Tendon placement, stressing awareness, and grouting control
Know the system before handling it
Pre-tensioning and post-tensioning differ in when the prestressing force is applied relative to concrete formation. Bonded and unbonded systems also have different protection and load-transfer arrangements. Identify the specified tendon, duct or sheath, anchor components, supports, and local reinforcement. Preserve the required profile because geometry is part of the designed structural effect. A damaged sheath, crushed duct, incompatible wedge, or displaced support is not a minor cosmetic issue. It needs assessment and an approved resolution before the work is concealed or loaded.
Respect the anchorage and stored energy
Anchorage zones transfer concentrated forces into concrete and may require specifically detailed local reinforcement. Do not omit bursting steel or substitute a convenient plate. Before stressing, verify the required concrete condition and authorization rather than a remembered number of curing days. Use the correct calibrated jack and gauge information. A readable pressure is not automatically a verified force, and another jack's curve may not apply. Establish the required exclusion arrangements and keep personnel out of potential lines of fire at all relevant locations.
Compare measured behavior with requirements
Record tendon identity, sequence, pressure, and elongation as required. Force indication and measured movement provide related checks; a target pressure does not excuse an out-of-range elongation. Investigate discrepancies through the approved process instead of increasing pressure without authorization or altering a record. Cutting strand tails is irreversible and must follow the required acceptance sequence. Hydraulic equipment presents injection and stored-pressure hazards, so leaks are not located by touching them, and disconnection requires the specified isolation and pressure control.
Treat grout as a controlled material
For a bonded duct, grouting needs a sound path, planned vents, appropriate connections, the correct mix, and the required testing and records. Duct damage, leakage, blocked lines, or uncontrolled water addition can compromise filling and protection. Temperature and elapsed time can affect usability. Follow the approved troubleshooting process if pressure approaches a limit; do not defeat a blockage by arbitrary overpressure or open a pressurized line. An unbonded sheath is not simply filled like a bonded duct. The actual system's engineering and manufacturer instructions remain the basis for hands-on operations.