Paper No.

618

Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in

prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112
and IRC: 18
T. Viswanathan*

Synopsis
As per IRC: 112, the time dependent losses have to be calculated in a detailed manner. The procedure is not familiar to Design Engineers. This article lays
down, the detailed method of calculation for arriving at the losses using IRC: 112. In addition the losses have also been calculated using IRC: 18. At the
end comparison has been made between the codes for losses and also for the total time dependent losses and proved both the codes lead to same result for
50% RH only. This article will familiarize the Engineers with the procedure for the calculation of time dependent losses using IRC: 112.

1. INTRODUCTION

In prestressed concrete, estimation of losses plays vital

role in arriving at the residual prestress. Total losses can
be divided into immediate losses, and time dependent
losses. The time dependent losses consist of relaxation
of steel, shrinkage loss and creep loss. IRC: 112 has
changed the method of calculation for shrinkage and
creep losses. For calculating the relaxation loss beyond
1000 hr and upto 30 years, formula has been given in Cross – Section of Beam
Annexure A2. For calculating shrinkage loss, drying
(a) Table 1 Properties of Section
shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage both have to be
taken care. Creep coefficients are given depending
Properties of Area m2 yt in m ybin m I in m4 Ztgm3 Zbgm3 Ztsm3
upon the age of loading and relative humidity. Thus
the changes will involve different procedure for Precast 0.496 0.590 0.510 0.066 0.1114 0.1288 -
Beam
computation of losses which were earlier carried out by
using IRC: 18. In order to familiarize the Engineers with Composite 0.940 0.464 0.836 0.179 0.6756 0.2137 0.38
Beam
this new concept, an example showing the calculation of
losses is presented both by using IRC: 112 and IRC: 18
b) Cable details:
and a comparison is also made and commented.
Cable No.1 and 2:12-T13 (Second stage cables)
2 Data for calculation of losses
and Cable No.3 10-T-13 (First stage cable).
PSC girder in M45 grade and deck slab in M40 grade c) Stressing and Casting Schedule:
shown below provided with 3 cables. Loss calculations
need to be carried out. Cable No. 3 Stressed on 7 days Cable No.1,2

* Director – Aarvee Associates. E-mail: tvish123@hotmail.com

Written comments on this Paper are invited and will be received upto 13th August, 2014.

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 147
Stressed on 28 days Girder placed on bearing
35 days Deck slab cast on 45 days Crash
Barrier erection by 70 days Wearing coat to be
completed by 90 days
d) Bending Moments:
Due to self-weight = 62 tm
Due to deck slab = 62.4 tm
Due to crash barrier = 24.8 tm
Due to wearing coat = 19.55 tm
e) Prestressing Details:
Jacking force for cable 1 and 2 = 175t Jacking
force for cable 3 = 146t Prestressing force at
center after friction and slip loss in cable 1
and 2 is 157t Prestressing force at center after
friction and slip in cable 3 is 131t
3 Loss of Prestress due to
Relaxation
Referring to clause 7.9.2 (1) and figure 6.3 of IRC: 112
the maximum Jacking force shall be 0.87 x 0.9 = 0.78
fp. Taking average stress to be 95% of above value and
taking 5% loss due to elastic shortening, the average
stress in the cables after anchorage will be 0.78 x 0.95 x
0.95 = 0.70 fp. As per table 6.2 of IRC: 112, the relaxation
loss for 0.7 fp for low relaxation steel is 2.5%.
a) Relaxation loss on stage 1 cable Stressed on 7
days On 28 days: Loss between 7 days and 28
days shall be accounted. Effective days after
prestress applied is 28-7=21 days. Total no. of
hours: (28-7) x 24 = 504 hrs. As per Table 6
for 500 hrs loss will be 90 % of 1000 hrs loss.
Loss up to this stage is = 0.9 x 2.5 = 2.25%
Loss between 7 days and 45 days, Total no.
of effectivehrs = 912% of loss = 98%. Hence
loss will 0.98 x 2.5 = 2.45%. Loss between 28
days to 45 days = (2.45-2.25) = 0.20%. Loss
on 70 days. Effective hours = 1512 hrs. As
it has exceeded 1000 hrs. Refer clause A2.11
equation A2-38.
1512 0.143
P 1512=2.5 1000 P =2.65%
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014
Loss between 45 days and 70 days = (2.65 – 2.45) = 0.20%.
Loss on 90 days Effective hours = 1992 hrs.
Loss between 70 days to 90 days = 2.76 – 2.65 = 0.11 %
Loss between 90 days to α Refer clause 6.3.6.
Long term loss is 3 times of 2.5 = 7.5%.
Loss between 90 days to
Table 2 Relaxation Loss on 1st Stage Cable
Loss between 7 days and 28 days = 2.25%
Loss between 28 days and 45 days = 0.20%
Loss between 45 days and 70 day = 0.20%
Loss between 70 days and 90 days = 0.11%
Loss between 90 days and ∝
= 4.74%
Total Loss (Check) = 7.50%
This check step shall be carried out to see whether it
works out to be 3 times of 1000 hr value or not.
b) Relaxation Loss on stage 2 cable.
Similarly proceeding for 2nd stage cables.
Second stage cables are stressed on 28 days.
Loss between 45 days and 28th day. Effective
hours 408.= 87% loss takes place. Loss will be
0.87 x 2.5 = 2.18% Loss on 70 days. Hours
between 70 days and 28 days = 1008 hrs. Taking
it as 1000 hrs, loss will be 2.5%. Loss between
70 days and 45 days will be 2.5 – 2.18 = 0.32%.
Loss on 90 days. Effective hours = 1488.
Loss =
Loss between = 70 days and 90 days 2.65-2.50
= 0.15% Loss up to α = 7.5% Loss between 90
days and α = 7.5 – 2.65 = 4.85%
Summarization the losses on 2nd Stage cable.
148 Viswanathan on

Table 3 Relaxation Loss on Stage 2 cables Autogenous shrinkage strain

. The strain is computed for all the
Loss between 28 days and 48 days = 2.18% time intervals and shown in the table.
Loss between 45 days and 70 days = 0.32%
Loss between 70 days and 90 days = 0.15% Table 4 Autogenous Shrinkage Strain
Loss between 90 days and ∝ = 4.85%
Shrink- Part of Part of Part of shrinkage Autogenous shrinkage
Total (check) = 7.5% age on Shrink- Remain- occurred in between strain during the interval
days age ing the days affecting the = part of shrinkage
shrink- structure during the strain occurred during
occurred age interval interval x shrinkage
4 Shrinkage strain calculation strain

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

4.1 Autogenous Shrinkage
7 0.41 0.59 -
Clause 6.4.2.6 of code shall be referred to. Code
28 0.65 0.35 0.24
describes two kinds of shrinkage strains to be calculated
and added to get the total shrinkage strain.
45 0.74 0.26 0.09
70 0.81 0.19 0.07
90 0.85 0.15 0.04
∝ 1.0 0 0.15
Total 0.59
Autogenous shrinkage is defined as with drawal of
water from the capillary pores by hydration of un-
Cross check: Sum total of column 4 shall match
hydrated cement leading to volume change. In simple
with the 1st figure of column (3). Second check
terms loss of water due to hydration of cement. Table
0.59 X 65 X 106 = 38.35 X 106 should much with sum
No 6.6 of code gives strain at α
total of column no. 5.
The shrinkage strain that has already occurred upto the
4.2 Drying Shrinkage
time considered has been given by the equation 6.12
and 6.13 of code.  vaporation of water from the concrete stored in
E
unsaturated air leading to volume changes is defined as
drying shrinkage. For calculation of drying shrinkage
is occurred strain at a given point of time. Balance clause 6.4.2.6 (4) and (6) shall be referred to.
strain which will affect the structure will be
Calculation of
substituting for the remaining
strain is
u is the perimeter of that part of the cross section which
is exposed to drying. Top of deck slab will be covered by
The coefficients given in the table have been multiplied wearing coat hence bottom of deck slab only considered.
by 106. Hence it has to be divided by 106 to get the Perimeter = 1.9 + 2 (0.110+0.230+0.550+
actual values. 0.235+0.250+0.350) = 5.35m,

Referring to table 6.6 for M45 grade concrete

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 149

kh works out to 0.7375 or 0.74. Consider it as 0.75 for Table 6 Total Shrinkage Strain
easy calculation.
Between Autogenous Drying Total Strain as
The unrestrained drying shrinkage value as given days Strain Shrinkage Strain per IRC:18
in table No. 6.8 relates to Relative Humidity (RH)
percentage. IRC: 18 did not relate it to RH. Assuming
RH as 50% and instead of M45 considering it as M50
the value of strain = 420 x 106 . For M45 strain = 443 x
106. Slight change and can be disregarded.

Assuming curing has been for 5 days, the ts value in

equation 6.15 shall be taken as 5 days.

Thus it can be seen that both codes give same value

at the ∝. Moreover when age of concrete is 7 days the
Drying shrinkage strain at
residual shrinkage strain left is as per IRC: 18
is same as given by IRC: 112.
5 Calculation of Creep Co-efficient
Table 5 Drying Shrinkage Strain
Shrink- Number Shrink-age Remaining Shrinkage Clause 6.4.2.7 or Annexure A2-5 may be referred, to
age of days strain occurred Shrinkage strain strain during arrive at creep coefficients.
strain after the interval
on day curing
ended  he final creep coefficient given in table 6.9 can also
T
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) be arrived by using Annexure A2-5. Creep coefficient
5 0 0 - arrived by using A2-5 will always workout lesser than
7 2 the values shown in the table. The reason for this is
explained below.
28 23
45 40  he tabular value shown corresponds to M45 grade
T
concrete and without using reduction coefficient
70 65
given α1 and α2 in A2-17 which amounts to using
90 85
0 equation A2-16. Moreover the values of strain shown
in the table for 50% RH are wrongly printed. 28
Total Strain
days value should appear against 7 days and 90 days
should appear against 28 days and for 90 days value
Check: The remaining strain when first prestressing was
the value will be 2.4, 1.9 and 1.6. It will be proved also
carried out on 7th is and the total strain
both values will work out same by using the above
shown should match. Strain that has occurred between 5
modifications and working out as per Annexure A2.
days and 7 days
for the structure and this total strain
should match with figure.

4.3 Total Shrinkage Strain

The Autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage has to
 For loading on 7
be combined to get the total strain.
days

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 150 Viswanathan on

For loading on 7 days . From loading on 7 days the coefficient will work out between
3.1 (corrected) and 2.6 (corrected). Similarly for other
the table . More or
ages of loading. Hence Designers are advised to go
less the values are same. For any grade higher than
by the Annexure rather than using the tabular values.
M45 using the tabulation value will be conservative
and lead to higher losses.

 nly grade of concrete for which slight under

O

estimation of coefficient may be expected is for M35
when the tabulation value is used as M35 grade is the For loading on 7 days effect on other 28, 45, 70, 90
starting grade for prestressed concrete. Now reverting and days.
back to our problem. Refer Equation A2-5
Creep Coefficient on 7 days = 0

Creep Coefficient on 28 days =

Creep Coefficient on 45 days =

Creep Coefficient on 70 days =

Creep Coefficient on 90 days =

Creep Coefficient on ∝ days =

 imilarly values will obtained for loading on 28 days,
S
45 days, 70 days, 90 days and effect on relevant days
shall be found out and the following table may be
constructed.

Table 7 Creep Coefficient

Creep Coefficients
Age of Effects on
Creep coefficient
Concrete 7 28 45 70 90
at
at loading days days days days days
7 2.46 0 0.83 0.99 1.14 1.23 2.46
28 1.89 0 0 0.60 0.78 0.87 1.89
45 1.73 0 0 0 0.62 0.73 1.73
 ges of loading are 7 days, 28 days, 45 days, 70 days,
A 70 1.59 0 0 0 0 0.53 1.59
and 90 days.Weneed to Estimate the for these 90 1.51 0 0 0 0 0 1.51
days. Construction of this table is a must for the creep analysis.
 omparison of Creep Coefficients with IRC: 18 for
C
 or loading on 7 days
F selective days.
similarly for 28 days 0.488, for 45 days 0.446, for 70
days 0.410 and for 90 days 0.390. Basic for loading Table 8 Creep Strain Computation as per IRC: 112
on 7 days = 3.87 x .6346 = 2.455
Days Maturity E in N/mm2 Strain for 10 MPa
Similarly for loading on 28 days = 1.890, For 45 (1) (2) (3) (4)
days 1.726 and 70 days = 1.586 and 90 days 1.510.
7 70 3 x 104
If we look at the table for 50% RH and

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 151

between the interval and also residual strain is more than

28 100 IRC: 18, the creep loss will work out to be more
than IRC: 18 when calculations are performed using
90 115 IRC: 112 for other thickness and also for 50% RH.

Table 9 Creep Coefficients from IRC: 112 for 70 years  he residual strain between intervals are much higher
T
when 50% RH is encountered. However when time
50% RH 80% RH
Age at dependent losses are increased, by 20% as per IRC:18
Loading it will cover for the nominal thickness of members
50 mm 150 mm 600 mm 50 mm 150 mm 600 mm
7 3.9 3.1 2.6 2.6 2.3 2.0 both 150 mm, and 600 mm for 80% RH. The 50 mm
28 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.9 1.7 1.5 thickness may not be a practical case. Coefficients for
90 2.4 1.9 1.6 1.5 1.4 1.20 50% RH they will still be deficient in creep and 20%
enhancement will not cover the creep strains indicated
 he values given in the table are corrected values for
T in IRC: 112.
50% RH as printing errors have been noticed.
6  alculation of Losses for Mid-
C
Table 10 Computation of Creep Strain as Per Span Section
IRC: 112 for 50% RH and Strain as Per IRC: 18
Cable stressed on 7th day having a prestressing force of
50% RH Strain as 131t located at 0.113 m from bottom of girder.
Days per IRC: Prestressing effect
18
50 mm 150 mm 600 mm

7
Tensile stress due to self-weight of girder
28

90
Compressive stress around cable = 577.41-373.49

Table 11 Computation of Creep Strain as Per =203.92 t /m2 Modular Ratio = 5.73 E of cable 1.95 x
IRC: 112 for 80% RH and Strain as Per IRC: 18 1.95 x 106 kg/cm2 Area of one strand = 98.7 mm2

50% RH A. Losses between 7 days and 28 days:

Strain as
Days per IRC: a) Loss due to Relaxation
18
50 mm 150 mm 600 mm
7 b) Loss due to Shrinkage

28
c) C
 reep Loss = Load applied on 7 days effect on 28
90 days (0.83-0) x 203.92x 5.73 x 9.87 x 10-4= 0.97t
Losses on 1st stage cable = 2.95 + 0.74 + 0.97 = 4.66t
It can be easily seen that IRC: 18 values are nearly
matching for RH 80% and for nominal thickness
600 m. If a structure falls within these parameters
the creep loss will be same. As the strain difference At the end of 28 days net prestressing force

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

152 Viswanathan on

= 131 – 4.66 = 126.34t Stress in concrete due to stage cable) Refer table = 0.6 x 1343 x 5.73
1st stage cable stressing and self-weight of girder = x 9.87 x 10-4 = 4.56t Total Losses on Stage 1
577.41 (1-.0356) – 373.49 = 183.36 t/m2 cable from 28 days to 45 days = 13.0t

B. Losses between 28 days and 45 days before
casting of the deck slab Net force at the end of 45 days 126.34 - 13.0 = 113.34t
Stress in concrete due to 1st stage cable and self-
 ffect of 2nd stage cable stressing Total Force 314t,
E weight
Stress at 1st stage cable

Elastic shortening loss =

(2) Losses on 2nd stage cable:

a) Elastic shortening loss

 orce after Elastic shortening loss 314-9.4= 304.6t
F
After elastic shortening loss, stress in concrete due
to second stage cable
b) Loss due to relaxation
stressing =

Elastic shortening loss on 1st stage cable

c) Loss due to shrinkage = 1.03t

Balance Prestress after Elastic shortening loss ratio of areas of cable which is = 2.40

1126.34 - 7.60 =118.74t This will give a stress of d) C

 reep Loss =4.56 x 2.4 = 10.94t Total losses on
2nd stage cable between 28 and 45 days = 28.01t

 elf-weight effect = 373.49 t/m2 Stress in concrete =

S Net force at the end of 45 days = 314-28.0 = 286.0t
523.37 – 373.49 = 148.88 t/m2 Stress in concrete 2nd stage due to prestressing force

(1) Losses on 1st stage cables = = 1260.6 t/m2

a) Elastic shortening loss = 7.60t Effect of Casting of deck slab

b) Loss due to Relaxation

C. Losses between 45 days and 70 days after

c) Loss due to Shrinkage= casting of slab

(1) Losses on 1st Stage cable
d) Creep losses due to prestress applied on 7 days. a) Loss due to relaxation =
Refer table for creep coefficient (0.99-0.83) x
b) Loss due to shrinkage
148.88 x 5.73 x 9.87 x 10-4 = 0.13t Creep loss
due to prestress applied on 28 days (second

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 153

c) Creep loss due to 1st stage cable stressing (1) Losses on stage 1 cable.
effect=
a) Loss due to relaxation =
nd
d) Creep loss due to 2 stage cable stressing effect
= b) Loss due to Shrinkage

e) Gain in prestress due to deck slab casting =

c) Loss due to creep =
 otal Losses on 1st stage cable between 45 days and 70
T

days = 0.80t
Losses due to creep due to 2nd stage cable stressing
Net force at the end of 70 days = 113.34 – 0.80
= 112.54t (0.87 - 0.78) x 1252 x 5.73 x 9.87 x 10-4 = 0.65t

Assuming losses taking place on precast section for d) Gain in prestress due to deck slab casting
this period. Thiswill not make much of change.
(0.73 - 0.62) x 375.90 x 5.73 x 9.87 x 10-4 =(-)0.23t
st
Stress in concrete due to 1 stage cable and self-weight
e) Gain in prestress due to crash barrier casting.

(2) Losses on 2nd stage cable Stress in concrete =

a) Loss due to relaxation =

b) L
 oss due to shrinkage = =  otal losseson 1st stage cable between 70 days and
T
1.17t 90 days = 0.65t
c) L
 oss due to creep = (0.78-0.60) x 1260 x 6 x 5.73
x 1184 x 104 x 2 = 3.08t  et force in the 1st stage at the end of 90 days =cable
N
112.54 – 0.65= 111.89t
d) G
 ain in prestress due to deck slab casting = 1.32
x 2.4 = (–) 3.17t Stress in concrete due to 1st stage cable and self-

Total losses on 2nd stage cable from 45 days to weight

70 days = 2.0t % Loss = (2) Losses on Stage 2 cable. = 122.54-.69-1.90

Net prestressing force at the end of 70 days a) Loss due to relaxation
286-2.0 = 284.0t b) Loss due to shrinkage 2 x 0.33 x 2.4 = 0.80t

Concrete stress around cable due to 2nd stage
cable stressing
D. Losses between 70 days and 90 days.
Assume full load of crash barrier on 70th day
 oss due to creep (0.87-0.78) x 1252 x 5.73 x
c) L
11.84 x10-4 x 2 = 1.53t
d) G
 ain in prestress due to casting of deck slab
(0.73-0.62) x 375.90 x 5.73 x 11.84 x 10-4 x
2 = (-) 0.56t
e) Gain in prestress due to crash barrier casting

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 154 Viswanathan on

2.4 x 0.3 = (-)0.72t Losses on 2nd stage cable and x =14.73t

between 70 days and 90 days = 1.49t
% Loss =
% Loss
Net Force
Net Force in 2nd stage cable at the end of 90 days
= 284 – 1.49 = 282.51t
Stress in concrete = 119.95
nd
 Stress in concrete due to 2 stage cable
=
=

E. Losses between 90 days to µ Losses in 2nd Stage cable
Wearing coat completed by 90th day. a) Relaxation = 13.70t
It’s effect at cable location = b) Shrinkage =4.80 x 2.40 = 11.52t
(1) Losses in stage 1 cable c) Creep loss 7.20 x 2.4= 17.28t
a) Loss due to relaxation d) G
 ain in prestress due to Deck slab
2.4 x 2.12= (-) 5.09t
b) Loss due to shrinkage = 2.47.82 x 10-6 x
9.78/103=4.80t e) G
 ain in prestress due to crash barrier casting
2.4 x 0.6 = (-)1.44t
c) Creep loss on 1st stage cable due to 1st stage
prestress f) G
 ain in prestress due to wearing cast casting
2.4 x 0.68 = (-)1.63t

Total Loss = 34.34t
Creep loss due to 2nd stage cable stressing
% Loss =

Net force at the end of µ
d) Increase in prestress due to casting of deck
slab =282.51 - 34.34 = 248.17t

Stress in concrete

e) Increase in prestress due to crash barrier

casting
 s the losses due to creep will change due to
A
reduction in compressive stress after µ, one cycle of
iteration will be carried out using average concrete
f) Increase in prestress due to wearing coat stress during 90 days to µ period. This is not done
casting. for other cycles because of low creep loss.
Effect on 1st stage cable

Total losses on 1st stage cable between 90 days Creep loss on 1st stage cable due to 1st stage prestress:

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 155

and upto 1000 hr value are same as given in

IRC: 18. The table and 3 times of 1000 hr
value recommendation given in IRC: 18 has
(Not much of reduction)
also been retained in IRC: 112.
Creep loss in 2nd stage cable due to 2nd stage
prestress 2) Shrinkage and creep coefficients will be used
as given in IRC: 18.

(Not much of reduction) 3) Creep Strain: Maturity has been worked

based on Guyan’s formula. On 7 days – 69%,
Total creep loss = 7.4t 28 days – 100%, 45 days – 107%, 70 days –
Other losses excluding creep loss= 6.7t 111% and 90 days – 114%.

Total Losses = 14.1t (Not match of change) (A) Losses between 7 days and 28 days for cable
of 1st stage:
=
(1) Losses on 1st stage cable
At the end of days prestressing force

= 111.89 – 14.1 = 97.79t a. Relaxation Loss as before = 2.95t

% of Total force remaining = b. Shrinkage Loss

Loss in cable = 25%

Creep loss 2nd stage cable: will be 6.8 x 2.4= 16.32t c. Creep Loss =
Total losses =34.34 (-17.28-16.32)= 33.38t

% Loss = Total Loss between 7 days and 28 days = 6.84t

At the end of µ days prestressing force % Loss =

= 282.51 – 33.38 = 249.13t At the end of 28 days prestressing force

% of Total force =
= 131 – 6.84 = 124.16t
Loss in cable= 20.7%
Stress in concrete
Total prestressing force at the end of µ

= 97.79 + 249.13 = 346.92t

(B) Losses between 28 days and 45 days before
% Total force =
casting of deck slab
22% Loss for the combined system. Stressing of 2nd stage cable, effect on 1st stage cable.
6 Calculation of Losses as per Elastic shortening loss (See below) = 7.60t
IRC: 18 – 2000
Net force = 124.16-7.60 = 116.56t This force will
1) Relaxation loss: The value worked out by
give stress of
IRC: 112 shall be retained as ultimate %

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

156 Viswanathan on

After accounting for self-weight stress in concrete  otal stress due to first and second stage and cables
T
and self-weight
= 512.44 - 373.49 =
Effect of casting deck slab = 375.90
(1) Losses in 1st stage cable:
Net stress = 1437.7-375.90 = 1061.8
a. Elastic shorteningless due to stressing of 2nd stage
cable 1343 x 5.73 x 9.87 x 10-4 = 7.60t Total prestressing force at the end of 45 days

b. Relaxation Loss =11. = 115.31 + 295.54 = 410t

 hrinkage loss = 1.9-1.79) x10-4x1.95 x 106x

c. S (C) Losses between 45 days and 70 days after
9.87
3
=0.210t casting of slab
10

d. Creep loss = 0.80t (1) In 1st stage cable

 otal loss on 1st stage cable between 28 and 45 dyas=

T a. Loss due to relaxation of 1st stage cable
8.85t

 et prestressing force at the end of 45 days 124.16

N
– 8.85 = 115.31t b. Loss due to shrinkage

Stress in concrete

c. Creep loss

(2) Losses in 2nd Stage Cable: = 0.24t

a. Elastic shortening loss =  otal Loss on 1st stage cable between 45 and 70 days
T
= 0.77t

% Loss =
b. Relaxation loss
Stress in concrete =

c. Shrinkage loss = 0.21 x 2.4 (Raito of area of

cable) = 0.50t Net Prestressing force at the end of 45 days

d. Creep loss =0.8 x 2.4 = 1.92t

 otal Loss on 2nd stage cable between 28 and 45 days

T (2) Losses in 2nd Stage cable
= 18.46T
a. Losses due to relaxation loss =
 et prestressingforce at the end of 45 days
N
= 314 - 18.46 =295.54t b. Losses due to shrinkage = 2.4 x 0.3 = 0.72t

Concrete Stress = c. Creep loss = 2.4 x 02.4 = 0.58t

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 157

 otal loss on 2nd stage cable between 45 and 70 days

T % Loss =
= 2.25t
 et prestressing force at the end of 90 days
N
Net force 295.54 - 2.25 = 293.29t = 293.29 - 1.76 = 291.53t

Stress = Concrete Stress =

Crash barrier effect = 100.40 t/m2 Wearing coat effect = 79.14 t/m2

Total force = 114.50 + 293.29 = 407.79t Concrete stress at the end of 90 days = 12.897 +
1285.68 - 375.90-100.40 - 79.14 = 859 t/m2
 tress in concrete = 131.66 + 1292.70 -100.40-375.
S
90 =948 t/m2 Net prestressing force at the end of 90 days

(D) Losses between 70 to 90 days: (On 90 days = 113.82 + 291.53 = 405.35t

wearing coat cost)
(E) Losses between 90 days to µ:
(1) Losses in 1st stage cable
(1) Losses in 1st stage cable
a. Losses in 1st cable due to relaxation
a. Relaxation =

b. Shrinkage loss =
b. Loss due to shrinkage
Creep loss =

c. Creep loss = Total loss on 1st stage cable between 90 days and
µ
st
 otal Loss on 1 stage cable between 70 and 90 days
T
= 0.675t  et prestressing force at the end of µ: =113.82 -
N
14.0 = 99.82t
Loss %
Stress in concrete =
 et prestressing force at the end of 90 days = 114.50
N
– 0.68 = 113.82t =

Stress = 131.666 - 0.718 - 1.97 = 128.97t/m2 (2) Losses in 2nd stage cable:

(2) Losses in 2nd stage cable: a. Relaxation loss =

a. Relaxation = b. Shrinkage loss = 2.88 x 2.40 = 6.91t

b. Shrinkage loss = 2.4 x .025 = 0.60t c. Creep loss = 5.68 x 2.4 = 13.63t

c. Creep loss = 2.4 x .0.3= 0.72t Total loss in 2nd stage cable between 90 days and
µ= 34.67t
Total loss = 1.76t

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

158 Viswanathan on

% Loss = Final force on 1st stage cable = 100.52-4.69 = 95.83t

% of force remaining =
Net prestressing force at the end of µ
Total loss in percentage = 26.8

Final force on 2nd stage cable = 258.42 – 9.20

= 249.22t
Concrete Stress =
% of force remaining =

Total loss in percentage = 20.64

Total stress including all effects = 73.10 + 1147.35 -
Total prestressing force= 95.83+249.22= 345.05t
375.90 - 100.40 - 79.17 = 665t/m2 Carrying out one
round of iteration for creep loss Percentage of total prestressing force available
345.05
Average stress = = x 100 = 77.52%
445
Revised creep loss: on stage 1 cable = = 5.03t Total loss in percentage = 22.46%

Revised Total loss = 13.95 - 5.68 + 5.03 = 13.30t Table 12 Summary of Losses 1st Stage Cable

Net 1st stage cable force at µ = 113.82 – 13.30 = Description of

Losses as
% of
Losses as
per IRC: per IRC: % Loss
100.52t Losses Loss
112 18
A Losses from 7 -
% of find force remaining =
days to 28 days
a) Elastic shorten- -
Revised creep loss on 2nd stage cable
ing
b) Relaxation 2.95 2.95
= 2.4 x 5.03 =12.072t
c) Shrinkage 0.74 3.07
Revised Total loss 34.67 - 13.63 + 12.072 = 33.11t d) Creep 0.97 0.82
Net 2nd stage cable at µ = 291.53 – 33.11 = 258.42t Total Loss 4.66 3.56% 6.84 5.22
B. Losses from 28
% of total force remaining = = 82.29% days to 45 days
a) Elastic shortening 7.60 7.60
Considering 20% extra time dependent loss: On 1st b) Relaxation 0.24 0.23
stage cable time dependent losses c) Shrinkage 0.43 0.210.
d) Creep 4.69 0.80
=(2.95+3.07+0.824+0.23+0.210+0.80+0.23+0.30+0.2 Total Loss 13.0 10% 8.85 6.75
C. Losses from 45
4+0.125+0.25+0.30+5.39+2.88+5.03) x 1.20 = 27.39t days to 70 days
a) Relaxation 0.226 0.23
On 2nd stage cable time dependent losses (6.64+0.5+
b) Shrinkage 0.48 0.30
1.92+0.94+0.72+0.58+0.440+0.6+0.72+14.13+6.91 c) Creep 1.387 0.24
+12.072)1.20=55.40t d) Gain in Prestress -1.32 -
due to casting of
Additional loss on 1st stage cable 27.39 – 22.70 = 4.69t slab
Total Loss 0.80 0.61% 0.77 0.59
Addition loss on 2nd stage cable at = 55.4 – 46.20 = 9.20t

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 159

D. Losses from 70 C. Losses from 70

days to 90 days days to 90 days
a) Relaxation 0.123 0.125 a) Relaxation 0.44 0.44
b) Shrinkage 0.330 0.25 b) Shrinkage 0.80 0.60
c) Creep 0.710 0.30 c) Creep 1.53 0.72
d) Gain in Prestress -1.28 -
d) Gain in Prestress -0.53 -
due to cast of
due to deck slab
deck slab and
and crash barrier
crash barrier
casting Total Loss 1.49 0.47 1.76 0.56
Total Loss 0.65 0.50% 0.675 0.51 D. Losses from 90
E. Losses from 90
days to days
days to days a) Relaxation 13.70 14.13
a) Relaxation 5.30 5.39 b) Shrinkage 11.52 6.91
b) Shrinkage 4.80 2.88 c) Creep 16.32 12.07
c) Creep 7.40 5.03 d) Gain in Prestress -8.16 -
d) Gain in Prestress -3.40 - due to all dead
due to all dead load loads
Total Loss 14.10 10.76% 13.30 10.15 Total Loss 33.38 10.63% 33.11 10.54
Total Loss upto 33.21 25.43% 30.435 23.22% Total Loss upto µ 64.88 20.66 55.57 17.683
Net Prestressing 97.79 74.6% 100.0565 Net force at µ 249.12 79.3 258.43 82.3
76.7%
force Additional 20%
Additional - - 4.70 time dependent - - 9.20t -
20% time loss
dependent loss - - Total Loss upto µ - - 64.78 20.63
Total Loss upto 35.14 26.8% Net force upto µ - - 249.22 79.37
Net Force upto 95.85 73.16%
Table 14 Summary of Prestressing force and Losses
Table 13 Summary of Losses on 2nd Stage Cable S. Items Prestress % Loss / Pre- % of
No. Force/ % Force stressing force /
Description of Losses as % of Losses as % Loss
Losses as per force / loss
Losses per IRC: Loss per IRC:
as per IRC: 112 loss as per
112 18
A. Losses from 28 IRC: 112 as per IRC:
days to 45 days IRC: 18 18
1. Total loss in both 98.09 22.0 99.92 22.45
a) Elastic shortening 9.40 9.40
cables
b) Relaxation 6.64 6.64 2. Total force in 346.91 345.07
c) Shrinkage 1.03 0.50 both cables
d) Creep 10.94 1.92 Total force in % 78 77.5
Total Loss 28.01 8.91 18.46 5.87
B. Losses from 45
days to 70 days Time dependent losses as per IRC: 112= 98.09 – 17.0 =
a) Relaxation 0.92 0.94 81.09t
b) Shrinkage 1.17 0.72
Time dependent losses as per IRC: 18= 99.92 – 17.0 =
c) Creep 3.08 0.58
82.92t
d) Gain in Prestress (-)3.17 -
due to casting of
ES loss = 17.0t
slab % Loss = 18.22 (IRC: 112)
Total Loss 2.0t 0.64 2.24 0.713 % Loss = 18.63 (IRC: 18)

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014

160 Viswanathan on
7 Conclusi ons
The calculation of time dependent losses is a complicated
process but once if it is practiced it will become easier.
Now each time dependent loss will be commented in
detail.
a) Relaxation Loss:
The 1000 hr loss values given in IRC: 18 and IRC: 112
are same and also 3 times of 1000 hr value to be taken
at is also same. However if one is interested to get
relaxation value beyond 1000 hr, the formula given in
the annexure can be used and estimated, keeping the
value as 3 times of 1000 hr value. Both codes will lead to
the same result as far as Relaxation loss is concerned.
b) Shrinkage Loss:
IRC: 112 is more scientific. It relates to member
thickness relative humidity and grade of concrete. At
higher RH the shrinkage loss will be less and lower RH
shrinkage loss will be high. More over the code covers
two types of shrinkages viz Autogenous shrinkage and
Drying shrinkage.
Whereas IRC: 18 gives only one value for all RH.
Moreover as per IRC: 18 strain at initial stage is higher
and residual strain islower as shown in the worked
out example. The strain as per IRC: 112 is opposite.
However the total strain appears to be same for 50%
RH, when 20% higher losses are considered. This will
be explained in detail. Let us assume the curing is
stopped after 3 days. The shrinkage strain left is 4.3 x
10-4 as per IRC: 18, when multiplied by 1.20 the ultimate
shrinkage will be 4.3 x 10-4 x 1.2 = 5.16 x 10-4.
Prestressed concrete uses generally M50 grade. As per
IRC: 112, Autogenous shrinkage strain is 75 x 10-6.
Drying shrinkage strain for M50 grade concrete and for
50% RH is 420 X 10-6 and for 80% RH is 240 x 10-6.
Thus the total shrinkage strain for 50% RH is 4.95 X
10-4 and for 80% RH is 3.15 x 10-4 . Thus it can be
seen that as per IRC: 18 (when enhanced by 20%) and
as per IRC: 112 shrinkage strain from both codes will
match for 50% RH. For 80% RH, IRC: 18 would over
estimate the shrinkage strains. As the problem has been
Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014
worked out based on 50% RH the shrinkage loss has
remained same. For higher RH the shrinkage strain has
to be lower.
As IRC: 18 had not differentiated between RH’s. The
coefficients, shown appears to be based on 50% RH and
the loss will work out more in case of 80% RH as 50%
RH coefficient is being followed.
c) Creep Loss:
The creep coefficients given in IRC: 112 takes in to
account the RH, member thickness and age of loading.
To find out the creep coefficients, preparation of table as
indicated in the article is a must. Detailed procedure is
required, to prepare the table as indicated in this article.
Further use of this table and arrive at creep loss requires
skill. In order to familiarize the Engineers the worked
out example gives, the procedure to arrive at the creep
losses. If creep factors are arrived using annexure A2
there will be reduction in creep coefficients.
The strain given in IRC: 18, does not take into account
the RH, the notational thickness. As proved earlier Creep
strain given by IRC: 18 will generally be lower and
with 20% enhancement of time dependent losses will
cover 80% RH both for 150 mm and 600 mm notional
thickness of members which are practical ranges of
notional thickness, whereas for 50% RH, the creep loss
gets under estimated when IRC: 18 is used for the same
range of thickness.
d) Total Loss:
In the worked out example it can be seen after enhancing
the time dependent losses by 20%, the time dependent
losses worked out by IRC: 18 match with the loses
worked out by IRC: 112. Though it cannot be concluded
by taking one example, further examples may reveal
the closeness of results. IRC: 18 cover estimates the
shrinkage loss and under stimates the creep loss which
leads to sort of balancing act with the result both the
codes give same value for 50% RH. For 80% RH; IRC:
112 should give lesser losses when compared with IRC:
18 as shrinkage strain and creep strain bothare lower for
600 mm notional thickness and more or less same for
150 mm thickness.
 Calculation of Time Dependent Losses in prestressed concrete structure as per IRC: 112 and IRC: 18 161

8 Recommendation References

Designers can follow the above out lined procedure and 1. Code of Practice for Concrete Bridges –
are advised to use the equations in given Annexure A2 IRC: 112: 2011.
for arriving at the creep coefficients for getting greater 2. Design Criteria for Prestressed Concrete Road
accuracy and saving, instead of using the table in order Bridges – IRC: 18 : 2000.
to reduce the time dependent creep loss. Appears both
codes may lead to same result. However IRC: 112 takes 3. Fib Modal Code: 2010.
into account lot of parameters for prescribing the strain
4. CEB-FIP Model code : 1990
coefficients.

The views expressed in the paper are personal views of the Authors. For any query, the author may be contacted at: E-mail: tvish123@hotmail.com

Journal of the Indian Roads Congress, April-June 2014