Advantage of Prestressed Concrete

Advantage of Prestressed Concrete

1. The use of high strength concrete and steel in prestressed members results in lighter and slender members than is possible with RC members. 
2. In fully prestressed members the member is free from tensile stresses under working loads, thus whole of the section is effective.
3. In prestressed members, dead loads may be counter-balanced by eccentric prestressing. 
4. Prestressed concrete member posses better resistance to shear forces due to effect of compressive stresses presence or eccentric cable profile. 
5. Use of high strength concrete and freedom from cracks, contribute to improve durability under aggressive environmental conditions. 
6. Long span structures are possible so that saving in weight is significant & thus it will be economic. 
7. Factory products are possible. 
8. Prestressed members are tested before use. 
9. Prestressed concrete structure deflects appreciably before ultimate failure, thus giving ample warning before collapse. 
10. Fatigue strength is better due to small variations in prestressing steel, recommended to dynamically loaded structures. 

Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete 

1. The availability of experienced builders is scanty. 
2. Initial equipment cost is very high. 
3. Availability of experienced engineers is scanty. 
4. Prestressed sections are brittle 
5. Prestressed concrete sections are less fire resistant.