Post Tension Foundations

Michael Holigan.: And the first thing we need to do is put a wedge on each side of the cable. Now, that's after we put tension on. We don't want the cable to back up into the concrete, so we're going to go ahead and put a wedge on both sides now before we pull it.

Al Carrell: Yeah, and you notice all he has to do is just tap those wedges in place. That's a pretty easy step.

M.H.: That is very easy, both sides of the cable. Next thing is to put a hydraulic ram and attach it to the cable so he can stretch it and put tension on the foundation.

A.C.: Yeah, they put 5,500 pounds of pressure on that tension, on that cable.

M.H.: Yeah, you can see it right there on the gauge, and then that is going to give us the equivalent of 32,000 pounds per square inch of force pulling that concrete together. In case the ground ever shifts or we get a crack, it'll be pulling the foundation together at all times.

A.C.: The next step is to come in and saw off the ends of the cable.

M.H.: And then we're going to come back and fill it with a mortar and that's because you don't need to see the cable. You don't ever want to attach to it. It's there permanently. It's a permanent fixture in the foundation.

A.C.: And, it's such a good foundation that you don't ever need to get to it again.

M.H.: Yeah. My own building company has built approximately a thousand of these post tension foundations and I can only remember a couple of times ever having a problem. I mean, they are a great foundation, especially on soil that is going to shift and move.

A.C.: If it's done right, you'll never have a problem. Incidentally, Bobby and his crew are doing it right.

Episode 002 1995 - 96 Season

| Post Tension II | Regular Slab | Pier and Beam | Block and Slab | Watering Foundation | Basements | Radon Gas | How Much Down? | Faucet Replacement |

To order a Video Tape, call 1-800-TO-BUILD and ask for Episode #002.