Comparing Post-Tension Concrete To Normal Concrete

27 May.,2024

 

Comparing Post-Tension Concrete To Normal Concrete

For those looking into a new tennis court, basketball court, pickleball court or any other multipurpose court, material quality is a vital factor. The material used for your court is important not only for the long-term durability of the court, but also variables like cost, performance and long-term maintenance needs.

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At Courts Unlimited, we&#;re proud to offer a wide variety of residential and commercial multi-sport game courts utilizing post-tension concrete. This is a form of high-quality concrete that requires a specialized process, and we&#;re one of the only local court contractors able to carry out such work in Utah. Let&#;s take a few moments to give you a primer on post-tensioning concrete &#; how and why it&#;s done, plus some of the advantages of this material over traditional concrete.

Post-Tensioning Basics

Post-tension concrete is created through the post-tensioning process, which is a form of prestressing &#; there are other such forms for concrete as well, though they are not commonly used for courts. The process involves adding pressure and strength to the concrete for several reasons.

Now, post-tensioning isn&#;t only done for multipurpose game courts. It&#;s also commonly utilized by architects, engineers and general contractors for durable, high-efficiency production of many concrete surfaces or structures.

How it Works

During the post-tensioning process, items known as post-tensioning tendons will be installed into a parabolic profile before the concrete is placed. Later on, these tendons will be stressed to a specific concrete strength that&#;s desired for the slab.

As this is carried out, two forces are introduced to the concrete: Compressive forces to strengthen it, plus stress forces that counterbalance service loads. Our next section will dig into how this benefits the final product.

Advantages Over Standard Concrete

There are several distinct benefits to post-tension concrete that make it the material of choice in several circumstances, including many multipurpose courts, and often highly preferable to traditional concrete. These benefits include:

  • Cost savings: Post-tension concrete requires thinner concrete members, plus has lower requirements for rebar, building cladding, service elements and shear walls. Rebar in floor elements, in particular, is often reduced by up to 75%.
  • Improved performance: Post-tension concrete courts have less deflection and vibration than traditional concrete, plus better crack control and waterproofing capabilities. As such, they have longer lifespans. They also have better seismic protection.
  • Construction time: The pour cycle for post-tension concrete is only three or four days in most cases. In addition, it comes with lesser re-shoring requirements than other forms of concrete.
  • Maintenance: Finally, post-tension concrete requires limited maintenance, plus often brings energy savings due to reduced material usage.

For more on the benefits of post-tension courts compared to traditional concrete, or to learn about any of our tennis courts, basketball courts or other options, speak to the staff at Courts Unlimited today.

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Post Tension Slab Problems & Advantages

There are two reasons why builders used post tensions slabs during the construction of a home or building.

A post tension slab is reinforced with stranded steel cables that are tensioned (tightened) after the concrete hardens. The cables are slid inside a plastic sheathing, like a wrapping. This prevents the cables from touching the concrete. When the concrete has sufficiently cured, the plastic sheathing is stretched. Stretching the post-tensioned cables applies significant force to the concrete system, lifting the slab into a compressed state, which reduces shrinkage cracks and cracks caused by difficult soil conditions.

Problems With Post Tensions Slabs

One of the biggest problems with a post tension slab is cracks. The cables laying in the concrete are generally not tightened until at least 7-10 days after the concrete is poured. Since the cables are not stretched or elongated, they cannot provide any crack control in those first few days.

Another reason for cracks is when a vehicle or another large object is placed upon the structure, and its concrete slab undergoes tension. To solve this problem, post tensioned steel tendons are placed when the concrete is poured and tensioned after with conventional reinforced bars.

A second issue with post tension slabs is that the footings anchor the foundation in place. The tension required to bind the additional concrete in the footings plus the dirt between the footings can&#;t be met.

Defects such as slab cracks can be costly to repair after construction is finished. Picture ripping up flooring or carpet to repair a small crack you may never notice. Trying to fix cracks can be time-consuming and expensive. Depending on the extent of damage, a family may have to leave their home while the work is being done. Talk about prices adding up.

Learn more about &#; Concrete slab cracks in Florida home.

Are you interested in learning more about post tensioning system supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!