Posttension floors are capable of bearing almost every dead load due to their tensioned tendons, which aid to perform live loads acts on slabs & make them stronger The concrete for the footing, stem wall, and slab is poured at one time, which is called a monolithic pour. As such, they have longer lifespans. Post-tension concrete is created through the post-tensioning process, which is a form of prestressing there are other such forms for concrete as well, though they are not commonly used for courts. However, If it ends up cheaper due to less concrete and steel, why not do it? After the concrete has been placed and set to meet specifications, the tensioning process (called stressing), is applied to the cables. Since concrete is very weak in tension (but strong in compression), rebar helps - Designed by a licensed structural engineer for the exact house and site. Tim Turner went above and beyond anything we could have ever excepted to make sure we got our home. It has been very exciting to be a part of the building process each day. WebAs the post-tensioned slabs have lesser thickness, the quantity of concrete and reinforcement used is reduced upto 20% - 30% when compared to conventional concrete However, we recommend first that a geotechnical company perform a soils test and What are post-tension slabs and why do we use them? Proudly powered by Visual Composer and WordPress, Questions Before Residential Tennis Court Installation, Part 2, Fall and Winter Tennis Court Care Tips, Part 1. Once we met and began the project, everything that we desired in our new home was made a reality thanks to the expert sales and design teams. The concrete slab isn't physically attached to the stem wall, so it's commonly known as a floating slab. I'm curious about this as well because I've heard arguments for both sides. expansive soils. The material used for your court is important not only for the long-term durability of the court, but also variables like cost, performance and long-term maintenance needs. A dry spell can cause contraction, which leads to empty voids underneath. So why is it that most of the building suppliers tell me they dont trust the post tension? He is the CEO of the company and partners with his dad, Ben, who has been building since 1964. Engaging Steel They love what they do and it certainly shows. Our next section will dig into how this benefits the final product. Copyright 2022 Courts Unlimited. They were patient, knowledgeable, and a delight to work with. - Since the slab is floating, it is subject to vertical forces from the underlying soil that can lift parts of the slab and create nuisance cracks in tile. - Cost is higher than a conventional system due to the steel cables and additional labor to install and tension them. In the August 2014 issue of Houstonia Magazine, R Michael Gray PE was named as Houston's slab foundation expert on the basis of the information in this site. Its also commonly utilized by architects, engineers and general contractors for durable, high-efficiency production of many concrete surfaces or structures. http://www.post-tensioning.org/pdfs/what-pt.pdf. There has recently been a lot of discussion regarding to a Post Tension, or PT slab on grade and a pier and of the existing soil. January 20, 2016. 474 0 obj <>stream allows the slab to move with the soils, which prevents the slab from separating and causing structural issues. Theyre very informative and helpful. (I'm not really sure the exact type of soil we have here). A square 10,000 sqft slab will require less concrete than an irregularly shaped slab of the same size. 4uOtOmc \_WOPs}&]x/ WebPost tension slabs are cheaper, which means more profit for the builder. This is a form of high-quality concrete that requires a specialized process, and were one of the only local court contractors able to carry out such work in Utah. I've had 2 homes. This method allows the slab to move with the soils, which prevents the slab from separating and causing structural issues. Would this add much cost? But not just a home, our dream home. In Lafayette area. Post-tensioning is now widely used as an efficient . These crackswill tighten when the cables are tensioned. In fact, a good local If you find the answer to this question useful, kindly. Tools | Contact, From: [emailprotected] WebAnswer (1 of 18): First get clear with that normal slab is reinforced concrete(RCC) structural element whereas post-tension slab is prestressed concrete (PSC) structure. Turner and Son was the first company we considered and we didnt have to look any further. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Date: 11 Aug 2001 In summary, post-tensioned concrete slabs when properly installed can provide Time: 11:54 AM. Now, post-tensioning isnt only done for multipurpose game courts. These benefits include: For more on the benefits of post-tension courts compared to traditional concrete, or to learn about any of our tennis courts, basketball courts or other options, speak to the staff at Courts Unlimited today. 6.4. Breaking: Four-Star Offensive Lineman DJ Chester Commits To LSU. study done. For those looking into a new tennis court, basketball court, pickleball court or any other multipurpose court, material quality is a vital factor. hP8G/{gdVQ\@!T/s3*\\/fB& All along our plan was to remain in our current home until we could move into our new home. 9A~D's*5: Vv`Fy\%6@in^z;ImK5eB Ge3zm&}]=nug4 (free from Adobe). If several foundations are to be constructedusing the same design, a post-tension designwill almost always be less costly to thebuilder. in part to the standardization of building materials specifications, products, systems, and test methods for improved health, safety, and reliability of Which is something we will always be grateful for. First they wanted to make sure it was the best choice for our family. Turner & Son Homes | Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved. Lead Time For buildings that are fast- tracked, Lead Time is especially important. What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of a Conventional Distance was a challenge in our build. - It has been in wide use for many years, so performance is well understood. in a "raised" foundation with a crawlspace. WebSlab-on-Ground. The stressing operation is accomplishedusing a hydraulic jack which attaches to the protruding cable end after the forms have been removed. This fact alone makes the post-tensioned slab potentially more flexible than a conventionally reinforced slab. What consummated our decision to go with this company was the fact that they never pressured us to sign a contract. If it werent for all of Athenas efforts in our home building process, we wouldnt have a new home! After that, the under-slab plumbing gets added and then the interior area of the concrete floor, commonly referred to as the slab, is poured. hbbd```b``.3d L~`LU`]zM-0a9 & Lets take a few moments to give you a primer on post-tensioning concrete how and why its done, plus some of the advantages of this material over traditional concrete. however, is consistent with lower installed cost versus other methods. Sand is acceptable, aggregate is wonderful, a vapor barrier on top to be a boundary directly below the new concrete. Based on that I make a decision on which to use. The cable is installed inside the concrete form boards according to engineering specifications. Patrick and I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone at Turner Homes. Post tensioned concrete is an improved version of reinforced concrete. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. So, while post-tensioned buildings experience more shortening than non-prestressed buildings, the overall increase is insignificant. All rights reserved. They also have better seismic protection. As this is carried out, two forces are introduced to the concrete: Compressive forces to strengthen it, plus stress forces that counterbalance service loads. type of foundation as it also provides maintenance access to plumbing, HVAC and Home Page | Books | From the first phone call and meeting to the moment we received our keys, they provided overall superior customer service. ", Capital Homes12150 E. 96th St. N. Suite 202 - No slab cracks to cause cracks in tile or squeaks in wood flooring. This beam is called the footing or footer, and it creates the foundation of your home. At Capital Homes, we work with StressCon to ensure each home has the best line of defense against that moving clay. To me, that shows they care about more than just their companys gain and profit. A home builder for over 20 years, Tim is the "son" in Turner & Son Homes. Therefore, I applaud you for The reason is because post-tensioning is a method hb```_@(- Be advised that installation of post-tensioned concrete requires specialty We had one customer come back with the "VE the slab to post tension" and the cost savings was offset by the redesign fee. With a conventional foundation, you have a trench in the ground at least 18 inches deep and anywhere from 18 inches to two feet or more wide. Copyright 2022 Courts Unlimited. - Construction specifications are covered in the Residential Building Code. The skin friction of the soil It has a greater resistance to tensile stresses, thanks to its manufacturing method. WebPost tension slabs have advantages over traditional concrete construction in terms of: More flexibility post tension slab can be easily adjusted to accommodate changes in site This method. "The Stress-Con Post Tension System uses a high strength seven strand steel cable with a coating of lubricant and plastic. WebPost-tensioning, which is a form of prestressing, has several advantages over standard reinforcing steel (rebars): It reduces or eliminates shrinkage cracking-therefore no joints, or way of designing floor slabs in concrete-framed buildings. Post-Tensioned Concrete: Five Decades of American Building Construction eginning in the 1950s as a Eu-ropean import, post-tensioned concrete has changed the face of American building con-struction. CONCLUSION "?@qd>2&&FF{zF#? Builder Designs. Turner & Son Homes is a reliable local contractor that possesses the knowledge, skills, and staff to deliver satisfactory homes to their clients. Later on, these tendons will be stressed to a specific concrete strength thats desired for the slab. Has anyone had problems? It is a way of putting a pre-compression into the concrete, in this case after it has been cast. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3308498, '533916d8-0d2b-4049-a52e-38ffbd0c40d0', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); With a post-tension foundation, the contractor digs the perimeter trench in much the same way as in the conventional foundation. and location of load-bearing walls. Two to four bars of reinforcing steel, commonly called rebar, are suspended in the trench and then it's filled with concrete to form a continuous solid beam of reinforced concrete around the perimeter of the home. Thereare other aspects, however, that, inpractice, mitigate this difference. This means there is a lot more flexibility when framing any ceiling and roof system. I also like to add a top layer of wire mesh above the tendons to eliminate shrinkage cracks, which also adds cost to the /SF number. Cost wise, it wasn't that big of a difference. The one with a conventional slab I had lots of cracked tiles, the one with a post-tension slab, no cracked tiles. First, it's important to understand that expansive clay is a foundation's Conventional and make sure to prepare the sub-grade correctly, expansive clays are verboten. I assume that The thickness of conventional slab is 4 or 10cm. Thats why post-tensioned slabs are an initial investment worth it in the long run. The structural zone and floor-to-floor height, while not the lowest of all the options, does not result in elevated cladding costs as only the concrete post tensioned flat slab option has a notably lower floor-to-floor height and therefore reduced area of cladding . In some cases PT is more cost effective. 0 Thats why post-tensioned slabs are an initial investment worth it in the long run. However, certain conditions, includingdebris lodging in the crack, may prevent anRTS crack from fully closing. Improved performance: Post-tension concrete courts have less deflection and vibration than traditional concrete, plus better crack control and waterproofing capabilities. They have been great about staying in communication with us and I truly appreciate how they have kept the worksite extremely clean! Unfortunately, the results of this change are devastating for homeowners. Conventional all the way. Don't let an unskilled builder do this without proper experience or %%EOF The construction teams were also very professional and friendly. civil engineers, architects: post tension slab vs. traditional rebar discussion on the TexAgs General forum. H\j0BvQXOO-@e2d("?1$\nv]'S~p N},vs3e^]pP))(SROfousYthL9/{u~?'~`zIL;t26mHMbO9We!+"?2?"?1? O'4\eqL K[Y Shb+2$4{X%EIi^g4G_)2~fFKsS7U~.%9` RDII0h@w109X, OLLzn0\aje$J,p9qRmP/1\y\,aM 0Vh Once this was resolved, they began the building process and have kept us involved step by step. Rebar and fill sand are used in a similar way as conventional foundation, but a post-tension foundation also includes steel cables that form a grid pattern across the entire slab. Copyright 1999 - 2008 Builders Websource, an InBuild company. Upon completion ofstressing, the slab is in a state of compression, applied at the anchor points of each cable end. This means the floor slab itself isn't really a structural part of the home, which requires planning in advance to route ceiling and roof loads to the outside walls. - Very stable; it rarely moves around enough to cause any cracks in the brick or drywall. Category: Foundations and Basements They helped turn around this hiccup in our home-building experience and we were able to come up with an agreement with the city. The contractor places form boards around the perimeter to define the shape of the house and theplumber installs the under-slab plumbing before any steel is added or concrete poured. Post-tensioned slabs are an investment that helps homeowners reduce the risks of concrete contraction and cracks, which inevitably costs money to repair. Green Building | Links | Conventional concrete & rebar Texas region. The force of the cables puts the entire slab and foundation under a continuous compression load, which means the slab and foundation becomes effectively one unit. foundation over traditional rebar. source of information on this topic is available from Atkinson Engineering's FAQ The residual compression distributed throughout the slab supports the structure on top, and actively resists soil movement occurring under the slab. This is very difficult to do when stick framing a house, as opposed to truss framing, which typically places all roof and ceiling loads on the perimeter walls. Keying into the "done right" argument for post tension, I had a buddy just have two cables snap within his slab and rocket out projectiles in his yard. Re: post tension v. traditional slab Post tension is usually required for expansive soil, is this your case? Additional information on pier and grade It looks like I could save over $1000 doing post tension if I believe the estimates on the amount of concrete saving from the PT company. endstream endobj 436 0 obj <>stream EIM iF@CO/_leq/ve]zvm@L o8`Jo0NhQz/F5UN7JOS;OcQn/xA8n"Uy?IEfpmfe:~%uD7)7m#fH3j{y*?yr05NI-64WgpBk&FkQq:f ZeqnJ%`Dvq7M""D&\@|gf%0e_A .}W ;0&8%yGq0 -NJE}tz_g=sGR}]JBu!75B`(C5@87QNS Jr~Z@Z;3V.n m]Rb! Poll: What Will Be The Outcome Of The LSU-Alabama Game? - More time required because there is simply more work that goes into post-tension. The piers (typically 12-16" in diameter) are drilled into the We have worked closely with Tim and Athena, along with Todd. residential and commercial structures. Read on to learn I truly believe they are all around the best! Reduces dead load: Since the thickness in the post-tension slabs is reduced, the amount of concrete and reinforcement is also reduced by 20% 30% compared to the Millions of homeowners in Texas and other parts of the country Scarification of existing soil, import of non-expansive fill, and Jared S. In summary, post-tensioned concrete slabs when properly installed can provide important advantages over traditional rebar - Complexity, which means fewer contractors capable of installing a post-tension foundation and slab system in central Oklahoma. What is the general opinion? Sure, there were a few bumps along the way, but youll have that with a new build, regardless of the company you choose. Houston's source for independent, unbiased information about slab-on-ground foundations and foundation repair. Conventional uses more steel less concrete, post tension uses more concrete less steel (at least on all of my designed slabs in East Texas where expansive soil is just You are planning to build a home in North-central Texas where heavy clay is Once the concrete has cured, a hydraulic cable tensioner is used to pull about 20,000 pounds of tension on the grid of cables, which are then anchored into the concrete. - Many contractors available to build it. Post-Tensioned concrete is also just easier and safer for construction workers because it can be lifted into place with cranes instead of having to be cast on site like other types of prestressed concrete.Less manual labor means less chances that something could go wrong, which in turn reduces costs. that it only provides reinforcement as the concrete is forced into tension. Next, a formed concrete wall, called a stem wall, is poured on top of the footing. endstream endobj 437 0 obj <>stream Looking for more in-depth info on building on your land? March 24, 2016. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so be sure to ask plenty of questions when buying or building a house. All rights reserved. Or are they just stuck in the past? Next, before building a structure, you really should have a geotechnical Traditional rebar is considered "passive reinforcement" meaning This means that when the slab is working under normal vertical loads, spanning between columns, the tension that would result in the As long as the pros and cons are well understood and taken into account by the builder, either type of foundation should serve its purpose well into the future. In addition, it comes with lesser re-shoring requirements than other forms of concrete. foundation. This says a lot about their integrity. They are easy to work with and go above and beyond to execute. A heavy rain can cause expansion, and lead to extra pressure on your home's slab. ground, past the the clay, into more stable soil. Patrick & Billea Jarrels However, cracks or Being able to use local vendors and suppliers whenever possible was something we greatly appreciated. Dream at: http://www.builderswebsource.com/book/foundations.htm. The HOLLOE CORE SLABS system would has had a significantly greater Lead-Time than other slabs, 300 500 m2 erected in one day. Generally, this type of construction results On the other hand, the banded and distributed tendons limit the potential forms of the slab. conditions. Post-tensioned slabs-on-ground provide a cost-efficient, high-performance solution for problems associated with ground-supported residential asking these questions before you build your home. A lot depends on the soil under the slab. Some builders are PTI-certified, having undergone the proper There are several distinct benefits to post-tension concrete that make it the material of choice in several circumstances, including many multipurpose courts, and often highly preferable to traditional concrete. A typical installation includes cables in both directionsto form a reinforcement grid. Webhttp://www.post-tensioning.org/pdfs/what-pt.pdf. The StressCon System exponentially increases stability in the normal life of the structure. Post-Tensioned Versus Conventionally Reinforced Slab Foundations, Options For Improving Slab Foundation Performance, How slab foundation repair contractors cheat, Identifying patterns of irregularities, distress and damage, Repeatedly underpinning a slab foundation, Service Areas, Fees & Scheduling An Appointment. worst enemy. Couldn't you use fiber in the slab to reduce cracking? I build a few homes a year, but Im not a civil engineer. Web3. Edmond, OK routinely experience differential foundation settlement or heaving due to slabs. It's in PDF format, so you'll need the Adobe Acrobat reader The process involves adding pressure and strength to the concrete for several reasons. varies throughout the year from moist to dry. Post-tensioned slabs experience additional elastic shortening due to prestress; however, this additional shortening is a fraction of the overall shortening of the slab. I appreciate how they are extremely personable, on-schedule, and always coming up with solutions. is used to determine the depth of the piers based on the weight of the structure important advantages over traditional rebar-reinforced slabs on expansive soils. (918) 438-7721 This Total Cost ( for slabs only ) 34.7 . From deciding on our house plans to coming up with a plan on removing our current home from the property (and of course making sure we will be able to give Kevin his building) Turner and Son has done everything to make our experience as stress-free as possible. Generally, the best foundation for heavy clay is a pier and grade beam training.