CE 414 Prestressed Concrete Design

Questions and Answers

Prestressed concrete has an initial load applied before use. (correct)

Prestressed concrete contains more steel reinforcement.

Conventional concrete is primarily used in high-rise buildings.

Prestressed concrete uses higher grades of concrete.

It has increased weight compared to ordinary concrete.

High strength steel is used exclusively.

It has a higher flexural capacity.

It effectively manages tensile stresses through pre-compression. (correct)

Low resistance to shear forces.

High weight and volume requirements.

Insufficient load-bearing capacity.

Excessive deflection due to cracking. (correct)

It allows for larger structural spans. Signup and view all the answers

A considerable loss in stiffness occurs. Signup and view all the answers

The pre-compression of the concrete. Signup and view all the answers

Utilize only low-strength materials. Signup and view all the answers

Reduced durability. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prestressed concrete structures apply an initial load before use, distinguishing them from conventional reinforced concrete.
The technique aims to combat the inherent weakness of concrete in tension, addressing issues like cracking and excessive deflection.

Conventional concrete experiences tensile cracking, leading to reduced stiffness and potential durability problems.
High-strength steel is often underutilized in standard reinforced concrete applications.

Prestressing introduces pre-compression, which significantly increases the load required for cracking, enhancing overall strength and stiffness.
It allows for better control or elimination of tensile stresses, reducing the risk of cracking under service load levels.

Helps to control deflection at predetermined load levels, ensuring structural integrity.
Facilitates the effective use of high-strength steel and high-strength concrete, optimizing material benefits.

Prestressed concrete exhibits higher shear capacity than conventional reinforced concrete.
This method can also improve flexural capacity in columns, particularly in typical design regions.