Interview with engineer Ronald Steinvorth, president of IECA INTERNACIONAL

Post-tensioned systems are a term that is not always heard, but which is present in most of the current constructions since it offers very significant advantages for the erection of buildings, mainly in a country that bets on vertical developments.

How does the post-tensioned system work?

This system is used in concrete structures, material that has very low tensile strength, so it is necessary to use reinforcing steel rods in columns, beams, slabs and any other structural element.

Where are the post-tensioned structures used most frequently?

The system is commonly used in interfloor joists and slabs.

What are the main benefits of these systems?

Basically and very high efforts, that when pre-compressing the sections of concrete that are going to be in tension, it is possible to use lights or longer lengths with the same sections of concrete; for example, a beam of 80 cm in height can have longer lengths if post-tensioning is used in comparison with conventional steel. If used for mezzanine slabs, the use of beams can be eliminated, which speeds up the construction speed.

How frequent is its use in Costa Rica and in what type of buildings?

Currently the construction of post-tensioned slabs has become very common. Its construction in the country began to be used a few years ago, three or four years ago, and it is spreading in a remarkable way. Its use makes it possible to accelerate the speed of construction, since it is not necessary to use beams, since these slabs rest directly on walls and columns.