Post-tensioned residential foundation

A soil-supported concrete foundation can be stiffened by conventional steel reinforcement or by post-tensioning. The post-tensioning system compresses the concrete, creating stresses that counteract anticipated tension stresses induced by soil movements. Where many conventionally reinforced concrete foundations are often not required to conform to any rational design procedures or published design standards, the majority of post-tensioning designs conform to the design criteria established by the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI). This introduction to post-tensioned residential foundations focuses on the basic design principles, soil conditions, typical construction methods, and long-term maintenance requirements of soil-supported post-tensioned foundations.