Describing structural components, particularly steel tendons or cables in concrete, that are designed to be tensioned. These elements are pulled tight using hydraulic jacks before or after the concrete cures, transferring a permanent compressive load to the structure. This increases the load-bearing capacity and prevents the concrete from cracking under active loads.
Heard on the job
The post-tensioning cables are fully stressable once the slab hits three thousand PSI.
Related terms
Restressable
Describing a post-tensioning system where the steel cables can have their tension adjusted after initial installation.
Live load
The temporary or moving weight that a structure must be designed to support.
Dead load
The permanent, stationary weight of a building's structural elements and fixed equipment.