It is easy to observe the principle when loading together several books by pressing them laterally. The whole row becomes stiff and strong under such pressure, ensuring its integrity. When the concrete reaches the desired strength, high tensile steel tendons (cables) are placed in the element and pulled by special hydraulic jacks and held in place by specially designed anchorages at each end of the tendons. It provides compressions at the edges of the structural member, which significantly increases the capacity of concrete to resist tension stresses. If tendons are appropriately curled, they will exert a beneficial upwards set of forces; these forces counteract any applied loads to the structure and greatly reduce the gravity effects.
Post-tensioning involves prestressing reinforced concrete or equivalent materials with steel strands or bars commonly known as tendons. The concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension, so after casting, compression force is added, lending it the strength to support slab weight and heavy loads. Deflection and cracking under extreme load are also minimized by this method.
A post-tensioning process can be applied to any building, be it residential, commercial, or office. A slab-on-ground parking structure, a bridge, a sports field, a rock and soil anchor, and water tanks could also benefit from this method. A post-tensioning system can even allow construction on sites where it is not feasible to build because of site or architectural defects. Post-tensioning requires specialized knowledge and well-trained staff. Constructing with it is easy, thanks to the fabrication, assembly, and installation expertise.