Civil Engineer Licensure Practice Exam

The process of stressing tendons after concrete has been poured is known as post-tensioning. This technique involves the installation of high-strength steel tendons or cables within ducts inside the concrete. Once the concrete has cured to a sufficient strength, hydraulic jacks are used to tension the tendons, which then transfers compressive forces to the concrete. This compression counteracts tensile stresses that will occur when the structure is loaded, enhancing its overall strength and performance.

Post-tensioning is particularly effective in large spans and heavily loaded structures, as it allows for thinner concrete sections while maintaining structural integrity. This method is widely used in bridges, parking garages, and floor slabs, where minimizing deflection and maximizing load-bearing capacity are critical.

In contrast, pre-tensioning refers to stressing the tendons before the concrete is cast. Homogeneous pertains to having a similar composition and structure throughout, which is not directly related to the process of stressing tendons, while toughness describes a material's ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing, which is also not specific to tendon stressing methods.