How to tell if your home is on a post tension slab. #arizona

A post-tensioned slab is a type of concrete slab that is reinforced with high-strength steel cables or tendons. These tendons are stretched and anchored to the slab and then tightened, creating a compressive force that helps to strengthen and stabilize the slab. Here's an overview of the process of making a post-tensioned slab:

Preparation: The site is prepared by leveling the ground and compacting it to ensure a stable foundation. A vapor barrier is also placed on the ground to prevent moisture from penetrating the slab.

Forming: Forms are built around the perimeter of the slab, to contain the concrete and give it a desired shape and thickness.

Placing tendons: Post-tensioning tendons are placed in pre-determined locations, within the forms and in the thickness of the slab. They are then anchored at the edges of the slab.

Pouring concrete: Concrete is poured into the forms and leveled off to the desired thickness. The tendons are left suspended in the wet concrete.

Curing: The concrete is then allowed to cure for several days, during which time the concrete will harden and gain strength.

Tensioning: Once the concrete has cured, the tendons are tensioned by tightening the anchors at the edges of the slab. This process stretches the tendons and creates a compressive force in the concrete, which helps to strengthen and stabilize the slab.

Finishing: After the tendons have been tensioned, the slab is finished by smoothing and leveling the surface of the concrete. Any additional features, such as expansion joints or control joints, are also added at this stage.

Post-tensioned slabs offer several benefits over conventional slabs, such as increased strength and stability, reduced cracking, and increased span lengths. However, it's important to note that post-tensioned slabs require specialized knowledge and equipment to construct, and should only be done by experienced professionals.