When looking to obtain the biggest bang for your concrete buck, you can&#;t go wrong with post tension technology. From a simple slab on ground project to the construction of a complex system of freeway interchanges, post tensioning your concrete elements can provide superior strength with less material.
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Tensioning your concrete grants it the ability to better counter expected service loads by way of internal compressive force. A great way to envision the compressive forces of post tensioning is to imagine moving several wood boards from one place to another. You could stack them and allow gravity to hold them together as you pick them up, or you could clamp them horizontally until the force of compression holds them together for vertical lifting.
Two methods serve the purpose of adding internal tension to a concrete structure depending on the site of fabrication.
This method works well if the concrete is pre-fabricated and brought to the site for positioning. Steel tendons are tensioned prior to the pour. Once the concrete, poured into form around the tendons, has reached the required strength, the tension is released and the tendons act to regain their original length which creates the effect of pulling the outer concrete towards the center.
If the construction design calls for on-site concrete pouring, technicians place plastic or thin-walled metal tubes in a parabolic (wavy or curved) pattern around which the concrete is poured. The steel tendons are then run through the tubes and mechanically pulled until stretched about eight inches in a hundred feet, at which point they are anchored to the outer edge of the slab, compressing it inward as the tendons try to return to their former lengths.
Post tensioning concrete works well everywhere with almost no disadvantages. In fact, the potential for corrosion, present with any non-stainless steel product, comprises the bulk of any drawback. Since grease and encapsulated anchors can inhibit rust on channeled tendons, using pre-stressed or post tension concrete affords many benefits with no real shortcomings.
Colorado, as a proud member of the Southwestern states, hosts expanding or shifting soils in many areas which can wreak havoc on foundations and roads. However, by using post tension concrete, unstable ground poses far less of a threat to your projects than other concrete systems.
While Colorado has experienced few strong earthquakes for eons, an active fault line stretches the length of the front range and can produce a tremor from time to time. Pre-stressed and post tensioned concrete have both the compressive and tensile strength to better maintain cohesion during earthquakes.
Tensioned concrete enjoys greater durability and overall strength than normal reinforced concrete. You can design longer unsupported spans with thinner pours. This makes it great for auditoriums, parking garages, bridges, roofs and custom architectural designs.
Because the internal compressive force holds the concrete together better than rebar alone, it reduces shrinking. Joints can be fewer and farther between. Furthermore, any cracks that develop tend to be held tight. This helps prevent the water intrusion that can decompose concrete through Colorado&#;s yearly freeze-thaw cycles.
Post tensioning means less concrete and rebar must be used to obtain the same strength and durability. You may need only 80 percent of the concrete and only 25 to 40 percent of the rebar otherwise essential for your project. While post tensioning does require special technicians to properly engineer and install the steel tendons, the cost can be offset by the reduction in material costs.
Needless to say, if you use less material, you can also shorten your building timeline.
Pre-stressing and post tensioning involve specifically trained, certified and experienced personnel. This is not something that can be accomplished by an ordinary concrete crew. Barton Supply provides not only the necessary post tension products, but also the expertise and on-site service. Please call us for more information about post tension concrete construction.
The early stages of the architectural process are a time to make large-scale decisions related to the building&#;s form and structure. During this time, your design team may present different structural system options, discuss benefits and drawbacks, and make recommendations.
One recommendation may be post-tensioned concrete. This method introduces tension to the concrete after curing to strengthen the structure, reduce the likelihood of cracks, and allow for thinner slabs.
While this structural system offers many advantages, it can limit flexibility and complicate future modifications. We recommend considering your long-term goals and the potential for renovations and retrofits.
To help you with your decision, this article will define post-tensioned concrete and outline its pros and cons.
Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing concrete by introducing tension after the concrete has achieved a specified strength.
Tension is introduced through high-strength steel stands or bars, typically called tendons. During construction, these tendons are placed in forms before the concrete is poured. The tendons are then tensioned with hydraulic jacks after the concrete cures.
While concrete works best under compression, steel works best under tension. Post-tensioning maximizes the use of each material for efficiency. It can be thought of as a &#;sweet spot&#; that provides the strength of concrete and steel without overusing either one.
Often, post-tensioned concrete works well for parking structures and high-rise commercial or residential developments. We have also seen this method used for tennis courts.
In this situation, the tennis courts sat over an unstable site once occupied by a city dump. Post-tensioned concrete&#;s strength prevented cracking or vibrating that would likely occur with a more traditional concrete system.
The most significant benefit of post-tensioned concrete is its strength. The combined performance of concrete and steel allows for thinner slabs and longer spans.
Achieving the same strength with another structural system would require more columns and deeper beams. For this reason, post-tensioned concrete best aligns with structures where longer spans are desired, like parking structures.
Post-tensioning's ability to provide longer spans works well for parking garages.
Post-tensioning also allows designers to decrease a building&#;s floor-to-floor height&#;the vertical distance between the finished floors of two consecutive levels. Other systems require deeper beams and thicker slabs, increasing the distance between floors.
As such, post-tensioning can reduce a building&#;s overall height and lower costs for components like façade treatments. In short, post-tensioned concrete improves material efficiency, minimizes waste, and allows for more open interiors. It can help solve multiple challenges&#;from cost concerns to aesthetics and performance.
Although post-tensioned concrete offers many benefits, it can complicate future modifications to the building. Vertical penetrations must be planned during the design process due to the tendons, and after construction, you can only cut through these pre-planned areas. If you cut through the tendons, the structure loses its strength.
With these limitations, post-tensioned concrete works best for buildings with stacked layouts, like residential construction and parking garages. Buildings requiring more flexibility, like healthcare facilities, may run into problems in the future. For this reason, some organizations&#;like the General Services Administration (GSA)&#;have rules against using post-tensioned concrete.
Although post-tensioned concrete can be limiting, other structural systems present a degree of inflexibility. A more traditional concrete system requires more columns, which can also complicate modifications. You and your design team should discuss the potential for future changes to determine the right approach.
At the same time, post-tensioned concrete can add complexity to construction. It requires precision and specialized knowledge, potentially limiting your options to a smaller set of contractors.
Post-tensioned concrete is a popular structural system for large-scale developments. Depending on your project type and goals, your architect may recommend it in the early stages of the design process.
Combining concrete and steel&#;s strength, post-tensioning can reduce cracking and help achieve longer spans and lower floor-to-floor heights. It can also lower initial costs by improving efficiency and reducing building height.
Despite the benefits, post-tensioned concrete is not ideal for every project. If you desire more flexibility, a more traditional concrete or steel structural system may be a better fit.
For buildings with stacked layouts&#;like parking structures and residential developments&#;post-tensioned concrete may be the right solution. Learn more about these building types by reading about the rules of thumb for parking structure design and considerations for high-rise construction.
Concrete structures dominate our modern built environment. Skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels, or just the humble suburban house &#; they all owe their strength and durability to concrete. However, it isn't just regular concrete that upholds these impressive structures. It's a more robust form, one that's been reinforced using tensioned steel strands or bars, known as tendons.
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This reinforcement technique is the backbone of our contemporary concrete constructions, giving rise to two pivotal methods: pretensioning and post-tensioning.
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Understanding the difference between these two methods, their benefits, their processes, and their most suitable applications is vital for anyone venturing into the realm of construction. Whether you're an architect, a civil engineer, a project manager, or a curious mind wanting to understand the skeleton of your surrounding buildings, this comprehensive comparison will unravel the mysteries of pretensioning and post-tensioning.
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With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions that will enhance the safety, efficiency, and aesthetics of your construction projects. So let's dive into the world of pretensioning and post tensioning of concrete.
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Pretensioning is a method in which concrete is cast around steel tendons. This form of pre-stressing lends increased strength and durability. The process involves:
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Tensioning the steel tendons before casting the concrete.
Allowing the concrete to harden while maintaining the tension.
Transferring the tension to the concrete once it has hardened.
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This transfer results in compression, which enhances the overall strength of the structure. This makes pretensioning perfect for construction processes where high tensile strength is required. Commonly, it's applied in the manufacture of beams, panels, and slabs for building and bridge construction.
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Post-tensioning, on the other hand, is the process of applying tension to the tendons after the concrete has hardened. The "post-tensioning slab method" is popular for its flexibility and adaptability. Here's how it works:
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The concrete is cast around a plastic, steel or aluminium duct, containing the tendons.
Once the concrete hardens, tension is applied.
Grout is then injected into the duct to bond the tendon with the concrete.
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Post-tensioning allows for thinner slabs and longer span lengths between supports. This method has gained widespread application in large-scale projects, such as skyscrapers, bridges, and sports facilities. Read more about post tensioning in our article.
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When we compare pretensioning and post tensioning of concrete, it becomes clear that each has its own set of advantages.
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Efficiency in Material Use
&#;Pretensioning often requires less concrete and steel due to high initial compression. This can result in cost-effective structures.&#;
Post-tensioning, allows for thinner, more flexible structures which can also lead to material and cost savings.
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Structural Benefits
&#;Pretensioned concrete components are often more robust and capable of withstanding higher loads.&#;
Post-tensioned concrete offers greater flexibility, allowing for design creativity, especially in projects with unique architectural requirements.
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Construction Site
&#;Pretensioning is typically done off-site, which can reduce construction time.&#;
Post-tensioning is generally performed on-site, allowing for adjustments as the construction progresses.
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In essence, both pretensioning and post-tensioning are crucial techniques in modern construction, each providing their own unique benefits. The choice between the two often depends on the specific needs and constraints of a project. Always ensure you evaluate the demands and specifications of your project before selecting a tensioning technique.
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The efficient use of pretensioning and post tensioning of concrete can undeniably result in durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing structures. Both techniques have revolutionised the way we approach the construction of concrete structures, making our buildings safer, longer-lasting, and more visually appealing.
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There is one very obvious danger with using both pretensioning and post tensioning. Stressing can not only cause concrete to crack, but can also cause bursts and make cables snap. As a result it's really important to stress at exactly the right time, which is exactly once concrete has reached the right compressive strength.
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A safe way to overcome this dangerous problem is to use concrete sensors that will tell you the in-situ strength of the concrete. By using data from such wireless sensors you can figure out remotely exactly when it is time to stress.
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Prestressing is a method used in structural engineering to counteract the stresses that result from loads applied to concrete structures, improving their resistance to tension. Pretensioning is a specific type of prestressing where steel wires or strands are tensioned before the concrete is cast. Post-tensioning is also a method of prestressing.
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The main advantages of the post-tensioning slab method are the durability and the fact that it makes it possible to lessen the use of materials. By minimizing the use of construction materials and making the concrete slab more long-lasting we make the concreting process more enrironmentally friendly.
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A post-tensioned slab is less likely to crack and break compared to a conventionally reinforced concrete slab. But the choice between them should depend on the specific requirements of the project.
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