Construction&Mining
Post tension construction is a civil engineering technology that reinforces concrete members after it solidified in the construction and mining industry. The prestressed steel cable applies tension on the concrete member, this increases members strength and stiffness tremendously.
The Benefit of Post Tension Construction
The common reinforcing method adds steel rebar or steel cage into cement member, this is just a passive way to increase the strength of construction.
On the contrary, post-tension construction systems apply to prestress tension on concrete members actively. It creates a positive deflection on the concrete members to counter against environment loading force or impact. As a result, the construction beam or slab becomes thinner, the span can be longer, and the material is less to save cost.
Key Components of Post Tension System
A post-tensioning system, normally referred to as ” Tendon”, consists of steel or iron components and some accessories. Basically, a tendon system has both a fixed end and a stressing end, the main parts include post-tension wedge, anchor block or wedge plate, and anchorage block. These steel or iron castings play a very important role in construction performance and people have to put extra quality control on their manufacturing process.
How is Post Tension Tendon Constructed?
A post-tension tendon system includes dead and living end in general. On construction site, tendons layout in the form according to installation drawing. Once concrete reaches over 70% of designed strength after solidification, the pump jack will stress the living end strand.
Post tension wedge in anchorage cavities will hold on steel cable after the cable is cut off. As a result, the wedge holds up pre-tensioning steel cable, and build up a post-tension construction.
In conclusion, post-tension technology enhances construction member strength and stiffness. Hence, it plays important role in the construction and mining industry.
Read more: Post-tensioning system: the ultimate guide on how it works in civil construction engineering.
