Typically, bearings are found in bridges and form a cushion between the bridgepiers and the bridge deck. Replacing bridge bearings, when they have reached the end of their design life, requires the development of precise procedures and the application of heavy lifting techniques – jacking – to raise the bridge deck to allow removal and insertion of bearings.

The use of externally placed post-tensioning tendons to increase load carrying capacity is a well-established practice. In principle, induced tensile stresses in concrete due to additional loading can be negated by applying compressive stresses induced by post-tensioning. The technique is used mainly in bridges, where additional load carrying capacity is often required. For example, BBR VT CONA CMB external band tendons can be applied to ensure continued service of the bridges for a further period. External post-tensioning can be applied to buildings to increase structural strength. External tendons strengthen and increase the load capacity of a structure and their effect comes into play immediately after they are stressed, hence the technology often being called ‘active’ strengthening. CONA CME external tendons are the right solution for such applications.