The Application of Post-Tensioning in South Korean Architecture

As the demand for economic efficiency and scalability in building construction increases, the post-tensioning (PT) method has become an essential technique for constructing long-span structures and high-rise buildings. This study investigates the global and domestic history of the PT method, with a focus on its introduction to South Korea, and provides a comprehensive analysis of its application in modern Korean architecture. Using data from 970 PT projects completed between 1985 and 2024, this research explores key trends across time, region, building type, and span length. The findings reveal two significant growth periods in PT usage in South Korea-between 1994 and 1997 and from 2011 to 2020—followed by a decline due to this economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. PT applications were most concentrated in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, which together accounted for over half of all projects, while religious buildings represented the largest proportion of PT usage at 27.9%. Additionally, the average span length across the projects was 17.6 m, with sports and cultural facilities utilizing the longest spans. This study highlights the pivotal role of PT technology in shaping modern Korean architecture and its potential for continued growth in the future.