prestressed
/priːˈstrɛst/
adjective
- Describing concrete or another material that has been strengthened by having internal stresses applied before use, typically by stretching steel cables or rods inside it.
- The new bridge was built with prestressed concrete beams to support heavy traffic.
- Engineers chose prestressed materials for the stadium roof to ensure it could withstand strong winds.
- Many modern parking garages use prestressed concrete because it is both strong and lightweight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb
- To apply internal stresses to a material (such as concrete) before it is put into use, in order to improve its strength and durability.
- To make the highway last longer, workers prestress the concrete slabs with steel cables.
- The construction company will prestress the concrete beams before installing them in the building.
- The factory uses a special machine to prestress the steel rods that reinforce the concrete.