International Journal of Research in Engineering and Science (IJRES)

ISSN (Online): 2320-9364, ISSN (Print): 2320-9356

www.ijres.org Volume 12 Issue 4 ǁ April 2024 ǁ PP. 16-19

Overview of Prestressed Concrete Construction

Technology
Ran Ma
*1
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture,
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China

Abstract
With the continuous development of modern construction technology, prestressed concrete construction
technology has become an indispensable part of architectural engineering. This article aims to provide an
overview of prestressed concrete construction technology, introducing its basic principles, construction
processes, advantages and disadvantages, as well as future development trends.
Keywords: Prestressed concrete continuous box girder bridge; Construction technology; Large-span
prestressed concrete structures; Key construction processes; Empirical study; Development trends
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Date of Submission: 21-03-2024 Date of acceptance: 03-04-2024
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I. INTRODUCTION
Prestressed concrete is a building material that enhances its load-bearing capacity and durability by
introducing prestress internally. The basic principle is to use high-strength steel bars or steel strands as
prestressing elements, applying prestress before concrete hardens to induce compressive stress inside the
concrete, thereby counteracting some of the tensile stress caused by loads, reducing cracks and deformations,
and enhancing the overall performance of the structure. Prestressed concrete structures are crucial components
of modern architectural structures, and the quality of their construction directly affects the safety and service life
of buildings. Research on prestressed construction technology is of significant theoretical significance and
practical value. This article aims to review relevant literature on prestressed concrete construction technology,
providing references and insights for research and practice in related fields.

II. Applications of Prestressed Concrete Construction Technology

2.1 Prestressed Concrete Continuous Box Girder Bridges
Prestressed concrete continuous box girder bridges play an important role in modern transportation
infrastructure construction due to their unique structural characteristics and superior mechanical properties.
However, traditional construction techniques often face challenges when dealing with large spans, heavy loads,
and other complex conditions. Therefore, innovating the construction technology of prestressed concrete
continuous box girder bridges to improve construction quality and efficiency has become an urgent issue. This
study aims to explore the frontier development of prestressed concrete continuous box girder bridge
construction technology and propose corresponding innovative strategies to provide beneficial references for
future bridge construction.

2.2 Current Status of Prestressed Concrete Continuous Box Girder Bridge Construction Technology
The construction technology of prestressed concrete continuous box girder bridges has undergone
many years of development and has formed a relatively mature construction process. However, in actual
construction, there are still some issues such as difficulty in controlling construction accuracy, low construction
efficiency, and difficulty in ensuring quality. These problems not only affect the service life of bridges but also
increase maintenance costs. Therefore, it is particularly important to innovate and improve existing construction
technology.

2.3 Frontier Development and Innovative Strategies

2.3.1 New Template Systems
To improve construction accuracy and efficiency, new template systems can be adopted. These
systems are made of high-strength materials, characterized by light weight, high strength, and easy assembly
and disassembly. Additionally, through Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology, precise positioning and
rapid adjustment of templates can be achieved, greatly improving construction accuracy and efficiency.

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Moreover, new template systems can be customized according to different construction needs to meet the
requirements of various complex structures.

2.3.2 Efficient Reinforcement Processing Technology

Reinforcement is an important component of prestressed concrete continuous box girder bridges, and
its processing quality directly affects the quality of bridges. Therefore, efficient reinforcement processing
technologies, such as automated reinforcement processing production lines and CNC reinforcement bending
machines, can be adopted. These equipment can achieve automatic cutting, bending, and binding of
reinforcements, significantly improving processing efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, by using high-quality
reinforcement materials and advanced processing techniques, the mechanical properties and durability of
reinforcements can be further improved.

2.3.3 Precise Prestressing Tensioning Technology

Prestressing tensioning is a key process in the construction of prestressed concrete continuous box
girder bridges, and its quality directly affects the overall performance of bridges. Therefore, precise prestressing
tensioning technology, such as intelligent tensioning equipment and real-time monitoring systems, can be
adopted. Intelligent tensioning equipment can automatically complete the tensioning process according to preset
parameters, avoiding errors caused by human factors. Real-time monitoring systems can monitor various
parameters such as tensioning force and displacement during the tensioning process in real-time, ensuring the
accuracy and reliability of the tensioning process. By adopting precise prestressing tensioning technology, the
quality and service life of bridges can be further improved.

2.3.4 Intelligent Construction Management System

To improve construction efficiency and quality, intelligent construction management systems can be
adopted. This system can achieve real-time monitoring and data collection of the construction process, optimize
and improve the construction process through big data analysis and artificial intelligence technology. Moreover,
the intelligent construction management system can also achieve rational allocation and scheduling of
construction resources, improving resource utilization and construction efficiency. Additionally, by adopting
Internet of Things (IoT) technology, remote monitoring and fault warning of construction equipment can be
realized, improving equipment maintenance efficiency and service life. By adopting intelligent construction
management systems, the construction quality and efficiency of prestressed concrete continuous box girder
bridges can be further improved.

2.4 Experimental Verification and Case Analysis

To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the above innovative strategies, we conducted
experimental verification and case analysis. Firstly, we selected typical prestressed concrete continuous box
girder bridge projects and applied new template systems, efficient reinforcement processing technology, precise
prestressing tensioning technology, and intelligent construction management systems on-site. The experimental
results show that these innovative strategies have achieved significant results in improving construction quality
and efficiency. At the same time, we also evaluated the economic benefits of these innovative strategies, and the
results show that they have good economic and social benefits.

III. Research on Construction Technology of Large-Span Prestressed Concrete Structures

Large-span prestressed concrete structures have been widely utilized in the modern construction
industry due to their notable characteristics of high load-bearing capacity, economy, and strong adaptability.
However, their construction process is intricate, demanding high technical standards, and placing significant
requirements on the professional skills and experience of construction personnel. Therefore, conducting in-depth
research on the construction technology of large-span prestressed concrete structures is of paramount theoretical
significance and practical value for enhancing construction quality, shortening construction periods, and
reducing costs.

3.1 Characteristics and Applications of Large-Span Prestressed Concrete Structures

Large-span prestressed concrete structures exhibit the following significant features:
High load-bearing capacity: Prestressing technology is employed to induce pre-compression stress in
the concrete's tensile zone, significantly enhancing the structure's load-bearing capacity and stiffness.
Economy: In comparison to other structural forms, large-span prestressed concrete structures offer
higher economic benefits. They not only save materials but also reduce construction costs and maintenance
expenses.

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Strong adaptability: Large-span prestressed concrete structures find widespread applications in various
fields such as bridges, stadiums, airports, etc., showcasing good versatility and applicability.
High construction technology requirements: The construction process of large-span prestressed
concrete structures is complex, involving multiple stages, and demanding high levels of professional skills and
experience from construction personnel.
Good durability: Prestressed concrete structures possess excellent durability, capable of withstanding
erosion from various environmental factors and prolonging service life.

3.2 Key Technical Phases in the Construction Process

The construction process of large-span prestressed concrete structures involves multiple phases, with
key technical aspects including material selection, formwork design and installation, reinforcement processing
and tying, concrete pouring and curing, as well as prestressing.
Material selection: Choosing appropriate materials lays the foundation for the construction of large-
span prestressed concrete structures. High-strength, low-shrinkage, and durable materials such as high-strength
steel bars and high-performance concrete should be selected. Additionally, suitable material types and
specifications should be chosen based on project characteristics and design requirements.
Formwork design and installation: Formwork is a crucial component of the construction process.
During design, considerations should be made regarding the structural load characteristics and construction
requirements to ensure formwork strength, rigidity, and stability. During installation, formwork flatness,
verticality, and positional accuracy should be ensured to provide a solid foundation for subsequent construction.
Reinforcement processing and tying: Reinforcement serves as the backbone of large-span prestressed
concrete structures. During processing, cutting, bending, and connecting should be performed according to
design requirements to ensure the accuracy of reinforcement specifications, quantities, and positions. Proper
tying methods and tools should be employed during tying to ensure secure and reliable connections.
Additionally, attention should be paid to reinforcement cover thickness and spacing requirements to prevent
corrosion and maintain structural durability.
Concrete pouring and curing: Concrete pouring is a critical phase in construction. Controlling concrete
slump, workability, and other indicators, and adopting suitable compaction methods are essential to ensure
concrete density and quality. During pouring, efforts should be made to avoid segregation, bleeding, and other
phenomena. Curing measures should be implemented based on climate conditions and concrete characteristics,
such as insulation and moisture retention, to ensure normal concrete curing and strength development.
Prestressing: Prestressing is the core phase of construction. Suitable types and specifications of
prestressing tendons should be selected according to design requirements, and prestressing should be conducted
following specified tensioning forces and sequences. During tensioning, strict control of tension force
magnitude and stability is necessary to ensure the accuracy and quality of prestressing tendons. Attention should
also be paid to tendon anchorage and the use of tensioning equipment to prevent tendon slippage or damage.
Future Development Trends of Prestressed Concrete Construction Technology
With the continuous advancement of technology and the ongoing development of the construction
industry, prestressed concrete construction technology is also undergoing constant innovation and improvement.
In the future, the following development trends may be observed:
Application of new materials: With the emergence of new high-performance materials such as carbon
fiber reinforced composites (CFRP), the performance of prestressed concrete is expected to be further enhanced.
Development of intelligent construction technology: Leveraging technologies such as the Internet of
Things (IoT) and big data, intelligent management and monitoring of prestressed concrete construction
processes can be realized, thereby improving construction quality and efficiency.
Promotion of environmentally friendly and energy-saving technologies: The adoption of
environmentally friendly and energy-saving technologies in prestressed concrete construction can reduce energy
consumption and carbon emissions, aligning with the requirements of sustainable development.
Multifunctional integrated design: Integrating prestressed concrete construction technology with other
building technologies to achieve multifunctional integrated design can enhance the comprehensive performance
of building structures.

IV. CONCLUSION
Prestressed concrete construction technology, as one of the key technologies in the field of construction
engineering, is of great significance for improving structural performance and construction efficiency. This
review systematically analyzes the principles, processes, advantages, and future development trends of
prestressed concrete construction technology, leading to the following conclusions:
Technological innovation: With the continuous progress of material science, structural engineering, and
construction technology, prestressed concrete construction technology is evolving towards greater efficiency,

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economy, and environmental friendliness. The development of new prestressing materials, such as CFRP, and
the application of intelligent construction technologies, such as automated tensioning and sensor monitoring,
will further enhance the performance and construction accuracy of prestressed concrete structures.
Construction optimization: Through refined management and technological innovation, significant
improvements in quality control and construction efficiency during the prestressed concrete construction process
are anticipated. For example, the use of high-precision measurement equipment and advanced tensioning
techniques can achieve more precise prestressing, reduce human errors, and enhance overall structural quality.
Environmental impact: The development of prestressed concrete construction technology should
consider its environmental impact. Future research and practices should focus on developing low-energy-
consumption and low-emission construction methods to achieve the sustainable development goals of the
construction industry. This includes the use of environmentally friendly materials, optimizing construction
processes to reduce energy consumption, and adopting renewable energy technologies.
Interdisciplinary cooperation: The development of prestressed concrete construction technology
requires interdisciplinary cooperation, involving materials scientists, structural engineers, construction
technology experts, and environmental scientists. Through interdisciplinary communication and collaboration,
innovation in prestressed concrete technology can be promoted to meet the growing demands of the construction
industry.
In summary, prestressed concrete construction technology will continue to play a core role in the field
of construction engineering in the future. Through continuous technological innovation and optimization,
prestressed concrete will provide higher load-bearing capacity, better durability, and superior economic benefits
for building structures, while also focusing more on environmental protection and sustainable development.

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