
The cut cable can be pulled and replaced and the sleeves on the others will need to be repaired. It is not any easy or cheap process but it is reparable. You absolutely need an engineer to design the repair. They may say replace the cable or they may add some steel reinforcement in that area or both.
What happens when you cut post tension slab?
- You may only need preventive maintenance
- If very minor, then maybe you just need to monitor it
- If repair is needed, it is much cheaper to correct it in the early stages than after it has become a big problem
- If it is major, then you may need to consult a qualified professional
Can you cut into a post tension slab?
Yes, a bit. It looks for all the world as though you've had a lot of little hot iron burns all over your chest, but the stinging goes quickly and your chest is packed with ice to take away the heat. As they say, no gain without pain.
Can I drill into a post tension slab?
Yes, you can drill into a PT slab. However, you want to make sure you know where the cables are located. I design PT slabs and repairs. It is rare for a tendon to break out of the slab on a residential house. It will shoot out the plugs around the slab edge. If it hit someone it could break a leg.
How do post tension slabs work?
Post tension slabs are a form of pre-stressed slabs which means they are compressed prior to use so that the slabs are able to bear weight or service loads beyond their own natural weight. This is accomplished by pre-stressing cables which run throughout the slab and by compressing the concrete. Thus, the cables and slab are able to handle over ...

What happens if you cut a post tension slab cable?
Cutting a tensioned cable, or tendon, can endanger the contractor and compromise the structural integrity of the slab. Building professionals frequently use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate cables within concrete slabs and reinforce the slab during and after cutting operations.
What happens if you drill into a post tension cable?
Post-tension slab drilling, cutting, and coring can be incredibly dangerous. Not only is there a risk of structural collapse, but you also risk severe injury and death. It's definitely NOT something you want to play around with.
Can you cut post tension slab?
PT slabs on ground can be placed and stamped just like with any other concrete slab. Surfaces can be stained or overlaid. The only concern is to always remember not to cut or drill into post-tensioned concrete slabs, since once a tendon has been cut, it is very difficult to repair.
Can you jackhammer a post tension slab?
As post-tension slabs continue to be poured across the country, plumbers are learning more about how to work around the cables confidently and safely. The proverbial bottom line is tread lightly. Even if you get a clear reading on what's underneath, take your time with that jackhammer.
How deep are the cables in a post tension slab?
8" depthThe plan maps show the rebar at 3" depth, and the post-tension cables at 8" depth. Discerning a post-tension cable from rebar generally requires scanning a larger area to properly understand the layout of structural elements in a slab.
How long do post tension slabs last?
about 15-20 yearsConventional concrete & rebar foundations last about 20-30 years before failure begins to occur. Post-tension slabs are lasting about 15-20 years and are failing at a much higher rate. Post-tension slabs are created with concrete trenches around the perimeter of the house where the external walls will be placed.
How do you cut a PT Cable?
1:063:07Post-Tension Slab | Can We Cut It? | AFT Construction - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd a workaround you know there are companies that we work with if you have to do a saw cut if youMoreAnd a workaround you know there are companies that we work with if you have to do a saw cut if you have to increase the size of the shower. Here with some of the detone.
Is post tension better than rebar?
Post tension foundations are what tract home and apartment builders use so therefore they are lower quality. Post tension foundations don't work for our soils. Rebar works better here. Those post tension cables can break one day and go flying out and might kill someone.
Can you cut prestressed concrete?
The reasons for prestressed concrete lintels being so durable and practical are also the reasons why it is hard to cut. However, they can be cut, preferably by concrete cutting professionals using the right tools and equipment.
Can you replace a post tension cable?
0:583:09What's the fix for a broken post tension slab cable? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell the best fix is to call a post-tension repair company and they'll re-cable. It because there'sMoreWell the best fix is to call a post-tension repair company and they'll re-cable. It because there's a sleeve.
When should you stress post tension cables?
Post tensioned slabs should be stressed when the concrete strength designated by the engineer's plan is reached. The practice of MLAW has been to apply stress when the concrete reaches 2000 psi.
What year did post tension slabs start?
When was post-tensioned concrete first seen in this country? The first use was on the Walnut Lane Bridge in Philadelphia in 1949.
Can you drill into fence posts?
It is possible to drill into a concrete fence post. With the proper tools and approach, it's easier than you might think. There are some necessary things to take into consideration before you start drilling, such as the type of drills you will need and the specifications of your posts.
Can you drill through a post in a pole barn?
With a pole building, you can just run your wiring around the post (between the post and the siding) and between the girts – so you should be able to avoid drilling any holes. To answer the question for plumbing – you are not supposed to drill holes through a post larger than what is allowed.
Can you drill into precast concrete?
in these cases the drill bit can wander so may be an issue if you need precicely positioned holes. but given a bit of time and a decent drill bit it can be done. Depending on how many holes you need to drill an ordinary (Black & Decker type) hammer drill will struggle/burn out.
How do I know if my house has post tension slab?
How to tell if you have a post tension slab. Most homes that have post tension slabs have a sign that is stamped into a concrete garage floor, often near the edge of the garage door right in plain sight. Older homes with post tension slabs may have a plastic or paper sign fastened to the wall.
What is PT in construction?
For the repair and modification of post tensioning (PT) systems as well as post-tensioned concrete structure repair and protection, STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES offers highly specialized products and services including investigation, repair design support, repair and replacement components, corrosion protection products, strengthening solutions as well as new or replacement post-tensioning systems.
What is structural technology?
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES has an array of specialized products and systems used to repair, strengthen and protect post-tensioned structures. Our inventory includes product solutions for every component of a post-tensioning system – as well as specialized equipment used to install these systems in existing structures.
Why is post tension steel not protected?
Because the tendon is not in direct contact with concrete or grout, it is not protected by the alkalinity of these materials. As such, if post-tensioned steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture, corrosion can occur even in a chloride-free environment.
Where does corrosion occur in a post tensioning system?
Corrosion in unbonded post-tensioning systems can occur anywhere along the length of the tendon but typically occurs at low points where water can accumulate, at uncoated anchors, and at locations where less concrete cover is present.
Why are paper wrapped sheathing systems susceptible to corrosion?
Early commercially available unbonded systems were susceptible to corrosion including paper wrapped, plastic push-through (stuffed) and heat-sealed (cigarette wrapped) sheathing systems due to their susceptibility to the ingress of water. Grouted (bonded) post-tensioning systems have also experienced problems due to voids, water bleeding, and grouting problems.
Is post tension steel susceptible to corrosion?
Post-tensioned steel is also more susceptible to damage from chlor ide-induced pitting corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, and stress corrosion cracking. Above: Inspection of grouted (bonded) post-tensioned tendon.
Can anchor plates be embedded in concrete?
In some cases, components of the post-tensioning system such as uncoated anchor plates or exposed strands in front of or behind the anchors are not protected before being embedded directly in concrete. Environmental exposure to chloride or deteriorated grout pockets can cause localized corrosion.
Can post tensioned structures be subject to corrosion?
If post-tensioned structures are subject to corrosion, there are many options that will economically extend their useful service life. We are widely known as a leader in corrosion control technologies.
