Advantages of Prestressed Concrete
- The size or dimensions of structural members are reduced, which may increase the clearances or reduce storey heights.
- It permits the use of large spans (greater than 30 m) with shallow members, even when heavy load are encountered.
- In addition to general advantages, such as excellent fire resistance, low maintenance costs, elegance, high corrosion-resistance, adaptability etc., the prestressed concrete is found to sustain the effects of impact or shock and vibrations.
- Because of smaller loads due to smaller dimensions being used, there is considerable saving cost of supporting members and foundations.
- The prestressing technique has eliminated the weakness of concrete in tension and hence crack free members of structure are obtained.
- Because of better material (i.e. controlled concrete and high tension steel) being used and nullifying the effect of dead loads, smaller deflections are caused.
Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete
- The unit cost of high strength materials being used is higher.
- Extra initial cost is incurred due to use of prestressing equipment and its installation.
- Extra labour cost for prestressing is also there.
- Prestressing is uneconomical for short spans and light loads.
