Post Tension Cables

In the 70’s and 80’s, Calgary condos were being built with post-tension cable construction. This method is still being used today.

This method uses steel strands in plastic tubing which are cast inside the concrete. The purpose of this is to reduce the number of columns necessary to support the same amount of weight. The concern with this is that there is a risk of corrosion of the steel strands if water or oxygen can get it. If this happens, that concrete slab may be unable to support the weight any longer.  If the Corporation has been regularly having their post-tension system monitored by an engineering firm, and have been performing the maintenance as recommended by that firm, the building is no riskier than any other form of construction. However, the Corporation does need to set aside some funds in their reserve account to accommodate the possibility of a future expense. Upon purchasing, the documentation you receive will contain some information about the post-tensioning, indicating what the likelihood of future problems are and what they will cost. The budget will show if the Condo Corporation is, in fact, taking the recommendations of engineers and setting aside an appropriate amount of money.