About Post-Tension Foundations
Post-tension foundations are the standard solution for commercial construction on North Texas expansive clay soils. The tensioned cables compress the concrete slab, creating a rigid structure that resists the soil movement that destroys conventionally reinforced foundations in this region.
Our post-tension foundation work spans commercial buildings, multi-story residential, institutional facilities, and industrial structures. We work with structural engineers to implement their designs, installing tendons in precise patterns, pouring concrete to specification, and stressing cables to achieve the compression forces that make the system work.
The post-tension process requires experienced crews and strict quality control. Tendon layout must match engineering drawings exactly. Concrete placement must avoid disturbing cables. Stressing must occur at the right time with calibrated equipment. We maintain detailed documentation throughout the process for engineer review and building department inspection.
Post-tension foundations typically cost 15-25% more than conventional reinforced foundations, but the performance advantage in North Texas soil conditions makes them the preferred choice for any building expected to last decades. The reduced crack risk, improved long-term stability, and lower maintenance costs justify the investment for commercial property owners.
What’s Included
- Review of structural engineering drawings
- Subgrade preparation per geotechnical recommendations
- Vapor barrier installation
- Post-tension tendon placement and chairing
- Below-slab utility coordination
- Concrete placement with pump or direct
- Finishing to specified tolerances
- Concrete strength monitoring
- Tendon stressing per engineer specifications
- Stressing documentation and inspection coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
How do post-tension foundations perform on North Texas clay soils?
Post-tension foundations significantly outperform conventional foundations on our expansive clay soils. The pre-compression from tensioned cables creates a slab that acts as a rigid unit, resisting the differential movement that causes conventional foundations to crack. Most commercial buildings in the DFW area specify post-tension foundations.
When do you stress the cables after pouring?
Stressing typically occurs 3-7 days after concrete placement, once the concrete reaches adequate strength (usually 2500-3000 PSI). We coordinate stressing with the structural engineer's specifications and verify concrete strength through break testing before proceeding.
What documentation do you provide for post-tension work?
We provide detailed documentation including tendon layout as-builts, concrete placement records, break test results, stressing records showing achieved forces, and any observations for the structural engineer. This documentation supports inspections and becomes part of the building's permanent record.
Can post-tension foundations be modified or penetrated later?
Post-tension slabs can be penetrated for later modifications, but it requires careful planning to avoid cutting tensioned cables. We recommend having the original tendon layout documented and available for any future work. Ground-penetrating radar can locate cables when records are incomplete.
Do you install both bonded and unbonded post-tension systems?
We install both systems based on engineer specifications. Unbonded systems using greased and sheathed strands are more common in commercial construction. Bonded systems are sometimes specified for parking structures or elevated slabs. We have experience with both approaches.