Post-tensioning is the construction methodology that is most commonly used to create "cast-in-place" prestressed concrete. Prestressed concrete can be produced by either the pretensioning method, where the reinforcing is "tensioned" prior to the concrete being placed, or by post-tensioning, where the reinforcing is "tensioned" after the concrete has been placed.

The pretensioning method is used in the precast industry and for sake of economy requires that all of the prestressed elements be constructed in a regular shape with no dimensional variations. For example, all beams must be built of the same dimensions and slabs must be the same thickness for a project regardless of the elementís span length or the loading condition. This may not provide the most economical solution since the d