One of the best things that could have happened for the Prestressed Concrete industry is the creation of HT Strands. This application offers many advantages including ease of installation and compatibility with standard concrete equipment without requiring a custom machine. The process also allows for simple removal and replacement of strands, making it more cost-effective than other methods which require multiple operations due to difficulties associated with strand removal in between.
This article gives 5 reasons why you should consider using these strands as part of your next project!
Simplified Manufacturing Process: The HT strand is a pre-coated ribbon of concrete that is delivered precast and ready to install. Compared to other types of prestressed concrete, the strands are more cost-effective because it takes less time to produce and has a short lead time. It also has an unlimited design freedom which allows you to achieve any profile you want on a project. The material itself is lightweight which makes it easy for construction crews to handle, move, and install the HT strands during construction. These features mean that even for large scale projects such as bridges, prestressed concrete does not have to be used in areas where there is limited space. This eliminates the need to store or manage heavy and bulky materials.
Cost-Effective Installation: Not only is it more cost-effective, it is also easier to install. The precoat on the HT strands allow them to be installed in an almost identical manner to standard concrete slabs, as they are laid in a similar way by a contractor and set into place by the use of setting forms.
The finished product is guaranteed for 15 years and unlike other methods, such as procuring, does not require the removal of existing concrete prior to installation. The HT strand-on-slab method allows for the replacement of old concrete without any additional cost, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Design Freedom: The HT strand comes in different lengths ranging from 16 inches to 6 feet and can be produced in a variety of profiles including flat, reverse C, tapered, and all over bar as long as there is enough space for the design. By using a shorter length such as 16 inches you can achieve more elegant designs by adding accents on alternating panels to create different compositions. These features enable you to achieve more complex designs which are traditionally difficult with other methods.
Versatility: The HT strand-on-slab method can be used for standard concrete as well as precast elements in construction. It also allows you to create outlines and geometrical shapes without the use of formwork which is not possible with other methods. There is no need for any formwork, epoxy, or welded rebar which increases cost-effectiveness, efficiency and speed of installation.
Convenient Replacement: In the event that an HT strand needs to be replaced, it can easily be removed without requiring crews to go into the middle of the slab and replace it with a new one.
Conclusion: Due to the numerous benefits of using the HT strand-on-slab method, it is widely used for highways and bridges which are often exposed to wear and tear. It is also widely used for aesthetic purposes in situations where concrete with a smooth finish is desired. This method may be a little more expensive than other methods, but the additional value that it brings to the project is priceless.
