Prestressed Concrete Technology

Post-tensioning (PT) is a core capability at FRB. We deliver comprehensive prestressed concrete technology across bridges, buildings, concrete storage tanks, and geotechnical works. Beyond conventional structural systems, we utilize high-strength steel tendons, sophisticated anchorage systems, and controlled stressing procedures as practical engineering tools for specialized construction methods. From heavy lifting and structural rehabilitation to complex modifications requiring precise force control, FRB provides fully integrated solutions.

To execute these projects, FRB combines in-house engineering with certified fabrication and field execution. As part of our comprehensive capacity, FRB has partnered with BBV Systems—a premier German post-tensioning and geotechnical system house within the Implenia Group. This strategic partnership brings BBV’s high-strength bar systems, engineered and rigorously tested to ASTM A722 standards, directly to North America. Backed by decades of European infrastructure experience, these systems are now available to owners, engineers, and contractors across Canada and the United States through FRB.

Operating in British Columbia since 2019 and built on over 50 years of combined engineering experience, FRB supports every phase of a project. Whether deploying ASTM A416 7-wire strands for structural slabs or BBV ASTM A722 threaded bars for post-tensioning applications and critical ground anchoring, we provide design support, material supply, and field execution with a strict focus on safe, practical, and buildable PT systems.

Our post-tensioning services cover a wide range of applications, including:

Post-tensioning enables the design of longer spans, higher load capacities, and significantly improved durability in modern bridge construction by actively managing tensile stresses. This advanced technology facilitates the creation of slender, aesthetically pleasing profiles while minimizing structural deflection and cracking under heavy, dynamic loads. FRB expertly applies post-tensioning in both conventional cast-in-place systems and specialized segmental construction methods, ensuring rapid project delivery with minimal disruption. By optimizing material usage and enhancing structural resilience against harsh environmental factors, FRB provides a cost-effective, high-performance solution that maximizes the long-term lifecycle value of critical bridge infrastructure.

Post-tensioned slabs-on-grade offer a highly resilient and cost-effective foundation solution engineered to resist soil swelling, settlement, and cracking. By actively compressing the concrete, this system provides exceptionally stable, durable performance on expansive or problematic soils, including those frequently encountered in the Lower Mainland. FRB leverages this technology to dramatically reduce joint requirements and minimize concrete thickness, which accelerates construction schedules and lowers material costs. Suitable for diverse applications, ranging from expansive commercial warehouse floors to robust residential foundations. FRB’s post-tensioning expertise ensures a flat, low-maintenance surface that delivers uncompromising structural integrity over its lifespan.

Post-tensioning enables longer spans with thinner floor sections while significantly improving crack control and structural performance. While it primarily serves as a gravity load–resisting system, it also enhances structural integrity and resilience under seismic demands by tying the floor and column system together, allowing columns to act more effectively under load. Additional advantages include increased architectural design flexibility, accelerated construction, and reduced material usage, resulting in a durable, cost-efficient structural solution that improves lifecycle value and overall building performance.

Post-tensioning transforms the design and construction of containment structures such as tanks for water, LPG, LNG, and other oil-based fluids by enabling thinner wall sections while significantly increasing tensile capacity. This results in highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly storage structures. It improves structural performance, durability, and resilience, particularly in large-diameter tanks. PT is also a highly effective method for retrofitting existing tanks across different material systems. Drawing on experience from several storage projects, FRB applies PT to deliver reliable, long-lasting solutions.

Ground anchoring and shoring systems are critical for safe excavation support and soil retention, particularly in British Columbia’s complex geotechnical environments. FRB engineers and supplies highly reliable tieback and rock anchor solutions utilizing premium ASTM A722 high-strength threadbars and multi-strand tendon systems. These systems actively stabilize retaining walls, slopes, and deep foundation excavations by transferring tensile loads deep into competent soil or bedrock. Our customized anchoring solutions ensure unparalleled safety, minimize site footprints, and provide cost-effective permanent or temporary earth-retaining structures, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive, single-source engineering and fabrication capacity across North America.

Prestressed precast concrete is a highly favored method across North America for accelerating construction schedules while achieving exceptional structural quality control. FRB delivers turnkey solutions for precast facilities, designing and commissioning fully integrated production lines for headers, bridge girders, and commercial components. By supplying high-performance tensioning equipment, specialized anchorages, and high-strength ASTM A416 7-wire strands, we empower precasters to produce superior, crack-resistant concrete elements with increased span capabilities. As a single-source partner, FRB provides the engineering expertise and robust fabrication equipment necessary to optimize plant efficiency, reduce production cycle times, and ensure reliable manufacturing capacity for demanding projects.

Heavy Lifting method enables controlled, efficient displacement of large structural components, where weight and size are not limiting factors. They significantly improve quality and safety, mitigate risks, and accelerate the overall construction process by allowing structures to be built at accessible levels and lifted into position in a single operation. FRB has completed numerous heavy lifting operations, delivering measurable improvements in quality and construction speed.

The Incremental Bridge Launching Method (ILM) is an efficient and economical technique for constructing bridges over valleys, water, and roads under traffic. It enables safe, high-quality construction at abutment level with full access, followed by controlled launching of the structure into its final position. Based on our experience, ILM is an effective solution for a large portion of bridges with spans in the 20 to 60 m range. ILM is applicable to both prestressed concrete and steel bridges.

Our Offerings

We provide a full suite of post-tensioning services for both conventional prestressed systems and specialized applications, including:

1. Engineering Design and Consultation: Tailored post-tensioning solutions aligned with project requirements, including system selection, layout coordination, and methodology support.

2. Material and Equipment Supply:

3. Execution of the Work: Precise and efficient installation and stressing operations, ensuring safe, controlled, and high-quality results.