Prestressed concrete is a combination of steel and concrete that uses compressive stresses applied during construction to oppose tensile stresses that occur in use. There are three main types: pre-tensioned concrete uses steel tendons tensioned before concrete is placed; bonded post-tensioned concrete uses unstressed steel placed then tensioned after curing; and unbonded post-tensioned concrete provides freedom of movement between steel and concrete. Pre-tensioned concrete requires molds that can resist internal forces and calculations to account for losses over time. Prestressed concrete provides benefits like reduced cracking and corrosion, higher strength, and more economical construction for bridges compared to steel.