Pretensioning or post-tensioning the steel reinforcement

Compressive stresses are induced in prestressed concrete either by pretensioning or post-tensioning the steel reinforcement. In pretensioning, the steel is stretched before the concrete is placed. High-strength steel tendons are placed between two abutments and stretched to 70 to 80 percent of their ultimate strength. Concrete is poured into molds around the tendons and allowed to cure. Once the concrete reaches the required strength, the stretching forces are released. As the steel reacts to regain its original length, the tensile stresses are translated into a compressive stress in the concrete. Typical products for pretensioned concrete are roof slabs, piles, poles, bridge girders, wall panels, and railroad ties. In post-tensioning , the steel is stretched after the concrete hardens. Concrete is cast around, but not in contact with unstretched steel. In many cases, ducts are formed in the concrete unit using thin walled steel forms. Once the concrete has hardened to the required strength, the steel tendons are inserted and stretched against the ends of the unit and anchored off externally, placing the concrete into compression. Post-tensioned concrete is used for cast-in-place concrete and for bridges, large girders, floor slabs, shells, roofs, and pavements