EAS458 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN 2017/2018

CHAPTER 2 DESIGN FOR SERVICEABILITY

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The fundamental aim of prestressed concrete is to limit tensile stresses, and hence flexural cracking, in the
concrete under working conditions. Design is therefore based initially on the requirements of the
serviceability limit state. Subsequently considered are ultimate limit state criteria for bending and shear.
In addition to the concrete stresses under working loads, deflection must be checked, and attention must
also be paid to the construction stage when the prestress force is first applied to the immature concrete.
This stage is known as the transfer condition.

The design sequence of prestressed concrete may therefore be summarised as:

1. Design for serviceability – cracking
2. Check stresses at transfer
3. Check deflections
4. Check ultimate limit state – bending
5. Design shear reinforcement for ultimate limit state
The detail illustration by the flow chart is in Fig. 2.1.

The level of prestress and the layout of tendons in a member are usually determined from the
serviceability requirements for that member. For example if a water-tight and crack-free slab is required,
tension in the slab must be eliminated or limited to some appropriately low value.

For the serviceability requirements to be satisfied in each region of a member at all times after first
loading, a reasonably accurate estimate of the magnitude of the prestress is needed in design. This
requires reliable procedures for the determination of both the immediate and time-dependent losses of
prestress.

Immediate losses of prestress occur during the stressing and anchoring operation and include elastic
shortening of concrete, the short-term relaxation of the tendon, friction along a post-tensioned cable and
slip at the anchorages. The time-dependent losses of prestress are caused by creep and shrinkage of the
concrete and relaxation of steel.

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EC2 Section
2.3.1 Calculate moment variation, Mv = M0 + MT

Structure usage
5.10.2 Stress limit
Concrete class

Min. section moduli

Shape, depth, cover,

Trial section
loss allowances, etc

Serviceability Limit State

2.3.1 Self-weight + permanent action moment

Total moment

Draw magnel diagram for the critical section

Select prestress force and eccentricity

Determine tendon profile

5.10.4 – 5.10.9 Calculate losses

Check final stresses & stresses under quasi-

permanent loads

7.4 Check deflections

8.10.3 Design end-block Prestress system

6.1, 5.10.8 Ultimate moment of resistance

Ultimate Limit

Untensioned reinforcement Ultimate moment

State

6.2 Shear reinforcement design Ultimate shear force

8.10.3 Check end-block (unbounded)

FINISH

Figure 2.1 PSC design flow chart

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There are two critical stages in the design of PSC for serviceability. The first stage is known as transfer,
immediately after the prestress is transferred to the concrete, i.e. when the member is subjected to the
maximum prestress and the external load is usually at a minimum. At this stage (at transfer), immediate
losses have taken place but no time-dependent losses have yet occurred. The prestressing force
immediately after transfer is designated in EN 1992-1-1 as Pm0. At transfer, the concrete is usually young
and the concrete strength may be relatively low.

The second critical stage is after time-dependent losses have taken place and the full service load is
applied. This stage is known as service. Service stage is at time t when the prestressing force is at a
minimum and the external service load is at a maximum. The prestressing force at service stage is
designated in EN 1992-1-1 as Pm,t and is often referred to as the effective prestress.

To determine the in-service behavior of a member, it is therefore necessary to establish the extent of
cracking, if any, by checking the magnitude of the elastic tensile stresses. If a member remains uncracked
(i.e. the max. tensile stress at all stages is less than the tensile strength of the concrete), the properties of
the uncracked section may be used in all deflection and camber calculations. If cracking occurs, a cracked
section analysis may be performed to determine the properties of the cracked section and the post-
cracking behavior of the member.

2.2 ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE SECTION UNDER WORKING LOADS

The primary analysis of PSC is based on service condition, and on the assumption that stresses in the
concrete are limited to values which will corresponds to elastic behaviour. The following assumptions are
made in the analysis of PSC design:
i. Plane sections remain plane.
ii. Stress-strain relationships are linear (obeys Hooke’s law).
iii. Bending occurs about a principal axis.
iv. The prestressing force is the value remaining after all losses have occurred.
v. Changes in tendon stress due to applied loads on the member have negligible effect on the behaviour
of the member.
vi. Section properties are generally based on the gross concrete cross-section.

The stress in the steel is unimportant in the analysis of the concrete section under working conditions.
But, the force provided by the steel that is considered in the analysis.

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2.2.1 Section properties, notations and sign convention

For elastic analysis and design, a prestressed concrete section may be characterised by a number of
variables and geometric parameters. The sign conventions and notations used for the analysis are
indicated in Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2 Sign convention and notation

Referring to Fig. 2.2, the following notations will be used:

: Area of concrete cross-section

: Area of prestressing steel
I : Moment of inertia of the section
e : Eccentricity of prestressing force
: Distance of the extreme top fibres from the C.A
: Distance of the extreme bottom fibres from the C.A
: Section modulus of the concrete top fibre
: Section modulus of the concrete bottom fibre
: Concrete stress at the top fibre at transfer
: Concrete stress at the bottom fibre at transfer
: Concrete stress at the top fibre at service
: Concrete stress at the bottom fibre at service
: Allowable concrete compressive stress at transfer
: Allowable concrete tensile stress at transfer
: Allowable concrete compressive stress at service
: Allowable concrete tensile stress at service
Pm0 : The prestressing force immediately after transfer
Pm,t : The prestressing force at service stage (effective prestress)

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It should be noted that PSC section may contain ungrouted duct, reinforcing steel and unbonded tendon as
shown in Fig. 2.3. The voids and the presence of different materials (which can be transformed to
equivalent concrete) should be duly accounted for properties calculated on the basis of gross concrete area
provide acceptable analysis results.

Figure 2.3

For the purpose of flexural analysis the sign convention used are as follows (Fig. 2.4):
i. Positive moment produces tension in the bottom fibres of the member;
ii. Negative moment produces tension in the top fibres of the member;
iii. Compressive stresses are considered positive;
iv. Tensile stresses are considered negative.

Sagging moment Hogging moment

Figure 2.4

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2.2.2 Basic theory

Prestressing is artificially induced compressive stress in a structure before it is loaded so that any tensile
stress which might be caused by the external loads is automatically cancelled, and failure is eliminated.
Following example will clarify the basic theory of prestressing.

B
9.6 N/mm2

B –
9.6 N/mm2
Cross-section Stress distribution B-B

Figure 2.5
From the simple beam theory, it is known that the pattern of stress distribution at any section in a beam
will be compression in the top and tension in the bottom both of equal value. From Fig. 2.5, compressive
and tensile stresses at the mid-span will be 9.6 N/mm2 of equal value.

Now by having the above condition (Fig. 2.5), we are aiming to put an initial compression into the beam
so that the tension in the beam will cancel out this compression. There are two ways can be considered.

w = 10 kN/m

9.6 N/mm2 9.6 N/mm2 19.2 N/mm2

+
+ + = +
–
9.6 N/mm2 0
Bending Prestress Final

Figure 2.6

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CASE 1: If the compressive force is applied along the line of CoG (centroidal axial/ concentric
prestress), this will give a uniform compression on the beam section (Fig. 2.6). To cancel out the tension
in the beam, at least 9 N/mm2 is needed. Hence, the applied compressive force will be .

CASE 2: On the other hand, if, instead of a concentric force, an eccentric force, P is applied at a distance
e below the centroidal axis, this is equivalent to applying a concentric force P and a moment Pe.

w = 10 kN/m

Bending
2
9.6 N/mm P/A N/mm2 Pe /Z N/mm2 9.6 + (P/A – Pe /Z)
–
+
+
+ + + =
+
–
9.6 N/mm2 Pe /Z N/mm2 –9.6 + (P/A + Pe /Z) = 0
Bending Prestress Eccentric (moment) Final

Figure 2.7

Let assume ⁄ , (Z for the top and bottom beam section is the same), hence, to cancel out the tensile
stress of 9.6 N/mm2 in Fig. 2.7 above, a force P of 4.8A = 480 kN need to be applied at an eccentricity of
Z/A. And, the compressive stress at the top will be 9.6 N/mm2.

When compare with CASE 1, it can be seen that the applied prestressing force is halved in CASE 2 and
so is the compressive stress at the top fibre of the beam. So by introducing of an eccentricity, much better

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use of the concrete can be made since the stresses at the top and bottom vary over the full range of
permissible stresses for the two extreme loading conditions.

Alternatively, if the prestressing force used in both cases is the same, i.e. 960 kN (if consider the above
example), then the applied load (w) can be doubled (20 kN/m in CASE 2) and the final stress is the same
in both cases. Therefore by introducing the eccentricity, the moment-carrying capacity of a beam is
increasing.

Until to this stage, two basic governing equations can be concluded:

At the top fibre:

At the bottom fibre:

Example 2.1
A rectangular beam is ismply supported over 4.0 m span. And supports a live load of
10 kN/m. If a straight tendon is provided at an eccentricity of 65 mm below the centroid of the section,
determine:
(a). the min. presstresing force necessary for no tension under live load at mid-span.
(b). the corresponding stresses under self-weight only at the mid-span and at the ends of the member.

2.3 DESIGN FOR SERVICEABILITY LIMIT STATE

The design of a prestressed concrete member is based on maintaining the concrete stresses within
specified limit at all stages of the life of the member. Hence, the primary design is based on the SLS, with
the concrete stress limits based on the acceptable degree of flexural cracking, the necessity to prevent
excessive creep and the need to ensure that excessive compression does not result in longitudinal and
micro cracking.

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The codes of practice limit the allowable stresses in prestressed concrete. Most of the work of PSC design
involves ensuring that the stresses in the concrete are within the permissible limits. The stresses produced
by the prestress force must be considered in conjunction with the stresses caused by max. and min. values
of applied moment. Hence, for the SLS case, at any section in a member, there are two conditions of
checking required:

At Transfer (initial condition)

This is when the concrete first feels the prestress, immediately after the prestress has been applied. The
concrete, at this stage, is usually relatively immature and not at full strength. Hence, transfer is a critical
stage which should be considered carefully. The stresses are only due to prestress and self-weight (will
consider ).

At Service
The stresses induced by the SLS loading, in addition to the prestress and self-weight, must be checked
(will consider ). At service stage, the concrete has its full strength but losses will have occurred and so
the prestress force is reduced.

The ultimate capacity at ULS of the PSC section (as for RC) must also be checked. If there is insufficient
capacity, the addition of non-prestressed reinforcements is allowed.

2.3.1 Limitation of concrete stresses.

Depending on the serviceability requirements for a particular structure, a designer may set limits on the
tensile and compressive stresses in concrete both at transfer and under the full service loads. The concrete
stress limits specified in EN 1992-1-1 Clause 5.10.2.2 are as follows (Tab. 2.1):
Table 2.1
Loading stage
Stresses Transfer Service
Symbol Value/Equation Symbol Value/Equation
Compressive ( )
(*)
Tensile 0
Notes:
( ) = The characteristic compressive strength of the concrete at time t when it is subjected to the
prestressing force.
= The characteristic compressive cylinder strength of concrete at 28 days (Tab. 3.1 EN 1992-
1-1).
= Mean value of axial tensile strength of concrete (Tab. 3.1, EN 1992-1-1).
(*)
may be taken equal to – 1 N/mm2 if the sections are designed not to be in tension in service.

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If the tensile stress in the concrete is limited to the value of f ctm then all stresses can be calculated on the
assumption that the section is uncracked and the gross concrete section is resisting bending. (Similar to
Class 1 of prestressed concrete defined in BS code)

If cracked is allowed for certain degree, then calculations may have to be based on a cracked section.
Limited cracking is permissible depending on whether the beam is pre- or post-tensioned and the
appropriate exposure class.

The choice of whether to permit cracking to take place or not will depend on a number of factors which
include conditions of exposure and the nature of loading. If a member consists of precast segments with
mortar joints, or if it is essential that cracking should not occur, then it will be designed to be in
compression under all load conditions.

2.3.2 Governing inequalities

The design of prestressing requirements is based on the manipulation of the four basic expressions
describing the stress distribution across the concrete section. These are used in conjunction with the
permissible stresses appropriate to the type of member and covering the following conditions:
1. Initial transfer of prestress force with the association loading (often just the beam’s self-weight);
2. At service, after prestress losses, with minimum and maximum characteristics loading.

For a single-span, simply supported beam it is usually the min. moment at transfer and the max. moment
at service that will govern as shown in Figure 2.8.

Figure 2.8 Prestress beam at transfer and service

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From the figure and Eqs. 2.1 to 2.2, the governing equations for a single-span beam are:
At transfer:

At service:

Please be noted that:

1. M0 is referring to the min. applied moment – depend on the self-weight only;
2. MT is referring to the max. applied moment – depend on both the imposed load and self-weight;
3. Pm,t is a prestressing force after considering losses effects (%) = ΩPm0.

2.3.3 Minimum section moduli

The 1st step in PSC design is to calculate the minimum section moduli for the expected moments. To do
this, the governing inequalities (Eqs. 2.3 – 2.6) will be utilized. By comparing conditions (2.3) and (2.5),
and condition (2.4) and (2.6), the expression for Zt and Zb are as follows:

Since we are dealing with single span simply supported members, it will be assumed that M T and M0
occur at the mid-span. The above equations are the minimum section moduli required for preliminary
sizing of the sections. Note that in the above equations, MT and M0 are the functions of self-weight of the
section which is unknown at this point. Hence, a trial section or a reasonable self-weight must be assumed
initially, and then check once the section has been decided upon giving the actual Zt and Zb values.

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This min. values of section moduli must be satisfied by the chosen section in order that a prestress force
and eccentricity exist which will permit the stress limits to be met; but to ensure that practical
considerations are met the chosen section must have a margin above the min. values calculated above.
The equations of min. moduli depend on the difference between max. and min. values of moment.

The following formula of the ratio of acceptable span to depth for a prestressed beam may be used as a
guide and will generally produce reasonably conservative designs for post-tensioned members.

Example 2.2
Select a rectangular section for a post-tensioned beam to carry, in addition to its self-weight, a uniformly
distributed load of 3 kN/m over a simply supported span of 10 m. The member is to be designed with a
concrete strength class C40/50 and is restrained against torsion at the ends and at the mid-span. Assume
20% loss of pre-stress.

Example 2.3
The single-span, simply-supported beam shown below carried the loads as shown. Taking the losses to be
25%, determine an appropriate rectangular section for the member by taking the density of prestressed
concrete to be 25 kN/m3.

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2.3.4 Prestressing force and eccentricity

The inequalities of equations 2.3 to 2.6 may be rearranged to give expressions for the min. required
prestress force for a given eccentricity.

( )
( ⁄ )
( )
( ⁄ )
( )
( ⁄ )
( )
( ⁄ )

Note: In Eq. 2.9 and 2.10, it is possible that the denominator term ( ⁄ ), might be negative if
⁄ . In this case, the sense of the inequality would have to change as the effect of dividing an
inequality by a negative number is to change its sense.

Those equations give a range within which the prestress force must lie to ensure that the allowable stress
conditions are met at all stages in the life of the member. In this case of a simply supported beam, the
design prestress force will generally be based on the minimum value which satisfies those equations at the
critical section for bending in the member.

It is necessary to consider the effect of limiting the eccentricity to a maximum practical value for the
section under consideration. Such limits will include consideration of the required minimum cover to the
prestressing tendons which will depend on the exposure and structural class assumed for the design. The
effect of this limitation will be most severe when considering the maximum moments acting on the
section, that is, the inequalities of equations 2.5 and 2.6.

If the limiting value for maximum eccentricity emax, depends on cover requirements, Eq. 2.5 (service, top)
becomes:

( )

And Eq. 2.6 (service, bottom) becomes:

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( )

This represents linear relationships between MT and Pm0. For the case of a beam subject to sagging
moments emax will generally be positive in value, thus equation 2.14 is of positive slope and represents a
lower limit to Pm0. It can also be shown that for most practical cases [(Zt/Ac) – emax] < 0, thus equation
2.13 is similarly a lower limit of positive, though smaller slope.

Figure 2.9 represents the general form of those expressions, and it can be seen clearly that providing a
prestress force in axcess of Y’ produces only small benefits of additional moment capacity. The value of
Y’ is given by the intersection of Eqns. 2.13 and 2.14.

MT

Pm0

Figure 2.9 Max. moment and prestress force relationship

Thus,

( )

The value of prestress force Pm0 = Y’ may be conveniently considered as a maximum economic value
beyond which any increase in prestress force would be matched by a diminishing rate of increase in
moment-carrying capacity. If a force larger than this limit is required for a given section it may be more
economical to increase the size of this section.

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