Posters: The Future is Concrete: How Post-Tensioning Is Transforming our Tall Buildings

Tony Johnson
Executive Director
Post-Tensioning Institute, Detroit

To compete in today’s—as well as the future’s—marketplace, high-rise buildings must be designed and constructed to be both visually striking and highly functional. However, constructing a high-rise building comes with many design and architectural challenges. Post-tensioned concrete used in high-rises can provide a solution to tough design challenges, while providing opportunities to make a structure more visually interesting and appealing. Post-tensioning used in high-rise construction can result in functional structures that, due to the use of fewer building materials, are more sustainable. Post-tensioned buildings also allow for beautiful geometry, more frequent use of cantilevers, and longer column-free spans.

Engineers, architects, and contractors alike are tasked with acquiring the knowledge necessary to bring a post-tensioned structure from concept to construction. Therefore, training and certification programs that comply with requirements of various building code construction and repair specifications are integral. There is thus a need for proper training and education of personnel involved in post-tensioning field operations to ensure the performance, serviceability, durability, sustainability, and safety of post-tensioned concrete construction now and in the future.

Several award-winning building projects illustrate the functionality, beauty, sustainability, and high-performing characteristics of a post-tensioned concrete tall building. Special attention is given to the specific advantages of using post-tensioning in these projects, including their cost-effectiveness, innovation, and ability to overcome difficult design and construction challenges.