PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

The process of applying an initial compressive force to concrete members before they are subjected to service loads

A method of prestressing where the tendons (steel cables or rods) are stretched and anchored before the concrete is poured and cured.

A method of prestressing where the tendons are installed in ducts within the concrete after it has been cast and cured, and then stressed to apply a compressive force.

Steel cables, rods, or bars used in prestressing concrete. They are the components that are stretched and stressed to provide the compressive force.

The device or system used to secure the ends of the tendons in both pre-tensioning and post-tensioning systems.

Tubes or channels embedded in the concrete that contain the tendons during the post-tensioning process. They protect the tendons and allow for the application of prestress.

The initial force applied to the tendons during the prestressing process, which is transferred to the concrete.

The process of transferring the prestressing force from the tendons to the concrete, often done after the concrete has reached sufficient strength.

The portion of the initial prestressing force that remains in the concrete member after accounting for losses due to factors such as elastic deformation, shrinkage, and relaxation.

The reduction in the effective prestress force over time due to factors like creep, shrinkage, relaxation of the tendons, and other effects.