Prestressed Concrete
Structures
Module 2
Losses in Prestress
Prepared by:
Dr Amlan K Sengupta
Dr Devdas Menon
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Module 2-b
Losses in Prestress
Friction
Anchorage Slip
Force Variation Diagram
Loss of Prestress due to
Friction
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The friction generated at the interface of concrete and
steel during the stretching of a curved tendon, leads to
a drop in the prestress along the member from the
stretching end.
Loss due to friction does not occur in pre-tensioned
members because there is no concrete during the
stretching of the tendons.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The friction is generated due to the curvature of the tendon
and the vertical component of the prestressing force.
A typical continuous post-tensioned member
(Courtesy: VSL International Ltd.)
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
Loss of prestress due to friction depends on the
following variables.
a) Coefficient of friction (µ)
b) Curvature of the tendon
c) Magnitude of prestressing force.
Derive an expression for friction loss.
o
Friction
R
dα
P (x)
F
P0
x dx
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
In the previous sketch,
P = prestressing force at a distance x from the stretching
end
R = radius of curvature
dα = subtended angle.
The derivation of the expression of P is based on a
circular profile. Although a tendon profile is parabolic
based on the bending moment diagram, the error induced
is insignificant.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The formulation of the loss due to friction is similar to the
problem of belt friction. The sketch below shows the
forces acting on the tendon of infinitesimal length dx.
o d d
P cos P dP cos dF
2 2
dα
dF Pd dF
dP
d
cos
dN 2
P + dP d d
dF If 0;cos 1
P dα/2 2 2
dx dP dF
dα/2
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
From the equilibrium of forces in the force triangle, N is
given as dα
N 2P sin
P dα/2 2
dα dα
N If sin
2 2
P + dP (2b-1)
dα
N 2P Pdα
Force triangle 2
The friction over the length dx is equal to µN = µPdα.
dF Pd
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
In addition to friction, the stretching has to overcome
the wobble of the tendon. The wobble refers to the
change in position of the tendon along the duct. The
losses due to friction and wobble are grouped together
under friction.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The wobble in the tendon is effected by the following
variables.
a) Rigidity of duct
b) Diameter of duct
c) Spacing of duct supports
d) Type of tendon
e) Type of construction.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The friction due to wobble is assumed to be proportional
to the following.
a) Length of the tendon
b) Prestressing force.
For a tendon of length dx, the friction due to wobble is
expressed as kPdx, where k is the wobble coefficient or
coefficient for wave effect.
dF = friction force = µPdα + kPdx
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
Based on the equilibrium of forces in the tendon for the
horizontal direction, the following equation can be
written.
or, dP = – dF = – (µPdα + kPdx) (2b-2)
Thus, the total drop in prestress (dP) over length dx is
equal to – (µPdα + kPdx). The above differential equation
can be solved to express P in terms of x.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
dP
( μdα kdx )
P
Px
dP α x
P μ dα k dx
P0 0 0
lnP P μα kx
Px
0
Px
ln μα kx
P0 In new 2012 rev. the
Px P0e
μα kx negative sign is
Here, missing
P0 = the prestress at the stretching end after any
loss due to elastic shortening.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
For small values of µα + kx, the above expression
can be simplified by the Taylor series expansion.
Px P0e
μα kx
By Taylor series expansion,
2
x
ex 1 x .........
2
e
μα kx
1 μα kx (2b-4)
Px = P0 (1– µα – kx)
Thus, for a tendon with single curvature, the variation
of the prestressing force is linear with the distance
from the stretching end.
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
P0
Px
x
Variation of prestressing force after stretching
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The values of µ and k are determined using a horizontally
curved (circular) and an equivalent straight post-tensioned
specimens.
Test for determining friction
and wobble coefficients
(Courtesy: Indian Institute of
Technology Madras)
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
IS:1343 - 2012 provides guidelines for the values of µ
and k given below may be adopted for frictional loss
calculation,
Value recommended to be used
Type of High Type of duct or in deign
Tensile Steel Sheath
k per metre µ
Bright metals 0.0091 0.25
Wire cables Galvanized 0.0046 0.20
Lead coated 0.0046 0.18
Bright metals 0.0046 0.25
Uncoated
stress Galvanized 0.0030 0.20
relieved Lead coated 0.0030 0.18
strand
Corrugated HDPE 0.0020 0.17
Example 2b.1
A post-tensioned beam 100 mm 300 mm (b h)
spanning over 10 m is stressed by successive
tensioning and anchoring of 3 galvanized uncoated
stress relieved strand A, B, and C respectively as
shown in figure. Each tendon has cross section area of
200 mm2 and has initial stress of 1200 MPa. If the
tendons are tensioned from one end, estimate the
percentage loss in each tendon due to friction at the
anchored end. CL
50
50 CGC
Tendon A
Tendon B
Tendon C
Solution
Prestress in each tendon at stretching end = 1200 200
= 240 kN.
To know the value of α(L), the equation for a parabolic
profile is required.
4 ym
y 2 x (L x )
L
L
ym x
y α(L)
Solution
L
ym x
y α(L)
Here,
ym = displacement of the CGS at the centre of the beam
from the ends
L = length of the beam
x = distance from the stretching end
y = displacement of the CGS at distance x from the ends.
Solution
An expression of α(x) can be derived from the change in
slope of the profile. The slope of the profile is given as
follows.
dy 4 ym
2 (L 2 x)
dx L
At x = 0, dy /dx = 4ym/L
At x = L, dy /dx = – 4ym/L
The change in slope is 8ym/L.
Solution
The change in slope (x) is proportional to x. The
expression of α(x) can be written in terms of x as
α(x) = θ.x, where θ = 8ym/L2.
The variation is shown in the following sketch.
α
8ym/L
4ym/L
θ
0 L/2 L x
Solution
The prestressing force Px at a distance x is given by
Px = Poe–(μα + kx) = Poe–ηx
where, ηx = μα + kx
From clause 19.5.2.6, IS 1343, 2012
μ=0.20, k=0.0030 /m
Tendon ym α= μα kL ηL eηL Loss
8ym/L (1−eηL)×100
(m) (%)
A 0.1 0.08 0.016 0.03 0.046 0.955 4.5
B 0.05 0.04 0.008 0.03 0.038 0.963 3.7
C 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.03 0.03 0.970 3.0
Solution
CL
Tendon A
Tendon B
Tendon C
232 kN
231 kN
240 kN
229 kN
Variation of prestressing forces
Friction
Post-tensioned Members
The loss due to friction can be considerable for long
tendons in continuous beams with changes in
curvature. The drop in the prestress is higher around
the intermediate supports where the curvature is
high.
The remedy to reduce the loss is to apply the
stretching force from both ends of the member in
stages.
Anchorage Slip
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
In post-tensioned members, when the prestress is
transferred to the concrete, the wedges slip through a
little distance before they get properly seated in the
conical space.
The anchorage block moves before it settles on the
concrete. There is loss of prestress due to the
consequent reduction in the length of the tendon.
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
In the following sketch the anchorage slip is explained
by animation.
Fig 2b-3 Anchorage slip at the stretching end
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
The total anchorage slip depends on the type of
anchorage system. In absence of manufacturer’s data,
the following typical values for some systems can be
used.
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
Typical values of anchorage slip
Anchorage System Anchorage Slip (Δs)
Freyssinet system
a) 12 - 5mm Φ strands 4 mm
b) 12 - 8mm Φ strands 6 mm
Magnel system 8 mm
Dywidag system 1 mm
Reference: Rajagopalan, N., Prestressed Concrete
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
Due to the setting of the anchorage block, as the
tendon shortens, there is a reverse friction. Hence, the
effect of anchorage slip is present up to a certain
length. Beyond this setting length, the effect is absent.
This length is denoted as lset .
Anchorage Slip
Post-tensioned Members
P0
Px
Variation of prestressing force after anchorage slip
Force Variation Diagram
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The magnitude of the prestressing force varies along the
length of the member due to friction losses and setting of
the anchorage block. The diagram representing the
variation of prestressing force is called the force variation
diagram.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Considering the effect of friction, the magnitude of the
prestressing force at a distance x from the stretching end
is given as follows.
Px P0 e x
Here, ηx = µα + kx denotes the total effect of friction and
wobble. The plot of Px gives the force variation diagram.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The initial part of the force variation diagram, up to
length lset is influenced by the setting of the anchorage
block. Let the drop in the prestressing force at the
stretching end be ΔP.
The determination of ΔP and lset are necessary to plot
the force variation diagram including the effect of the
setting of the anchorage block.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Considering the drop in the prestressing force and the
effect of reverse friction, the magnitude of the
prestressing force at a distance x from the stretching
end is given as follows.
Px' P0 - ΔP e η' x
Here, η’ for reverse friction is analogous to η for
friction and wobble.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
At the end of the setting length (x = lset), Px = P’x
Px
P0
ΔP
Px after stretching
Px Px’ P’x after setting
Px beyond lset
lset x
Force variation diagram near the stretching end
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Substituting the expressions of Px and Px’ for x = lset
P0e ηlset P0 ΔP e η'lset
P0e η η' lset P0 ΔP
P0 1 η η' l set P0 ΔP
η'
ΔP P0 η η' l set P0 ηl set 1
η
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Since it is difficult to measure η’ separately, η’ is taken
equal to η. The expression of ΔP simplifies to the
following.
ΔP = 2P0ηlset (2b-7)
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The following equation relates lset with the anchorage slip
Δs.
1 ΔP
Δs l set
2 Ap E p
1 l set η'
Δs P0 ηl set 1 (2b-8)
2 Ap E p η
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Transposing the terms,
2 Ap E p
l 2
Δs
η'
set
P0 η 1
η
Δs Ap E p
for η' η
P0 η
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
Therefore,
Δs Ap E p
l set
P0 η
The term P0η represents the loss of prestress per unit
length due to friction.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The value of lset is of significance in a short member.
For small amount of friction, lset may be larger than L.
The effect of anchorage seating is throughout the length
of the member.
Then, the calculation of ΔP needs to be revised based
on the equivalence of lost area in the force variation
diagram.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
For lset L, 1 ΔP
ΔP l set ApE p Δs
2
0 lset L
For lset > L, concept of lset is not acceptable
1
ΔP0 ΔPL L ApE p Δs ΔP0 ΔPL
2
2 Ap E p Δs 0 L
ΔP0 ΔPL
L
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members P0
PL
Also, ΔPL
ΔP0
ΔP0 ΔPL 2 P0 PL P0/
PL/
ΔP0 ΔPL 2 P0 P0 {1 ηL}
2P0 ηL (2b-14)
Solving,
AP E p Δs
ΔP0 P0 ηL
L (2b-15)
AP E p Δs
ΔPL P0 ηL
L
Example 2b-2
For Problem 2b-1, if there is an anchorage seating of 4mm,
estimate the drop in prestress for each tendon. Update the
force variation diagrams. The modulus of the steel is 195GPa.
Solution
The values of the variables for the 3 tendons are tabulated.
Tendon ηL* η lset
(per m) (m)
A 0.046 0.0046 11.88
B 0.038 0.0038 13.08
* From previous
solution
C 0.03 0.003 14.72
Since lset > L = 10m, the calculations need to be revised.
Solution P0
PL
ΔP0 ΔPL
For all the tendons, PL/
P0/
Ap E p Δs
200 195 103 4
15.6kN
L 10 10 3
Tendon P0 P0ηL PL P0 PL P0/ PL/
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
A 240 11.04 229 26.6 4.56 202 224
B 240 9.12 231 24.7 6.48 206 224
C 240 7.2 233 22.8 8.4 210 224
Solution
CL
Tendon A
Tendon B
Tendon C
P0
210
206
202
Variations of prestressing forces after anchorage slip
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The force variation diagram is used when stretching is
done from both the ends. The tendons are overstressed
to counter the drop due to anchorage slip. The
stretching from both the ends can be done
simultaneously or in stages. The final force variation is
more uniform than the first stretching.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
The following sketch explains the change in the force
variation diagram due to stretching from both the ends
in stages.
a) After stretching from right end
b) After anchorage slip at right end
Fig 2b-5 Force variation diagram for stretching in stages
c) After stretching from left end
d) After anchorage slip at left end
Fig 2b-6 Force variation diagram for stretching in stages
e) Successive stretching to reduce loss
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
a) The initial tension at the right end is high to
compensate for the anchorage slip. It corresponds to
about 0.76 fpu. The force variation diagram (FVD) is
linear.
b) After the anchorage slip, the FVD drops near the right
end till the length lset.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
c) The initial tension at the left end also corresponds to
about 0.76 fpu initial prestress. The FVD is linear up to
the centre line of the beam.
d) After the anchorage slip, the FVD drops near the left
end till the length lset.
Force Variation Diagram
Post-tensioned Members
It is observed that after two stages, the variation of the
prestressing force over the length of the beam is less
than after the first stage.
Summary
Losses in Prestress
Friction
Anchorage Slip
Force Variation Diagram
