Reinforcement tensioning technologies in modern construction: reliability proven in practice

Modern construction projects place high demands on the strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness of structures. This is especially true for structures such as industrial and logistics complexes, multi-story residential buildings, and facilities in earthquake-prone regions. In these conditions, reinforcement tensioning technologies are increasingly being used in modern construction as the basis for the production of prestressed reinforced concrete.

This material is not just a type of reinforced concrete product. It is created using a special technology that takes into account the weak ability of concrete to resist tensile loads. Thanks to the pre-tensioning of the reinforcement, an effect is achieved in which the concrete is constantly in a compressed state. This makes the structure more stable, durable, and economically viable under conditions of intensive use.

How reinforcement tensioning technology works in modern construction

The process begins with the laying of reinforcement elements — this can be wire, steel strands, or another type of reinforcement designed for tensioning. Next, special equipment is used to create force. After the reinforcement is tensioned, concrete mix is laid on it for the pre-tensioning technology, and in the case of post-tensioning technology, the reinforcement or strands are tensioned after the concreting process and after the concrete has reached the required strength. After it has set, the tension on the reinforcement is released and the force is transferred to the structure. In this way, permanent compressive stresses are created in the concrete body, which subsequently compensate for the tensile loads during operation.

This significantly increases the structure’s resistance to cracking and deformation. In addition, uniform strength distribution is achieved along the entire length of the element, which makes it possible to span large spans without the use of massive supports and reinforcing sections.

Main advantages of the technology

The transition to prestressed reinforced concrete using this technology provides tangible technical and economic benefits. In particular:

• Strength and durability — products are less prone to cracking and retain their shape even under constant load;

   

• Reduction in reinforcement consumption by up to 50% — through the effective use of prestressed reinforcement, significant amounts of metal can be saved;

   

• Reduction in structural weight by up to 40% — this simplifies installation, reduces the load on the foundation, and lowers transportation costs;

   

• Increase in project profitability by up to 35% — compared to traditional reinforced concrete, due to lower costs and high operational reliability;

• Architectural freedom — eliminates the need for frequent load-bearing partitions, simplifies planning, and allows for non-standard shapes.

Thanks to all these advantages, reinforcement tensioning technology is used in modern construction both in large-scale factory production and in the construction of unique structures.

Equipment: from tensioning to fixing

Specialized equipment is required to implement prestressed reinforced concrete technology. Everything you need for this is offered by the German manufacturer Paul Maschinenfabrik, whose products are available in Ukraine from stock.

1. Hydraulic stations — are the heart of the system. They provide tension control and stress relief. Mobile stations are suitable for use in both reinforced concrete plants and construction sites.
2. Tension jacks — are used for working with reinforcing wire, steel strands, and multi-strand elements. The choice depends on the required force, the number of rods being tensioned simultaneously, and the conditions of use.
3. Anchor clamps — are used for reliable fixation of reinforcement. Depending on the project, three types are used: open clamps of type “A”, closed clamps of type ‘F’ and connecting couplings of type “K”.

This set of equipment ensures an accurate, safe, and technologically stable reinforcement tensioning process. All equipment is adapted to the requirements of Ukrainian enterprises and can be quickly delivered from the warehouse.

Where prestressed reinforced concrete is used

Reinforcement tensioning technologies in modern construction are widely used in projects of various scales. Among the main areas of application are:

1. construction of residential complexes and high-rise buildings;
2. construction of production workshops, logistics centers, warehouses;
3. construction of office buildings, shopping centers;
4. facilities with increased requirements for seismic resistance and durability.

Thanks to its versatility and high performance characteristics, prestressed concrete is becoming increasingly popular in new-generation construction. It allows for shorter project implementation times, reduced material consumption, and improved technical performance of buildings.