1. to apply stress or tension to concrete or other materials before they bear a load
Usage: engineering; construction

1. stress applied to concrete or other materials before they bear a load
Usage: engineering; construction

Examples

• Engineers prestress the concrete beams to increase their strength.
• The bridge was built using prestressed concrete technology.
• Workers must carefully prestress the cables before installation.
• The prestress in the material helps prevent cracking under load.
• Modern construction relies heavily on prestressed structural elements.
• The amount of prestress determines the beam’s load capacity.