What are the advantages and disadvantages of Prestressed concrete?

In this blog, I discussed the major advantages and disadvantages of prestressed concrete in detail. 

Advantages of Prestressed Concrete are as follows

Increased Strength and Load-Carrying Capacity	Prestressed concrete allow for the introduction of high compressive stresses into the concrete member, counteracting the tensile stresses that would otherwise develop under applied loads. This increases the overall strength and load-carrying capacity of the structure.
Crack Control and Durability	By introducing prestressing forces, the section of concrete remains uncracked under normal service loads. This helps to enhance the durability of the concrete by reducing the ingress of harmful substances and increasing resistance to corrosion.
Efficient Use of Materials	Prestressed concrete makes efficient use of materials by fully utilizing the entire section of concrete. The introduction of prestressing forces allows for the optimization of the cross-sectional area, resulting in the use of smaller quantities of materials while achieving the required strength and performance.
Improved Shear Resistance	The application of prestressing forces enhances the shear resistance of the concrete member. It increases the capacity to resist shear forces, making prestressed concrete elements more robust and capable of withstanding higher loads.
Enhanced Performance under Dynamic and Fatigue Loading	Prestressed concrete exhibits improved performance under dynamic and fatigue loading conditions. The internal prestressing forces help to counteract the dynamic effects, reducing the amplitude of vibration and increasing the fatigue resistance of the structure.
High Span-to-Depth Ratio	Prestressed concrete allows for the construction of structures with high span-to-depth ratios. The introduction of prestressing forces enables longer spans to be achieved without the need for intermediate supports. This leads to more efficient use of space and reduced construction costs.

Disadvantages of Prestressed Concrete are follows

Skilled Technology and Expertise	The design, fabrication, and installation of prestressed concrete structures require specialized knowledge and expertise. Skilled engineers, technicians, and construction workers are needed to ensure the proper implementation of prestressing techniques.
Cost of High-Strength Materials	The use of high-strength steel strands or bars for prestressing can be costlier compared to conventional reinforcement. The procurement of these materials adds to the overall cost of the structure.
Additional Equipment Cost	Prestressing operations require specialized equipment such as jacks, anchorages, and stressing beds. The acquisition and maintenance of this equipment can contribute to the overall project cost.
Strict Quality Control and Inspection	Due to the critical nature of prestressed concrete structures, strict quality control and inspection procedures are necessary at every stage, from material selection to fabrication and installation. This ensures the integrity and reliability of the prestressed elements, but it adds complexity and cost to the construction process.