Question:easy

What type of stresses are artificially induced by prestressed concrete in a structure before it is loaded?

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Purpose of prestressing: \[ \boxed{ \text{Introduce compressive stress to counteract tensile stress due to external loading.} } \]
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
  • Tensile
  • Compressive
  • Shear
  • Torsional
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: think about why concrete needs help in the first place.
Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, and ordinary service loads on a beam create tension in the bottom fibre, which plain concrete cannot handle well on its own.
Step 2: see what prestressing does before any load is even applied.
A prestressing tendon is tensioned and anchored to the concrete, which squeezes the concrete section and puts it into compression along its length, well before the beam ever carries its service load.
Step 3: connect this pre-load stress to the working condition.
When the service load later tries to create tension at the bottom fibre, it first has to cancel out this stored compressive stress, so the net tension stays low or disappears altogether.
\[ \boxed{\text{Compressive stresses (option B)}} \]
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