How Prestressing Works! (Structures 6-4)

Paul Kassabian
Paul Kassabian
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Published 2021-05-31
What if we could plan ahead for expected loads on a structure? Well we can with prestressing! Using tension to “precompress” a beam or a slab allows us to span further or have shallower structures…we just have to understand how it works and how to shape the prestressing forces to our advantage. Enjoy!

I'm Paul Kassabian. I'm a structural engineer and a Principal at SGH in Boston, MA. I taught graduate students at MIT for nine years and currently teach on/off at Harvard's Graduate School of Design (GSD). These are videos based on my years of teaching structures to students.
All Comments (21)
  • @mikeschneider901
    In a guitar neck we call that a "truss rod" and it counters the effect of the string tension. Great vids BTW.
  • @getnettamrat9537
    i've came across different videos explaining Prestressing concrete and this is remarkable way of explaining things. that's an art and wisdom many don't have.
  • @geckauss
    Thank you Paul, this Structures series was space bending and mind blowing! We can only be greatful for your clearness knowledge and passion. Cheers!
  • @VetorDigital
    I've just watched all your videos, they are excellent, you know how to teach and this is very rare actually. Thanks for all the knowledge, please do more. 😀
  • @Dagonius.
    Hi Paul! I was looking for a video on bridges and you popped up. I watched a video, then another, then all of them and just had to subscribe. Brilliant work, love your explanations and can´t wait for more! Thanks and take care!
  • @FoxRiverBridge
    I've watched this video multiple times to get a better understanding of it. Thank you for what you do!
  • @humbertonicolasdimitrius1935
    excellent video! i'm very much enjoying all of them! this one reminded me of the shape of a truck's set of leaf spring, specifically the way its curved.
  • @taliksiram5522
    Thanks a lots Paul, after 20 years I am learning again with new zeal and enthusiasm as if doing my engineering again. Kudos to your absorbing vedios.
  • @kath2297
    wow, i'm amazed! you're a brilliant tutor, hoping a lot others know about this channel too
  • @SoloRenegade
    the deck of cards was an excellent example. I'm going to have to remember that one.
  • @welham539
    Feedback: props are great. A pack of card and them tied or pretensioned is great. For a beam try using a foam and for tendons use an elastic band. Pass a tendon through a foam beam.