Post Tensioning is a process of reinforcing or enhancing concrete strength by placing high strength stressing steel strands before casting and later stressing it. Post-tensioning is a form of pre-stressing which simply means that the steel is tensioned before the concrete has to support applied loads. This method of construction has, over the past 30 years, been widely used in many countries due to its several benefits over conventional methods.

Benefits of Post-Tensioning

• Strength and increased resistance to differential movement in slabs, rafts and beams
• Eliminates/Reduces deflection
• Eliminates/Reduces cracks in slabs
• Faster construction cycle reducing duration of formwork, scaffolding and manpower
• Economical as lesser reinforcement and concrete is used
• Greater spans possible due to fewer beams required
• Thinner slabs for increased height advantage
• Reduced building mass especially significant in high seismic zones

Below graph illustrates typical average savings with the use of Post-Tensioning “PT” slabs compared to RCC slabs: