Pre-Tensioning and Post-Tensioning

Section of pre-tensioning

Pre-Tensioning :

It is accomplished by stressing wires or strands, called tendons, to the predetermined amount by stretching them between two anchorages prior to placing concrete. The concrete is then placed and tendons become bounded to concrete throughout their length. After the concrete has hardened, the tendons are released by cutting them at the anchorages. The tendons tend to regain their original length by shortening and in this and in the process transfer through bond compressive stress to the concrete. The tendons are usually stressed by the use of hydraulic jacks. The stress in tendons is maintained during the placing and curing of concrete by anchoring the ends of the tendons to abutments that may be as much as 200m apart. The abutments and other form work used in this procedure are called prestressing bench or bed.

Section of post-tensioning

Post-Tensioning :

The alternative to pre-tensioning is post-tensioning.In a post-tensioned beam, the tendons are stressed and each end is anchored to the concrete section after the concrete has been cast and has attained sufficient strength to safely withstand the prestressing force in post-tensioning method, tendons are coated with grease or bituminous material to prevent them from becoming bonded to concrete. Another method bituminous material to prevent them from becoming bonded to concrete. Another method used in preventing the tendons from bonding to the concrete during place and curing of concrete is to encase the tendon in a flexible metal hose before placing it in the forms. The metal hose is referred to as sheath or duct and remains in the structure.

After the tendon has been stressed, the void between the tendon and the sheath is filled with grout. Thus the tendons become bonded to concrete and corrosion of steel is prevented.