(IJIRSE) International Journal of Innovative Research in Science & Engineering

ISSN (Online) 2347-3207

ANALYSIS OF STRESS IN ANCHORAGE ZONE USING ANSYS

Mrs.. Meenakshi Chouragade

Abstract— Three dimensional stress analysis of anchorage zone in prestressed post-tensioned concrete
beam is presented in this paper. Finite element method is used for the present analysis that was carried
out using commercial software ANSYS. A case study is performed in which the loaded area ratio (k) is
varied for beam subjected to concentric loading & eccentric loading and various stress distribution are
obtained. The obtained results are compared with the results available in the literature and presented.
Effect of eccentricity on spalling zone stress is also discussed.
Index Terms— Spalling zone, Finite element analysis, ANSYS
I. INTRODUCTION
In prestressed concrete members, stresses are induced during the construction in such a way that they can resist
stresses caused by externally applied loads. Prestressed concrete structural members are widely used to achieve
high strength at lower self-weight. Prestressed concrete is most suitable for long span structural elements like
beams and girders, where larger bending moment results in greater depth of beam or girder [1], [2]. Broadly
there are two methods of prestressing namely Pre-tensioning and Post-tensioning. In Pre-tensioning, the
prestressing tendons are tensioned before the concrete is placed while in Post-tensioning hardened concrete is
stressed by applying external forces.
In the post-tensioned concrete beams, a duct is formed inside the beam and prestressing cable is kept inside
this duct. Once the concrete gets harden, prestressing cable is stressed and anchored at the end of beam that
induces internal stresses in the concrete beam. The stress distribution inside the post-tensioned concrete beam is
very complex, especially near the end of beam where prestressing cable is anchored. This zone is called as
Anchorage Zone [1].
In the past, few researchers attempted to analyze stress distribution in anchorage zone in post tensioned
concrete beam using different techniques, which include analytical techniques [3]-[6], experimental methods
[7]-[10] and numerical methods [11], [12].
Guyon [3] analyzed the anchorage zone using elasticity equations assuming the beam as end-loaded-semi-
infinite strip as two-dimensional problem. The length of anchorage zone was considered equal to the depth of
the beam. Som and Ghosh [4] made a similar attempt by treating it as a two-dimensional plane stress boundary
value problem. Authors used the Airy’s function for their analysis and the stress function was expressed in the
form of Fourier series. The obtained results were quite similar to the findings of the Guyon [3]. Iyengar and his
other associates [5], [6] analyzed the problem of anchorage zone using the equations of elasticity considering
problem as two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Authors carried out the analysis for concentric as well as
eccentric prestressing forces and compared the results with the available literature.
Some researchers also carried out experimental investigation of the anchorage zone. Christodoulides [7], [8]
conducted actual tests on the concrete block along with two-dimensional and three-dimensional experimental
studies using photoelastic bench. Zielinski and Rowe [9] presented results of surface strains measured on the
concrete end block subjected to concentric prestressing forces. On the basis of their results, authors gave an
expression to calculate the magnitude of the bursting tensile force (Fbst) for different values of k (ratio of loaded
area and cross-sectional area of the beam). The modified version of this expression, by introducing factor of
safety, was adopted in the Indian Standard Code IS: 1343-1980 [10]. The effect of Poisson’s ratio () and
eccentricity (e) of prestressing forces (Pk) over Fbst was not included in the given expression.
Yettram and Robbins [11] investigated anchorage zone stresses considering it as a three-dimensional
problem. Authors used finite element analysis to determine the anchorage zone stresses. Their investigation did
not prove the occurrence of spalling zone. Recently, Byung-Wan Jo et al. [12] investigated the anchorage zone
stresses by considering effects of various parameters namely cable inclination, position of anchor plate, and the
modeling methods
Authors also carried out their analysis using finite element method considering the problem as two-
dimensional as well as three-dimensional and found that the three-dimensional analysis gives slightly smaller
values of stresses as compared to their two-dimensional analysis. Authors suggested to adopt the results of two-
dimensional analysis to ensure the safety in the design.
Gupta and Khapre [13] did the analysis of the Anchorage Zone using Finite Element Method considering the
problem as 2-Dimensional Plane Stress. They carried out their study with the help of a computer code developed
 (IJIRSE) International Journal of Innovative Research in Science & Engineering
ISSN (Online) 2347-3207

on the platform of Unix. They studied the effect of Poisson’s Ratio over the stresses caused by prestressing force
(Pk) in the Anchorage Zone. The results obtained were compared with the results available in the literature and it
was found that they match well. They also developed an equation to calculate bursting tensile force and
compared it with the equation available in British Code BS: 8110-1985, Indian Standard Code IS: 1343-1980.
As finite element analysis involves several computations that results in large computational time. Efforts are
made by Khapre and Gupta [14] to reduce the Computational time in the Finite Element Analysis by applying
Parallel Computing Technique on Supercomputer PARAM 10000. They developed a computer code for linear
Finite Element Analysis using MPI, which is capable of analyzing two-dimensional problems. The problem of
Anchorage Zone in Prestressed Post-Tensioned Concrete Beam was investigated using this computer code. The
Computational time variation for increasing number of processors was obtained and it was found that analysis of
anchorage zone could be carried out in lesser time by employing more number of processors.
Using the same code, Gupta and Khapre [15] carried out the analysis of spalling zone in prestressed post-
tensioned concrete beam subjected to concentric and eccentric loadings. They found that the magnitude of
bursting tensile force reduces with the increase in the eccentricity of prestressing forces. They also found that
the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile force along the loaded face is greater than the magnitude of
maximum transverse tensile force along the axis of loading which clearly concludes the existence of spalling
zone. The details of work carried out by Gupta and Khapre [13]-[15] is summarized in paper [16]. As
supercomputer is expensive device for achieving quicker solutions, it cheaper alternative can be created in from
of PC Cluster. A PC Cluster and a program on it were developed by Gupta and Khapre and analyzed Anchorage
zone stresses as a case study problem. [17].
Most of the work presented in the literature uses two-dimensional analysis. In order to investigate anchorage
zone stresses in details, an attempt has been made by Uchibagale and Khapre [18]. They used commercial
software ANSYS for the three dimensional analysis of the anchorage zone stresses. They modeled the
anchorage zone as a cubical block with circular shape anchorage place. They used tetrahedron elements for the
discretization with cartesian as well as cylindrical co-ordinate system. They obtained the transverse/radial stress
variation along the axis of loading for different values of k varying from 0.1 to 0.7 and compared their results
with the results available in the literature. Their results match well with the literature and also found that the
magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress is along the loaded face is more than the maximum of
transverse tensile stress along the axis of loading, which clearly depicts the existence of Spalling zone in the
post tensioned prestressed concrete beam which was not observed in study presented by Yettram and Robbins
[11].

Present study is the continuation of work done by Uchibagale and Khapre [18]. Here, anchorage zone stresses
are investigated subjected to eccentric loading as eccentric loading is used widely applied in the field.
Comparison of stresses induced in anchorage zone subjected to concentric load is made with the stresses
induced due to eccentric loading and presented.
II. METHODOLOGY
In the present study, the problem of anchorage zone is idealized as three-dimensional problem. Cubical block
with side d is adopted to represent the end portion of prestressed post-tensioned concrete beam. This block is
discretized using 35705 tetrahedral elements with 57228 nodes for performing finite element analysis. Default
material properties of concrete available in ANSYS are used in the present analysis. To get accurate results, the
mesh is kept advance fine with relevance center. Circular shape anchorage plate is considered during the
analysis. The diameter of this plate is adjusted such that value of k varies from 0.1 to 0.7 for concentric loading
(see Fig. 1 (a)) and 0.1 to 0.5 for eccentric loading (see Fig. 1 (b)), then the analysis of anchorage zone is carried
out for different values of k. Displacement support is provided at the back face of loaded face such that
displacement along the axis of loading is restricted. Cylindrical co-ordinate system is used instead of cartesian
co-ordinate system so that stresses in radial and circumferential direction can be obtained.

Fig. 1. Idealization of Anchorage zone block in prestressed post-tensioned concrete beam subjected to (a)
concentric loading (b) eccentric loading
 (IJIRSE) International Journal of Innovative Research in Science & Engineering
ISSN (Online) 2347-3207

Figure 2 shows the transverse tensile stress variation in anchorage zone subjected to concentric loading i.e. e =
0.0. Figure 2(a) shows a typical transverse tensile stress variation for k = 0.1. Figure 2(b) shows the vertically
cut portion of anchorage zone that shows development of transverse tensile along the axis of loading.

Fig.

(a) (b)
2. Transverse stress variation in anchorage zone subjected

Fig. 3. Transverse stress variation in anchorage zone subjected to eccentric loading

Figure 3 shows the transverse tensile stress variation in anchorage zone subjected to eccentric loading i.e. e =
0.1. Figure 3 shows a typical transverse tensile stress variation for k = 0.1 and e = 0.1.

Figure 4 shows the comparison of distribution of transverse tensile stress (t) along radial direction for value of
k = 0.1. It can be observed that the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress (t(max)) calculated by Guyon
[3] is on extremely higher side. The stress distribution obtained by present investigation fairly matches with the
distribution obtained by Iyengar (two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional) [5],
0.8 Guyon 3-D
Iyengar 3D (v = 0.15)
Iyengar 2 D
t / x(avg)

0.4 present study

0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
x/b
[6].
Fig. 4. Comparison of transverse tensile stress distribution
along the direction of loading for k = 0.1

For the higher values of k = 0.5 (see Fig. 5), the stress distribution obtained by present investigation matches
well with the stress distribution obtained by Iyengar (three-dimensional) [6], whereas the stress distribution in
two-dimensional analysis given by Iyengar [5] does not match with the stress distribution obtained by present
investigation. The magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress obtained by Iyengar (two-dimensional) [5] is
nearly half of the maximum transverse tensile stress obtained by present investigation for the same value of k =
0.5.
 (IJIRSE) International Journal of Innovative Research in Science & Engineering
ISSN (Online) 2347-3207

0.3 Iyengar 2D
Iyengar 3D (v = 0.15)
present study

t / x(avg)
0.2

0.1

0
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
x/b

Fig. 5 Comparison of transverse tensile stress distribution

Figure 6 shows the comparison of maximum transverse tensile stress along the direction of loading. It can be
seen that the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress for concentric loading at any value of k is more
than that of magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress for eccentric loading at corresponding values of k.
It can also be observed that difference in magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress at e = 0.0 & e = 0.1
reduces with the increase in value of k. This difference becomes negligible after value of k = 0.5.

0.5 e = 0.0
e = 0.1
0.4
x/x(avg)

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
k

Fig. 6 Comparison of maximum transverse tensile stress along the direction of loading at e = 0.0 and e = 0.1.

Figure 7 shows the comparison of maximum transverse tensile stress along the loaded face. It can be seen that
the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress for concentric loading at any value of k is more than that of
magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress for eccentric loading at corresponding values of k. It can also be
observed that difference in magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress at e = 0.0 & e = 0.1 reduces with the
increase in value of k.

1.8 e = 0.0
1.6 e = 0.1
1.4
1.2
x/x(avg)

1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
k

Fig. 7 Comparison of maximum transverse tensile stress

From Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, one can observe that the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress measured
along the loaded face is much greater than the magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stress measured along
the axis of loading at all values of k and e. This shows the existence of spalling zone in prestressed post-
tensioned concrete beams subjected to concentric load as well as eccentric load. One can also observe from Fig.
2(b) and Fig. 3(b) that the area of spalling zone increases with the increase in the eccentricity of prestressing
force.
.
 (IJIRSE) International Journal of Innovative Research in Science & Engineering
ISSN (Online) 2347-3207

III DISCUSSION
In the present work, three dimensional finite element analysis of anchorage zone in post-tensioned prestressed
concrete be using commercial software ANSYS is presented. The analysis was carried out considering
concentric prestressing forces on a three dimensional beam model. Both, concentric and eccentric loading
conditions are considered with varying values of k. Stress variation was studied and presented for various values
of k and e. It was observed that magnitude of maximum transverse tensile stresses measured along the axis of
loading or along the loaded face reduces with the introduction of eccentricity in prestressing forces. From Fig.
2(b) and Fig. 3(b) it can be seen that the area under the anchorage zone reduces with increase in the eccentricity
of loads. This directly affects the bursting tensile force and it starts reducing with the increase in eccentricity.
Exactly reverse situation can be seen in case of spalling zone. Area under the spalling zone increases with the
increase in the eccentricity. Although the area is very less as compared to area of anchorage zone but it may
create negative force for higher value of eccentricity that my cause cracks in the concrete in the spalling zone
region. Hence it is recommended to analyze spalling zone as well as anchorage zone for prestressed post-
tensioned concrete beams subjected to eccentric loading.

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