After more than 40 years, the California home of post-tensioning pioneer Edward K. Rice, PE, FACI, stands as a testament to the durability of post-tensioning used with shrinkage-compensating Type K cement.

1. Edward Rice House
Los Angeles, California, USA
Project Abstract:
After more than 40 years, the California
home of post-tensioning pioneer
Edward K. Rice, PE, FACI, stands as a
testament to the durability of post-
tensioning used with shrinkage-
compensating Type K cement. This
combination created a house that is
durable (the home has exhibited no
cracks or leaking, even on the joint-free
roof), energy efficient, seismically sound
and, thanks to a custom-tinted,
aggregate-faced exterior, blends in with
the surrounding landscape. The thermal
mass of the concrete greatly cuts down
on the home’s HVAC demands, and Rice
has been able to make renovations
easily by tying new post-tensioned slabs
into existing construction.

2. Edward Rice House
Los Angeles, California, USA

3. Project Overview:
After more than 40 years, the California home of
post-tensioning pioneer Edward K. Rice, PE, FACI,
stands as a testament to the durability of post-
tensioning used with shrinkage-compensating
Type K cement. Built in the mid-1960s, the home
is anchored by concrete piers drilled into
bedrock, which help protect the house against
the landslides that are common to the region.
The walls and partitions are a composite of two
wythes of concrete masonry units, which serve to
sandwich-reinforce the concrete and help resist
seismic forces, as well as support the weight of
the post-tensioned second floor and concrete
roof deck.
Edward Rice House
Los Angeles, California, USA

4. Project Overview:
The roof, made of post-tensioned
Type K cement, was constructed
without shrinkage or movement-
control joints and has never cracked or
leaked, in spite of the absence of a
waterproofing membrane. Type K
cement was also used for elevated
post-tensioned slabs and slabs on
grade, neither of which have exhibited
signs of cracking throughout the
home’s history. The tendons used on
the home were custom-designed by
Rice, and are an early form of the
current anchorage and jack used in all
unbonded post-tensioned applications
today.
Edward Rice House
Los Angeles, California, USA

5. Edward Rice House
Los Angeles, California, USA
Project Overview:
The exterior’s custom-tinted,
aggregate-faced CMU blocks were
designed to resemble natural stone,
and skylights were formed by setting
slabs of structural glass into openings
in the roof deck. The thermal mass of
the concrete greatly cuts down on the
HVAC demands of the home. Rice has
also been able to make renovations to
his home easily by tying new post-
tensioned slabs into existing
construction.