ABSTRACT
Post-tensioning is a method of introducing internal forces into a concrete element after the concrete element has been cast in order to counteract the external loads that will be applied to the element when it is put into use. When the concrete element is posttensioned, the concrete portion of the element is put into compression and the steel portion of the element is put into tension. Putting the components of the element into this state prior to applying a service load puts the building materials in a stronger state resulting in a stiffer element that now has more capacity to resist tensile forces.
