Concrete @ your Fingertips

What is Prestressing?

Prestressing is the process by which a concrete element is compressed, generally by steel wires or strands. Precast elements may be prestressed during the construction process (pre-tensioning) or structures may be stressed once completed (post-tensioning). Prestressing compensates for the tensile stresses introduced when the element is loaded. Hence the concrete generally remains in compression.

Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society

Concrete Bookshop - Members receive 40% discount on Concrete Society publications

An introduction to prestressed concrete