ISBN 978-3-7643-0630-4 ISBN 978-3-0348-5948-6 (eBook)

DOI 10.1007/978-3-0348-5948-6
10 Springer Basel AG 1972
Originally published by Birkhäuser Verlag Basel in 1972.
 A CASE FOR PARTIAL PRESTRESSING

by

Bruno Thürlimann
Swiss Federallnstitute of Technology
Zürich

ABSTRACT

The broad field of partial prestressing between reinforced and fully

prestressed concrete is described. In particular the use of post-
tensioning cables in combination with ordinary reinforcement is in-
vestigated. The advantages of such a combination, which include
constant safety, greater economy, and control of deflections, are
mentioned.
In the design an appropriate selection of the two reinforcements has
to be made, taking into account the relation between dead load and
live load, the required safety against ultimate load, the deflection due
to creep and shrinkage under permanent loads and consideration of
fatigue. The stress calculations at working loads are mentioned.

Reprint from Proceedings:

Structural Concrete Symposium, Toronto
May 13 and 14, 1971. University of Toronto/Canada
 A CASE FüR PARTIAL PRESTRESSING

B. Thürlimann

1. Introduction

Looking back on the development of Prestressed Concrete it is

ra~her surprising to find that the broad field between Rein-

forced and Fully Prestressed Concrete has been very little

explored and applied. However, it is quite obvious that a con-

tinuous transition between the two materials exists. A unified

approach including Partial Prestressing seems not only more

logical, it also gives a designer a sounder basis to make an

appropriate choice anywhere between the two extremes of no

prestress to full prestress. The main criteria for this choice

are:

(1) Strength either on an allowable stress or ultimate

strength basis

(2) Deflections, including crack control, vibrations, energy

absorption etc.

(3) Size, Shape, Detailing and Considerations of execution

(4) Cost of members and structure.

It will be shown that in many cases the choice will lead to

the application of Partial Prestressing.

253
254 THÜRLIMANN

Yu
c
AC}
Ic
Yl

r=-= ---=-=--
A*5

feu = ~: - i~ (- Troe + Mmox ) ~ fe oll (1)

fCU = - To
Ac
- 1.!d.
I
(- T10 e + Mmln-
. )< 0 (2)
c

fel = - ~: + i~ (- Troe Mmox) S 0

+ (3)

fel = - ~oc + i~ (- Tc,e + Mmin ) ~ feoll (4)

[Tension +; Compression - ]

Fi g. I Conditions for Full Prestressing

A~- Prestressed Reinf

As-Ordinory Reinf.

Fig. 2 Partially Prestressed Section

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 255

2. Basic Considerations

A member is said to be fully prestre~sed if under working

loads the concrete stresses do not exceed the allowable stress
in compression and no or only limited concrete tensile stres-
ses are present. For a section in bending the corresponding
four conditions are shown in Fig. 1. Equations (1) and (2)
state that in the upper fiber, the concrete stres~ isf
cu
bounded between zero tension and the allowable compressive
stress f c all. The analog conditions for the lower· fiber are
expressed by Eq. (3) and (4). In most practical cases a de-
sign is governed by these conditions rather than considera-
tions -of ultimate strength.

It should however be remarked that generally the condition

of no tension or limited tension in a prestressed structure
does rarely exist. For, if~combined effects including shear
and torsion are taken into account the principal stre~ses

mostly exceed the tensile strength of the concrete. In the

regions of concentrated loads,load transfers, or ancho~ages

of the prestressing reinforcement tensile stresses cannot be

avoided. Furthermore, in most instances a structure is pre-
stressed only in one direction such that in the transverse
direction it acts as an ordinary reinforced structure.

If a member is partially prestressed cracked sections will

d.evelop already under working loads. A cross section of a
256 THÜRLIMANN

~~=-- _ _ _- L - f*
Y
'50.0.0.

Prestressing Steel . f; 15000 ka/cm2

---.-----
?
(213000 psi)

u >
f* - 1TOOO kg/cm 2
(242000 pSI)

10. 000- i

Prestress

I
. i
50.0.0.1
!

!
L--+__~_ _ _~_~'__ ~_ _ _ _~,----,r----~'-_. E%
Lo.2 0..5 1.0 1.5 20 25 3.0

:ilcm'~ ~~/cm2
16o.o.o. J
I
E;--I
6o.OC j / - ' - .--.-._.
I
I
PrestresslnlJ Steel
_._.-.

I .:::::::::::-~ - -
I r-~~~~--~-----------+,----~

14o.QOl 4·o.o.O l \.fy i LCOld Wcrked Re-Steei

J 1
2·0.0.0. II
LHot Rolled Re-Steel
12.00.0. -ii
: I
1
.,-- E%
0..2 0.5 1.0. 1.5 2.0 2.5

Hot Rolled Re - Steel: Cold Worked Re-Steel:

fy ~ 4 600,kg /cm 2 fy ~ 4600 kg/cm 2

(65000 psi) (65'000 psi)
fu ~ 5600kg/cm 2 tu ~ 4800 kg/cm 2
(80000 psi) (68000 psi)

Fig. 3 Equlvalent Use of Prestressing and Re- Steel

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 257

member with mixed reinforcement is given in Fig. 2. Besides

the ordinary reinforcement with area As a prestressed rein-
forcement A*s is present. The latter may be pre- or post-
tensioned. The level of prestress for A*s such that both
reinforcements are used to their full capacity presents a
basic problem.

In Fig. 3 the stress-strain curves of the prestressing and

reinforcing steel used in Switzerland are presented. As pre-
stressing reinforcement, in the form of individual wires,
strands or cables, cold drawn stress-relieved wires with a
yield point (0,2 % permanent offset) of f*y ~ 15'000 kg/cm 2
2
and an ultimate strength of f* ~ 17'000 kg/cm are used .. All
u
ordinary reinforcement consists of high strength deformed bars
either hot rolled or cold worked. Lower grade steels are no
longer commonly used nor even available. If in a section such
as shown in Fig. 2 the prestressing and the ordinary reinfor-
cing steel should reach their yield points simultaneously the
prestress f* (T) due to the prestressing force T should equal
s
the difference between the two yield stresses, f*-f
y y
. In or-
der to illustrate this point, the ordinate E of the lower
part of Fig. 3 is displaced to the right by the strain of the
prestressing wire E*s due to the prestress f*(T)
s
= f*-f
y y
and
the a-E curve of the prestressing steel superimposed on the
a-E curves of the ordinary reinforcement. Under this condi-
tion the yield stress of all reinforcements are reached at
258 THÜRLIMANN

fy• = 16000 kg/cm 2

r- (228000psl)

12 Prestr. Steel
f;(T) =11400kg/cm2
8
fy = 4'600 kg/cm 2
'.65000 pSI)
4~I
"" Re - Steel

o ~--------r--------,.---" Es
O~% Q2%

fcf f~ = 240 kg/cm 2

250'"1

200~
1
,
15C I Concrete
(2nd order parabola ) I
100

50

O~---~----~---+-----~Ec
0.1 % 0.2% 0.3%

F i g. 4 Stress - Strain Curves for Steel and Concrete

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 259

the same time and the a-E curves beyond this point stay c1o-
se1y together.

In the following examp1es simplified stress-strain curves as

given in Fig. 4 have been used. For the concrete a second-
order parabola with an u1timate compressive strain of
c
E =
0,3 % was chosen. Any other form has 1itt1e inf1uence on the

resu1ts for the case of bending and a reinforcement index

be10w the ba1anced index.

3. Strain Conditions at U1timate Moment

The strain conditions at u1timate moment for a rectangu1ar

section under bending are i11ustrated in Fig. 5.

1. Reinforcing Steel:
The design of the reinforced concrete section is cal1ed
balanced Pb' if crushing of the concrete occurs at the
same time as yielding of the reinforcement is initiated.
Many Specifications limit the maximum ratio of reinforce-
ment in order to provide sufficient ductility for the

section. According to the ACI- or the CCr-Code Pmax =

0.75 Pb. This requirement increases the minimum steel

strain to E = 0.39 %. The concrete and the steel stresses
s
still reach their ultimate value and yield strength
respectively.
260 THÜRLIMANN

1. Reinf. Steel:

r- b ---j Ec=0.3 % Ec =03%

(3400 ps!)
f~ = 240kglcm 2

1
I ,,
d
,,
• 1 -~
,
Es =Ey = 0.22%
"
"
Balanced Max Relnf.

Pb = As /bd Pmax =0.75 Pb

2. Prestr. Steel
No Prestress

"" ,
"
[~= 0.39%< E; f*
5
< f*'J

3. Prestr. St€€ I Ec =0.3%

Prestress

f* ... f*
'Si 'SZ
= f"Y - f Y = 11400kg/cm2

E;~ = ES
"", ,

0.54 % ... 0.39% > E;

F i g. 5 Strain Conditions ot Ultimote Moment

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 261

2. Prestressing Steel - No Prestress:

Next the use of prestressing steel without prestress is
considered. For low percentages of reinforcement yielding
of the prestressing steel will be reached prior to ulti-
mate moment (Fig. 6). However, for a reinforcement ratio
leading to the minimum yield strain E*5 = E5 (p max ) = 0.39 %,
i.e. equal to the strain of the ordinary reinforcement for
the maximum percentage of reinforcement,the yield strain
f* of the prestressing steel is not reached and hence the
y
steel not used to its full capacity.

3. Prestressing Steel - Prestress:

If an appropriate prestress is used the prestressing steel
is used to its full yield strength over the entire range.
In Fig. 5 the total strain
E* = E* + E* ++E* (1)
s 51 s2 s3
equals the sum of the strain E;l in the prestressing rein-
forcement due to prestress, the strain E;2 required to de-
compress the section (i.e. concrete stresses zero over the
entire cross-section) and the strain E;3 between decompres-
sion and ultimate moment. If the stresses
f* (E* ) + f* (E* ) = f* - f (2)
sI sI SI s2 Y Y
i.e. the prestressing stress equals the difference between
the yield strength of the prestressing and the ordinary
reinforcement, yielding of the prestressing reinforcement
262 THÜRLIMANN

2 &'
MoIbd IC - ' - ' -

--0.242

0.2

/'
--0.169
/'

0.1

/'
/' .~ .--- .-- .-
/" ..--; . -0;\/'2.1

--'---
/' . ___ . ~O

/
~.--- :0.189 qmox=0.29
I

o 1- _ _ _ _ _ ~-----~~----__r0'3----p(O/Or.4. q*
025 1
o I-- - - - - - 0.5 1.5
- - - -~.~ - - - - - - -
05
P*( }'o) _ - C : ' _ ....
0

2 ---t:y=0.22%
--------------1-
~=Q3% I

-- --
4

6 _-c*
-- -
,. ,.-
_- 1;.....
f
q =p?
--E; =0.76%
8
q* =p* f;
f*

Fig. 6 Ultimate Moment: Reinf. - Prestr. Concrete

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 263

will also take p1ace at the strain E;3 = EsCPmax) = 0.39 %.

The situation is further exp1ained in Fig. 6.

Using the reinforcement ratios:

for ordinary reinforcement p = As/bd

for prestressing stee1 p* = A*/bd
s

and the reinforcement indices:

f
for ordinary reinforcement q = Pr.:
c
f*
for prestressing stee1 q*=p*r.:
c

the non-dimensiona1ized u1timate moment M for a rectangu1ar

u
section , is plotted. The solid 1ine gives the ultimate
moment in the case of ordinary reinforcement. A ba1anced
design, i.e. crushing of concrete simu1taneous1y with ini-
tiation of yie1ding of stee1, is reached for a reinforce-
ment index qb = 0.386. For the specified maximum index
qmax = 0.75 qb = 0.29 the u1timate moment reaches 0.242.
In the lower part of Fig. 5 the solid 1ine gives the
corresponding stee1 strain ES. It can be seen that the
yie1d strain Ey = 0.22 % is exceeded for q < qb.

If the reinforcing stee1 is replaced by prestressing stee1

without prestress the u1timate moment does not change if
the reinforcement index q* < 0.189 and the steel strains
E; exceed the yie1d strain E* = 0.76 %. If the reinforce-
y
264 THÜRLIMANN

ment index q* exceeds 0.189 yielding of the steel no longer

takes place - E*<
s
E*y (dashed line) - and the ultimate
moment becomes smaller (dashed line) than the corresponding
ultimate moment if ordinary reinforcement is used. This
clearly shows that the prestressing steel'is not used to
its full capacity.

The application of prestress to the prestressing reinforce-

ment however improves the situation. Over the whole range
of the reinforcement index equal values q = q* produce
equal ultimate moments (solid line). Also the steel
strains E of the ordinary reinforcement and the compo-
s
nents E;3 of the prestressing reinforcement coincide.

The graph of Fig. 6 also holds for the case of partial

prestressing with combined reinforcements as indicated in
Fig. 2. The degree of prestress is defined as follows:
(3)
A =
q + q*
where q and q* are the reinforcement indices of the ordi-
nary and prestressing reinforcement respectively. The

mixed reinforcement index

qm =q + q* (4)

should be used as abscissa to find the ultimate moment

(solid line) and the strains Es and E*3
s of the two rein-
forcements (solid line). It should be clear that the
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 265

prestressing stress f* should equal the difference f* - f .

s Y Y
If f*s < f*y - f y the ultimate moment for q c > 0.189 will be
smaller, falling between the solid and dashed line depending
on the degree of prestress

Information pertaining to the nominal cracking moment is

also given in Fig. 6. As nominal cracking moment M the
o
moment producing zero tension in the concrete at the ele-
vation of the prestressing reinforcement is defined. For no
prestress X = 0 (q; q* = 0) the nominal cracking moment is
zero. The two cases A = V2 (q = q*) and A = 1 (q = 0; q*)
are indicated by dashed-dotted lines.

In summary Fig. 6 shows that by proper selection of the

prestressing stress a constant and maximum bending strength
for all cases ranging from reinforced concrete over partial
prestress to full prestress can be reached. Prestressing
only influences the cracking moment.

4. Comparison of A1lowable Bending Moments

A comparison between the allowable bending moments of fully

and partially prestressed members is presented next. The case
of reinforced concrete is included in the partial1y prestressed
case, the part q* being zero. As indicated previously (Fig. 1)
the design of a fully prestressed section is governed by four
266 THÜRLIMANN

14

12

10

0 .2 0.3 Tc/Acf~

O~----------.----------------------------.
~

~ q*
a..
L-

01

02

03 -- qmo)(=0.29

--Qb=O.386
q

Fig. 7 Allowoble Moment: Full- Partial Prestress

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 267

inequalities. Plotting the prestressing force T versus the

o
allowable moment Mall of a rectangular cross-section the four
conditions are represented by four straight lines shown in

Fig. 7. The values f Cx,n = f cu = + 10 kg/cm 2 limit the tensile

stresses in the lower and upper fibers. The maximum permis-

sible compressive stresses in the same fibers are set to

fCR, f cu = -120 kg/cm 2 . The allowable moment region is boun-

ded by those four lines. For a given prestressing force T
o
the variation' of moments, i.e. the difference between the

maximum and minimum allowable moment, is limited to 6*. An

addition of ordinary reinforcement has no influence on the
allowable moments.
If partial prestressing is permitted the allowable moment

range can be considerably extended. Using an average safety

factor of s = 1.8 with respect to ultimate moment the corres-

ponding allowable moment Mall = Mu /l.8 has been computed for

the partially prestressed sections. To a given section with
a given prestressed reinforcement index q* ordinary steel

reinforcement can be added till the mixed reinforcement index

qm = q* + q reache~ the maximum index q m~ or the balanced

index qb' The extended allowable moment regions are indicated

in Fig. 7 by the two dashed rectangles. In particular the

allowable moment variation 6 is much larger for any value of

the prestressing force T . Hence a much better use of the

o
cross section is generally possible. In the lower part of the
268 THÜRLIMANN

2
100Moll/bh fc
I

0.1

--qmox = 0.182

--qb =0.176
02
d t--ub---t]
O =O.12G
h d=O.9h

1 G

~~b;\O.2b

F i g. 8 Allowable Moment: Full- Partial Prestress

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 269

figure the reinforcement indices q* and q corresponding to a

chosen prestressing force T are given.
o

The previous investigation for a rectangular section is exten-

ded to a T-Section and a H- or Box-Section in Fig. 8 and 9
using the same presentation. A comparison of the results for
the three sections is of much practical interest. A fully
prestressed T-Section, Fig. 8, offers a very limited allowable
moment range. Its practical application is therefore corres-
pondingly limited. Therefore in many practical applications
a more expensive H- or Box-Section mustbe used. Fig. 9 shows
that such a section offers a more favorable moment range.
However, only.for a high prestress To .ts a large moment

variation ~* possible.

If partial prestressing is permitted the allowable moment

range of all three sections can be extended. It leads espe-
cially in the case of the T-Section to a much better use. In
many cases such as slab or girder bridges the use of the
more economical T-Section instead of the H- or Box-Section
becomes possible. This development has already become appa-
rent in Switzerland. In continuous girder bridges large mo-
ment variations are produced by the live loads. Using full
prestress the only possible solutions have been girders with
H- or Box-Sections. However since the introduction in 1968
of partial prestressing in the revised Specifications
270 THÜRLIMANN

;::::::;.::::..... ... 01 0.2 0.3 To/Acf~

o~--------------~------------------------~

01

--qmox =0.1 32

""d dC
-
--qb = 0.176

<itt-- --t
. 1
02 b
<lfo.12

'-0.9h

F i g. 9 Allowable Moment: Full- Partial Prestress

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 271

(Reference {7}) the T-Sections have shown a remarkable come-

back leading to more economical structures.

5. Stresses and Strains at Working and Ultimate Moment

Partial prestressing leads to cracked sections even under

working loads. Hence stresses and strains cannot be calculated
by superimposing the components computed separately for dif-
ferent loading cases. In the following only a short summary
of an appropriate method is presented.

It is assumed that in a given uncracked section, Fig. 10,

state (1), the stress distribution under a particular loading,
e.g. Dead Load plus Prestress plus Creep and Shrinkage, is
known. Under additional loads, e.g. Live Load, the total re-

sulting moment M and normal force N will lead to a cracked

section. As a first computational step the concrete must be
made stress-free, i.e. decompressed. This is accomplished by
removing all external forces such that the concrete stresses

f = O. At the elevation of the prestressing and ordinary

c
reinforcement the decompression of the concrete stresses

f (y*) and f (y ) will produce corresponding strains. In

c s c s
order to fulfill compatibility and get the concrete section
stress-free, state (2), the reinforcements have to be pulled

not only by the forces A*f*l and A f 1 corresponding to the

s s s s
steel stresses in state (1) but also by the additional forces
 N
a.:J
N

(1) DL t Prestress + Creep + Shr. (2) Decompression (3) Cracked Section

fc fc=O
M RT
C
.~.

y; Fs• =A~ (f;\+ f Sl!2) +-~ Fs =

J •
• Fs
Fs =.ÄS(f51+fs2)
A: As f 51 fc (Ys)

C--f ( ") Es
S2- C Ys E R=N+Fs*+Fs
c
1· -. -
fS2=-fc (Ys) ~~ e ='R(M-Fs y;-FsYs)

~
Fig. 10 Crocked Section: Stress - Sfrain Computations

I'
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 273

A*f*Z
5 5
and A5 ~ s 2 due to the additional extension produced by
the decompression of the concrete. The resulting fictitious
forces (only thought for computational reasons) are:

Prestressing Reinforcement: F* = A* (f* + f* ) (5)

5 5 51 52

Ordinary Reinforcement (6)

The decompression of the concrete produces the stresses

E
f* e: E -f c(y;) s (7)
Ec
:;

52 c s
E5
f s2 = e: c Es :;
-f c (y s ) Ec (8)

E is the modulus of elasticity of the concrete at the time

c
of decompression, Es is the steel modulus, assumed equal for
both reinforcements. If creep and shrinkage have not taken
place or are neglected the force of the ordinary steel rein-
forcement F will be zero.
s

On the stress free se~tion the resulting moment M and normal

force N together with the inverted fictitious steel forces
p*s and Fs are now applied, state (3). They can be reduced to
a resultant
R so N + p*
5
+ P5 (9)

and an eccentricity

e = lR (M - F*v* -
S's
P5 y 5 ) (la)

The section may now be 'treated as an ordinary reinforced

 t-.:I
~
~

T=A~f;+Asfs= C
cc=o.3% C
( i
I
T
I

\ N-+·-A
d \ 0*
\
~ s
Os c
\
I c;,+ C;2 +
'" I
.---1 As 1
1
E;3 \=\ E; l
:(~)n 1
---::::1---A s
As . fs (Es)
CS1 + ES2 + ES3 = Es
'd
Mu = A~ f; 0; + A s f s Os

Fig. 11 Computation of Ultimate Moment Mu 1-3

8:
~
~
~
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 275

concrete section subjected to an eccentric compression force

(R; e). Any existing computational aid (tables, computer
programs) can be used for the stress calculation. The steel
stresses resulting from (R; e)must be superimposed with the

values (f;l + f;2) and (f sl + f s2 ) to obtain the final stres-

ses in the prestressing and ordinary reinforcement.

The ultimate moment can be computed directly. As usual a

straight line distribution of the strains over the cross-
section is'assumed, Fig. 11. If crushing of the concrete
takes place prior to fracture of the steel the concrete
strain Eat the top fiber is equal to the crushing strain
c
and hence fixed. The strain distribution is therefore a
function of the parameter ~d, fixing the position ,of the
neutral axis, only. Knowing the strains the corresponding
stresses can be taken from the appropriate stress-strain
diagrams of the steel and concrete respectively (i.e. Fig. 3
and 4). The steel strains are the sum of the strains up to
decompression ~f the concrete as described just previously
plus the strains up to failure, hence

Prestressing Reinforcement: E* = E* + E* + E* (11)

S 51 s2 53

Ordinary Reinforcement E=E +E +E (12)

5 sI 52 s3
Horizontal equilibrium of the section requires in the case
of bending that the resultant compression and tensile forces
are equal and opposite. For the asumed position of the neutral
276 THÜRLIMANN

(A)
Re - Steel 03 0302
No Prestress

02

t-D'-t
,Q f0172
..J.- b-+- .0; fj,. /t0163
\y
01
0.)'
I ,

d= 09hi h /
,I ,, /
-i'- - '/
o- fs/f y
-+
00
-1"--0""'5--1f-

(8) • M/bd2f~
Prestr Steel 0.3J
No Prestress I
J
q* = qb 02]

01

0 ._--,- fs*/f"y
0 02 04 06 08 10

(C) t M/bd2f~
Prestr Steel 03...1
Prestress t;(T)/f;
.. ,
"Crocking"
q" = qb 02
0.172
0163

01

0 0L - - - - . - - - - - r - - - - , - - ' - L . L . - , - - - - - 0- i - . f" If"

s y
02 04 06 1.

Fig. 12 Re-, Prestr-Concrete: Steel Stresses

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 277

axis, ~d, the corresponding tension and compression resu1tant

are plotted. If ~d is varied the two curves T and C are gene-
rated. Their intersection estab1ishes horizontal equi1ibrium
and hence fixes the position of the neutral axis. The fo11ow-
ing computation of the u1timate moment is indicated in Fig. 11.
If a normal force is acting in addition to the bending moment
the horizontal equi1ibrium condition has to be mOdified accor-
ding1y. In the case of fracture of the stee1 or a prescribed
1imited stee1 strain the strain distribution has to be varied
around this strain instead of the crushing strain of concrete.
The procedure is easi1y adaptab1e to a computer program.
Having short1y reviewed the methods of ca1cu1ating the stres-
ses and strains of partia11y prestressed sections the stee1
stresses for different degrees of prestress can now be compared.
In Fig. 12 CA) the relation between stee1 stress and moment
for the two reinforcement indices qb Cba1anced) and qb/2 are
shown. If for the same two indices prestressing stee1 instead
of ordinary stee1 is used, however no prestress is app1ied,
the relation of Fig. 12 CB) fo11ows. The non-dimensiona1ized
stee1 stresses being drawn to the same sca1e it can be seen
that the corresponding stee1 strains become much 1arger than
for the case CA). Consequent1y into1erab1e cracks will neces-
sari1y deve1op. An appropriate prestress of the prestressing
reinforcement, i.e. f*(T) = f* - f , leads to the conditions
s y y
shown in Fig. 12 CC). The variation of the stee1 stress up to
 t-:)
...;:J
00
M/bd 2 f·c
I
0.3-1 0.302- ~0..3
"Cracking" --l
I
q + q*= qb: (1) Prestr q* = qb
I
(2) Mixed q* !:: q = qb/2
I
(3) Reinf. q = qb I
I
02
1 q + q* =%/2: (4) Prestr. q-ll = qb/2
~
- - - - - - (5) Mixed q* = q = qb/4
(6) Reinf. q = qb/2
0.1

o I i t i 1\ II\r 1 ...
0. 0..2 0..4 0.6 0..8 10 f:lf;
I
t*(T)/f* ... I ...
s y 0. 0.5 1.0.
I• fs/fy ~
ä:
Fig. 13
~
Partial Prestressing: Steel Stresses ~
~
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 279

the nominal cracking moment is small. After cracking the

increase in the steel stress is faster than in the case of
an ordinary reinforced section. However, the total variation
and hence the steel strain after cracking becomes only equal
to the strains of an ordinary reinforced section at ultimate

moment.
A compositediagram giving the steel stresses and hence the
steel strains is given in Fig. 13. First the case of a balan-
ced reinforcement index qb = q + q* is given. The lines (1),
(2) and(3) correspond to prestressed,mixed of equal parts
and ordinary reinforcement. As a second case half the balan-

ced reinforcement index qb/2 = q + q* is chosen. Again lines

(4), (5) and (6) relate to the above mentioned reinforcement
combinations. It is clearly evident that an increase in the
degree of prestress A = ~
q+q* increases the cracking moment
and decreases the additional steel stress or strain after
cracking for a given bending moment. At ultimate moment how-
evet all combinations reach yielding artd ultimate strength
for the same additional strains. Hence partial prestressing

leads always to smaller cracks as far as they are influenced

by the strain of the reinforcement. Another favorable influ-
ence is presented by the action of the prestress during the
hardening per iod of the concrete as it diminishes the develop-
ment of micro-cracks. As the cracking of concrete sections is

influenced by rnany other factors experimental data on the

280 THÜRLIMANN

DL; LL; Prestr. ; Creep; Shrink .

r- ,....

-. ~ --
( 1) Reinf . Concrete

(2 ) Full Prestress :
I
i

(3 ) Part ial Prestress :

I

Fig. 14 Control of Deflection - Influence of Prestress

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 281

performance of partially prestressed beams are indispensable

for a more conclusive evaluation.

6. Deflections of Partially Prestressed Members

On the basis of stress and strain computations the deflection

behavior of partially prestressed members can be predicted.
A qualitative performance is shown in Fig. 14. Assuming a
creep coefficient ~ = 2, i.e. the creep strain of a plain
concrete specimen at time infinity is equal to twice the
instantaneous elastic strain, deflection curves for a load
transfer girder in a multi-story building are drawn. It
should be indicated that the construction sequence has not
been taken into account. The three cases (1) reinforced con-
crete, (2) full prestress and (3) partial prestress are con-
sidered. The dead load deflection curves w (DL) for time
o
t = 0, i.e. removal of form work, and w (DL) for time t =
00
00

after creep and shrinkage are given. The additional live

load deflection w(LL) is considered to be instantaneous with-
out an influence of creep and shrinkage. An appropriate
choice of a partial prestress leads to the smallest variation
6 between the two extreme deflection states. For ordinary
reinforced concrete large pJsitive deflections accentuated by
creep develop. Full prestress may produce large negative de-
flections mainly due to the influence of creep. Hence partial
282 THÜRLIMANN

w(OL)+w(Pr) DL; LL;Creep

-3 wo(DL+LL)

Prestr. Moment M tPr)=-y: T

-2
Prestr. Ratio: p = - M (Pr)/M(DL+LL)

Creep Coefficient: cp = 2

Fig. 15 Deflection - Dead Load : lnfluence of Prestr: Ratio p

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 283

prestressing provides an effective means of favorably influ-

encing and controlling the deflection of concrete structures.

A more detailed investigation is presented in the following

figures. The deflections due to dead load w(DL) and pre-

stressing w(Pr) of a simply supported beam are given in

Fig. 15 as function of the dead load moment M(DL) for dif-

ferent prestressing ratios p. The latter is defined as the

ratio of the prestressing moment M(Pr) to the dead and live

load moment M(DL+LL)

p = - M(Pr)jM(DL+LL) (13 )

The two ordinates of the figure are non-dimensionalized by

appropriate values. The dead load moment is divided by the

dead plus live load moment such that for the abscissa ° the
dead load part is zero whereas for the abscissa 1 the live

load part is zero. The dead load plus prestress"deflections

w(DL) + w(Pr) are divided by the dead plus live load deflec-

tiorr w (DL+LL) at time t=O, i.e. at the time of form work

o
removal without the influence of creep. Three different

prestressing ratios p are investigated. The ratio p = 1

assumes that the total dead plus live load moment is balan-

ced by the prestressing moment. The two dashed lines (p = 1;

t = 0) and (p = 1; t= 00) give the dead load plus prestress

deflection for the time t o and t = 00 respectively. It is

clear that for a small dead to live load ratio this leads to
 284 THÜRLIMANN

w(DU"'w(Pr) w(LL) +w(DU+ w(Prl

-3 w(DL+LU w(DL+LL)
o o

Dead Load
h
Live Load
--- ... --~~

~
4 I

Fig. 16 Defl. -Dead Load and Live Load: Influence of Prestr. Ratio
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 285

large negative defiections, whereas for a large ratio the

deflection vanishes. The intermediate case p = V2 and the
case of no prestress p =0 are shown by full and dashed-
dotted lines respectively. For the intermediate case the
change in slope corresponds to crackirig of the section. The
curves for p = 0 have been simplified in neglecting the ten-
sile strength of the concrete. A more exact analysis or an
actual experimental observation may give somewhat different
values from those shown in the figure. However, the order of
magnitude as weIl as the trend should be weIl indicated.

From the information of Fig. 15 the behavior under dead and

live load can be predicted by an appropriate superposition

shown in Fig. 16. It is assumed that the dead load moment M(DL)
is equal to one third, the live load moment two thirds of
the total moment M(DL+LL). Hence the dead load plus prestress
deflections are given by the abscissa V3 in the graph of
Fig; 15 and also Fig. 16. The live load deflections, taken as
instantaneous without influence of creep, start from the dead
load plus prestress deflections of this abscissa. Taking for
example the case of no prestress, p = 0, at time t =0 the
additional live load deflection will follow the dashed-dotted
dead load deflection line up to the full value 2/3 for the
live load moment. However, if the live load is applied after
creep and shrinkage have taken place it will start from the
 286 THÜRLIMANN

Given: M u = 645 t'm 200cm

Re-Index: q = qb/4
,....
J- l _____________________
r
t
25 1
+- '--------
(A) Re.- Steel
150
15030mm
6.6t -
x~ = 12.9 cm -I'--
6.6
.-
6.3 Je- ' -_ _ _.../
I
l 40 l
l 40
'1 IJ

kIJ
(8) Prestr. Cables
14 6
2 x VSL(17x 1/2 ,,) 10
I.
)(~ = 8.6cm
8.6L
~
·~l
. . ,: .
-J.--

1
108.2

'* . L
2.5 .,...3.0 ., l 35 ., l
35

(C) Mixed Reinf. 150

1 x VSL(22x 1;2")
5030mm
x~ = 11.3mm
~ 30 .l
J
F i g. 17 Details of Cross Sections
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 287

dead load abscissa at Y3 for Cp = 0; t = (0). Its slope will

equal the slope of the previous line, if the increase of the

modulus of elasticity with time is neglected. Hence the

possible region for all dead load plus prestress plus live

load deflections is given by the dotted field p = O. The

extreme variations of the live load deflections are given by

the distances Eo - Fand

0
E00 - F00 for the time t = 0 and

t = 00 respectively. The case of the intermediate prestres-

sing ratio p = Y2 and the case p c 1 are presented in the

same manner. Again it becomes clearly evident that partial

prestressing, e.g. p % Y2 and distances Co -D 0 and C00 -D 00 ,

provides a deflection control leading to the smallest overall

variation.

7. Detailing and Costs

After investigating so far more theoretical aspects of par-

tial prestressing some practic~l considerations seem in order.

The'influence of partial prestre5sing on the detailing of a

cross section is indicated in Fig. 17. For a given ultimate

moment M and reinforcement index q typical cross sections

u
with reinforcing steel CA), prestressing cables CB) and
mixed reinforcement CC) are given. The figures are drawn to

scale such that a visual comparison is possible. The bars and

cables have been arranged with minimum distances allowing

a proper placing and vibrating of the concrete as weIl as a
 288 THÜRLIMANN

5.- t--=~;:;;;:::;:;::;:;~.~.
•.• 0- .••
::.::.. ::;~~~s;;;::=-- Prestre ssing Cable --,~~-
0- ...
0- •••

o. :::
4.-

2.- +---------------------------~

Re-Steel : IZI > 16 m /

1.-
7'

1958 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

Cost Ratio cx = Prestr. Steel SFr/kg

2 Re - Steel SFr/kg
3 l.,arge T j L= 100m< .. ' :

4 :X;;,/,:;;:.\\\\:\\\\\\\\\'i;;;y,:i'::jJY'.\'3\\':::~cy(lZ22
5 _ ........... - Smoll T; L= 2 0 m - - - -
().

100%~---=~~=------------------------------------------

Construction Cost Index

1~%t------------------~~--~==~=-------

Fig. 18 Price Development: Pr~str. Ca bl es - Re- Steel (Bridges)

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 289

sufficient concrete cover. The 15 bars, diameter 30 mm, of

section (A) present not only problems in the proper placing
but offer considerable difficulties if splacing should be
necessary. The prestressed (B) or mixed section (e) allow a
clear arrangement of the reinforcement and give better con-
ditions for pouring of the concrete. The mixed solution has
the thinnest web of the three sections.

A mixed reinforcement offers also advantages with respect

to the longitudinal distribution. In a continuous girder
bridge for example the e~treme moment values show great
variations. A fully prestressed solution requires in many
instances additional cables over the supports. If partial
prestressing is used a constant pr~stressing forc~ over the
entire length is applied. The extreme moment sections are
then covered with additional reinforcing steel. Such solu-
tions lead to greater economy.

The'latter is also influenced by the relative costs of

ordinary and prestressing steel. Fig. 18 shows the price
development in Switzerland over the years 1958 to 1970. The
price in Swiss Francs per kilogramm of reinforcing bars,
diameter larger than 16 mm, including placing is compared to
the price of prestressing cable~ including end anchorages,
placing, prestressing and grouting. Ranges are given for
short (length = 20 m) and long (100 m) cables and also small
290 THÜRLIMANN

100C

140%
4100 pipa
'100P"/Pa
120

100

80

60

40

20

q*
x= q+q*
o 02 04 06 0.8 1.0

F i g. /9 Relative Cost of Mixed Reinforcement

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 291

and large prestressing forces T. The relative costs are

given by the cost ratio

a = Prest.Steel SFr/kg
Reinf.Steel SFr/kg (14)

The resulting band shows a steady decline of a from a range

of 3.5 to 5 down to 2.5 to 4. For comparison the general

construction cost index is shown at the bottom of the figure.

On the basis of this information the relative cost C of the

total reinforcement in one section as a function of the ratio

of the prestressing reinforcement index q* to the total rein-

forcement index q + q* can be computed. In Fig. 19 the rein-

forcement ratios p for the ordinary and p*- for the prestressing

reinforcement are plotted against the ratio ~

q+q*' the latter
being identical to the previously defined degree of prestress

A (eq.(3) ). Taking as basis a reinforced concrete section

with a reinforcement ratio p and the corresponding rein-
o
fv
forcement index qo = Po tt '
a mixed section of the same
c
strength will have a reinforcement index q + q* = qo' hence

q* (15)
q + q*

and the prestressing reinforcement ratio

f
q* . .J..
q + q* f* (J.6)
y
292 THÜRLIMANN

The ordinary reinforcement ratio follows from

q*
q + q* = (17)

and

n
= 1 -
q*
-
L- (18)
Po q + q*

The cost of the mixed reinforcement related to the cost of

theequivalent ordinary reinforcement is expressed by

f
c q* ...:r.
1 + -q--+~q~* (a f * - 1) ( 19)
Y
The relation on a percentage basis is plotted in Fig. 19 for

different va1ues of a. Obvious1y for the conditions prevai-

ling presently in Switzerland prestressing of long cables

of large capacity, a = 3, leads to a saving in the rein-

forcement cost of up to 15 %. For short cables and sma11

prestressing forces, a= 4, an increase of about 15 % will

result. It should be mentioned that the use of prestressing

cables will offer further advantages such as fewer splices

of reinforcing bars, smaller secti6ns, better conditions

for placing of the concrete, smaller or no cracks, control

of, deformations etc. resulting in additional cost savings

and improvement of performance.

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 293

8. Experimental Confirmations

Considerab1e research into the behavior of partial1y pre-

stressed beams has been completed at the Institute of
Structura1 Engineering, Swiss Federa1 Institute of Technology,
Zurich, (see Ref. {3}, {4}, {S}, {6}) and at other p1aces.
Here on1y a selection of results is presented. The inf1uence
of the degree of prestress A on the deflection of beams is
given in Fig. 20. Obviously the resu1ts follow the theoretical
expectations. At the working load level P/I.8 P an increase
p
in prestress A produces a decrease of the def1ections.
Approaching u1timate load the def1ections become more and
more equal. The tests have not been carried to failure in
order to perform additional shear tests on the specimens.
E
The experimental ultimate bending moments M x of a number
u
of tests are compared with the theoretica1 values Mth in
u
Fig. 21 over the comp1ete range of A from zero to unity.
The'ultimate va1ues provided with a vertical arrow resu1ted
not from bending but shear fai1ures. Hence the bending
strength of these specimens was at least equa1 or greater
than the indicated va1ue. The tests demonstrated that the
bending strength of partia1ly prestressed b~ams with mixed
reinforcement can be predicted with sufficient accuracy. It
seems therefore quite unnecessary to further investigate

the bending strength.

294 THÜRLIMANN

PI Pp

1.0 _ ..~ ~ A
A1 __ .. ...::s'p:ß 3
.. ~

~ .. --~ A2
// /T" .
. /./f/' ~.L

. /../ /ff 8f:~-i

I
~
.• /
.
1/
•
AO 10 155
-~ I

.// .//1
./ 1 /
I ./
:

1
1.8
0.5
I· I/
:(
I
- - A1
AO A=O
A = 0.25
,.// // - - - A2 A= 0.50
_._.- A3
f.' /1 _ .. _ .. - A4
A= 0.75
A= 1.00
!I //
//
J
1/ .4
P
i is
P
~ :;0.

I.
I
600cm I
V .i

r \. _ A "s f*y q*
f;
- t:\s + A s fy
=
q*+q

0 Sem
2 3 4

Fig. 20 Influence of Degree of Prestress A on Deflection

PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 295

The situation is however not cleared as far as the shear

strength of partially prestressed concrete beams is con-
cerned. Even in the case of reinforced concrete beams no
generally accepted theoretical solution has been develop~d.

Fig. 22 summarizes the comparison of measured maximum shear

forces V to the theoretical shear strength Vth computed
max
on t.he basis of the Swiss Specification- {7}. Again the
arrows indicate that at the maximum value failure did not
occur due to shear but some other cause. Hence the shear
resistance of these specimens was equal or greater than the
indicated value. The results show that in most cases yiel-
ding of the shear reinforcement coindrled nearly with the
theoretical shear strength. However, the failure load
exceeded considerably this value in most instances. After
yielding of the shear reinforcement arearrangement of the
internal forces can take place if the longitudinal steel has
not reached yielding at the same time. Further research
seems necessary for a better understanding and a more accu-

rate-theory.

Additional information on the deflection behavior, the crack

pattern and crack openings of partially prestressed beams
with mixed reinforcements may be found in the references

given above.
 ~
M~YM~ CD
Q)

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

o 1/<1 ./c, 1//1 '/0 [/0 [/(1 red V/J V/I V/J V/J V/I V/J V/A
Ao A, A2 A3 A4 As A6 80 8, 82 83 84 85 86
A = 0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 0.25 0.75 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
M-8r: 8ending Failure mYielding of Reinforcement ~
gj:
Fig. 2\ Comparison: Experimental - Theoretical Ultimate Moment
~
~
 S-Br ~.,
Vmox/Vth S-Br
~
14
;g
1:'1
Cll

1.2
~
Cll

1.0
~
08

0.6

0.4

02

o VA ya Y/I [CI 1/' I/I ICI V/I [C' I/I [tl I/I I/I 'Cd IId VA tel [C' l/I.(d [/1 [CI '/A VA

-Ao- -A 1- -A 2- -A 3- -A 4- -80- -8 1- -82- -83- -84- -85 - -86-

h= 0 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
S-8r : Shear Failure I'?/I Yielding of Shear Reinforcement
tI:I
Fig. 22 Comparison: Maximum Shear Vmox/Nominal Ultimate Shear Vth co
...;J
298 THÜRLlMANN

9. Conclusions

Partial prestressing with mixed reinforcement offers a con-

tinuous transition between the two extremes of reinforced
and fully prestressed concrete. It gives a designer a much
greater flexibility to adapt the reinforcement to the
different structural requirements. In order to use the
mixed reinforcement to its full capacity an appropriate
selection of the prestressing stress is necessary (Fig. 3).
A more efficient use of different cross-sectional shapes
becomes possible allowing a moment variation ~ equal to
that of a reinforced concrete section (Fig. 7 to 9). The
distribution of the reinforcement in the longitudinal
direction can be easily adapted to the bending moment
envelo~resulting in a more uniform safety factor for all
sections of a member. The control of deflections is accom-
plished by a proper choice of the prestressing force
(Fig. 14 to 16). The use of mixed reinforcement leads in
many cases to better detailing of the sections (Fig. 17),
fewer splices of bars etc. The cost ratio between prestres-

sing and ordinary reinforcement shows a clear tendency to

decrease (Fig. 17) such that in many instances the use of
prestressing reinforcement is more economical (Fig. 19). In
summary it follows that partial prestressing with mixed
reinforcement can lead to an improved structural performance
and overall cost savings.
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 299

As a simple preliminary design rule the mixed reinforcement

can be chosen as follows. The dead load moments should be
counterbalanced by the moments due to prestress. For the
extreme loading conditions the required strength will be
provided by the addition of ordinary reinforcement. A slight
modification of such a selection may be necessary depending
on the dead to live load ratio and special structural
requirements.

So far prestressing has found relatively little us~ in

foundation engineering. One reason may be that a full
prestress is economically just not possible. Partial
prestressing with mixed reinforcement however seems to offer
many structural and economic advantages. The large tensile
forces encountered in such structures can be concentrated
into large prestressing units. Additional ordinary rein-
forcement is used to cover the smaller details and provide
the necessary crack control. The displacements due to
prestressing together with soil friction present a special
problem which needs further study.
300 THÜRLlMANN

List of References:

{l} Pre liminary Publication, Theme IVb "Partially

Prestressed Members"; 8th Congress, International
Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering,
New York, 1968

{2} Final Report, Theme IVb "Partially Prestressed Members";

8th Congress, International Association for Bridge
and Structura1 Engineering, New York, 1968

{3} Thürlimann, B.; Caflisch, R.: "Teilweise vorgespannte

Bauteile", Betontag 1969, Deutscher Beton-Verein

{4} Caf1isch, R.; Thür1imann, B.: "Biegeversuche an teil-

weise vorgespannten Betonbalken", Bericht Nr. 6504-1,
Institut für Baustatik, Eidgenössische ~echnische

Hochschule, Zürich, März 1970

{5} Caflisch, R.; Thürlimann, B.: "Schubversuche an teil-

weise vorgespannten Betonbalken", Bericht Nr. 6504-2,
Institut für Baustatik, Eidgenössische Technische
Hochschule, Zürich, Oktober 1970
PARTIAL PRESTRESSING 301

{6} Caflisch, R.; Thür1imann, B.: "Biege- und Schubversuche

an teilweise vorgespannten Betonbalken, Serie C".
Bericht Nr. 6504-3, Institut für Baustatik, Eidgenössi-
sche Technische Hochschule, Zürich, Februar 1971

{7} SIA-Norrn 162 (1968), "Norm für die Berechnung, Kon-

struktion und Ausführung von Bauwerken aus Beton,
Stahlbeton und Spannbeton", Schweiz. Ingenieur- und
Architekten-Verein, Zürich, 1968

{8} Caf1isch, Reto: "Teilweise vorgespannter Beton -

Versuche, Auswertungen und Schlussfolgerungen",
Schweizerische Bauzeitung, Heft 23, 89. Jahrgang,
10. Juni 1971