The Arthur Apartments
What is a Post Tension Cable System?
Post-tensioned systems consist of a series of high-strength steel cables embedded within concrete slabs that, once stressed, support the loads imposed on the slabs. The cables are commonly called “tendons.”
Post-tensioned cable systems reinforce concrete, allowing structures to require fewer beams, longer clear spans, more slender elements, and thinner slabs. This helps to reduce the amount of concrete required for construction, also reducing the weight and height of the building. Lower building weight and height can contribute to savings in terms of facade and mechanical system costs. There will also be a lesser load on the foundation.
Post tension cable location, spacing, and depth are determined by an engineer, and are specific to each project.
Drilling, cutting, or coring into a post-tension slab can be dangerous. It is important to avoid hitting the cables when cutting or drilling for construction or renovation. Each tendon pulls 24,000 to 33,000 lbs. of pressure. Damaging a cable when cutting, coring, or drilling into a slab can cause a tendon to burst with enough force to cause severe injury or death, and impact the structural integrity of the slab.
This is why it is important to locate post-tension cable systems when finishing or repairing buildings or structures. An accurate layout of post-tension cables protects tendons from damage, prevents injury and mistakes, and protects the integrity of the building.
The photos show the holes in the concrete slabs between floors of the cables. After 3 to 4 days of curing the steel cables are pulled (stressed). This makes the building more stable in high winds, and the concrete between floors adds more sound proofing.
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