prestress
Tension before loading
Prestress is a technique of strengthening concrete or other materials by introducing internal compression before load is applied.
Steel cables or rods are stretched tight within the concrete; when released, they compress the surrounding material, making it better able to resist tension.
Prestressed concrete spans longer distances with less bulk than ordinary reinforced concrete: prestressed concrete beams, a prestressed bridge deck.
Structure spanning an obstacle
- viaductArched span crossing valleys
- girderMain structural support beam
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- slabThick flat piece
beam · truss · span · formwork · shoring · scaffolding · erection · launching
Tensioning reinforcement after concrete sets
- pre-tensioningApplying initial stress beforehand
- tendonsFibrous connective cords
- strandsTwisted filaments or elements
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
ducts · grouting · jacking · precast · bonded · unbonded · camber · precompression
Stretched or strained state
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- strainExcessive stretching force
- loadCarried weight or burden
- deflectionChange in trajectory
elasticity · modulus · stiffness · rigidity · flexure · yielding · ductility · fatigue
Resistance to wear
- robustnessResistance to failure
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- load capacityMaximum supportable weight
- serviceabilityCapacity for practical use
longevity · structural integrity · permanence · reliability · sturdiness
bridge
Structure spanning an obstacle
- viaductArched span crossing valleys
- girderMain structural support beam
- cantileverBeam supported one end
slab · beam · truss · span · formwork · shoring · scaffolding · erection · launching · abutment
post-tensioning
Tensioning reinforcement after concrete sets
- pre-tensioningApplying initial stress beforehand
- tendonsFibrous connective cords
- strandsTwisted filaments or elements
anchorage · ducts · grouting · jacking · precast · bonded · unbonded · camber · precompression · elongation
tension
Stretched or strained state
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- strainExcessive stretching force
- loadCarried weight or burden
deflection · elasticity · modulus · stiffness · rigidity · flexure · yielding · ductility · fatigue · force
durability
Resistance to wear
- robustnessResistance to failure
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- load capacityMaximum supportable weight
serviceability · longevity · structural integrity · permanence · reliability · sturdiness