Why Should Buildings Use Post-Tensioning Systems?

Commercial concrete management, including post-tensioning systems, is critical to any residential or commercial high-rise and multi-level parking garage construction project. Post-tensioning involves placing prestressed steel &#;tendons&#; tightened once the concrete hardens. The additional stress of tightening compresses the concrete into its strongest state, ensuring it can support the external service loads (weight) once using the structure. 

Link to Ruiyi

Failing to factor in the load-bearing capability of a structure can lead to catastrophic events, such as the collapse of the Hotel New World in Singapore in . The six-story building collapsed in 60 seconds, resulting in 33 deaths. More recently, investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a partial parking garage collapse in Baltimore in July .

This article looks closer at post-tensioning systems, explaining what they are, how they work, and their benefits to construction and architecture. We&#;ll also present some practical applications of post-tensioning concrete, criteria to consider when evaluating such systems, and where to turn for post-tensioning repairs.

What is Post-Tensioning?

Post-tensioning is a unique design technique that reinforces concrete in commercial building construction. This process helps strengthen concrete, allowing it to hold up better post-construction, keeping structures secure and stable. Post-tensioning tendons generally consist of stainless steel and reinforced cable bundles. These run inside plastic coatings or sleeves, placed inside the casings where concrete is poured before filling. Afterward, the cables are tensioned and anchored against the other concrete edges. 

The post-tension acts much the same as support beams and improves the safety and stability of concrete pillars, foundations, columns, and other structures. Post-tensioning concrete is critical in the commercial building process, and proper execution gains maximum benefits.

How Does Post-Tensioning Work?

Post-tensioning works within commercial building structures as a form of prestressing. Steel is stressed and put under tension before the concrete has hardened to support the service loads and stress of the building. Most precast, prestressed concrete has this process done as well. Post-tensioned concrete means that the concrete gets poured, and then tension is applied&#;but there is stress before applying the loads, leaving it prestressed. It is a way of preparing the structure to support the loads and stress of large commercial systems adequately. 

Reasons concrete is popular in commercial buildings and commonly seen in post-tensioning construction include:

• High durability and resiliency over long periods.

• Relatively low maintenance and upkeeps are required.

• Affordable and easy

  maintenance and repairs

  .

• Affordable for mass projects and large-scale production.

• The versatility of applications allows greater design creativity. 

• Easy to source locally for more affordable rates.

• It can be used in all climates and temperature extremes.

• Highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

• It is fire resistant and doesn&#;t burn easily.

• Fewer issues with pests, mold, and other issues.

With so much in favor of concrete construction, the ability to improve the features of stability, durability, and longevity with post-tensioning only adds to the appeal of concrete usage in commercial structures.

Why Post Tensioning & What are the Benefits?

Concrete is the most popular construction material in the world, and for a good reason. It&#;s widespread in commercial buildings, not only for basements and foundations but also for exterior walls. And, of course, it&#;s used frequently for sidewalks, ramps, and parking garages. The concrete used in commercial buildings is often subject to more significant pressures and stressors than concrete for residential use. When used in massive commercial building projects, this requires additional support and design considerations.

Concrete may be among the most common construction materials, but it can still come with a high price tag. Industry estimates show that a concrete parking garage could range between $4 and $7 per square foot. This price typically includes the cost of materials and labor. A smaller structure may run $5,000 to $14,000, whereas a larger building could be as much as $174,000-$490,000. Larger commercial structures, whether office buildings or parking garages, require more structural performance, which may change how you need to utilize concrete. This is where post-tensioning makes its impact. 

Considering all these features and benefits, one critical aspect of commercial concrete management and upkeep regarding degradation makes all the difference post-tensioning. 

Post-tensioned concrete has a variety of benefits, including:

• Allowing concrete to be used in higher and longer spans to create larger spaces

• Providing increased strength and support for load-bearing areas of construction

• Compensates for poor site conditions and improves structural stability

• Installs and hardens faster than other conventionally reinforced concrete structures

• It uses much less concrete, saving money and resources

• Provides flexibility and options for primary formwork and final aesthetic touches

• Increases the overall safety and durability of the structure

• Provides a faster and more practical manufacturing option

• Safe to use in nearly every building situation

• Reliable structure strength with post-tensioning

• Easily scalable for use in small, medium, and large commercial buildings

Finding the balance between affordable concrete usage and durable post-tension elements remains crucial in planning and maintaining commercial structures.

What Exactly is a Post-Tensioning System?

The post-tensioning concrete method was first developed in the early s by industry specialists such as VSL in Switzerland. Post-tensioning is often a solution for addressing design and engineering issues. It enables the operational definition of the internal load path in concrete structures by superposing a favorable state for the internal stresses. This stress reduction minimizes deformations, reduces the thickness of concrete segments, reduces reinforcement congestion, joins components without relying on wet joints, and allows high-strength steel to reinforce structural components further. 

The post-tensioning system is a structural support mechanism essential to many commercial concrete structures built today. Experts who specialize in concrete repair and upkeep utilize this system for three main reasons:

• Structure Strength with Post-tensioning

Post-tensioning lightens the structure&#;s weight, reduces load-bearing packages, and helps improve the overall aesthetic appearance.

The company is the world’s best post tension system solutions supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• Wide Application and Usage Area

It can be used in a wide variety of structures and often occurs in a wide range of systems that vary in size and usage.

• Professional Touch and Service

Post-tensioned construction offers the most suitable solution for combining production and application to create a final uniform structure.

Common Applications for Post-Tensioning 

This act of prestressing has several advantages over standard rebars:

• Significantly removes the risk of shrinkage cracks, so fewer joints are required. Shrinkage cracks occur naturally in poured concrete during the curing process as the concrete loses its moisture.

• Cracks that do occur are held tightly together and do not grow and spread.

• It allows structural concrete pieces to be thinner and lighter than they would normally.

• Engineers and designers can build slabs over expansive areas or on softer soils.

• Post-tensioning supports longer spans in elevated areas like floors, beans, and ceilings.

Criteria of a Post-Tensioning System to Evaluate

Building designers looking for a post-tensioning system should first consider three factors to avoid  costly damages and repairs down the road.

Type of structural element &#; the depth of the structural component plays a key role:

• Use of slab tendons with flat designs for thin structural elements such as floor flaps and ceilings.

• Multi-strand tendons can be used for any other application and are common in thicker heavy construction areas.

Structural design &#; taking into account specific structural design requirements:

• Post-tensioning can be introduced and might utilize internal or external tendons or, in some cases, a combination.

• Concrete slab post-tensioning tendons are bonded or unbonded based on the location, application, and desired results.

Protection against corrosion &#; Protection needed to safeguard cables against corrosion: 

• The tendon encapsulation depends on the required protection level (PL) &#; PL1, PL2, PL3, typically subject to location and environmental exposures.

• Corrosion protection is the application of anti-corrosion chemicals to prevent damage to equipment or facilities caused by corrosive processes.

Get Quality Building Repair and Management Services From Industry Experts Familiar With Post-Tensioning Systems

Finding the balance between affordable yet durable materials is vital in planning and maintaining commercial structures. Post-tensioning concrete systems allow the utilization of the durable and versatile nature of concrete, while the addition of steel cables and tension support add required structural stability. 

The post-tensioning system is the structural support working behind the scenes to provide long-lasting strength, durability, safety, and protection. Professional building management services are integral in maintaining post-tensioning systems to guard against building collapses. 

Make sure your team is ready to deal with the maintenance and upkeep of post-tensions systems. Contact The Valcourt Group today and work with industry experts who can keep your building in good working order.

5 Unexpected Advantages of Post-Tensioning

Since the s, post-tensioning concrete has grown in popularity. Whether you&#;re trying to streamline the building process, reduce costs or give a structure the best chance of surviving weather hazards, there are numerous benefits of post-tension slabs.

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 is the process of adding steel bars (tendons) below a mixture&#;s surface. Once the concrete fully cures, tension is applied to the steel bars. These reinforcements introduce stress to the concrete, which can prevent cracks and shifting down the road.

Construction teams rely on post-tensioning methods to help concrete reach its strongest state. This process is efficient for creating surfaces that can withstand the loads required for a newly developed structure.

Benefits of Post-Tensioning

Consider these surprising advantages of post-tensioning.

1. Saving on Costs and Materials

Prestressed concrete supports larger loads compared to traditional pouring. Using post-tension methods means concrete substrates are thinner, sometimes by as much as 20%.

When a building is complete, the total height of the structure is shorter than constructing slabs without post-tension reinforcements. Smaller buildings call for teams to use less cladding, concrete, cement and shear. Extra materials can be used for future projects or returned to the manufacturer to increase your bottom line. Either way, you&#;ll save on costs and materials.

2. A Sustainable Approach to Building

When you rely on post-tensioning concrete methods, fewer materials are involved in the final structure. This includes the amount of cement used to create concrete mixtures &#; a significant source of carbon emissions.

It&#;s possible the timeline for a building project will be shorter with post-tensioning concrete, which lessens the amount of time gas-powered tools and vehicles run from the start of the assignment through completion.

3. Efficient Construction Timelines

The setup for post-tension procedures can be done quickly without the variables of traditional curing. The fact that crews spend less time laying steel supports means teams will be ready to pour mixtures and let the concrete dry on an impressive timeline. Your post-tension building project can progress consistently.

4. Crack Control

Post-tensioning results in compressive stress in concrete, which helps to reduce the effects of shrinkage and temperature changes that can cause cracking. The post-tensioning system consists of steel strands that are tensioned after the concrete has hardened, creating internal forces that resist external loads.

Post-tensioning systems are effective for crack control because the tendons act as reinforcement for the concrete and prevent it from splitting apart. The tendons are anchored at both ends of the concrete member and are usually placed in ducts or sleeves to allow them to move freely during tensioning.

The tendons are tensioned by hydraulic jacks and then locked in place by wedges or nuts at the anchorages. The tension in the tendons induces a compressive stress in the concrete, which counteracts the tensile stress caused by shrinkage or bending. This way, the concrete remains relatively crack-free and watertight throughout its service life.

5. Better Performance

Many property owners building post-tension structures find surfaces do a fantastic job of limiting unwanted vibration and sag. Inside the poured concrete, cables help to balance the load.

Rather than the center of slabs being put under immense stress where they can crack, the internal cables take care of the heavy lifting. Over time, concrete maintains its shape and refrains from dipping downward when objects are placed on top of it.

About Post-Tensioning Products and Services From STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

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

We specialize in external and internal post-tensioning technology. STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES provides you with solutions for installations outside a structural element &#; within grouted ducts &#; or within an existing member &#; via core drilling &#; to handle the scope of your project.

Get Started With Post-Tensioning Today

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

Contact us to discuss your requirements of post tension anchor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.