This document discusses prestressed concrete, which involves applying an initial compressive load to concrete before it experiences tensile stresses from use. Prestressing concrete improves its strength in tension. There are two main types: pre-tensioned concrete uses steel tendons that are tensioned before the concrete is cast around them, while post-tensioned concrete uses tendons tensioned after the concrete is cast. Prestressing concrete allows for longer spans and greater loads than ordinary reinforced concrete.