Which statement describes post-tensioned concrete?

• A. High tensile steel cables are encased in tubing and wrapped to prevent adhesion, then the steel is stretched after concrete sets and anchored.
• B. Post-tensioned concrete is poured without any steel reinforcement.
• C. Steel cables are tensioned before pouring.
• D. Concrete is poured and no tensioning occurs.

Answer: (A)

Post-tensioned concrete uses high-tensile steel tendons placed inside ducts within the concrete, which are kept separate from the concrete during the pour so they can be tensioned later. After the concrete cures, those tendons are stretched with hydraulic jacks and anchored at the ends, imparting compressive force into the concrete. This compression helps the member resist tensile stresses, improves crack control, and allows longer spans.

The description in this option captures the essential sequence: steel cables enclosed in tubing to prevent adhesion, then tensioning after the concrete has set and anchoring to hold the compression. This distinguishes post-tensioning from other methods.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: post-tensioned systems rely on steel tendons to carry the post-tensioning force (not no steel reinforcement), tensioning happens after curing (not before pouring), and there is tensioning involved (not poured with no tensioning).