REINFORCED CONCRETE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

6.0 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

6.1 Introduction
Prestressed concrete is widely used in the construction of
long beams, wide floors, and large bridges. In the following
sections, we shall discover how prestressing of concrete
makes it outperforms regular concrete. But before that, let's
first find out what prestressed concrete actually is.
In our days concrete the use of concrete is worldwide
spread. Our homes, offices, skyscraper buildings, bridges,
etc., are all made of concrete. Certainly, it is one of the most
important materials, especially in the world of civil
engineering.
Yet, this adaptable building material has distinct intrinsic
weakness. All the same it has extremely high compressive
strength, but it has almost no tensile strength. To Pre-stressed precast girder
understand what this means, imagine a rectangular piece of
cardboard supported at both ends. If you push down lightly in the center, it will bend. The top or the concave
portion of the bend is under compression, while the bottom or the convex portion is under tension.
When concrete is used in the construction of bridges, it is in a similar situation as the piece of cardboard in our
example. Now, since normal concrete has enough compressive strength, the top of the bridge will remain intact
under load. However, the bottom of the bridge which is under tension is most likely to fail and crack due to
concrete's lack of tensile strength. This could mean disaster.
However, civil engineers, aware of this problem, transformed concrete in a way which increased its tensile
strength greatly. The end result was what is known today as prestressed concrete. Thus, prestressed concrete
is basically concrete which has been altered in a way to impart a high degree of tensile strength to it.
Pre-stressed concrete was invented by Eugene Frevssinet in 1928, is a method using high tensile strength
steel alloys called tendons, producing permanent pre-compression in areas subject to tension. A portion of
tensile stress is counteracted thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the steel reinforcement.
6.2 Principle Pre-stressed concrete
Let us have a quick review of the strength and disadvantages of unprestressed reinforced concrete:
1) Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension.
2) Reinforcing steel is strong in tension.
3) Reinforced concrete uses concrete to resist compression and to hold bars in position and uses steel
to resist tension.
4) The tensile strength of concrete is neglected.
5) Reinforced concrete allows crack under service load.
Now let us simple but visible comparison between reinforced concrete beam and prestressed concrete beam.
The process of prestressing concrete can be best explained through the following illustrations.
Fig. 6.2a shows a concrete beam which is supported on both ends, acting as a bridge. If a heavy load such as
a truck were to move over it, the beam would bend. This would cause the bottom part of it to crack, as the
concrete there would be pulled apart by lateral tensile forces, as shown. To remedy this, a steel cable called
tendon is passed through the concrete, reinforcing it against the tensile force acting upon it.
Now, to increase the concrete's strength further, the steel cable is first stretched by applying external pulling
forces to it at both the ends as shown in Fig. 6.2b. Then, liquid concrete is poured over it and allowed to set,
with the stretched steel cable in the middle of the structure. Once the concrete hardens to a certain level, the
external pulling forces on the steel rod are removed. The steel cable immediately tries to regain its original size
and in the process, compresses the surrounding concrete, making it harder, resulting in the formation of
prestressed concrete. This is shown in Fig. 6.2c.
Prestressing makes concrete exceptionally strong as far as tensile strength is concerned, allowing it to bear
large loads without bending or cracking. This is shown in Fig. 6.2d.

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REINFORCED CONCRETE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
Typical load

Reinforced Cracked with

Concrete deflection under
(RC) dead load and
full service load

Reinforcing bars
Fig 6.2a

Prestressing tendons
Fig 6.2b
Pre-stressed
Concrete Dead load
(PC)
Prestressing tendons
Fig 6.2c Uncracked with
Likely camber
Under dead load
and prestress

Full service load

Fig 6.2d

6.3 Types or Methods of Pre-stressing

There are basically two main methods used for making prestressed concrete.
1. Pretensioned Concrete
In pre-tensioning system, the high- strength steel tendons are pulled between two end abutments (also called
bulkheads) prior to the casting of concrete. The abutments are fixed at the end pre stressing bed. Once the
concrete attains the desires strength for pre stressing, the tendon are cut loose from the abutments. The pre
stress is transferred to the concrete from the tendons, due the bond between them. During the transfer of pre
stress, the member undergoes elastic shortening. If the tendons are located eccentrically, the member is likely
to bend and deflect (camber).

The various stages of the pre-tensioning operation are summarized as follows (See figure 6.3.1):
1) Anchoring of tendons against the end abutments
2) Placing of jacks
3) Applying tension to the tendons
4) Casting of concrete
5) Cutting of the tendons

Pretensioning requires strong anchor points on which the steel tendons can be tied and stretched. Such points
are not always available on-site, and therefore, most pretensioned concrete parts are manufactured in factories
and transported to construction sites. This imposes a limit on the size and weight of the prestressed concrete
parts. This technique is used for the construction of balconies, floor slabs, piles, and even some bridges.

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End
abutment steel tendons

Jack

Prestressing bed
(a)Applying tension to tendons

Jack

(b) Casting of concrete

Cutting of tendon

(c) Transferring of prestress

Fig 6.3.1

6.3.1.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Pre-tension

 Pretension is the easiest controlled of the bonded stressings with the least chance of error in the
bonding process.
 Tension caused by the steel is spread throughout the length of the concrete since it is bonded within
the concrete along the length of the member.
 Usually uses a mold which is able to resist the forces within the tendons. Which are more expensive
than regular molds?
 Exception comes when the sides of the mold our anchored allowing mold to be created between the
anchors without supporting stress.
 Concrete sample should be taken for every new mix so that strength obtained may be determined
before cutting the tendons releasing the stresses onto the concrete.
 Since pre-tension may only be set once calculations for the camber must be correct. So, pre-stress
takes a large amount of preplanning. Must consider self-weight deflections, pre-stress deflections,
dead load deflections, and live load deflections.
 Since it may only tightened once and cannot be retightened the designer must also account for Creep
of concrete, elastic shortening of concrete, shrinkage of concrete, relaxation of steel, slip at the
anchorage, and friction losses due to intended and unintended (wobble) curvature in the tendons in
calculations for the camber of the member in order to have lasting quality of the structure.
 Pretension requires for a slightly higher compression rating to cut the steel over post-tensioned .6
instead of .55 of the compressive strength of concrete at the time of initial pre-stress before accounting
losses such as creep, relaxation and shrinkage, and redistribution of force effect.

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2. Post-tensioned Concrete
In this method, first, the concrete placement is done, and tension is applied to the steel cable later when the
concrete hardens. This technique can be employed to tension concrete on-site. To understand this process,
imagine a series of wooden blocks, each having a hole at their center. If one passes a rubber string through
these holes, and holds its ends, the wooden blocks will sag down. Now, if one fixes winged nuts to both ends
of the rubber string, and starts winding it, the blocks will be drawn closer until they align themselves in a
straight line. This is the basic principle of post-tensioning.

6.3.2 Advantages/Applications of Post-tension

 Post-tensioning allows longer clear spans, thinner slabs, fewer beams and more slender, dramatic
elements.
 Thinner slabs mean less concrete is required. It means a lower overall building height for the same
floor-to-floor height.
 Post-tensioning can thus allow a significant reduction in building weight versus a conventional
concrete building with the same number of floors reducing the foundation load and can be a major
advantage in seismic areas.
 A lower building height can also translate to considerable savings in mechanical systems and façade
costs.
 Another advantage of post-tensioning is that beams and slabs can be continuous, i.e. a single beam
can run continuously from one end of the building to the other.
 Reduces occurrence of cracks.
 Freezing & thawing durability is higher than non prestressed concrete.
 Post-tensioning is the system of choice for parking structures since it allows a high degree of flexibility
in the column layout, span lengths and ramp configurations.
 In areas where there are expansive clays or soils with low bearing capacity, post-tensioned slabs-on-
ground and mat foundations reduce problems with cracking and differential settlement.
 Post-tensioning allows bridges to be built to very demanding geometry requirements, including complex
curves, and significant grade changes.
 Post-tensioning also allows extremely long span bridges to be constructed without the use of temporary
intermediate supports. This minimizes the impact on the environment and avoids disruption to water or
road traffic below.
 In stadiums, post-tensioning allows long clear spans and very creative architecture.
 Post-tensioning can also be used to produce virtually crack-free concrete for water-tanks.
 The high tensile strength & precision of placement gives maximum efficiency in size & weight of
structural members.
 Applications of various prestressed techniques enable quick assembly of standard units such as bridge
members, building frames, bridge decks providing cost-time savings.

There are mainly two methods for post-tensioning concrete.

a) Bonded Post-tensioned Concrete

In bonded post-tensioning, concrete forms a bond

with the steel cable before it is tensioned. High
strength steel cables (tendons) are passed through
ducts made in the slabs of concrete. The concrete is duct
first allowed to cure, and after it hardens sufficiently,
a stressing jack is used to tension the steel tendons.
As the tensioning process continues, the steel
tendon gets elongated while the concrete is
compressed. When sufficient tension is attained, the
prestressed steel is anchored firmly in place. The
anchors are so designed that they are able to
permanently maintain the steel cable in tension,
Fig 6.3.2a
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which keeps the concrete in a state of compression.
See figure 6.3.2b and figure 6.3.2c.
Dead-End Stressing
Anchorage Grout port Anchorage

7-wire strand
In metal duct

BONDED POST-TENSION SYSTEM

Fig 6.3.2b
Metal duct
Grout vent
Bearing plate
Metal duct
Anchorage
head

Fig 6.3.2c
Cement grout

Wedge grips
7-wire strand
7-wire strand
ANCHOR DETAIL METAL DUCT SECTION
6.3.2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonded Post-tension

 Tendons are less likely to de-stress in accidents

 Tendons can be easily 'weaved' allowing more efficient designs
 Higher ultimate strength due to bond generated between the strand and concrete
 No issues with maintaining the anchor

b) Unbonded Post-tensioned Concrete

In unbonded post-tensioning of concrete, the concrete is prevented from bonding with the steel cables. To
achieve this, each individual steel tendon is coated with a layer of grease and wrapped in a plastic sheathing.
Once the concrete hardens, tension is transferred to it via the force created by the steel cables acting against
the anchors embedded in the perimeter of the concrete slab. In unbonded post-tensioned concrete, each steel
cable retains freedom of movement relative to the concrete itself. This allows for greater layout flexibility as
compared to other forms. See figure 6.3.2d.

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REINFORCED CONCRETE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

Metal ring with

Groove
UNBONDED POST-TENSION SYSTEM
Fig 6.3.2d

Translucent
Seal

Wedges

Grease

PC strand

HDPE Coated Pocket

former Clear cap
with grease
PLASTIC SHEATING
6.3.2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Un-bonded Post-tension

 Post-stress grouting is eliminated

 Ability to de-stress the tendons
 Economical
 Replaceable
 Simple stressing equipment

6.4 Advantages of Prestressed Concrete

 Prestressed concrete significantly increases the strength of concrete. Therefore, the structures made
using this process have a very low failure rate. They perform well under stress, and are much less
prone to getting cracked.
 Being stronger than normal concrete, prestressed concrete structures can be made much more
compact while still retaining their strength. Floor slabs and beams can be designed to be much thinner
as compared to those made using reinforced concrete. This proves to be very advantageous in multi-
storey building construction, where the space saved in designing each level can add up to form extra
usable floor space.
 Usually, in any construction, the joints between slabs are the most high maintenance area, since they
are the weakest links in the structure. Using the prestressing technique, concrete slabs can be made
larger, which results in lesser number of required joints.
 Large building and bridges can be built reliably using this technique. Thus, the procedure of
prestressing cures the concrete of its weakness against tensile forces, and allows it to be used in
several high tension applications.

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6.5 Prestressing steel

The development of prestressed concrete was influenced by the invention of high strength steel. It is an alloy
of iron, carbon, manganese and optional materials. The following material describes the types and properties
of prestressing steel.
In addition to prestressing steel, conventional non-prestressed reinforcement is used for flexural capacity
(optional), shear capacity, temperature and shrinkage requirements. The properties of steel for non-
prestressed reinforcement are not covered in this section. It is expected that the student of this course is
familiar with the conventional reinforcement.
6.5.1 Forms of Prestressing steel
a) Wires
A prestressing wire is a single unit made of steel. The nominal diameters of the wires are 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.0
and 8.0 mm. The different types of wires are as follows.
1) Plain wire: No indentations on the surface.
2) Indented wire: There are circular or elliptical indentations on the surface.

b) Strands
A few wires are spun together in a helical form to form a prestressing strand.
The different types of strands are as follows. See Fig 6.5a
1) Two-wire strand: Two wires are spun together to form the strand.
2) Three-wire strand: Three wires are spun together to form the strand.
3) Seven-wire strand: In this type of strand, six wires are spun around a
central wire. The central wire is larger than the other
wires. STRANDS
Fig 6.5a
c) Tendons
A group of strands or wires are placed together to form a prestressing
tendon. The tendons are used in post-tensioned members. The Cement grout
following figure shows the cross-section of a typical tendon. The
strands are placed in a duct which may be filled with grout after the
post-tensioning operation is completed (Fig 6.5b). 7-wire strand

d) Cables Cross-section of typical tendon

A group of tendons form a prestressing cable. The cables are used in Fig 6.5b
bridges (Fig 6.5c).

e) Bars
A tendon can be made up of a single steel bar. The diameter of
a bar is much larger than that of a wire. Bars are available in
the following sizes: 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28 and 32 mm.

Fig 6.5c 7
REINFORCED CONCRETE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

6.5.2 Types of Prestressing Steel

The steel is treated to achieve the desired properties. The following are the treatment processes.
a) Cold working (cold drawing)
The cold working is done by rolling the bars through a series of dyes. It re-aligns the crystals and
increases the strength.
b) Stress relieving
The stress relieving is done by heating the strand to about 350º C and cooling slowly. This reduces the
plastic deformation of the steel after the onset of yielding.
c) Strain tempering for low relaxation
This process is done by heating the strand to about 350º C while it is under tension. This also improves
the stress-strain behaviour of the steel by reducing the plastic deformation after the onset of yielding. In
addition, the relaxation is reduced. The relaxation is described later.

6.5.3 Properties of Prestressing Steel

The steel in prestressed applications has to be of good quality. It requires the following attributes.
1) High strength
2) Adequate ductility
3) Bendability, which is required at the harping points and near the anchorage
4) High bond, required for pre-tensioned members
5) Low relaxation to reduce losses
6) Minimum corrosion.

6.5.3.1 Strength Prestressing Steel

The tensile strength of prestressing steel is given in terms of the characteristic tensile strength (fpu). The
characteristic strength is defined as the ultimate tensile strength of the coupon specimens below which not
more than 5% of the test results are expected to fall.
The ultimate tensile strength of a coupon specimen is determined by a testing machine. The following figure
shows a test setup.

Fig 6.5d

a)Test set-up b) Failure of strand

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6.5.3.2 Stress-Strain properties of steel

Most of the mechanical properties for steels of interests to the design engineer can be read directly from their
stress-strain curves. Such important characteristics as proportional elastic limit, yield point, strength, and strain
hardening properties are immediately evident.
It is instructive to compare in general terms the tensile stress-strain curves for ordinary bar reinforcement and
typical prestressing steels as in Figure 6.5e. In Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 listed are the common wires, strands
and bars used in the actual building construction.

Grade 270 strand

270

250 Grade 250 strand

fpy

4.88 mm dia wire

200
fpy
Stress , ksi

150
Grade 160 alloy bar

100 Grade 60 rebar

Eps
Strand Eps = 27.5 x 1066 psi (190 GPa)
wire Eps = 29.0 x 10 psi (200 GPa)
6
50 Bar Eps = 27.0 x 10 psi (186 GPa)

0.75% 1% Elongation

0 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07

0.01
Strain , in/in
Fig 6.5e Stress-strain diagram for prestressing steel
Table 1.0 Typical characteristics of stress-relieved prestressing wires and strands

Minimum tensile
Nominal diameter Nominal area
Prestressing ASTM strength, fpu
Steel Type or grade
in mm in2 mm2 ksi MPa

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WA, *BA** 0.192 4.88 0.0289 18.7 250 1725
Stress-relieved WA 0.196 4.98 0.0302 19.4 250 1725
Wires BA 0.196 4.98 0.0302 19.4 240 1655
(ASTM A421) WA, BA 0.250 6.35 0.0491 31.6 240 1655
WA 0.276 7.01 0.0598 38.7 235 1622
0.250 6.35 0.036 23.22 250 1725
0.313 7.94 0.058 37.42 250 1725
0.375 9.53 0.080 51.61 250 1725
Grade 250
0.438 11.11 0.108 69.68 250 1725
Stress-relieved 0.500 12.54 0.144 92.90 250 1725
7-wires strands 0.600 15.24 0.216 139.35 250 1725
(ASTM A416) 0.375 9.53 0.085 54.84 270 1860
0.438 11.11 0.115 74.19 270 1860
Grade 270 0.500 12.54 0.153 98.71 270 1860
0.563 14.29 0.192 123.87 270 1860
0.600 15.24 0.216 139.35 270 1860
Note: *Tendon density – 7850 kg/m3
**Type WA wire for wedge or grip anchoring and Type BA for button-head anchoring

Table 2.0 Typical characteristics of prestressing bars

Minimum tensile
Nominal diameter Nominal area
ASTM strength, fpu
Type
Type or grade
in mm in2 mm2 ksi MPa
0.750 19.05 0.442 283.9 145 1000
0.875 22.22 0.601 387.1 145 1000
1.000 25.40 0.785 503.2 145 1000
145
1.125 28.57 0.994 638.7 145 1000
1.250 31.75 1.227 793.5 145 1000
Smooth alloyed
1.375 34.92 1.485 954.8 145 1000
steel bars
0.750 19.05 0.442 283.9 160 1104
(ASTM A722)
0.875 22.22 0.601 387.1 160 1104
1.000 25.40 0.785 503.2 160 1104
160
1.125 28.57 0.994 638.7 160 1104
1.250 31.75 1.227 793.5 160 1104
1.375 34.92 1.485 954.8 160 1104
0.625 15.87 0.280 180.6 157 1083
1.000 25.40 0.852 548.4 150 1035
1.000 25.40 0.852 548.4 160 1104
Deformed bars ---
1.250 31.75 1.295 835.5 150 1035
1.250 31.75 1.295 835.5 160 1104
1.500 34.92 1.630 1051.6 150 1035

6.5.3.3 Permissible stress in prestressing tendons (NSCP 2010 Section 418.6)

Tensile stress in prestressing tendons shall not exceed the following:
1. Due to prestressing tendon jacking …………………………………………………………………..….0.94f py
but not greater than the lesser of 0.80 fpu and the maximum value recommended by manufacturer of
prestressing tendons or anchorage devices
2. Immediately after prestress transfer ……………………………………………………………………..0.82f py
but not greater than ………………………………………………………………………………………..0.74f pu
3. Post-tensioning tendons, at anchorage devices and couplers, immediately after force transfer….0.70f pu

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Where: fpy = specified yield strength of prestressing tendons
fpu = specified tensile strength of prestressing tendons

6.6 Properties of Concrete in prestressed

6.6.1 Types of Concrete
For some reasons the concrete used for prestressed construction is characterized by a higher strength than
that used for ordinary reinforced concrete. It is usually subjected to higher forces, and an increase in quality
generally leads to more economical results. The use of high strength concrete permits the dimensions of
member cross-sections to be reduced to the minimum.
There are other advantages.
1) High strength concrete has a higher elastic modulus than low strength concrete, so that loss of
prestress force resulting from elastic shortening of the concrete is reduced.
2) Creep losses, which are roughly proportional to elastic losses, are lower also.
3) High bearing stresses in the vicinity of tendon anchorages for post-tensioned members are more easily
accommodated, and the size of expensive anchorage hardware can be reduced.
4) In the case of pretensioned elements, higher bond strength results in a reduction in the development
length required to transfer prestress force from the cables to the concrete.
5) Concrete of higher compressive strength also has a higher tensile strength, so that the formation of
flexural and diagonal tension cracks is delayed.

In present practice, compressive strength between 4,000 psi and 8,000 psi (28 MPa and 55 MPa) is commonly
specified for prestressed concrete members, although strengths as high as 12,000 psi (83 MPa) have been
used. It should be emphasized, however, that the concrete strength assumed in the design calculations and
specified must be attained with certainty, because the calculated high stresses resulting from prestress force
really do occur.
6.6.2 Modulus of elasticity
a) For concretes in the strength range to about 42 MPa, the modulus of elasticity Ec can be calculated with
reasonable accuracy from the empirical equation found in the ACI Code (NSCP Code):
Ec  0.043wc1.5 fc ' in MPa (SI Units)
Where: wc = unit weight of the hardened concrete in kg/m 3
f’c = specified compressive strength of concrete obtained by testing structural concretes with
values of wc from 1,500 kg/m3 to 2,500 kg/m3

b) For normal sand and stone concretes with wc = 2,300 kg/m3

Ec  4700 fc ' in MPa (SI Units)

c) For normal weight concretes with fc’ in the range from 21 MPa to 84 MPa and for lightweight concretes from
21 MPa to 62 MPa
1.5

 
 w 
Ec  3320 fc '  6900  c 
 2300 
in MPa (SI Units)

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6.7.1 Example Problems: (WORKING STRESS DESIGN-Elastic Analysis)

1.0 The 6 m long prestressed cantilever beam shown in the figure carries a concentrated live load of 18 KN at
the free end and a uniform dead load due to its own weight. Unit weight of concrete is 20 KN/m 3. The
strands are 12 mm in diameter with total prestressing force of 600 KN applied at an eccentricity “e” above
the neutral axis of the gross-section.
PL

wD

400

600

6m

a) What is the maximum stress in the bottom fiber of the beam at the free end when the eccentricity e = 0?
b) What is the stress in the top fiber of the beam at the fixed end when the eccentricity e = 100 mm?
c) What is the required eccentricity such that the stress in the top fiber of the beam at the fixed end is zero?

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2. The section of a prestressed box girder is shown in the figure. Unit weight of concrete is 24 KN/m 3. The total
prestressing force is 3500 KN. Assume that there is a loss of prestress of 15% at service loads. Simple
span, L = 20 m
900 mm

260 mm
N.A. 2
A = 350, 000 mm 600 mm
6 4
Ix= 15, 000 x 10 mm

90 mm

a) What is the stress at the bottom fibers due to prestress in MPa?

b) What is the stress at the top fibers at midspan due to combined beam weight and prestressing force, in MPa?
c) What additional uniform service load over the entire span will cause zero stress at the bottom fibers at
midspan, in KN/m.

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POWER EXERCISES 6.0

Problem 1. A prestressed concrete beam is 400 mm wide and 800 mm deep. The pressing tendons are
located 200 mm below the neutral axis of the beam. The total prestressing force is 1000 KN.
a. Determine the stress in the bottom of the beam due to the prestressing force, in MPa.
b. Determine the stress in the top of the beam due to the prestressing force, in MPa.
c. What external moment can act on the beam to just zero the stress in the beam at the bottom, in K N-m?
Problem 2. The flooring of a warehouse is made up of double-tee joists (DT) as shown. The joists are simply
supported on a span of 7.5 m and are pre-tensioned with one tendon in each stem with an initial
force of 745 KN each, located at 75 mm above the bottom fiber, loss of stress at service load is 12%.
Load imposed on the joists are:
Dead Load = 2.3 KPa 2.4 m
Live load = 6 KPa
88
Properties of DT:
A = 200, 000 mm2 N.A.
192 267
I = 1880 x 106 mm4
75 mm
yt = 88 mm
yb = 267 mm
A = 2.4 m
a. Compute the stress at the bottom fibers of the DT at midspan due to the initial pre stressing force alone.
b. Compute the resulting stress at the bottom fibers of the DT at mid-span due to service loads and
prestressing force.
c. What additional super imposed load can the DT carry such that the resulting stress at the bottom fibers at
midspan is zero?
Problem 3. A building for office is designed using the pre-stressed hollow core slab shown.
Properties of slab are as follows:
A = 1.2 x 105 mm2
St = St = 4.16 x 106 mm3
The slab is prestressed with 500 kN force at an
eccentricity, e = 38 mm below the centroid of 150 mm
this section. The weight of the slab us 2.35 kPa,
superimposed dead load is 2.0 kPa, live load of
2.4 kPa. The slab is simply supported on 1.2 m
bearings at L =7.5 m. Allowable stresses at
service loads are 3.2 MPa in tension and 18.5 MPa in compression. Consider 10% loss of prestress at service
loads.
a. Determine the resulting stress at the bottom fibers of the slab at L/4 from the center of bearings.
b. Determine the resulting stress at the bottom fibers of the slab at midspan.
c. Determine the maximum total load (kPa) that the slab can carry if the allowable stresses at service loads are
not to be exceeded.

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