3 Reasons Post Tensioning Is Important In Concrete Applications
Whether you are a concrete contractor or you work with concrete occasionally during a DIY project, you know that sometimes, concrete is not as resilient as one would expect it to be. The fact is, concrete may be durable, but it lacks in tensile strength, which means that the material can crack under pressure. Because of this, it is quite common for rebar and other metal to be used during installation to provide some sort of extra support for weight-bearing concrete areas. However, post tensioning is a far more efficient way to ensure the stability and strength of finished concrete. Here are a few reasons why post tensioning is important in concrete applications.
Post tensioning offers greater support than basic rebar implementation.
Post tensioning involves the use of solid steel bands and other pieces of metal framework to add additional support to the concrete. These steel bands stretch and move as the concrete is curing, but once the concrete is cured, the steel components are firmly held in place. Rebar is limited in how much support it can provide, but the steel bands used in post tensioning are far more resilient to pressure and can withstand repeated pressure over time. Therefore, post tensioning offers greater support that gives a concrete structure its most reliable longevity.
Post tensioning allows concrete to be more flexible in shape.
There is only so much you can do with rebar because of its straight shape and typical layout. On the other hand, post tensioning involves the use of flexible steel components and bands that can be arched, bent, and twisted to conform to whatever shape you need to achieve with a concrete formation. This flexibility makes it possible for you to create concrete structures and areas that do not necessarily have to be flat or straight.
Post tensioning means lower maintenance costs for the concrete.
One of the biggest pitfalls of concrete with rebar is it can still crumble, crack, and break with age. Post tensioning during installation offers a more long-term support so the structure of the concrete remains sound for longer. Therefore, post tensioning is desirable in many applications because it involves less maintenance and lower maintenance costs. This is especially desirable in roadway, parking garage, and even foundation construction. However, the advantages are just as desirable for small-scale projects in residential settings, such as small concrete landscape bridges, concrete home features, and concrete patios.
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