Forspændt

Forspændt is a Danish term that translates to "pre-stressed" or "pre-tensioned" in English. It refers to a method of applying internal stresses to a material or structure before it is subjected to external loads. This pre-stressing is typically achieved by introducing forces that counteract the expected stresses that will occur during normal use.

The primary purpose of forspændt is to improve the load-carrying capacity and durability of the material or structure. By creating an internal compressive stress, the material becomes more resistant to tensile stresses. This is particularly important in construction, where concrete structures are often forspændt to prevent cracking under tension. In this application, steel tendons are stretched and then anchored, exerting a compressive force on the concrete.

Forspændt techniques are widely used in civil engineering for bridges, beams, and other structural elements. It is also employed in mechanical engineering, for example, in the manufacture of springs or certain types of fasteners, to enhance their performance and longevity. The careful application of forspændt can lead to more efficient use of materials and the creation of lighter, yet stronger, structures and components.