Prestressed concrete is a form of concrete used in construction. It is substantially compressed during its fabrication, in a manner that strengthens it against tensile forces which will exist when in service. Prestressed concrete is used in a wide range of building and civil structures where its improved performance can allow for longer spans, reduced structural thicknesses, and material savings compared with simple reinforced concrete. Typical applications include high-rise buildings, residential slabs, foundation systems, bridge and dam structures, silos and tanks, industrial pavements and nuclear containment structures