N/mm2 &
the area of prestressing steel Ap = 461 mm2, calculate the ultimate flexural strength of
the section using IS code method.
Solution:Given data,
Characteristic strength of concrete, fck=40 N/mm2
Characteristic strength of tendon, fp = 1600 N/mm2
Area of tendon, Ap =461 mm2;
Width, b = 150 mm
Effective depth, d = 300 mm
The effective reinforcement ratio is given by

f p Ap 1600 461

=
= 0.40
f ck bd 40 150 300
From Table- 11, the corresponding values of the ratios are
f pu

0.87 f p

xu
= 0.9 and = 0.783
d

f pu = ( 0.87 0.9 1600 ) =1253 N/mm2

xu = ( 0.783 300 ) = 234.9 mm
Hence, the ultimate flexural strength of the section is

M = f pu Ap ( d 0.42 xu )
= 1253 461( 300 0.42 234.9 )
= 116 106 Nmm = 116 kNm
Example
A pretensioned T-section has a flange, which is 300 mm wide 200 mm thick. The rib is
150 mm wide by 350 mm deep. The effective depth of the cross section is 500 mm.
Given: Ap =200 mm2, fck=50 N/mm2 & fp = 1600 N/mm2, estimate the ultimate moment
capacity of the T-section using IS code method.
Solution:Given data,
Characteristic strength of concrete, fck = 50 N/mm2
Characteristic strength of tendon, fp = 1600 N/mm2

148
Area of tendon, Ap =200 mm2;
Width, b = 300 mm; Depth, d = 500 mm
Assuming that the neutral axis falls within the flange, the value of b = 300 mm for
computations of effective reinforcement ratio.

f A 1600 200
p p =
= 0.04
f ck bd 50 300 500
From Table- 11, the corresponding values of the ratios are
f pu

0.87 f p

x
= 1.0 and u
d

= 0.09

f pu = ( 0.87 1600 ) =1392 N/mm2

xu = ( 0.09 500 ) = 45 mm
The assumption that the neutral axis falls within the flange is correct. Hence, the ultimate
flexural strength of the section is:

M = f pu Ap ( d 0.42 xu )
= 1392 200 ( 500 0.42 45)
= 134 106 Nmm = 134 kNm

149

Lecture Note 29
Shear Resistance of Prestressed Concrete
Failure due web-shear cracks
The ultimate shear resistance of prestressed concrete section with web-shear cracking but
without flexural cracks is mainly governed by the limiting value of the principal tensile
stress developed in concrete. The failure is assumed to take place when the principal
tension exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete.
If
Vcw Ultimate shear resistance of concrete in a section due to web-shear cracks.
bw Breadth of web of the member
D Overall depth of the member
f cp Compressive prestress at the centroid of a section
ft Tensile strength of concrete
S Statical moment (i.e. first moment of area)
I Second moment of area
v Maximum shear stress at failure
For the condition at failure, equating the minor principal stress with the tensile strength of
concrete, we get
f cp 1

Here, v =

f cp2 + 4 v2 = ft

Vcw S
Ib

Hence,
f 1
cp
2 2

V S
f cp2 + 4 cw
Ib

= ft

I
On simplification, Vcw = bw f cp2 + f cp f t
S
The values of (I/S) varies from 0.67D (for rectangular section) to 0.85D (for flanged
section)
The British code (BS:8110:1985) & the Indian standard code specify a modified version
of the above relation given by

150
Vcw = 0.67bw D f cp2 + 0.8 f cp f t
In the above expression for computing Vcw , the tensile strength of concrete may be
assumed as
f t = 0.24 f ck
Where, f ck Characteristic strength of concrete
Design of shear reinforcement (AS per IS 1343)
At any given section, the ultimate shear resistance Vc of the concrete alone should be
taken as the lesser value of Vcw & Vcf . When V, the shear force due to the ultimate loads,
is lesser than Vc the shear force which can be carried by the concrete, minimum shear
reinforcement should be provided in the form of stirrups such that
A 0.87 f y
Sv = sv
[Ref. clause 22.4.3.1 of IS1343:1980]
0.4b
Where,
S v Spacing of stirrups along the length of a member
Asv Total cross sectional area of stirrup legs effective in shear
bBreadth of the member for T, I & L beams should be taken as the
breadth of the rib bw
f y Characteristic strength of stirrups reinforcement, which shall not be
taken greater than 415 N/mm2
If the shear force V is less than 0.5Vc & in a member of minor importance shear
reinforcement need not to be provided.
When V exceeds Vc, [as per clause 22.4.3.2 of IS1343:1980] shear reinforcement should
be provide conforming to the relation
A 0.87 f y dt
Sv = sv
(V Vc )
Where,

dt Depth from the extreme compression fiber either to the longitudinal

bars or to the centroid of tendons, which ever is greater.

The spacing should exceed neither 0.75dt nor 4 times the web thickness for flanged
members. When V exceeds 1.8Vc, the maximum spacing should be reduced to 0.5dt. The
lateral spacing of the individual legs of the stirrups provided at a cross section should not
exceed 0.75dt. The maximum shear stress permissible for different grades of concrete are

151
shown in Table:-1 . If the nominal shear stress (V/bd) exceeds these vales the section has
to be redesigned.
Table:1 (Ref. Table 7 of IS1343:1980)Maximum shear stress (N/mm2)
Concrete Grade
M30
M35
M40
M45
M50
M55& above
Max. Shear stress
3.5
3.7
4.0
4.3
4.6
4.8
The value of minimum shear reinforcement as per clause 22.5.4.4 of IS1343:1980 is
given by
A 0.87 f y
bsv = sv
0.4
Where, bsv Centre to centre distance between corner bars in the direction of the width
Example
The support section pf a prestressed concrete beam, 100 mm wide & 250 mm deep is
required to support an ultimate shear force of 60 kN. The compressive prestress at the
centroidal axis is 40 N/mm2. The cover to the tension reinforcement is 50 mm. If the
characteristic tensile strength of steel in stirrups is 250 N/mm2, design suitable
reinforcements at the section using IS recommendation.
Solution:Given:
Breadth of web, bw =100 mm; Depth, D = 250 mm; d = 200 mm
Compressive prestress at the centroid of a section, f cp = 5 N/mm2
Characteristic compressive strength of concrete f ck = 40 N/mm2
Characteristic tensile strength of steel, f y = 250 N/mm2
Ultimate shear force, V = 60 kN
For the support section uncracked in flexure
Vcw = 0.67bw D ft 2 + 0.8 f cp f t
ft = 0.24 f ck = 0.24 40 =1.517 N/mm2
So Vcw = 0.67 100 250 1.517 2 + 0.8 5 1.517 = 48407 N = 48.407 kN
Balance shear = (V-Vc )
= (60-48.4) kN = 11.6 kN

152
Using 6 mm diameter two-legged stirrups, the spacing is obtained as
Asv 0.87 f y 2 28.2 0.87 250 200
Sv =
=
=211.5 mm
11600
V

V
(
)

Maximum permissible spacing =0.75d = 0.75 200 =150 mm

Adopting 6 mm diameter two-legged stirrups at 150 mm centre to center.

153

Lecture Note 30
Statically Indeterminate Prestressing Structure
Advantage of continuous member
1. The BMs are more evenly distributed between the centre of span & the supports
of members.
2. Reduction in the size of members results in lighter structure.
3. The ultimate load-carrying capacity is higher than in a statically determinate
structure due to the phenomenon of redistribution of moments.
4. Continuity of beams in framed structures leads to increased stability.
5. Continuous girder is formed by segmental construction using pre-cast units
connected by prestressing cables.
6. In continuous post-tensioned girders, the curved cables can be suitably positioned
to resist the span & support moments.
7. A reduction in the number of anchorage in a continuous pre-stressed beam in
comparison with a series of simply supported beams.
8. Only one pair of post-tensioning anchorages & a single stressing operation can
serve several members.
9. The deflections are comparatively small as compared to simply supported spans.
Disadvantage of continuous structure
1. Loss of prestress due to friction is appreciable in the long cables with reversed
curves & considerable curvature.
2. Secondary stresses due to prestressing, creep, shrinkage and temperature &
settlements of supports may induce very high stresses unless controlled.
3. Cables positioned to cater for secondary moments are not generally suitable to
provide the required ultimate moment under a given system of loads.
4. The computation of collapse or ultimate load is influenced by the degree of
redistribution of moments in the continuous structure.
Effect of prestressing indeterminate structure
When an indeterminate structure is prestressed, redundant reactions will develop due to
the redundancies exercising a restraint at the supports. While a statically determinant
structure is free to deform when prestressed, a continuous structure cannot deform freely.
However, the deflections should conform to the law of consistent deformation. The
redundant reactions, which develop as a consequence of prestressing an indeterminate

154
structure, result in secondary moments. The formation of redundant reactions &
secondary moments are shown below:-

P
A

R
B

A
L

C
L

RL/2

Secendary
moment

Figure:- Redundant reactions secondary moments in a continuous PSC beam

Under the action of the prestressing force, P, the beam will deflect if it is not restrained at
the central support B. A redundant reaction R develops at the central support if the beam
is restrained at B so that deflections are not possible at this support. As a consequence of
this redundant reaction acting downwards, secondary moments develop in the continuous
beam ABC.
Codal provision for moment redistribution
As per clause 21.1.1 of IS1343:1980
(a) Equilibrium between the internal forces & the external loads is maintained for
appropriate load combination.
(b) The ultimate moment resistance provided at any section of a member is not less
than 80% of the moment at that section obtained from an elastic maximum
moment diagram covering all appropriate combination of loads.

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(c) The elastic moment at any section in a member due to a particular combination of
loads shall not be reduced by more than 20% of the numerically largest moment
covering all appropriate combination of load.
(d) At section where the moment capacity after redistribution is less than that from
the elastic maximum moment diagram, the following relation should be satisfied:-

xu M
d + 100 0.5

Where,
x u Depth of the neutral axis
dEffective depth
M Percentage reduction in moment
(e) In multistory framed structures involving lateral stability, the reduction in moment
allowed is restricted to 20% for structures up to four storeys & 10% for structures over
four storeys.
The British code of practice BS:8110-1985 permits the redistribution of peak moments up
to a maximum of 30%. The code formally defines the moment distribution ratio b as
Moment at a sec tion after redistribution
1
Momentat a sec tion before redistribution

The neutral axis depth x should be checked to ensure the condition that
xu
( b 0.4 ) or 0.6 which ever is less.
d

b =

Guyons theorem
In a continuous prestressing beam, if the tendon profile is displaced vertically at any
intermediate supports by any amount, but without altering its intrinsic shape between the
supports, the resultant line of thrust is unchanged.
Guyons theorem can be proved by considering a continuous member prestressed by a
straight cable.

156

P
A

P
C

Primary moment

Pe

Secondary moment MB
MB-Pe
Pe
Resultant moment
MB/P-e
e

If P Prestressing force
The resultant moment at the central support = Pe/2.
The shift of pressure line above centroidal axis = e/2
If the cable is linearly transformed by displacing it vertically at the central support so that
the eccentricity is zero at this section, the resultant moment has the same value Pe/2 &
the shift of pressure line is also be same.
However, it is important to note that as a result of linear transformation of the tendons,
additional reactions are induced while there is no change in the resultant moment
distribution.

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Example:A prestressed concrete continuous beam of two equal spans AB = BC = 10 m is
prestressed by a continuous cable having a parabolic profile between supports. The
eccentricity of the cable is zero at all three supports & 100 mm towards the soffit at the
centre of the span. The beam is of rectangular section, 100 mm wide & 300 mm deep.
The effective force in the cable is 100 kN. Determine the resultant thrust line in the beam.
Show there is no change in the thrust line if the cable is linearly transformed with a
vertical lift of 100 mm towards the top of beam at interior support B.
Solution:e=100mm

P
C

L=10m

L=10m

Equivalent load = 8Pe/L2

e=100mm

100mm

8 Pe 8 100 0.1
we = 2 =
=0.8 kN/m
L 10 10

Resultant moment at B = 0.125 we L2 = 0.125 0.8 10 2 =10 kNm

M 10 1000
=
=100 mm from centroidal axis.
P 100
If the cable is linearly transformed with a vertical shift of 100 mm towards the top fibers
at support B, the equivalent load is unchanged since the eccentricity e measured from the
line joining the cable centers at A & B to the bottom of the cable at the mid-span still
remains unchanged at 100 mm. Hence, there is no change in the resultant moment &
position of trust line at B.

Shift of thrust line at B =

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Concordant cable profile
Tendon profiles which do not induce secondary moments are referred to as concordant
profile.
Prestressing a statically indeterminate structure generally results in secondary moments
due to the redundant reactions developed at the immediate supports. However, it is
possible to arrange the cable profile in such a way that the structure does not deform at
the supports or at other points of restrain. In such a case, redundant reactions &
secondary moments are not induced by prestressing the cables.

x2

x1

CG

CG

M =Pe

e
A

L AB

IAB

L BC
IBC

Figure: Analysis of Indterminate beam

Depending upon the degree of inderminancy of the structure, concordant tendon profiles
satisfy a set of geometrical conditions, derived from Mohrs moment area theorems. Thus
for a two-span continuous beam ABC with a degree of indetminancy one, the condition of
concordant profile is given by,

A1 x1 A2 x 2
=0

+
(
)
(
)
EI
EI
1
2

Where,
A1, The free BMD representing the area between the cable profile & the
longitudinal axis of the beam in the adjacent span.
x1 The distance of the centroid of the moment diagram from the exterior
support.
(EI)1The flexural rigidity of the span AB
A2, x2, (EI)2 the corresponding values for the span BC

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Example:A continuous concrete beam ABC (AB = BC) has a uniform cross-section throughout its
length. The beam is prestressed by a straight cable carrying an effective force P. The
cable has an eccentricity e towards the soffit at end supports A & C & e/2 towards the top
fibre at the central support B. Show that the cable is concordant.

2 L /3

C a b le p r o file
e /2
L /3

B
L

Solution:Refereeing to the figure, the geometrical condition of concordancy is expressed as

A1 x1 + A2 x2 = 0
Since EI is constant for spans AB & BC
AB

A1 x1 = P (exdx )
0

1 2L
1 2 L 1 L e 8L
= P
e
+
3 3 2 3 2 9
2 3
= P.0 = 0
Similarly A2 x2 = 0
Hence the given cable profile is concordant.