Post Tension for Faster Construction
Partha Pratim Roy, C. Eng
![Partha Pratim Roy, C. Eng]()
Partha Pratim Roy, C. Eng
Post Tension Design Consultant | 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D BIM Modelling | Using Bamboo making Infrastructure Safe and Sustainable | Technology Solution Provider | Management and Leadership | Software Application Engineering
Owners, Developers, Engineers, Architects and Contractors are demanding more from buildings having flexible floor layouts with more workspace; lesser number of columns; longer spans; unique irregular shapes; better quality; faster construction; aesthetically beautiful; sustainable design and above all cost economic consideration.
Compared to Span to Depth ratio of 1:28 for usual reinforced concrete floors; post tensioned floors can have the ratio 1:45 to 1:55 depending upon the strength of material and workmanship.
Post Tension in Building structure gives four major advantages:
- Structural cost reduces upto 10% to 20% compared to alternative reinforced concrete solution. Moreover faster construction can saves indirect cost of another 5% to 7.5%. Larger the span higher will be the savings. Minimum span suitable for Post Tension is around 7 m (22 ft).
- Besides indirect cost savings faster construction cycle less material and labours in the job site; simpler slab soffit and access to lower slabs for finishing work due to quicker removal of shoring. Compared to normal 40 days cycle in Reinforced Concrete slabs, Post Tensioned slabs typically demand only 7 to 10 days cycle.
- Superior structural performance is achieved due to the use to high strength material. Longer spans are achieved with lesser deflection. Uncrakced slabs and beams can designed where required. Post Tensioned Structures are typically light weight and have less height compared to Reinforced Concrete which not only make column and foundation design easier but also attract less Wind and Seismic forces. Finally Post Tensioned Structures have comparatively reduced noise transmission and lower total cost of ownership (little or no maintenance).
- Compared to conventionally reinforced structures, post-tensioned buildings offer a more sustainable design alternative. Requirement of less material reduces carbon footprint in the atmosphere. Post tensioned thus a default choice for Green buildings or Energy Efficient buildings.