How is 'partially-prestressed' concrete defined?

Partially-prestressed concrete is characterized by the combination of tendons (which are high-strength steel cables or rods) and conventional reinforcing bars (rebar). This method harnesses the benefits of both prestressed systems, which provide tensile strength through the use of tendons, and traditional reinforcement methods that manage shear and flexural stresses effectively.

Using tendons alone, while effective, would not qualify as partially-prestressed, as that would consider only a fully-prestressed system. On the other hand, using rebar alone does not engage the benefits of prestressing, thus failing to enhance the concrete’s performance under load. The term 'formed offsite' relates to where the concrete is fabricated rather than its material components or structural performance, which is not relevant to the definition of partially-prestressed concrete. Therefore, the correct identification of partially-prestressed concrete as a combination of tendons and rebar highlights its function in utilizing both methods to optimize structural strength and durability.