Construction & Contractors Blog
Some projects have simple concrete reinforcement needs. However, others need a more complex solution. For example, you might need to use a post-tensioning process on your concrete in certain areas of your build. But, what is post-tensioning reinforcement and why should you hire a consulting engineer at the design stage of your project?
What Is Concrete Post-Tensioning?
If you need to reinforce a regular concrete build, then you might use traditional methods such as reinforcing bars. Here, you insert metal rods or meshes into the concrete to give it extra load strength. The concrete will be able to carry heavier loads. If it does suffer from stress damage, the reinforcing bars will pick up the strain.
However, concrete doesn't just have to deal with a bearing load. Tension also affects it. If concrete is exposed to too much tensile stretching, then it might fail. This is where post-tensioning comes in. Here, you add specialist reinforcing cable tendons to the concrete. They typically go into an area before the concrete is poured. Once it is laid, you use jacks to stretch the tendons into the right positions to create the tensile strength the concrete needs.
Overall, this system makes concrete more flexible in many builds. If you add tension, you can lay longer floor spans without additional column supports, or you can create strong curve shapes.
Why Hire a Post-Tensioning Consulting Engineer?
Post-tensioned concrete design is more complex than other reinforcements. As such, every project needs precise calculations and designs since no two projects are the same. Unfortunately, if you make mistakes here, then your concrete might not be strong enough to hold its build safely without damage. It might crack and break if it doesn't have the right tensile support.
That said, it makes sense to hire a consulting engineer. An experienced engineer looks at all your variables and creates an accurate design for the build. For example, if you're constructing a new building, then they factor in the property's height, weight and number of floors. They will also assess soil quality and underground hazards such as stormwater tunnels for foundation plans.
At the end of the evaluation process, your engineer can draw up accurate detailed plans. Your construction crew will understand which types of tendon to use, where to put them and how much to tighten them.
By hiring a consulting engineer, your build will be stronger and safer. Plus, if you bring in an engineer at the planning stage, you get an accurate budget for the work with no cost surprises once the work is underway. Contact a consulting engineer to learn more.
Share16 August 2021
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