Longer Spans

It lets us design longer spans in elevated members, like floors or beams. Longer spans can be used reducing the number of columns. This results in larger, column free floor areas which greatly increase the flexibility of use for the structure and can result in higher rental returns.

Overall Structural Cost

The total cost of materials, labour and formwork required to construct a floor is reduced for spans greater than 7 metres, thereby providing superior economy.

Eliminates shrinkages and cracks

It reduces or eliminates shrinkage cracking-therefore no joints, or fewer joints, are needed. Cracks that do form are held tightly together.

Reduced Floor to Floor Height

For the same imposed load, thinner slabs can be used. The reduced section depths allow minimum building height with resultant savings in facade costs. Alternatively, for taller buildings it can allow more floors to be constructed within the original building envelope.

Deflection Free Slabs

Undesirable deflections under service loads can be virtually eliminated.

Waterproof Slabs

Post-tensioned slabs can be designed to be crack free and therefore waterproof slabs are possible. Achievement of this objective depends upon careful design, detailing and construction. The choice of concrete mix and curing methods along with quality workmanship also play a key role.

Early Formwork Stripping

The earlier stripping of formwork and reduced back propping requirements enable faster construction cycles and quick re-use of formwork. This increase in speed of construction is explained further in the next section on economics.

Materials Handling

The reduced material quantities in concrete and reinforcement greatly benefit on-site cranage requirements. The strength of post-tensioning strand is approximately 4 times that of conventional reinforcement. Therefore the total weight of reinforcing material is greatly reduced.

Column and Footing Design

The reduced floor dead loads may be utilised in more economical design of the reinforced concrete columns and footings. In multi-storey buildings, reduced column sizes may increase the floor net area.

Soil type

It allows us to build slabs on expansive or soft soils.