Comparative Seismic Performance of RCC Beam with Rebar and Post Tensioned PSC Beam Using LRPC Strands with M35 Grade on Hard Soil

Abstract

India has been identified among the most densely populated countries in the world, as per recent statistics. A severe shortage of urban land has been experienced due to this high population density. To ensure maximum spatial efficiency, buildings with aesthetic appeal have been engineered using RCC technology. In recent constructions, the advantages of Prestressed Concrete (PSC)—including lower material usage and higher structural strength—have not been fully considered. The substitution of RCC with PSC, while maintaining stability, has been regarded as the principal challenge. A systematic review of literature focusing on PSC implementation and techniques was undertaken in this dissertation. The gap in the research field was noted, as no analytical study has been reported involving post tensioned PSC beams with LRPC strand cables. Multiple simulation cases were performed using advanced structural analysis software for a commercial building model. Different structural cases with PSC beams at various floor levels were analyzed and later optimized into categories ranging from PSC-LRPC-B to PSC-LRPC-M. These optimized cases were subsequently compared against a standard RCC structure labeled RCC-REBAR-A. Key performance indicators such as beam deflection, shear force, bending moment, and total base shear under seismic effects were carefully assessed. Limiting capacities of beam resistance were investigated using these parameters and thoroughly examined. In a G+10 residential building scenario, considerable reductions in beam size were achieved using optimized PSC members. Cross sectional areas of beams were reduced by a minimum of 11.11% and a maximum of 78.79%, depending on the floor level. Finally, economic benefits were realized, as the reduction in member sizes due to PSC implementation was found to correlate with overall cost savings.

Introduction

Prestressed Concrete (PSC) systems enhance structural performance by introducing internal compressive stresses through tensioned steel tendons, either pre-tensioned before casting or post-tensioned after concrete hardening. This technique improves flexural strength, crack resistance, and reduces deflections, making PSC ideal for large-span bridges, high-rises, and critical infrastructure by boosting durability and lifespan.

There are two main types of PSC:

• Pre-Tensioned Concrete: Tendons are tensioned before pouring concrete, commonly used in factory-made elements.

• Post-Tensioned Concrete: Tendons are tensioned after concrete has gained strength, suited for cast-in-place structures like floors and bridges.

Research objectives focus on analyzing PSC beam designs in a multistory building using STAAD Pro software and the Response Spectrum Method. The study aims to:

• Calculate internal forces, deflections, shear forces, and bending moments in PSC beams.

• Compare PSC performance against conventional RCC beams in terms of strength and serviceability.

• Conduct seismic base shear analysis in two directions.

• Optimize beam dimensions to reduce size and material usage.

Modeling and analysis involved a 3D structural model of a G+10 residential building on hard soil (Seismic Zone III), using M35 concrete and Fe550 steel. A single 12.7 mm low-relaxation post-tensioning cable per beam was used with specific prestressing stresses. Building parameters, including dimensions of beams, columns, slabs, and shear walls, were standardized, with dynamic properties calculated for seismic response.

Conclusion

The conclusion can be pointed out are as follows:- 1) The modelling of various PSC beam cases at multiple floor levels in a residential apartment has successfully completed over hard soil. 2) The application forces necessary for inducing post tensioning effects have accurately calculated and implemented. 3) Deflection values within the beam elements were recorded and it has found through comparative analysis that optimized PSC beams with reduced cross sectional areas produced deflections within permissible limits, maintaining structural performance. 4) Shear force values in beam members were computed and the study revealed that PSC beams showed a significant reduction ranging from 3.84 % to 55.23 %, all within permissible range. 5) Bending moment values obtained from analysis demonstrated that optimized PSC beams led to reductions from 4.14 % up to 69.72 %, without exceeding the permissible range. 6) Base shear responses for the entire building in both horizontal directions (X and Z) have analysed and a consistent decrease has observed when PSC beams have used. 7) Overall, when RCC section replaced by PSC section resulted in a reduction of cross sectional area ranging from 11.11 % to 78.79 %, confirming the efficiency of the proposed design approach over hard soil. Concluding the research, the comparison of all structural performance parameters indicated that replacing RCC beams with PSC beams at selected floor levels improves efficiency. The post tensioning method in apartments not only ensures structural adequacy but also facilitates a substantial reduction in beam cross sectional area, thereby decreasing the total material consumption. As a result, this approach is highly recommended for adoption in residential apartments, where living is a priority, offers both cost efficiency and structural performance advantages.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sonu Patidar, Prof. Prachi Chincholikar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.