What is post tensioning system services and Why Do We Use Them?

5 Unexpected Advantages of Post-Tensioning

Since the 1950s, post-tensioning concrete has grown in popularity. Whether you're aiming to streamline the building process, reduce costs, or enhance a structure's resilience against weather hazards, there are numerous benefits associated with post-tension slabs.

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Here’s a look at some hidden advantages of post-tensioning concrete and why you should consider these methods for new structures.

What Is Post-Tensioning?

Post-tensioning concrete involves adding steel bars (tendons) beneath the surface of the mixture. After the concrete fully cures, tension is applied to the steel bars. This reinforcement introduces stress to the concrete, helping to prevent cracks and shifting in the future.

Construction teams rely on post-tensioning methods to enable concrete to reach its optimal strength. This process efficiently creates surfaces capable of withstanding the loads required for newly developed structures.

Benefits of Post-Tensioning

Consider these surprising advantages of post-tensioning.

1. Saving on Costs and Materials

Prestressed concrete can support larger loads compared to traditional pouring. By employing post-tension methods, concrete substrates can be reduced in thickness by as much as 20%.

Upon project completion, the total height of the structure is lower than if slabs were constructed without post-tension reinforcements. This efficiency means smaller buildings require less cladding, concrete, cement, and shear. Additional materials can be repurposed for future projects or returned to the supplier, bolstering your bottom line. Ultimately, you will save money on costs and materials.

2. A Sustainable Approach to Building

Utilizing post-tensioning concrete methods incorporates fewer materials into the final structure. This includes reducing cement use, a significant source of carbon emissions.

The timeline for a building project may also be shorter with post-tensioning concrete. This reduction in construction time leads to decreased fuel consumption from gas-powered tools and vehicles throughout the project.

3. Efficient Construction Timelines

The setup for post-tension procedures can be performed quickly, bypassing the variables associated with traditional curing. Because crews spend less time laying steel supports, they can promptly pour mixtures and allow the concrete to dry within an impressive timeframe. This consistency helps your post-tension building project progress smoothly.

4. Crack Control

Post-tensioning induces compressive stress in concrete, which diminishes the impacts of shrinkage and temperature fluctuations that can lead to cracking. The post-tensioning system consists of steel strands that are tensioned after the concrete has hardened, generating internal forces that counter external loads.

These systems effectively control cracks since the tendons reinforce the concrete, preventing it from splitting apart. The tendons are anchored at both ends of the concrete member and are typically placed in ducts or sleeves, allowing for free movement during tensioning.

Tension is applied to the tendons using hydraulic jacks, which are then secured in place with wedges or nuts at the anchorages. The tension induces compressive stress in the concrete, counteracting the tensile stress caused by shrinkage or bending. This process ensures the concrete remains relatively crack-free and watertight throughout its service life.

5. Better Performance

Many property owners who build post-tension structures find that these surfaces effectively limit unwanted vibrations and sagging. The embedded cables within the poured concrete help distribute the load evenly.

Instead of placing immense stress on the center of slabs where cracks may form, the internal cables bear the heavier loads. Over time, the concrete retains its shape and does not dip downward when weight is applied.

About Post-Tensioning Products and Services from STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES offers VSL post-tensioning products and construction systems in the United States. Whether you are looking to build or repair a commercial building, parking lot, or similar structure, we can assist with design, installation, and material fabrication for unbonded monostrand and bonded multistrand post-tension systems, shear reinforcements, barrier cables, and lockable dowels.

We specialize in both external and internal post-tensioning technology, providing solutions for installations outside a structural element (within grouted ducts) or within an existing member (via core drilling) to accommodate the scope of your project.

The company is the world’s leading post tensioning system services supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all requirements, with highly specialized staff ready to assist you in finding the products you need.

Get Started With Post-Tensioning Today

To learn more about post-tensioning products and our service capabilities, submit a contact form with STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES.