Reasons why smart builders are using Post-Tensioned slab (PT slab) for constructing 2/3bhk apartments in Hyderabad!

Builders in Hyderabad are increasingly using Post-Tensioned (PT slab) for giving the benefit of more chic, flexible, and smart-looking 2/3 BHK in Hyderabad and elsewhere. The home buyers need to know what a PT slab means, and how it impacts them financially and in terms of design-related elements like safety and aesthetics.

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Post-Tensioned slabs are a huge respite for an architect, besides being a delighter for the developers. PT slabs are not only a fantastic tool for builders but are also environment-friendly.

Over the last few decades, PT technology has advanced tremendously and is used for mid to high-rise buildings- both commercial and residential.

In this article, we shall discuss-

Let&#;s begin exploring&#;

What is a slab?

The slab is a molded layer of &#;reinforced concrete&#; used to create flat and useful surfaces such as floors, roofs, and ceilings of a building. The slab made up of concrete is flat (horizontal), usually of uniform but sometimes of variable thickness, and is supported by columns, walls, beams, or the ground.

A slab is generally several inches thick and supported by beams, columns, walls, or the ground.

[Source- https://i0.wp.com/theconstructor.org/]

What are Post-Tension slabs?

The post-tension slab is an integral part of modern architecture. Builders today cannot craft magnificent skyscrapers, long bridges, and beautiful structures without using PT slabs. Having the right skill and experience is one of the key requirements for making PT slabs.

The YouTube video given here demonstrates the phenomena of PT slab very neatly-

• Post-tension slab is the one where the concrete is made strong using tendons. Tendons are inserted along with the slab, and these tendons act as &#;reinforcements&#; to make the floor strong. These strings/tendons go through ducts and are made up of &#;steel wires&#; (not bars). The wires are initially loosely suspended and are later pulled after the concrete has been hardened. This means that the slab is made to bend upwards.

[Source- http://www.amsyscoinc.com/]

• So, in Post-tensioned concrete, the tendons (wires) are &#;tensioned&#; after the surrounding concrete structure has already been cast
• The beauty of the PT slab is that these wires/tendons are not allowed to come in direct contact with the concrete. Instead, they are enclosed in a protective duct just like a covered wire. At each end of a tendon, an anchorage assembly is provided. This anchor is firmly fixed to the surrounding concrete
• Once the concrete is poured and starts solidifying (set), the tendons are pulled using a machine. This pulling makes the slab get &#;tensioned&#; (stressed). This activity of pulling creates a significant permanent compression to the concrete, especially once the tendon gets locked at the anchorage

{Source- https://ptsindia.net/wp-content/]

Advantages of PT slab

The use of post-tensioning helps us gain: i) thinner concrete sections, ii) longer spans/spaces between supports, iii) sturdier and stiffer walls to resist lateral loads, and iv) firm foundations to undo the adverse effects of shrinking and/or swelling soils

Concrete possesses, what the engineers refer to as &#;compressive&#; strength. This means that it can easily bear its own weight within a certain structure. 

Post tension slabs are advantageous in many ways. Some of the major benefits of post-tension slabs are as follows.

1. Extremely strong and durable

• PT slab is a very strong substitute for the normal concrete
• PT slab lasts longer and is high on performance and ability to withstand the building weight with ease making it safe and strong simultaneously
• Quality assurance has increased its durability
• Corrosion protection has further enhanced its use in residential and commercial buildings

2. Reduced cost

• With Post tension slabs, builders can construct much stronger structures at an affordable price point, passing on the benefits of savings to home buyers
• There are many structures like parking garages as well as stadiums, since they are required to hold much more weight than average buildings, this slab becomes a viable option.

3. Tremendous architectural Flexibility enabling &#;column-free spaces&#;

• A PT slab is sleek ranging between 4 to 6 inches in thickness
• Designs made with PT slabs are also sleek. They require lesser space and engineers can achieve dynamic contouring (with complex design elements). This is in fact the best part!
• Post-tensioning allows complete flexibility and freedom in the shape of the structure to be constructed
• Creativity in spaces is possible, and 2/3 BHK homes can be made without worrying about the presence of additional columns since the area available in unrestricted
• PT slabs are ideal to express creativity, especially to create open-kitchen, unconventional shapes, and contouring of rooms and spaces
• It also reduces environmental impact, construction time, use of materials and costs
• It allows even for &#;change of use&#; of the given space under the PT-slab i.e. a residential home can easily be re-adjusted to change the spaces/walls inside the residence, and also convert it into modern commercial spaces in future
  

4. Lesser usage of materials

• With post-tension slab is sleek and much thinner, yet stronger, lesser materials are used to achieve a high tensile strength of the floor/ceiling
• The PT slab does not need bulky materials

5. &#;Specific structural advantages&#; as compared to &#;standard reinforcing steel&#; (rebars):

Additional reading:
Collets

Contact us to discuss your requirements of post tension system solutions. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

[Source- https://static.concretenetwork.com/]

• PT slabs reduce or eliminate shrinkage cracking. This means that are fewer joints in the slabs which makes them stronger
• It is far more crack-resistant since the slab is held together tightly
• PT slabs are other corresponding walls that can be thinner, allowing for more space
• PT slabs can be built on soft soils
• PT slabs allow having longer spans i.e. more space

Pre-requisites to casting a strong and sturdy PT slab

• The builder and structural engineers doing the job must be knowledgeable. More important, the tendons and wires used in the PT slab must be corrosion-resistant, with no scope of being exposed to water
• Skilfully and professionally laid and cast PT slabs can be stronger than conventional concrete slabs. The masons deployed by the builder must be well-trained and experienced in laying PT slab
• Filling of the wiring and tendons completely is an important element of PT slab

Thus, many benefits accrue by adopting a post-tensioned approach, especially in a mid-rise structure. In Hyderabad, smart builders are using it to include flexibility of design, faster construction pace, and lower material costs.

In the long run, they are extremely sturdy, help reduce maintenance costs, and offer the potential for restructuring or even increasing future loading.

To know more about &#;Basics About &#;Quality Of Cement&#; As Your Buy Your Dream Home In India!&#;.Click here!

It&#;s no secret why builders use post-tensioning systems in their construction; these systems are critical to strengthening concrete used in modern large-scale building projects. The same argument applies to post-tension slabs&#;a method used when pouring the slab foundation in commercial or residential construction. This article further explores post-tension slabs and some of the advantages and challenges of their usage in construction projects. 

What are Post-Tension Slabs?

The concrete industry started experimenting with strategies and techniques to strengthen and reinforce concrete in the s. The prestressing concept, now a standard in residential and commercial building construction, involves using a steel cable or tendon to squeeze and compress concrete before the concrete endures a structural load. As the construction industry continued refining its techniques to standardize prestressing, most builders eventually began using post-tensioning techniques for reinforced concrete slab foundations. The Federal Housing Administration officially endorsed the use of post-tensioned slabs in , and the building method is now embraced and co-opted as the preferred method for builders.

Post-tensioned slabs contain a tendon, or steel cable, that runs crisscrossed throughout the center of the slab after the concrete has already hardened. As the poured concrete dries, the post-tensioned cables stretch and tighten, which applies a significant force to the concrete slab. This technique strengthens and compresses the concrete, which helps reduce cracking and structural instability caused by unstable soil conditions in marshes, swamps, and lake areas. The process helps residential homes and commercial buildings achieve greater load-bearing strength. Post-tension slabs are more durable and stable than traditional slabs that lack the reinforcement of steel cables.

Why Use Post-Tension Slabs?

Concrete slabs have inherent structural weaknesses; they are especially susceptible to expansion and contraction due to seasonal fluctuations and changing temperatures. Anyone that has experienced winter knows that thawing temperatures usually lead to potholes, broken water mains, and cracks in the pavement. Concrete slabs are no exception. The swelling and contraction of soils based on their contact with water is another element that adversely affects the integrity of concrete slabs. Poor and unstable soils found in Southwestern states and Mexico lead to issues with soil expansion, making it difficult for builders to lay concrete slabs.

Builders depend on post-tension slabs to reduce the risks of cracking, contraction, and soil expansion and strengthen the foundation&#;s structural integrity.

Post-Tension Slabs: Potential Challenges

Post-tension slabs are stronger than traditional concrete slabs; however, that does not necessarily mean a post-tension slab is without challenges. Read on to learn more about builders&#; challenges when using post-tensioned slabs.

Long-Term Planning 

Post-tensioned slabs are an excellent foundation for a new structure, but builders must plan accordingly for proper drainage. Gutters, downspouts, roof pitches, and balconies redirect rainfall. Builders need to be aware of the location of drainage as it can seep into the foundation and lead to cracks.

Good Things Aren&#;t Cheap & Cheap Things Aren&#;t Good

Laying the foundation of a post-tension slab requires professional workers, quality materials, and expert knowledge to understand the job&#;s complexity. In the building and construction industry, it&#;s essential to research the service provider and contractors you partner with before signing a contract.

Check the Blueprints, Again

Since post-tension slabs require the addition of steel tendons to strengthen and reinforce the concrete, the tendons must precisely align as shown on the blueprints. Improper tendon locations can cause uplifting, as the tendon applies more force than the weight of the concrete. As a result, the concrete might be physically lifting the slab.

The Advantages of Post-Tension Slabs

Aside from producing crack-free tennis courts, smooth parking garages, and a secure foundation for someone&#;s new home, post-tension slabs offer builders an array of advantages compared to traditional concrete slabs. Here are a few of the major benefits.

Cost Savings

Post-tensioned slabs require less concrete than traditional ones, saving builders money. Post-tensioned slabs are an investment that helps homeowners reduce the risks of concrete contraction and cracks, which inevitably costs money to repair. That&#;s why post-tensioned slabs are an initial investment worth it in the long run.

Shed Some Weight

A lighter yet stronger slab of concrete allows builders to design their structure with less material and overall surface space, providing more space to build supporting pillars, walls, columns, and beams. Post-tensioned slabs are also thinner, giving builders more creative freedom when designing floors.

Minimize Risks

No matter how much planning goes into a construction project, things happen, and the idea for builders is to minimize risks. Post-tensioned slabs may help prevent cracks from forming, but concrete is not immune to the elements. The good news is that if cracks form on post-tensioned slabs, they are held together and do not spread as quickly as those on traditional foundation slabs. Therefore, post-tensioned slabs are a more durable solution.

Look to the Experts when it comes to Building Repair Services

Commercial and residential structures require rational planning and maintenance. Whether your building has a traditional concrete slab or a reinforced post-tensioned slab, building owners need to maintain the structure&#;s integrity. That&#;s why across the United States, owners and property managers rely on Valcourt as their trusted partner to protect their investments. Whether it&#;s waterproofing, restoration, or other commercial building services, Valcourt offers over 35 years of experience protecting properties from the elements. Contact Valcourt Building Services today!

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