Installing a new concrete slab is a big commitment that requires you to be absolutely certain that the slab meets the dimensions and requirements necessary for your project. However, spending a great deal of time planning a new slab only to have that planning defeated by factors outside of your control can be immensely frustrating and leave you searching for solutions.

The best way to cope with shifting earth, increasing loads, and a variety of other concrete stresses is to pursue a process known as post tensioning. Below, you'll find a guide to some of the advantages of post tensioning your concrete that should help you better understand the process and give you the necessary motivation to pursue it for your projects.

Minimal Cracking

One of the biggest challenges that many concrete projects face is prospect of cracking once the slab adjusts to the environment. Changes in temperature and air pressure can cause your concrete to expand or contract, leaving you with a damaged surface.

In the past, the best way to combat that damage was to increase the number of seams in the concrete in order to maximize the expansion and contraction capacity of the surface. However, by relying on post tensioning you can minimize those seams and create a larger and more stable surface that's guaranteed to fulfill your operational needs.

Thinner Surfaces

Determining the proper thickness of a concrete slab can be a delicate balance. A thick slab may be able to withstand greater stress, but it's also more likely to sink into the surrounding soil and create problems in terms of erosion and shifting. This can lead to damage and instability over time.

Post tensioned concrete surfaces have additional support and, as such, can be poured to be thinner. This allows you to minimize the load on the earth underneath your concrete and can help eliminate potential weight problems which may otherwise plague your project.

Diverse Locations

Concerns with soil erosion don't only implicate the size and strength of the concrete pad. They may also rule out locations entirely if the concrete is extremely vulnerable to cracking under pressure from soft ground. By embracing post tensioning to strengthen your concrete, you can combat those concerns and eliminate any restrictions on your pad. This can guarantee you're able to get full use out of your ground and can put you in a position to maximize your design efficiency. 

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