Principles - the well known

properties of concrete are that it

has high compressive strength and
low tensile strength. the basic
concept of reinforced concrete is
to include a designated amount of
steel bars in a predetermined
pattern to give concrete a
reasonable amount of tensile
strength. In pre stressed concrete
a pre compression is induced into
the member to make full use of its
own inherent compressive
strength when loaded the design
aim is to achieve a balance of
tensile and compressive forces so
that the end result is a concrete
member which is resisting only
stresses which are compressive. In
practice a small amount of tension
may be present but providing this
does not exceed the tensile
strength of the concrete being
used tensile failure will not occur.

PRE STRESSING AND POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE

Pre-tensioning - This method is used
mainly in the factory production of precast
concrete components such as lintels, floor
units and small beams. Many of these units
are formed by the long line method where
precision steel mould up to 12000 long are
used with spacer or dividing plates to form
the various lengths requires. In pre-
tensioning the wires are stressed within the
mould before the concrete is placed around
them. Steam curing is often used to
accelerate the curing process. Stressing of
the wires is carried out by using hydraulic
jacks operating from both ends of the mould
to achieve an initial 10% overstress to
counteract expected losses. After curing the
wires are released or cut and the bond
between the stressed wires and the concrete
prevents the tendons from regaining their
original length thus maintaining the pre-
compression or pre-stress.

PRE TENSIONING IN CONCRETE

PRE TENSIONING IN CONCRETE
 Post - tensioning - this method
is usually employed where
stressing is to be carried out on
site after casting an in-situ
component or where a series of
precast concrete units are to be
joined together to form the
required member. It can also be
used where curved tendons are to
be used to overcome negative
bending moments. In post-
tensioning the concrete is cast
around ducts or sheeting in which
the tendons are to be housed.
Stressing is carried out after the
concrete has cured by means f
hydraulic jacks operating from one
or both the ends of the member.
The anchorages which form part
of the complete components
prevent the stressed tendons from
regaining its original length thus
maintaining the pre-compression
or pre-stress.

POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE

 After stressing the annular
spaces in the tendons ducts
should be filled with grout to
prevent corrosion of the
tendons due to any
entrapped moisture and to
assist in stress distribution.
Due to the high local stresses
at the anchorage positions it
is usual for a reinforcing spiral
to be included in the design.

POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE

POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE
PRE STRESSING AND POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE
PRE STRESSING AND POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE
PRE STRESSING AND POST TENSIONING IN CONCRETE