Stability design of long precast concrete beams

This paper presents the equations needed for design engineers to check the stability of precast concrete beams when simply supported, during transport ation, when being lifted and while sitting on flexible bearings. It shows h ow the critical loads can be determined and how estimates can be made of th e effect of imperfections both in the beam itself and in the degree of leve lness of its supports. It shows how the stresses induced by second-order ef fects in imperfect beams can be determined. Various examples are given of t he method in use.