PRESTRESSING AND POSTENSIONING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
Leadership in structures. Post-tensioned Slabs
Prestressing is defined as a special state of stress and deformities which is induced to improve the structural behavior of an element.
By mean of prestressing load capacity is increased while concrete sections are decreased. Induced forces against the acting gravity loads are created by means of stressing high steel cables anchoring them in their end plates.
the cables are stressed after the concrete has hardened; using ducted steel cables to avoid their adherence to the concrete.
The cables are greased and injected with mortar after concrete has hardened. They are installed with predetermined curvatures to create reactive forces in the structural element.
Objetives Postensioning System:
- Efficiency in the use of concrete.
- Reduction in sections up to 30%.
- Reduction of steel to minimal quantities.
- Lightening of the structure.
- Less structural weight.
- Less foundation weight.
- Diminishes the effects of an earthquake.
Precision in design using the “Finite Element Method” which allows:
- To dimension the reactive forces of the prestressed with great precision.
- To control deflections of the structural elements within acceptable limits.
APLICATIONS:
Shopping Centers.
- Efficient combination of parking floors with commercial floors and movie theaters.
- Inclusion of mezzanines without sacrificing heights due to the slenderness of the space between floors.
Classrooms for Schools and Universities.
- Cost-effective use which allows large open spaces.
Auditoriums.
- Light roofing with large open spaces using metallic covers
