North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

In an encapsulated post-tension system, how many hours after stressing should the watertight cap be installed?

1. Less than 1 hour

2. Less than 2 hours

3. Less than 4 hours

4. Less than 6 hours

The correct answer is: Less than 1 hour

In an encapsulated post-tension system, it is crucial to install the watertight cap promptly after stressing to ensure that the tendons remain protected from moisture and environmental elements. Installing the cap within one hour after stressing helps prevent any potential corrosion of the tendons and ensures that the integrity of the post-tensioning system is maintained. This is particularly important in encapsulated systems where the primary goal is to safeguard the tendons from the introduction of water or harmful substances that could compromise their effectiveness over time. Waiting longer than one hour increases the risk of exposure and could lead to long-term performance issues in the structure. Therefore, the requirement for the watertight cap to be installed in less than one hour after stressing aligns with best practices for the durability and effectiveness of the post-tensioning system.