post-tensioning
Concrete reinforcement method
Post-tensioning is a construction technique where steel cables or tendons inside concrete are stretched and anchored after the concrete has hardened.
This creates internal compression that strengthens the concrete against cracking and allows longer spans with less material.
Common in bridges, parking structures, and high-rise buildings: The contractor used post-tensioning to reduce the slab thickness.
Inducing initial compression
- tendonsFibrous connective cords
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
- jackingLifting with a lever
- groutingFilling tile joints
stressing · elongation · strands · cables · ducts · bonded · unbonded · multistrand
Thick flat pieces
- bridgesStructures spanning obstacles
- beamsRays or supports
- buildingsConstructed enclosed structures
- tanksStorage vessels for liquids
silos · foundations · girders · segmental · cantilever · two-way · one-way · podium
Solid building mixture
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- strandsTwisted filaments or elements
- cablesHeavy ropes or wires
- ductsEnclosed passage tubes
grout · wedges · HDPE · galvanized · high-strength · encapsulated
Forcing into smaller space
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- camberDesigned surface curvature
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
- creepStealthy, slow movement
shrinkage · flexure · moment · wobble · curvature · relaxation · ductility
prestressing
Inducing initial compression
grouting · stressing · elongation · strands · cables · ducts · bonded · unbonded · multistrand · sequential
slabs
Thick flat pieces
tanks · silos · foundations · girders · segmental · cantilever · two-way · one-way · podium · stadium
concrete
Solid building mixture
ducts · grout · wedges · HDPE · galvanized · high-strength · encapsulated
compression
Forcing into smaller space
- deflectionChange in trajectory
- camberDesigned surface curvature
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
creep · shrinkage · flexure · moment · wobble · curvature · relaxation · ductility