Concrete is a traditional component, present in all modern buildings. It performs an indispensable structural function for all projects, whether as reinforced concrete or as prestressed.
With the modernization of projects and the advancement of technology focused on engineering and architecture, various types, formats and compositions of concrete were developed. In this sense, it is essential to know the basic concepts on the subject.
Do you know the differences between reinforced concrete And the prestressed concrete? It is a topic that must be clear to every professional in the construction sector. With that in mind, check out in this post what they mean and the advantages of each of these materials!
What is prestressed concrete?
Although similar to reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete has some peculiarities of composition and applications. In this type of structure, in addition to the typical metal frame, steel cables previously drawn by means of special prestressing equipment are added.
The process applies compressive stress to the concrete and, when the steel cable achieves the desired traction, it is anchored to the concrete and remains compressed. In this way, it generates effort contrary to what is done when doing normal work, increasing resistance.
There are several possibilities for applying prestressed concrete. In most situations, they are more complex and large works, such as:
- offshore platforms;
- towers;
- walkways and viaducts;
- bridges;
- buildings;
- dams;
- anchor rods;
- slabs;
- floors.
What are the differences between them?
In principle, reinforced concrete consists of a steel frame inside, with no tension applied to the frame. Prestressed concrete, on the other hand, has steel cables drawn and anchored to the concrete itself, in addition to the metal structure.
Prestressed concrete has up to three times greater strength than those used in reinforced concrete. Thus, reinforced concrete is a more interesting option for simpler projects, as it provides more savings and guarantees efficiency.
As it is more resistant, has a higher cost, complexity of design and execution, prestressed concrete is more suitable for complex, industrial or infrastructure works. It is a type of concrete with low chances of suffering structural damage, such as cracks and cracks.
What is the importance of prestressing for concrete?
Protension is a process that improves concrete strength and minimizes damage and impacts resulting from external actions. Some regions and projects require concrete structures to have high compressive and tensile properties.
In this context, prestressing is used to improve the behavior of the structure where greater tensions occur, and this allows for larger and lighter parts. In addition, it provides more stability and reduces the incidence of cracks.
What are the types of prestressed concrete?
There are three types of prestressed concrete. Each application depends on the level of complexity and particularity of the projects. These are the adherent post-tensile, non-adherent post-tensile and the pre-tensile. Learn more about them!
Adherent post-traction
This type of prestressed concrete is what the stretching of the steel reinforcement is performed after the concrete has hardened. Parts of the structure itself are used as support, promoting permanent adhesion, injecting sheaths.
It is a type of prestressed concrete that is widely used in large civil construction, from containment projects to bridges and dams. Flexibility is one of the factors that explain the variety of applications.
Non-stick post-traction
It is also a type of prestressed concrete where the reinforcement is pre-stretched after the concrete has hardened. However, no adhesion is created and the steel bar is attached to the concrete at certain points.
Non-adhering post-tensile prestressed concrete is more common in shallow foundations such as Raider. They are easy to handle and install, however, they require good installation to have good results.
Pre-tracted
In this case, the prestressed concrete has the reinforcement pre-stretched by independent supports even before the concrete is added. After the concrete has hardened, the connection of the prosthesis with the supports is removed.
In this way, the structure tends to return to its original size without the application of loads and is prevented by friction with the reinforcement, generating pressure. The internal friction of the structure contributes to easy anchoring.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of reinforced concrete?
The great advantage of reinforced concrete is the opportunity to build resistant structures, with excellent performance and with relatively low costs.
They also have simple implementation processes and do not require highly qualified professionals. Because of its versatility, it is feasible for residential, commercial and industrial works.
The disadvantage is the possible need to purchase metal or wooden forms, which end up increasing costs. It also requires precise calculations to have efficient structures, it takes longer to cure and, consequently, to complete the work.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of prestressed concrete?
The advantages of prestressed concrete are evident, among them, it allows the reduction of the dimensions of structural sections. As a result, the weight is reduced and benefits the preparation of larger spans, favoring a more economical foundation.
They are structures that offer great resistance and withstand expressive loads without suffering any cracks or structural damage. Prestressed concrete is the basis for modern and daring projects, common in major cities around the world.
The complexity of the system requires perfectly designed calculations, in addition to specific equipment. There is also a need for permanent control to avoid loss of voltage and the costs are high. All of these factors are considered disadvantages of this type of concrete.
Why is concrete protection essential?
Humidity represents a major risk for reinforced or prestressed concrete structures. It acts gradually and silently on the steel used in concrete, whether braced or armed, causing damage that may compromise stability and security, leading to great losses.
In this sense, taking measures to protect structures and avoid all risks is the key to building durability. The best alternative to achieve this goal is invest in waterproofing of the surface.
To this end, the Blok offers products of extreme quality, developed with high technology to provide solutions for all forms of waterproofing. With a complete line, you will find everything to preserve the concrete structures of your work.
An example of this are water-repellent silicone And the water repellent for porous floors water-based. With a simple and practical application, it guarantees total efficiency in the protection of reinforced and prestressed concrete surfaces.
As you have noticed, there are many differences between reinforced and prestressed concrete and each type has its applicability and advantages. Therefore, the correct choice will directly depend on the characteristics and objectives of your project.
Did you understand the differences between reinforced and prestressed concrete? Now that you are well informed, access the Blok website and see products that will revolutionize your work and bring great results!
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