POST- TENSION (CONCRETE) SLAB

In the 1960s, with the development of higher strength steel, better attachment hardware, better construction
techniques, and simplified design methods, the use of post tension to reinforce structures became more
popular. Post-tensioning enabled the lifting weight to be reduced and the deflection and the cracking
performance to be improved. The first post tensioned slabs were erected in the USA in 1955, which already
used unbonded post tensioning. To date, in the USA alone, more than 50 million m2 of slabs have been post
tensioned. In Europe renewed interest in this form of construction was again exhibited in the early 70s.
A post-tension (CONCRETE) slab is a slab of concrete that has been Prestressed concrete using a specific
method to increase the strength of the concrete. Post-tensioning is a method of strengthening concrete using
high-strength steel strands or cables, typically referred to as Tendons. Slabs using the post-tension method can
be built thinner, which can cut down on construction costs and curing time. The concrete component is cast
with steel reinforcing strands installed in a way that protects them from bonding with the concrete. This
practice gives designers the flexibility to further optimize material use by creating thinner concrete members.
The materials used to post-tension concrete members are ultra-high-strength steel strands and bars. Post-
tensioning can help create innovative concrete components that are thinner, longer, and stronger than ever
before. This method of pre-stressing concrete is especially useful in areas where the soil expands and contracts
relative to weather conditions. More interesting and creative structures can be used in event stadium, ball
parks and high-rise residential places. Even parking garages can be made stronger, more functional, and less
expensive. By employing post-tension concrete construction methods, home builders can deliver a superior
product at reduced costs.
Benefits and Advantages:
• By comparison with reinforced concrete, a considerable saving in concrete and steel are possible since, due
to the working of the entire concrete cross-section more slender designs.
• Smaller deflections than with steel and reinforced concrete.
• Good crack behavior and therefore permanent protection of the steel against corrosion.
• Almost unchanged serviceability even after considerable overload, since temporary cracks close again after
the overload has disappeared.
• High fatigue strength, since the amplitude of the stress changes in the pre-stressing steel under alternating
loads are quite small.

For the above reasons post-tensioned construction has also come to be used in many situations in buildings.
CNS Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd is using post-tension (CONCRETE) slab in India (Gujarat).

UNBONDED PT SLAB DESIGN

Unbonded PT slab design is a single-strand system. Its applications include slabs-on-grade, structural mats
and raft footings, circular fluid tanks and tilt up walls. Because the unbounded tendon is small in diameter as
well as light and flexible, it can make maximum use of the entire depth of concrete slab, making it particularly
well suited to thin slabs, and the time and the cost associated with grouting is eliminated.
Unbonded post-tensioned slab concrete differs from bonded Post Tensioned (Concrete) Slab by providing
each individual cable permanent freedom of movement relative to the concrete. To achieve this, each
individual tendon is coated with grease (generally lithium based) and covered by a plastic sheathing formed in
an extrusion process. The transfer of tension to the concrete is achieved by the steel cable acting against steel
Anchor Plate embedded in the perimeter of the slab. The main disadvantage over bonded post-tensioning is
the fact that a cable can distress itself and burst out of the slab if damaged (such as during repair on the slab).
The advantages of this system-
• The ability to individually adjust cables based on poor field conditions
• The procedure of post-stress grouting is eliminated.
• The ability to de-stress the Tendons before attempting repair work.
• The ability to achieve longer clear spans.
Unbonded post-tensioning tendons are commonly used in parking garages as barrier cable. Also, due to its
ability to be Stressing and then de-stressed, it can be used to temporarily repair a damaged building by holding
up a damaged wall or floor until permanent repairs can be made. The Long span beam & slab possible with
post tension reinforcement provide the advantage of additional versatility in column layout and is also
adaptable to irregularly shaped floor plans. Flat plates and Unbonded PT slab design reinforcement has been
used in offices, apartments, condominiums, and parking structures.