Prestressing

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A construction method for reinforced concrete in which a tension is imparted to the main longitudinal reinforcement to help reduce tensile forces in the concrete.

Note: Prestressing may be effected by tensioning the reinforcement before pouring the concrete, the resultant being called prestressed concrete. Alternatively prestressing may be effected by tensioning the reinforcement within ducts in precast components and subsequently pressure grouting to form an integral structure, the resultant being called post-tensioned concrete.

Please note that this is the term as it stands in the original IALA Dictionary edition (1970-1989)

English