What is the purpose of prestressed concrete?

The purpose of prestressed concrete is primarily to hold concrete in compression for increased strength. This method involves applying tension to high-strength steel tendons that are embedded within or alongside the concrete before the concrete is subjected to service loads. By doing so, the concrete is kept in compression, which helps counteract the tensile stresses that typically occur when loads are applied. This pre-compression enhances the overall performance of the concrete structure, allowing for thinner sections, longer spans, and improved resistance to cracking under load.

This approach directly impacts the material's working capacity, allowing engineers to design structures that can support heavier loads while using less material, ultimately leading to more efficient use of resources.