Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof.

Devdas Menon

3.1 Analysis of Members under Axial Load

This section covers the following topics.
• Introduction
• Analysis at Transfer
• Analysis at Service Loads
• Analysis of Ultimate Strength
• Analysis of Behaviour

Notations
Geometric Properties
A prestressed axial member may also have non-prestressed reinforcement to carry the
axial force. This type of members is called partially prestressed members. The
commonly used geometric properties of a prestressed member with non-prestressed
reinforcement are defined as follows.
A = gross cross-sectional area
Ac = area of concrete
As = area of non-prestressed reinforcement
Ap = area of prestressing tendons
At = transformed area of the section
= Ac + (Es/ Ec) As + (Ep/ Ec) Ap

The following figure shows the commonly used areas of a prestressed member with
non-prestressed reinforcement.

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

= + +

A Ac As Ap

A
At
Figure 3-1.1 Areas for a prestressed member with non-prestressed reinforcement

3.1.1 Introduction

The study of members under axial load gives an insight of the behaviour of a
prestressed member as compared to an equivalent non-prestressed reinforced concrete
member. Prestressed members under axial loads only, are uncommon. Members such
as hangers and ties are subjected to axial tension. Members such as piles may have
bending moment along with axial compression or tension. In this section, no
eccentricity of the CGS with respect to CGC is considered. The definitions of CGS and
CGC are provided in Section 2.1, Losses in Prestress (Part I). The following figure
shows members under axial loads.

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

Hangers Piles
Figure 3-1.2 Members under axial load

The analysis of members refers to the evaluation of the following.

1) Permissible prestress based on allowable stresses at transfer.
2) Stresses under service loads. These are compared with allowable stresses
under service conditions.
3) Ultimate strength. This is compared with the demand under factored loads.
4) The entire axial load versus deformation behaviour.
The stages for loading are explained in Section 1.2, Advantages and Types of
Prestressing

3.1.2 Analysis at Transfer

The stress in the concrete (fc) in a member without non-prestressed reinforcement can
be calculated as follows.

P0
fc = -
Ac (3-1.1)
Here,
P0 = prestress at transfer after short-term losses.

In presence of non-prestressed reinforcement, the stress in the concrete can be

calculated as follows.
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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

P0
fc = - (3-1.2)
Ac + (Es /Ec )As

The permissible prestress is determined based on fc to be within the allowable stress at

transfer.

3.1.3 Analysis at Service Loads

The stresses in concrete in a member without non-prestressed reinforcement can be

calculated as follows.
Pe P (3-1.3)
fc = - ±
Ac At

Here,
P = external axial force (In the equation, + for tensile force and vice
versa.)
Pe = effective prestress.

If there is non-prestressed reinforcement, Ac is to be substituted by (Ac + (Es/Ec) As) and

At is to be calculated including As.

The value of fc should be within the allowable stress under service conditions.

3.1.4 Analysis of Ultimate Strength

The ultimate tensile strength of a section (PuR) can be calculated as per Clause 22.3,
IS:1343 - 1980.

In absence of non-prestressed reinforcement,

PuR = 0.87fPk Ap (3-1.4a)

In presence of non-prestressed reinforcement,

PuR = 0.87fy As + 0.87fPk Ap (3-1.4b)

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

In the previous equations,

fy = characteristic yield stress for non-prestressed reinforcement with mild
steel bars
= characteristic 0.2% proof stress for non-prestressed reinforcement
with high yield strength deformed bars.
fpk = characteristic tensile strength of prestressing tendons.

The ultimate tensile strength should be greater than the demand due to factored loads.

The ultimate compressive strength of a section (PuR) can be calculated in presence of

moments by the use of interaction diagrams. For a member under compression with
minimum eccentricity, the ultimate strength is given as follows. Here, the contribution of
prestressing steel is neglected.
PuR = 0.4 fckAc + 0.67 fy As (3-1.5)

3.1.5 Analysis of Behaviour

The analysis of behaviour refers to the determination of the complete axial load versus
deformation behaviour. The analyses at transfer, under service loads and for ultimate
strength correspond to three instants in the above behaviour.
The analysis involves three principles of mechanics (Reference: Collins, M. P. and
Mitchell, D., Prestressed Concrete Structures, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1991).
1) Equilibrium of internal forces with the external loads at any point of the load
versus deformation behaviour. The internal forces in concrete and steel are
evaluated based on the respective strains, cross-sectional areas and the
constitutive relationships.
2) Compatibility of the strains in concrete and in steel for bonded tendons. This
assumes a perfect bond between the two materials. For unbonded tendons, the
compatibility is in terms of total deformation.
3) Constitutive relationships relating the stresses and the strains in the materials.
The relationships are developed based on the material properties.

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Equilibrium Equation
At any instant, the equilibrium is given by the following equation.
P = Acfc + Asfs + Apfp (3-1.6)
Here,
fc = stress in concrete
fs = stress in non-prestressed reinforcement
fp = stress in prestressed tendons
P = axial force.

Compatibility Equations
For non-prestressed reinforcement
εs = εc (3-1.7)
For prestressed tendons
εp = εc + ∆εp (3-1.8)

Here,
εc = strain in concrete at the level of the steel
εs = strain in non-prestressed reinforcement
εp = strain in prestressed tendons
∆εp = strain difference in prestressed tendons with adjacent concrete

The strain difference (∆εp) is the strain in the prestressed tendons when the concrete
has zero strain (εc = 0). This occurs when the strain due to the external tensile axial
load balances the compressive strain due to prestress. At any load stage,
∆εp = εpe – εce (3-1.9)
Here,
εpe = strain in tendons due to Pe, the prestress at service
εce = strain in concrete due to Pe.
The strain difference is further explained in Section 3.4, Analysis of Member under
Flexure (Part III).

Constitutive Relationships
The constitutive relationships can be expressed in the following forms based on the
material stress-strain curves shown in Section 1.6, Concrete (Part II), and Section 1.7,
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For concrete under compression

fc = F1 (εc) (3-1.10)

For prestressing steel

fp = F2 (εp) (3-1.11)

For reinforcing steel

fs = F3 (εs) (3-1.12)
The stress versus strain curve for concrete is shown below. The first and third
quadrants represent the behaviour under tension and compression, respectively.

fc
εc

Figure 3-1.3 Stress versus strain for concrete

The stress versus strain curve for prestressing steel is as shown below.

fp

εp
Figure 3-1.4 Stress versus strain for prestressing steel

The following stress versus strain curve is for reinforcing steel.

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fs

εs

Figure 3-1.5 Stress versus strain for reinforcing steel

The equilibrium and compatibility equations and the constitutive relationships can be
solved to develop the axial force versus deformation curve. The deformation can be
calculated as εcL, where L is the length of the member.

The following plot shows the axial force versus deformation curves for prestressed and
non-prestressed sections. The two sections are equivalent in their ultimate tensile
strengths.
Axial force

Cracking Tensile strengths

Deformation

Compressive strengths

Prestressed section
Non-prestressed section

Figure 3-1.6 Axial force versus deformation curves

From the previous plot, the following can be inferred.

1) Prestressing increases the cracking load.
2) Prestressing shifts the curve from the origin.
• For the prestressed member, there is a compressive deformation in absence

of external axial force.

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3) For a given tensile load, the deformation of the prestressed member is

smaller.
• Prestressing reduces deformation at service loads.

4) For a given compressive load, the deformation of the prestressed member is

larger.
• Prestressing is detrimental for the response under compression.

5) The compressive strength of the prestressed member is lower.

• Prestressing is detrimental for the compressive strength.

6) For a partially prestressed section with the same ultimate strength, the axial load
versus deformation curve will lie in between the curves for prestressed and non-
prestressed sections.

The above conclusions are generic for prestressed members.

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

3.2 Analysis of Members under Flexure (Part I)

This section covers the following topics.
• Introduction
• Analyses at Transfer and at Service

3.2.1 Introduction

Similar to members under axial load, the analysis of members under flexure refers to
the evaluation of the following.
1) Permissible prestress based on allowable stresses at transfer.
2) Stresses under service loads. These are compared with allowable stresses under
service conditions.
3) Ultimate strength. This is compared with the demand under factored loads.
4) The entire load versus deformation behaviour.

The analyses at transfer and under service loads are presented in this section. The
analysis for the ultimate strength is presented separately in Section 3.4, Analysis of
Member under Flexure (Part III). The evaluation of the load versus deformation
behaviour is required in special type of analysis. This analysis will not be covered in
this section.

Assumptions
The analysis of members under flexure considers the following.
1) Plane sections remain plane till failure (known as Bernoulli’s hypothesis).
2) Perfect bond between concrete and prestressing steel for bonded tendons.

Principles of Mechanics
The analysis involves three principles of mechanics.
1) Equilibrium of internal forces with the external loads. The compression in
concrete (C) is equal to the tension in the tendon (T). The couple of C and T are
equal to the moment due to external loads.
2) Compatibility of the strains in concrete and in steel for bonded tendons. The
formulation also involves the first assumption of plane section remaining plane
after
Lec. by Tim bending.
Saroeun For unbonded tendons, the compatibility is in terms of deformation.
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3) Constitutive relationships relating the stresses and the strains in the materials.

Variation of Internal Forces

In reinforced concrete members under flexure, the values of compression in concrete
(C) and tension in the steel (T) increase with increasing external load. The change in
the lever arm (z) is not large.

In prestressed concrete members under flexure, at transfer of prestress C is located

close to T. The couple of C and T balance only the self weight. At service loads, C
shifts up and the lever arm (z) gets large. The variation of C or T is not appreciable.

The following figure explains this difference schematically for a simply supported beam
under uniform load.
w1 w1

C1 z1
z1 C1
T1 T1

w2 w 2 > w1 w2

C2 C2
z2 z2
T2 T2

Reinforced concrete Prestressed concrete

C2 > C1, z2 ≈ z1 C2 ≈ C1, z2 > z1
Figure 3-2.1 Variations of internal forces and lever arms

In the above figure,

C1, T1 = compression and tension at transfer due to self weight
C2, T2 = compression and tension under service loads
w1 = self weight
w2 = service loads
z1 = lever arm at transfer
z2 = lever arm under service loads.

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For the reinforced concrete member C2 is substantially large than C1, but z2 is close to
z1. For the prestressed concrete member C2 is close to C1, but z2 is substantially large
than z1.

3.2.2 Analyses at Transfer and at Service

The analyses at transfer and under service loads are similar. Hence, they are presented
together. A prestressed member usually remains uncracked under service loads. The
concrete and steel are treated as elastic materials. The principle of superposition is
applied. The increase in stress in the prestressing steel due to bending is neglected.

There are three approaches to analyse a prestressed member at transfer and under
service loads. These approaches are based on the following concepts.
a) Based on stress concept.
b) Based on force concept.
c) Based on load balancing concept.
The following material explains the three concepts.

Based on Stress Concept

In the approach based on stress concept, the stresses at the edges of the section under
the internal forces in concrete are calculated. The stress concept is used to compare
the calculated stresses with the allowable stresses.
The following figure shows a simply supported beam under a uniformly distributed load
(UDL) and prestressed with constant eccentricity (e) along its length.

CGC
e
CGS
Figure 3-2.2 A simply supported beam under UDL

The following sketch shows the internal forces in concrete at a section and the
corresponding stress profiles. The first stress profile is due to the compression P. The
second profile is due to the eccentricity of the compression. The third profile is due to
the moment. At transfer, the moment is due to self weight. At service the moment is
due to service loads.
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M
CGC + + =
P

Internal –P/A ±Pey/ I ±My/ I Resultant

forces in (stress (stress (stress stress
concrete due to P) due to P.e) due to M) profile
Figure 3-2.3 Stress profiles at a section due to internal forces

The resultant stress at a distance y from the CGC is given by the principle of
superposition as follows.

P Pey My
f =- ± ± (3-2.1)
A I I

For a curved tendon, P can be substituted by its horizontal component. But the effect of
the refinement is negligible.

Based on Force Concept

The approach based on force concept is analogous to the study of reinforced concrete.
The tension in prestressing steel (T) and the resultant compression in concrete (C) are
considered to balance the external loads. This approach is used to determine the
dimensions of a section and to check the service load capacity. Of course, the stresses
in concrete calculated by this approach are same as those calculated based on stress
concept. The stresses at the extreme edges are compared with the allowable stresses.

The following figures show the internal forces in the section.

C
ec
z
e T
T C

Internal forces at prestressing Internal forces after

(neglecting self-weight) loading
Figure 3-2.4 Internal forces at a section

The equilibrium equations are as follows.

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(3-2.2)
M = C.z
M = C(ec + e) (3-2.3)

The resultant stress in concrete at distance y from the CGC is given as follows.

C Cec y
f =- ± (3-2.4)
A I

Substituting C = P and Cec = M – Pe, the expression of stress becomes same as that
given by the stress concept.
(3-2.5)
P Pey My
f =- ± ±
A I I

Based on Load Balancing Concept

The approach based on load balancing concept is used for a member with curved or
harped tendons and in the analysis of indeterminate continuous beams. The moment,
upward thrust and upward deflection (camber) due to the prestress in the tendons are
calculated. The upward thrust balances part of the superimposed load.

The expressions for three profiles of tendons in simply supported beams are given.

a) For a Parabolic Tendon

e P
wup
L
Free body diagram of concrete

M
Bending moment diagram
Figure 3-2.5 Simply supported beam with parabolic tendon

The moment at the centre due to the uniform upward thrust (wup) is given by the
following equation.

Lec. by Tim Saroeun wup L2 14

M=
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(3-2.6)

The moment at the centre from the prestressing force is given as M = Pe.
The expression of wup is calculated by equating the two expressions of M. The upward
deflection (∆) can be calculated from wup based on elastic analysis.
8Pe
w up =
L2
5wup L4
∆= (3-2.7)
384EI

b) For Singly Harped Tendon

P P

Wup
Free body diagram of concrete

M
Bending moment diagram
Figure 3-2.6 Simply supported beam with singly harped tendon

The moment at the centre due to the upward thrust (Wup) is given by the following
equation. It is equated to the moment due to the eccentricity of the tendon. As before,
the upward thrust and the deflection can be calculated.

Wup L
M= = Pe
4
4Pe
Wup =
L
Wup L3
∆= (3-2.8)
48EI

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c) For Doubly Harped Tendon

P P

aL W Wup
up

Free body diagram of concrete

M
Bending moment diagram
Figure 3-2.7 Simply supported beam with doubly harped tendon

The moment at the centre due to the upward thrusts (Wup) is given by the following
equation. It is equated to the moment due to the eccentricity of the tendon. As before,
the upward thrust and the deflection can be calculated.
M = Wup aL = Pe
Pe
Wup =
aL
a ( 3 - 4a 2 ) Wup L3
∆= (3-2.9)
24EI

Example 3-2.1

A concrete beam prestressed with a parabolic tendon is shown in the figure. The
prestressing force applied is 1620 kN. The uniformly distributed load includes
the self weight. Compute the extreme fibre stress at the mid-span by applying
the three concepts. Draw the stress distribution across the section at mid-span.
45 kN/m 500
CGC
750

145
At end At mid-span
7.3m

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Solution

a) Stress concept

Area of concrete, A = 500 × 750

= 375,000 mm2

Moment of inertia, I = (500 × 7503) / 12

= 1.758 × 1010 mm4

Bending moment at mid-span, M = (45 × 7.32) / 8

= 299.7 kNm

Top fibre stress

P Pe M
( fc )t = - + y top - y top
A I I
1620 ×10 1620 ×103 ×145
3
299.7 ×106
=- + ×375 - ×375
375 ×103 1.758 ×1010 1.758 ×1010
= - 4.32 + 5.01- 6.39
= - 5.7 N/mm2
Bottom fibre stress
P Pe M
( fc )b = - - y bot + y bot
A I I
1620×10 1620 ×103 ×145
3
299.7×106
=- - ×375 + ×375
375×103 1.758×1010 1.758×1010
= -4.32 - 5.01+ 6.39
= -2.9 N/mm2
b) Force concept

C
ec
z
e P
P C

Applied
Lec. by Tim moment
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Lever arm z =M/P

= 299.7 × 103 / 1620
= 185 mm

Eccentricity of C ec =z–e
= 185 – 145
= 40 mm
Top fibre stress

Cec
C
( fc )t = - - y top
A I
1620 × 103 1620 × 103 × 40
=- - × 375
375 × 103 1.758 × 1010
= -4.32 -1.38
= -5.7 N/mm2

Bottom fibre stress

C Cec
( fc )b = - + y bot
A I
1620 × 103 1620 × 103 × 40
=- + × 375
375 × 103 1.758 × 1010
= -4.32 +1.38
= -2.9 N/mm2

c) Load balancing method

Effective upward load, wup = 8Pe / L2

= 8 × 1620 × 103 × 145 / 73002
= 35.3 kN/m

Residual load wres = 45 – 35.3

= 9.7 kN/m
Residual bending moment Mres = 9.7 × 7.32 / 8
= 64.6 kNm

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Residual bending stress (fc)res = 64.6 × 106 × 375 / 1.758×1010

= 1.38 N/mm2
Total top fibre stress (fc)t = – P/A – (fc)res
= – 4.32 – 1.38
= – 5.7 N/mm2

Total bottom fibre stress (fc)b = – P/A + (fc)res

= – 4.32 + 1.38
= – 2.9 N/mm2

The resultant stress distribution at mid-span is shown below.

– 5.7 N/mm2

– 2.9 N/mm2

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

3.3 Analysis of Members under Flexure (Part II)

This section covers the following topics.
• Cracking Moment
• Kern Points
• Pressure Line

Introduction
The analysis of flexural members under service loads involves the calculation of the
following quantities.
a) Cracking moment.
b) Location of kern points.
c) Location of pressure line.

The following material explains each one of them.

3.2.1 Cracking Moment

The cracking moment (Mcr) is defined as the moment due to external loads at which the
first crack occurs in a prestressed flexural member. Considering the variability in stress
at the occurrence of the first crack, the evaluated cracking moment is an estimate.
Nevertheless, the evaluation of cracking moment is important in the analysis of
prestressed members.

Based on the allowable tensile stress the prestress members are classified into three
types as per IS:1343 - 1980. The types are explained in Section 1.2, Advantages and
Types of Prestressing. For Type 1 (full prestressing) and Type 2 (limited prestressing)
members, cracking is not allowed under service loads. Hence, it is imperative to check
that the cracking moment is greater than the moment due to service loads. This is
satisfied when the stress at the edge due to service loads is less than the modulus of
rupture.

The modulus of rupture is the stress at the bottom edge of a simply supported beam
corresponding to the cracking moment (Mcr). The modulus of rupture is a measure of
the byflexural
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loading (also called 4 point loading including the reactions or middle third loading). The
modulus of rupture (fcr) is expressed in terms of the characteristic compressive strength
(fck) of concrete by the following equation (IS:456 - 2000). Here, fcr and fck are in N/mm2.

fcr = 0.7 fck (3-3.1)

The following sketch shows the internal forces and the resultant stress profile at the
instant of cracking.

Mcr
CGC
yb Pe
fcr
Internal forces in Resultant stress
concrete profile
Figure 3-3.1 Internal forces and resultant stress profile at cracking

The stress at the edge can be calculated based on the stress concept as follows. The
cracking moment (Mcr) can be evaluated by transposing the terms.

Pe Pe ey b Mcr y b
- - + = fcr
A I I
Mcr y b P P ey
or, = fcr + e + e b
I A I
f I PI
or, Mcr = cr + e + Pe e (3-3.2)
y b Ay b

The above equation expresses Mcr in terms of the section and material properties and
prestressing variables.

3.2.2 Kern Points

When the resultant compression (C) is located within a specific zone of a section of a
beam, tensile stresses are not generated. This zone is called the kern zone of a section.
For a section symmetric about a vertical axis, the kern zone is within the levels of the
upper and lower kern points. When the resultant compression (C) under service loads
is located at the upper kern point, the stress at the bottom edge is zero. Similarly, when
C at transfer of prestress is located at the bottom kern point, the stress at the upper
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edge is zero. The levels of the upper and lower kern points from CGC are denoted as kt
and kb, respectively.

Based on the stress concept, the stress at the bottom edge corresponding to C at the
upper kern point, is equated to zero. The following sketch shows the location of C and
the resultant stress profile.

CGC C kt
yb

Location of Resultant stress

resultant profile
compression
Figure 3-3.2 Resultant stress profile when compression is at upper kern point

The value of kt can be calculated by equating the stress at the bottom to zero as follows.

C Ckt y b
- + =0
A I
C Ck y
or, - + t 2 b = 0
A Ar
r2
or, kt = (3-3.3)
yb

The above equation expresses the location of upper kern point in terms of the section
properties. Here, r is the radius of gyration and yb is the distance of the bottom edge
from CGC.

Similar to the calculation of kt, the location of the bottom kern point can be calculated by
equating the stress at the top edge to zero. The following sketch shows the location of
C and the resultant stress profile.
yt
CGC C kb

Location of Resultant stress

resultant profile
compression
Figure 3-3.3 Resultant stress profile when compression is at lower kern point

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C Ck b y t
- + =0
A I
C Ck y
or, - + b 2 t = 0
A Ar
r2 (3-3.4)
or, kb =
yt

Here, yt is the distance of the top edge from CGC.

Cracking Moment using Kern Points

The kern points can be used to determine the cracking moment (Mcr). The cracking
moment is slightly greater than the moment causing zero stress at the bottom. C is
located above kt to cause a tensile stress fcr at the bottom. The incremental moment is
fcr I/yb. The following sketch shows the shift in C outside the kern to cause cracking and
the corresponding stress profiles.
∆z
C
ec kt
CGC + =
e
CGS

fcr fcr
Location of
Resultant stress
resultant
profile
compression
Figure 3-3.4 Resultant stress profile at cracking of the bottom edge

The cracking moment can be expressed as the product of the compression and the
lever arm. The lever arm is the sum of the eccentricity of the CGS (e) and the
eccentricity of the compression (ec). The later is the sum of kt and ∆z, the shift of C
outside the kern.

Mcr = C ( e + ec )
= C ( e + kt + ∆z )
fcr I (3-3.5)
or, Mcr = C ( e + kt ) +
yb

Substituting C = Pe, kt = r2/yb and r2 = I/A, the above equation becomes same as the
previous expression of Mcr.

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⎛ r 2 ⎞ fcr I
Mcr =Pe ⎜ +e⎟+
⎝ yb ⎠ yb
f I PI
or, Mcr = cr + e +Pee (3-3.6)
yb Ayb

3.2.3 Pressure Line

The pressure line in a beam is the locus of the resultant compression (C) along the
length. It is also called the thrust line or C-line. It is used to check whether C at
transfer and under service loads is falling within the kern zone of the section. The
eccentricity of the pressure line (ec) from CGC should be less than kb or kt to ensure C
in the kern zone.

The pressure line can be located from the lever arm (z) and eccentricity of CGS (e) as
follows. The lever arm is the distance by which C shifts away from T due to the moment.
Subtracting e from z provides the eccentricity of C (ec) with respect to CGC. The
variation of ec along length of the beam provides the pressure line.

M
z=
C
ec = z - e (3-3.7)

A positive value of ec implies that C acts above the CGC and vice-versa. If ec is
negative and the numerical value is greater than kb (that is |ec| > kb), C lies below the
lower kern point and tension is generated at the top of the member.
If ec> kt, then C lies above the upper kern point and tension is generated at the bottom
of the member.

Pressure Line at Transfer

The pressure line is calculated from the moment due to the self weight. The following
sketch shows that the pressure line for a simply supported beam gets shifted from the
CGS with increasing moment towards the centre of the span.

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

Pressure line CL

CGC kt
CGS kb

Figure 3-3.4 Pressure line at transfer

Pressure Line under Service Loads

The pressure line is calculated from the moment due to the service loads. The following
sketch shows that the pressure line for a simply supported beam gets further shifted
from the CGS at the centre of the span with increased moment under service condition.

Pressure line
CL

CGC kt
CGS kb

Figure 3-3.4 Pressure line under service loads

Limiting Zone
For fully prestressed members (Type 1), tension is not allowed under service conditions.
If tension is also not allowed at transfer, C always lies within the kern zone. The limiting
zone is defined as the zone for placing the CGS of the tendons such that C always lies
within the kern zone.

For limited prestressed members (Type 2 and Type 3), tension is allowed at transfer
and under service conditions. The limiting zone is defined as the zone for placing the
CGS such that the tensile stresses in the extreme edges are within the allowable values.

The following figure shows the limiting zone (as the shaded region) for a simply
supported beam subjected to uniformly distributed load.

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

CL

Locus of emin
CGC

Locus of emax
Figure 3-3.4 Limiting zone for a simply supported beam

The determination of limiting zone is given in Section 4.4, Design of Sections for Flexure
(Part III).

Example 3-3.1

For the post-tensioned beam with a flanged section as shown, the profile of the
CGS is parabolic, with no eccentricity at the ends. The live load moment due to
service loads at mid-span (MLL) is 648 kNm. The prestress after transfer (P0) is
1600 kN. Assume 15% loss at service. Grade of concrete is M30

CGC

18.0m
500

200

150
1000 Values in mm.

CGS
150 200

250
Cross-section at mid-span

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

Evaluate the following quantities.

a) Kern levels
b) Cracking moment
c) Location of pressure line at mid-span at transfer and at service.
d) The stresses at the top and bottom fibres at transfer and at service.

Compare the stresses with the following allowable stresses at transfer and at
service.
For compression, fcc,all = – 18.0 N/mm2
For tension, fct,all = 1.5 N/mm2.

Solution

Calculation of geometric properties

The section is divided into three rectangles for the computation of the geometric
properties. The centroid of each rectangle is located from the soffit.

1 yt

+ CGC
2
900 Values in mm.
y yb
500
3
100

Area of the section

Area of 1 = A1 = 500 × 200

= 100,000 mm2

Area of 2 = A2 = 600 × 150

= 90,000 mm2

Area of 3 = A3 = 250 × 200

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Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

A = A1 + A2 + A3
= 240,000 mm2

Location of CGC from the soffit

A1 ×900 + A2 ×500 + A3 ×100

y=
A
= 583.3 mm

Therefore,
y b = 583.3 mm
y t = 1000.0 - 583.3
= 416.7 mm

Eccentricity of CGS at mid-span

e = y -150
= 583.3 -150
= 433.3 mm

Moment of inertia of 1 about axis through CGC

1
I1 = ×500× 2003 + A1 ×(900 - 583.3)2
12
= 1.036×1010 mm4

Moment of inertia of 2 about axis through CGC

1
I2 = ×150× 6003 + A2 ×(583.3 - 500)2
12
= 3.32×109 mm4

Moment of inertia of 3 about axis through CGC

1
I3 = × 250× 2003 + A3 ×(583.3 -100)2
12
= 1.184×1010 mm4

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

Moment of inertia of the section

I = I1 + I2 + I3
= (1.036 + 0.336 +1.184)×1010
= 2.552×1010 mm4

Square of the radius of gyration

I
r2 =
A
2.552×1010
=
240,000
= 1.063×105 mm2

a) Kern levels of the section

r2 r2
kt = kb =
yb yt
1.063×105 1.063 ×105
= =
583.3 416.7
= 182.2mm = 255.1mm

CGC 182.2
+
255.1 Kern zone

CGS

Values in mm.

Calculation of moment due to self weight (MDL).

2
m2
w DL = 24.0 kN/m3 × 240,000 mm2 × ⎛⎜ 3 ⎞⎟
1
⎝ 10 ⎠ mm
2

= 5.76 kN/m

w DL L2
MDL =
8
5.76 ×18.02
=
8
Lec. by Tim Saroeun
= 233.3 kNm 29

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

b) Calculation of location of pressure line at mid-span

At transfer
MDL
z=
C
233.3×103 ec = z - e
=
1600 = 145.8 - 433.3
= 145.8 mm = - 287.5mm

Since ec is negative, the pressure line is below CGC.

Since the magnitude of ec is greater than kb, there is tension at the top.

CGC
+
287.5 Kern zone
x
Location of pressure line
CGS

Value in mm.
Calculation of location of pressure line at mid-span

At service
MDL+LL
z=
C
ec = z - e
(233.3 + 648.0)×103
= = 648.0 - 433.3
0.85×1600
= 214.7mm
= 648.0 mm

Since ec is positive, the pressure line is above CGC.

Since the magnitude of ec is greater than kt, there is tension at the bottom.

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

x
Location of pressure line
214.7
CGC +
Kern zone

CGS

Value in mm.
c) Calculation of cracking moment

Modulus of rupture fcr = 0.7 fck

= 0.7 30
= 3.83kN/mm2

fcr I PeI
Mcr = + + Pe e
y b Ay b
3.83× 2.552×1010 0.85×1600×103 × 2.552×1010
= +
583.3 240×103 ×583.3
+ 0.8×1600 ×103 × 433.3 Nmm
= 167.6 + 247.9 + 554.6
= 970.1 kNm

Live load moment corresponding to cracking

MLL cr = 970.1- 233.3

= 736.8 kNm

Since the given live load moment (648.0 kNm) is less than the above value, the section
is uncracked.
⇒ The moment of inertia of the gross section is used.

d) Calculation of stresses
The stress is given as follows.
P Pey My
f =- ± ±
A I I

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

M
CGC + + =
P

–P/A ±Pey/ I ±My/ I Resultant

stress
profile
Calculation of stresses at transfer (P = P0)

P0 1600 ×103
=-
A 240 ×103
= -6.67 N/mm2
Stress at the top fibre

P0ey t 1600×103 × 433.3 × 416.7

=
I 2.552×1010
= 11.32 N/mm2

MDL y t 233.3×106 × 416.7

=-
I 2.552×1010
= -3.81N/mm2

∴ fc = - 6.67 +11.32 - 3.81

t

= 0.84 N/mm2
Stress at the bottom fibre

P0ey b 1600×103 × 433.3 ×583.3

=-
I 2.552×1010
= -15.85 N/mm2

MDL y b 233.3×106 ×583.3

=
I 2.552×1010
= 5.33 N/mm2

∴ fc = - 6.67 -15.85 + 5.33

b

= - 17.19 N/mm2

Calculation of stresses at service (P = Pe)

Pe P
= 0.85 0
A A
= - 5.67 N/mm2

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Prestressed Concrete Structures Dr. Amlan K Sengupta and Prof. Devdas Menon

Stress at the top fibre

Pf ey t
= 0.85 ×11.32
I
= 9.62

MLL y t 648.0×106 × 416.7

=-
I 2.552×1010
= - 10.58 N/mm2

∴ fc = - 5.67 + 9.62 - 3.81-10.58

t

= -10.44 N/mm2

Stress at the bottom fibre

Pf ey b
= - 0.85 ×15.85
I
= - 13.47 N/mm2

MLL y b 648.0×106 ×583.3

=
I 2.552×1010
= 14.81N/mm2

∴ fc = - 5.67 - 13.47 + 5.33 +14.81

b

= 1.0 N/mm2

The stress profiles are shown.

0.84 10.44

Numeric values
in N/mm2.

17.19 1.0
At transfer At service

The allowable stresses are as follows.

For compression, fc,comp = – 18.0 N/mm2
For tension, fc,tens = 1.5 N/mm2.

Thus, the stresses are within the allowable limits.

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