In our region, it’s no secret that soil movement and foundation issues often go hand in hand. The good news? They can be managed. A post-tension (PT) foundation is more than just a different way to build a slab—it’s an engineered system designed to reduce and control the structural stresses that lead to costly problems over the life of a building.

Across Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, many homes are built on soils that expand when wet and contract when dry. Over time, this movement can cause visible signs of stress in a structure: hairline cracks forming in drywall, mortar joints in brickwork beginning to separate, or floors settling enough to make doors or windows stick. These changes may seem minor at first, but they often signal ongoing soil movement beneath the slab.

How Post-Tensioning Helps

Post-tension slabs are poured with high-strength steel cables (tendons) embedded in the concrete. Once the concrete cures, these cables are tightened to place the slab in permanent compression. This added compression increases the slab’s strength and stiffness, helping it resist soil-related movement and distribute loads more evenly.

While even a well-designed PT slab can develop cracks over time, these cracks are typically fewer, narrower, and less likely to affect the slab’s performance. Proper post-tension application ensures that any cracks that do occur remain tightly closed, preserving both function and appearance.

Built for the Life of Your Structure

Because of their ability to manage soil movement and control cracking, PT foundations help maintain the structural integrity of a building for decades. Straight walls, aligned brickwork, level floors, and a consistent roofline are easier to preserve, reducing the likelihood of expensive repairs. This stability also supports long-term property value by minimizing visible structural distress.

Regional Data, Smarter Design

While some projects begin with a site-specific soil report, not every job requires one. At Stresscon, we design foundations using either detailed site data or our extensive library of regional geotechnical information. This allows us to build slabs that are matched to the real-world conditions common in your area—whether or not a formal soil study has been completed.

The Stresscon Advantage

We’ve built our reputation on delivering foundations designed for longevity. Every slab is engineered to the Post-Tensioning Institute’s standards, installed by trained professionals, and backed by decades of local experience working with the soil conditions in our region.