Advantages:

(a) Pre-stressing eliminates cracks under all stages of loading. The entire cross-section becomes effective.

(b) There is considerable reduction within dead weight of superstructure. Due to this, cost of foundation also considerably reduces.

(c) It is probable to take full advantage of high compressive strength of concrete and high tensile strength of steel used.

(d) Since of higher strength, pre-stressed concrete can be safely used for structures having longer spans and which are subjected to heavy loads, impact and vibrations.

(e) Within the pre-stressed concrete structures, deflection of beams is considerably reduced.

(f) Pre-stressed concrete needs only 1/3 of the concrete needs for reinforced concrete but of superior quality. The amount of steel needs is about only 1/4 of steel in reinforced cement concrete. Therefore, there is always a considerable saving in material cost in the case of pre-stressed concrete.

(g) There is considerable saving within cost of shuttering and centering in large structures, since pre-stressed concrete members are manufactured in factories.