Cement is one of the most popular building materials in the nation. According to House Grail, concrete mixtures are composed of 60 to 75% aggregate, and the remainder is made up of cement, water, and air. Prestressed concrete is an alternative to conventional reinforced concrete that combines the strength of steel with the compressive capacity of concrete to create a truly remarkable and durable building material. Let's take a closer look at prestressed concrete and how it's made.

What Is Prestressed Concrete?

Prestressed concrete is a type of concrete specifically designed to bear heavy loads. This material is commonly used to make roofs, floors, bridges, walls, and more. It's made by applying an initial load to prepare the concrete to bear heavier weights later on. Two different methods can be used to create prestressed concrete: pre-tensioning and post-tensioning.

Pre-Tensioning

The pre-tensioning production method involves using hydraulic jacks to stretch out steel wires and set the concrete according to the desired length, width, and height. As the concrete begins to dry, the jacks are removed. Then, metal plates are placed on both ends, and wires are fastened to the concrete and these plates.

Pre-tensioning is highly efficient for mass production, so it's common for companies to have prestressed concrete made using this method in a factory and then shipped to the appropriate worksite. This helps save both money and time on projects.

Post-Tensioning

The post-tensioning method involves placing plastic ducts or sleeves during the concrete casting process. After the concrete has settled, these plastic parts are removed and steel wires are placed from one end of the concrete to the other. Then, jack wires are stretched out from each end using hydraulics, and steel plates and bolts are used to anchor them.

Post-tensioning is a more flexible process than pre-tensioning, as the steel wires can be placed more liberally. This method is commonly used for on-site production as well as factory production.

Now that you know more about prestressed concrete, you can start enjoying the many benefits of this incredible construction material for your next project. If you're looking for high-quality prestressed concrete that you can use for a variety of commercial applications, look no further than Teton Prestress Concrete. Contact us today to learn more about our products. We look forward to helping make your project a success!