EFFECT OF NON-PRESTRESSED STEEL ON PRESTRESS LOSS AND DEFLECTION

A simple accurate method is presented for calculating prestress loss, axial strain, and curvature at a cross section of a member containing prestressed as well as nonprestressed steel. Two sets of graphs are given as design aids, and their use is demonstrated by numerical examples. The method indicates that the presence of non-prestressed steel slightly reduces the loss in tension in the prestressed steel, but can significantly reduce the prestressing force in the concrete. It has a small effect on the axial shortening but can have a much more pronounced effect on the camber or the deflection. /Author/