Applications of POST-TENSIONING
- Slabs on ground: Today, PT is used extensively for slabs on grade where soils are likely to move (expansive soils).
- Another good application for PT slabs is producing crack-free tennis courts.
- A recently developed application of PT is external post-tensioning for strengthening of existing structures, especially as an upgrade to resist seismic forces.
- Bridge designers have used PT both for cast-in-place concrete and for precast segmental construction as PT allows longer spans and keeps cracks tight.
- Concrete water tanks are often post-tensioned to reduce crack width and leakage.
- Masonry walls can be post-tensioned-this is usually done with a solid steel bar fastened to the foundation and stressed with a nut at the wall’s top.
- One interesting application is for a concrete countertop that needed to span 6 feet and carry a heavy load.
