Benefits of Post-Tensioning

Architects, Structural Engineers, General Contractors, Real Estate Developers, and Owners incorporate post-tensioning systems on their projects in order to achieve economy, efficiency, quicker construction and lower lifetime cost of the structure. Why? Because Post-Tensioning enhances concrete strength under both compressive and tensile stresses.

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Post-tensioning tendons are installed in a parabolic profile prior to placing the concrete and later stressed to a specified concrete strength. This process introduces both compressive forces in the concrete and stresses that counterbalance service loads. The benefits are substantial.

Post-tensioning frequently solves design and construction challenges that other construction methods simply cannot. Some key advantages include:

MATERIAL SAVINGS

• Thinner concrete member sizes; reduction in concrete is approximately 20%
• Rebar in floor elements is reduced by 60% to 75%
• Decreased dead load reduces rebar and concrete in columns and foundations
• Reduction in building height decreases the cost of building cladding, vertical mechanical/service elements, and rebar and concrete in shear walls

QUICKER CONSTRUCTION

• Potential pour cycle of 3-4 days
• Reduced re-shoring requirements
• Coordination with embeds and MEP openings

INCREASED PERFORMANCE

• Improved seismic behavior
• Reduced deflection and vibration
• Improved crack control and waterproofing properties&#;especially beneficial for parking garages and balconies
• Longer spans and fewer columns give greater flexibility in floor layouts in office/residential buildings and better lighting in parking garages which enhances personal safety.

REDUCED LIFETIME COSTS

• Lower overall maintenance and lifecycle costs of the structure
• Reduced building height also results in energy savings, especially for office buildings
• Potential LEED® credits for Green building design and construction

AMSYSCO provides cost-effective post-tensioning solutions across a wide range of structures and applications such as condominiums and apartments, office buildings, parking garages, hospitals, schools, slab-on-ground, storage tanks, stadiums, repair and restoration, barrier cable, special structures and applications.

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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.

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