Post-Tension Foundations
Post-Tension Foundations
If you're interested in learning about post-tension foundations, then you've come to the right place. Here, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of post-tension slab foundations, including some of the advantages and disadvantages. We'll also discuss how post-tensioning works and explain why you should use it when building a new home. This foundation technique has a number of advantages over other types of foundations, so keep reading to learn more!
What is a Post-Tension Concrete Slab?
When you build a new house, you may be wondering, "What is a post-tension concrete slab?" This type of foundation has a significantly lower cracking rate and fewer materials and rebar than traditional construction. The post-tensioning process is similar to a Chinese finger trap, where you pull outward to tighten the strings. In addition, it requires less excavation and grading work. And unlike traditional foundations, post-tension concrete slabs are ideal for use on clay soils.
A post-tension concrete slab is a monolithic slab made of reinforced concrete that is shaped to resist soil movement. These slabs are most commonly used in areas with expansive soil, where the earth's surface expands and contracts and resists the structure's weight. In Arizona, the USDA published a shrink/swell map, showing the swell/shrink potential of soils in the Phoenix area.
Post-Tension Cables
Compared to traditional concrete foundations, post-tension slabs have superior strength and durability. In addition to providing superior strength, they save significant amounts of money on materials and repairs. Post-tension foundations also minimize the weight of buildings while increasing their efficiency. In addition to these benefits, post-tension cables also reduce the amount of concrete needed for a concrete structure. And they also increase the load-carrying capacity of a concrete structure.
In residential construction, post-tensioned slabs are typically 8 inches thick and use three thousand-plus-psi concrete. For commercial applications, tensile strength is much higher. During the construction phase, tendons are chaired through the center of the slab. The spacing of the cables is determined by the soil conditions and the ultimate load of the foundation. The length of the cables varies, depending on the size and strength of the slab and the overall load it needs to support.
Post Tension Cable End Pockets
Inspecting for P-T cable end pockets on post-tension foundations is important, since the end of the post-tensioned cable may be exposed. You can see the metal cables if you can visualize them around the perimeter of your home. If you cannot, a professional foundation company can confirm that the end pockets are not exposed. If you do find exposed ends, don't cut them. Exposed cables may rust and damage the anchors, which may ultimately result in the failure of the entire structure.
For post-tension slab foundations, there is no need to pour deep footings around the perimeter or under load-bearing walls. Instead, you can build the foundation with post-tension cables, which are metal strands in plastic sheaths that are tensioned after the concrete is poured. Post-tension cables allow you to use longer spans between the support columns.
Post-Tension Foundation Repair
Before you begin to tackle your Post-Tension Foundation Repair project, you should make sure that you have the right knowledge for the job. Cutting into these structures is highly risky and can lead to damage to the foundation and home. In addition, it can cause serious injury or even death. Only a construction expert should attempt to tackle the project. You should also have the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here are some helpful tips for repairing Post Tension Foundations.
