CIRCULAR PRESTRESSING

Circular Prestressing” is employed to denote the prestressing of

circular structures such as pipes and tanks where the prestressing
wires are wound in circles. In contrast to this term, “linear
prestressing” is used to include all other types of prestressing,
where the cables may be either straight or curved, but not wound
in circles around a circular structure. In most prestressed
circular structures, prestress is applied both circumferentially
and longitudinally, the circumferential prestress being circular
and the longitudinal prestress actually linear.
The circumferential prestressing resists the hoop tension
generated due to the internal pressure. The prestressing is done
by wires or tendons placed spirally, or over sectors of the
circumference of the member. The wires or tendons lay outside the
concrete core. Hence, the centre of the prestressing steel (CGS)
is outside the core concrete section.

When the prestressed members are curved, in the direction of

prestressing, the prestressing is called circular prestressing.
For example, circumferential prestressing in pipes, tanks, silos,
containment structures and similar structures is a type of circular
prestressing. In these structures, there can be prestressing in
the longitudinal direction (parallel to axis) as well. Circular
prestressing is also applied in domes and shells.

The circumferential prestressing resists the hoop tension

generated due to the internal pressure. The prestressing is done
by wires or tendons placed spirally, or over sectors of the
circumference of the member. The wires or tendons lay outside the
concrete core.
Hence, the centre of the prestressing steel (CGS) is outside the
core concrete section. The hoop compression generated is
considered to be uniform across the thickness of a thin shell.
Hence, the pressure line (or Cline) lies at the centre of the core
concrete section (CGC). The following sketch shows the internal
forces under service conditions. The analysis is done for a slice
of unit length along the longitudinal direction (parallel to axis).

Liquid retaining structures, such as circular pipes, tanks and

pressure vessels are admirably suited for circular prestressing.
The circumferential hoop compression induced in concrete by
prestressing counterbalances the hoop tension developed due to the
internal fluid pressure. A reinforced concrete pressure pipe
requires a large amount of reinforcement to ensure low-tensile
stresses resulting in a crack-free structure. However, circular
prestressing eliminates cracks and provides for an economical use
of
materials. In addition, prestressing safeguards against shrinkage
cracks in liquid retaining structures.

To reduce the loss of prestress due to friction, the prestressing

can be done over sectors of the circumference. Buttresses are used
for the anchorage of the tendons. The following sketch shows the
buttresses along the circumference.