European Technical Approval No. ETA-06/0006

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European Technical Approval No. ETA-06/0006 

(English language translation, the original version is in French language) 

Version of 28 st July 2011 

Nom commercial 

Trade name 

Détenteur de l'ATE 

Holder of approval 

Type générique et utilisation prévue du 

produit de construction 

Generic type and use of construction 

product 

Valid from: 

to: 

Producteur du procédé 

Kit manufacturer 

Cet Agrément Technique Européen est 

un renouvellement de validité de 

This European Technical Approval 

extends 

Le présent agrément technique européen 

contient 

This European Technical Approval 

contains 

MEMBRE DE L'EOTA 

MEMBER OF EOTA 

Procédé de précontrainte VSL 

VSL Post-Tensioning System 

VSL INTERNATIONAL Ltd. 

Saegestrasse, 76 

CH-3098 KOENIZ 

Procédés de précontrainte des structures par posttension 

(Communément appelés procédés de précontrainte) 

Post-tensioning Kits for prestressing of Structures 

(Commonly called Post-Tensioning Systems) 

31/03/2011 

31/03/2016 

CTT-Stronghold, SA 

Ribera del Congost, s/n 

SP – 08520 Les Franqueses del Vallès (Barcelona) 

ETA-06/0006 valide du 31/07/2006 au 30/07/2011 

ETA-06/0006 with validity from 31/07/2006 to 30/07/2011 

8+(4+59+32) pages incluant 3 annexes (0, 1, 2) faisant 

partie intégrante du document. 

8+(4+59+32) pages including 3 annexes ( 0, 1, 2) which 

form an integral part of the document. 

Organisation pour l'Agrément Technique Européen 

European Organisation for Technical Approvals

European Technical Approval No. ETA-06/0006 1 

I - LEGAL BASIS AND GENERAL CONDITIONS 

1- This European Technical Approval is issued by SETRA in accordance with: 

- Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of laws, regulations and 

administrative provisions of Member States relating to construction products 1 , modified by Council 

Directive 93/68/EEC 2 and Regulation (EC) N o 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council 3 ; 

- Décret n°92-647 du 8 juillet 1992 4 concernant l'aptitude à l'usage des produits de construction 

- Common Procedural Rules for Requesting, Preparing and the Granting of European Technical 

Approvals set out in the Annex to Commission Decision 94/23/EC 5 ; 

- ETAG 013, Edition June 2002, Post-Tensioning Kits for Prestressing of Structures. 

2 - SETRA is authorized to check whether the provisions of this European Technical Approval are met. 

Checking may take place in the manufacturing plant(s). Nevertheless, the responsibility for the conformity 

of the products to the European Technical Approval and for their fitness for the intended use remains with 

the holder of the European Technical Approval. 

3 - This European Technical Approval is not to be transferred to manufacturers or agents of 

manufacturers other than those indicated on page 0, or manufacturing plants other than those indicated 

on page 0 of this European Technical Approval. 

4 - This European Technical Approval may be withdrawn by SETRA, in particular pursuant to information 

by the Commission according to Article 5 1 of Council Directive 89/106/EEC. 

5 - Reproduction of this European Technical Approval including transmission by electronic means shall be 

in full. However, partial reproduction can be made with the written consent of SETRA. In this case partial 

reproduction has to be designated as such. Texts and drawings of advertising brochures shall not 

contradict or misuse the European Technical Approval. 

6 - The European Technical Approval is issued by the approval body in its official language(s). This 

(These) version(s) corresponds (correspond) fully to the version circulated in EOTA. Translations into 

other languages have to be designated as such. 

1 o 

Official Journal of the European Communities N L 40, 11.2.1989, p. 12 

2 o 


3 o 

Official Journal of the European Union N L 284, 30.10.2003, p. 1 

4 

JORF du 14 juillet 1992 

5 o 


Version of 28 th July 2011


II - SPECIFIC CONDITIONS CONCERNING THE 

EUROPEAN TECHNICAL APPROVAL 

1 - Product definition and intended use 

1.1 - Product definition 

The VSL Post-Tensioning System consists, for convenience purposes, of two systems that rely upon a set 

of common basic components: the VSL Multistrand System and the VSL Slab System. 

According to this System, cables are considered to be primarily composed of ducts, tendons (using the 

0.6" 'normal' or 'super' strand, i.e. Ø 15.2 or Ø 15.7, those defined in the White Draft pr EN 10138-3: 

"Prestressing steels - Strands" or individually greased and sheathed monostrand complying with ETAG 

013 Annex C.1), anchorages and/or couplers and other components such as protective products 

necessary for ensuring either a permanent level of prestressing (during the entire reference life cycle) or a 

temporary one (over a limited period) for civil engineering structural elements, buildings or any other type 

of construction. 

As long as EN 10138 does not exist 7-wire strands in accordance with national provisions shall be used. 

The VSL Multistrand System (from 1 to 55 strand cables), defined in Annex 1 and intended more for 

massive civil engineering parts, is used along with the strands specified above and the following 

components: 

- ducts: 

- metallic: corrugated steel strip sheaths, steel tubes, 

- made of plastic, the VSL PT-PLUS® ducting, polyethylene or polypropylene sheaths or tubes, 

- anchorages: 

- active or passive type E (1 to 55 strands), type CS (7 to 37 strands), type GC (3 to 37 strands), , 

type NC (55 strands) and NC-U (55 strands), 

- using bond type H (1 to 37 strands), 

- fixed couplers type K (3 to 37 strands) and movable couplers type V (3 to 37 strands); 

- injection products: 

- for rigid injection: with a cement base, in accordance with EN 447 

- for flexible injection: with a grease base, with a wax base. 

Filling materials covered by an ETA may also be employed. 

The VSL Slab System (1 to 4 strands), defined in Annex 2 and primarily intended for thin construction 

elements for building or bridge decks, is used along with the strands specified above and either bare 

strands for the system with injection or individually greased and sheathed for the system without injection: 

- ducts for the system with injection: the circular or flat corrugated steel strip sheaths, the circular or flat 

VSL PT-PLUS® duct, 

- anchorages: 

- active or passive type S 6-1 (1 strand), S 6-1 PLUS (1 strand) and type S 6-4 (4 strands), 

- embedded dead end type SF 6-1 (1 strand) and SF 6-1 PLUS (1strand), 

- using bond: type H for the system with injection applied to internal bonded tendons only. 

- injection products for the system with injection: with a cement base, in accordance with EN 447. 

Filling materials covered by an ETA may also be employed. 

1.2 - Intended use 

The VSL Post-Tensioning System has been designed to ensure the equilibrium of structures or of 

sections of structures submitted to the gravity effects, live load effects, climatic effects or any other type 

of action as well as to the imposed set of deformations. 

The VSL Post-Tensioning System may be used for: 

- new structural works, 

- the repair and strengthening of existing structures. 



The VSL Post-Tensioning System may also be employed in structures made of other materials than 

concrete; this could entail structures made of concrete, masonry, steel, cast iron, wood or combinations 

of several materials. 

The tendons assembled as part of the VSL Post-Tensioning System may have the following basic use 

categories: 

- internal bonded tendon for concrete and composite structures, 

- internal unbonded tendon for concrete and composite structures, 

- external tendon for concrete structures with a tendon path situated outside the cross section of 

the structure or member but inside its envelope. 

(Cables for ground and rock anchors, external cables with a layout positioned beyond the structural 

envelope or the structural component, and stay cables are not covered by the present ETA). 

completed with the following optional use categories: 

- restressable tendon (internal or external), 

- exchangeable tendon (internal or external), 

- cryogenic applications, 

- internal bonded tendon with plastic duct, 

- encapsulated tendon, 

- electrically isolated tendon, 

- tendon for use in structural steel or composite construction as external tendon, 

- tendon for use in structural masonry construction as internal and/or external tendon, 

- tendon for use in structural timber as internal and/or external tendon. 

The tables presented in Chapters 1.4 and 3.4 of Annexes 1 and 2 establish the categories 

possible for each of the approved anchorages. 

1.3 Working life 

The provisions, test and assessment methods in the ETAG 013 have been written based upon the 

assumption that the estimated design working life (nominal design value of the intended life of a 

structure) of the PT System is the same as the one specified in the Eurocodes relevant for the structure 

in which it is intended to be used provided that the PT System is subject to appropriate use and 

maintenance (see Chapter 7 of ETAG 013). Eurocode 1 specifies 100 years design working life for 

bridges and other engineering structures. These provisions are based upon the current state of the art 

and the available knowledge and experience. 

The indication given on the design working life of a product cannot be interpreted as a guarantee given 

by the producer (or the Approvals Body) but is regarded only as a means for choosing appropriate 

components and materials in relation to the expected economically reasonable design working life of 

structures for the works. 

The relevant Eurocodes would be the following: 

ENV 1990 "Eurocode 0": Basis of structural design 

ENV 1991 "Eurocode 1": Actions on structures 

ENV 1992 "Eurocode 2": Design of concrete structures 

ENV 1993 "Eurocode 3": Design of steel structures 

ENV 1994 "Eurocode 4": Design of composite steel and concrete structures 

ENV 1995 "Eurocode 5": Design of timber structures 

ENV 1996 "Eurocode 6": Design of masonry structures 

2 - Product characteristics and verification methods 

2.1 - Product characteristics 

The components of the VSL Post-Tensioning System comply with the drawings and conditions described 

in Annexes 1 and 2 of this European Technical Approval. 

More detailed information related to confidential specifications (e.g.: materials, processing, surface, 

dimensions, tolerances, manufacturing methods and control procedures) are included in the Technical 

Evaluation dossier concerning this European Technical Approval, which has been deposited at the 



Approval Body. This set of information is also to be sent, whenever necessary, to the Certification Body 

responsible for Attestation of Conformity. 

Essential requirements 1 (mechanical resistance and stability) and 3 (hygiene, health and the 

environment) from Appendix I of the Construction Products Directive have been fulfilled. For the PT 

System, the other requirements need not to be complied with. 

Only product characteristics in relation to essential requirements 1 and 3 are to be verified. It should be 

pointed out that, depending on their specific nature, some prestressed structures or parts of prestressed 

structures may need to satisfy other requirements in respect to fire safety. 

2.2 - Verification methods 

Assessment of the fitness for use of the PT System with essential requirement 1 related to "mechanical 

resistance and stability" was carried out, as stipulated in the European Technical Approval Guide focusing 

on post-tensioning kits for prestressing of structures (ETAG 013). 

The performances assessed in accordance with ETAG 013 allow to fulfill all relevant essential 

requirements. Such performances deal for the most part with: resistance to static loads, effective load 

transfer to the structure, and resistance to fatigue. 

A set of specific tests were carried out as stated in ETAG 013 for the following optional use categories : 

electrical insulation and cryogenic applications. 

The methods for verifying, evaluating and assessing suitability and test procedures comply with those 

detailed in ETAG 013. 

According to the kit manufacturer’s declaration, the post-tensioning kit does not contain any dangerous 

substances. 

In addition to the specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European Technical 

Approval, there may be other requirements applicable to the products falling within its scope 

(e.g. transposed European legislation and national laws, regulations and administrative provisions). In 

order to meet the provisions of the EU Construction Products Directive, these requirements need also to 

be complied with, when and where they apply. 

This statement has been highlighted in Chapter 5 entitled "Injection and sealing" of both Annexes 1 and 2. 

3 - Evaluation, Attestation of Conformity and CE marking 

3.1 - The attestation of conformity system 

The system of attestation of conformity specified by the European Commission in mandate 98/456/EC 6 is 

the system 1+, with audit testing of samples, described in Council Directive (89/106/EEC) Annex III and is 

detailed as follow: 

3.1.1 - Tasks for the Kit Manufacturer (see Section 3.2.1): 

1) Factory production control, 

2) Further testing of samples taken at the factory by the manufacturer in accordance with a prescribed 

test plan (see Annex 0); 

3.1.2 - Tasks for the Certification Body (see Section 3.2.2): 

1) Initial type testing of the product, 

2) Initial inspection of factory and of factory production control (FPC), 

3) Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of factory production control (FPC) 

4) Audit testing of samples. 

3.2 - Responsibilities 

3.2.1 - Tasks for the Kit Manufacturer 

3.2.1.1 - General responsibilities of the Kit Manufacturer 

The Kit Manufacturer shall keep available an updated list of all components manufacturers. 

6 Official Journal of the European communities L201/112 of 3 July 1998 



This list is to be provided to the Certification Body. Another copy may also be made available to the 

Approval Body. 

The Kit Manufacturer is responsible for the production and quality of components manufactured or ordered. 

At least once a year, each components manufacturer has to be audited by the kit manufacturer. Each audit 

report shall be made available to the Certification Body. 

These audit reports include: 

- Identification of the components manufacturer 

- Date of audit of components manufacturer 

- Summary of the results and records of the FPC since last audit 

- Summary of the complaint records 

- Evaluation of the components manufacturer concerning FPC 

- Specific remarks as relevant 

- Clear and unique statement whether the requirement of the ETA are met 

- Name and position of signatory 

- Date of signature 

- Signature. 

At least once a year specimens are taken by the kit manufacturer from at least one job site. One series of 

single tensile element tests are performed according to Annex 0 (annex E3 of the ETAG 013) by the kit 

manufacturer with these specimens. One series of single tensile element tests are performed with 

components from only one site. The results of these test series are made available to the Certification Body. 

These reports include: 

- Identification of the job site where the components have been taken 

- Date of sampling 

- Identification of the components (e.g. anchor head, wedges, strand,…) 

- Place and date of testing 

- Summary of the results including a test report according to Annex E.3 of ETAG 013 

- Specific remarks as relevant 

- Name and position of signatory 

- Date of signature 

- Signature. 

The kit manufacturer makes available for at least 10 years all records of relevant results concerning the 

ETA and the audit reports concerning the components manufacturers. 

3.2.1.2 - Factory Production Control (FPC) 

3.2.1.2.1 - General 

The kit manufacturer exercises permanent internal control of the production. All the elements, requirements 

and provisions adopted by the kit manufacturer are documented in a systematic manner in the form of 

written policies and procedures. This control system ensures that the PT System is in conformity with the 

European Technical Approval. 

The Factory Production Control is in accordance with the control plan of VSL named QM relating to the 

European Technical Approval 06/0006 issued on 31-07-2006 which is part of the technical documentation 

of this european technical approval. The control plan is laid down in the context of the factory production 

control system operated by the manufacturer and deposited at SETRA. 

The basic elements of the control plan comply with ETAG 013 annex E1. The results of the factory 

production control shall be recorded and evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the control plan. 

FPC and the prescribed test plan are according to Annex 0, which address the following aspects: 

- manufacturing 

- distribution and delivery to job site. 

FPC system complying with EN ISO 9001 : 2000 and which addresses the requirements of the ETA is 

recognized as satisfying the FPC requirements of the Directive. 

Parts of the FPC may be transferred to an independent test laboratory. Nevertheless, the kit 

manufacturer has the full responsibility for all results of the FPC. 



3.2.1.2.2 - Control of the PT System components and materials 

The characteristics of incoming materials which comply with a harmonized European technical 

specification, having met the corresponding Attestation of Conformity procedure, are considered 

satisfactory and need, except in case of justified doubt, no further checking. All materials are to be in 

accordance with the requirements of the ETA and the corresponding specifications of the kit manufacturer. 

Where harmonized technical specifications are not available, materials according to specifications valid in 

the place of use may be used provided that their use is compatible with the results of approval tests. 

Otherwise, the specifications are given in the ETA. 

3.2.1.2.3 - Inspection and testing 

The validity of the type and frequency of checks / testing conducted during production and on the final 

product has to be considered as a function of the production process. This includes verification conducted 

during production, on properties that cannot be inspected at a later stage and verification on the final 

product. These include: 

- Definition of the number of samples taken by the kit manufacturer 

- Material properties e.g. tensile strength, hardness, surface finish, chemical composition,… 

- Determination of the dimensions of components 

- Check correct assembly 

- Documentation of tests and test results. 

All tests are performed according to written procedures with suitable calibrated measuring devices. All test 

results are recorded in a consequent and systematic way. 

The prescribed test plan relative to the PT System (see Annex 0) complies with stipulations in Annex E.1 of 

ETAG 013, including the minimum test frequencies to perform. 

3.2.1.2.4 - Control of non-conforming products 

Products which are considered as not conforming with the ETA are immediately marked and separated from 

such products which comply. The prescribed test plan addresses control of non-conforming products. 

3.2.1.2.5 - Complaints 

ETA Technical File includes provisions to keep records of all complaints about the PT System. 

3.2.2 - Tasks of the Certification Body (CB) 

The CB may act with its own resources or subcontract inspection tasks and testing tasks to inspection 

bodies and testing laboratories. 

3.2.2.1 - Initial type-testing 

The results from tests performed during the approval procedure and then evaluated by the Approval Body 

may be used by the Certification Body as initial type testing as required in the ETAG 013. 

3.2.2.2 - Initial assessment of factory and factory production control 

The Certification Body assesses both the factory capacities and the factory production control performed 

by the kit manufacturer in order to ensure that, in compliance with the prescribed test plan, the 

manufacturing resources and FPC are able to guarantee continuous and consistent manufacturing of PT 

System components in accordance with ETA specifications. 

3.2.2.3 – Continuous surveillance 

The Certification Body shall perform surveillance inspections, Components Manufacturers inspections and 

sample extractions either in the factories or on the job sites for the purpose of conducting independent 

tests under its responsibility. Continuous surveillance and FPC evaluation are to proceed in accordance 

with the prescribed test plan and in compliance with conditions laid out under the "Continuous 

surveillance" heading found in the ETAG 013 guide and in Figure 8.1 in particular. 

The kit manufacturer shall be inspected at least once a year. Its FCP will be checked and according to 

Annex E.2, samples are taken for independent testing. 



Each component manufacturer shall be inspected at least once during the period of validity of the ETA 

that is at least once in five years. 

The Certification Body shall provide SETRA, upon request, the results of certification and continuous 

surveillance. 

In cases of serious non conformities, related to important aspects of the performances of the posttensioning 

system, which can not be corrected within the deadlines, the certification body shall withdraw 

the certification of conformity and inform the SETRA without delay. 

3.3 – CE-Marking 

CE-marking is in accordance with the Construction Products Directive and the Guidance 

Paper "D" named "CE marking under the construction products directive" (EC/OEAT 04/645 Document). 

The delivery note, associated with the components of the PT System, shall contain the CE conformity 

marking which consist of the CE-symbol and: 

1. The name or identifying mark of the kit manufacturer 

2. The last two digits of the year in which the marking was affixed 

3. The number of the Certificate of Conformity 

4. The ETA number 

5 See information on ETA No 06/0006 

6. The use category(ies) 

7. The number of the Certification Body. 

All other information is clearly separated from the CE-marking and the accompanying information. 

4 - Assumptions under which the fitness for use of VSL PT System is favorably 

assessed 

4.1 - Production 

This European Technical Approval document has been issued for the VSL PT System on the basis of 

Manufacturer Technical Dossier (MTD) submitted and verified by SETRA 

Any anticipated changes to the process or in the production of components that may change the MTD 

must be notified to SETRA, which would then decide whether change affects the ETA and, consequently, 

the validity of the CE-marking and whether an additional assessment with modification of this ETA would 

be necessary. Under all circumstances, SETRA consent is required prior to enacting the planned 

modifications. 

4.2 - Installation 

The quality of a post-tensioned structure lies not only in its effective design, but also in the quality of its 

execution. As regards post-tensioning, it goes without saying that the appropriate use of the PT System, 

component quality and system installation quality serve to influence both suitability for the intended use 

and the design working life. 

Basic information has been provided in Annexes 1 and 2 of ETA document. Although such information 

proves essential for purposes of comprehending PT System application, it alone remains insufficient for 

proceeding with the installation step. For this reason, the Post-Tensioning System has been set up for 

installation to be performed by a PT Specialist Company. 

Even though this field is submitted to the national regulatory conditions of EU Member States, it should be 

recalled herein that the qualification of PT Specialist Companies encompasses their aptitude (specialized 

equipment resources and certified staff) first to design the prestressed parts of structures and then to 

prepare the corresponding set of components and work tasks, install the PT System (including cable 

tensioning using appropriate devices) and performing the injection of protective filling material. 

These last two tasks are to be carried out with equipment capable of meeting the requirements associated 

with attaining precise measurements of certain physical magnitudes. 

The tasks of design and installation may be extended, under some circumstances, by means of 

monitoring and adjustment (whenever necessary) of the installed PT System. 



5 - Indications 

5.1 - Packaging, transportation and storage 

Temporary protections, packaging, along with transportation and storage conditions for components of the 

VSL PT System have been designed to ensure availability for worksite installation without any alteration of 

their suitability for the particular intended use. 

The detailed conditions to be adopted relative to the ducts, reinforcements, anchorages and protective 

filling material have been set forth both in Chapter 7 of ETAG 013 and in the VSL Technical 

Documentation (associated with the European Technical Approval). 

5.2 - Installation 

The entire set of equipment used for installing the PT System is submitted to periodic maintenance and 

repair operations, whenever necessary. 

Tensioning equipment measurement systems (pressure or force, displacement and/or movement) that get 

included in the verification of magnitudes for the actions applied to structures undergo calibration in 

compliance with: Chapter 7 of ETAG 013, the national provisions, and the set of practices prescribed in 

the VSL Technical Documentation (associated with the European Technical Approval). 


Annex 0 of the European Technical Approval No. ETA-06/0006 1 

Annex 0 

ETA APPLICATION 

1 - Commitments assumed by the ETA Holder 

Once installed, the VSL Post-Tensioning System makes a vital contribution both to the permanent 

equilibrium of structures and to their durability. 

In light of the terms inherent in this European Technical Approval (ETA), which serve to certify the 

fitness for use of the PT System, its service capabilities and its working life as well as to prescribe the 

resources utilized by the companies involved (see Appendix D of ETAG 013), it is essential for each 

of the prerequisite measures to be applied during the fabrication and installation steps that 

accompany the design step in promoting proper use of the PT System. 

In this aim, the ETA Holder agrees to apply and ensure application of this approval by the Kit 

Manufacturer, the Component Manufacturers and the PT Specialist Companies such that the installed 

PT System proves capable of satisfying the designated set of basic requirements (in compliance with 

Construction Products Directive, Chapter 1, Article 2.1). 

2 - Responsibility of both the ETA Holder and Kit Manufacturer 

The components of the VSL Post-Tensioning System are produced in accordance with the conditions 

of the present European Technical Approval by the Kit Manufacturer and selected Component 

Manufacturers, using the production resources indicated and identified during inspections and on site 

audits performed by both the Approval and Certification Bodies. 

The Kit Manufacturer guarantees that all components of the PT System and relative individual 

components for which the ETA has been issued comply with the specifications given in the ETA. For the 

most important components, the following table summarizes the minimum procedures which have to be 

performed. 



"Prescribed test plan" 

1 2 3 4 5 6 

Component Item Test / Check Traceability 4 

Minimum Documenfrequency 

tation 

Anchorage zone components 

Material 7 

Check 100% 9 

"2.2" 1,6 

Detailed 

dimensions 5 

Test 3% 9 

Anchor plate 

Yes 

= 2 elements 

Visual inspection 3 

bulk 

Check 

6 

100% 9 

No 

Material 7 

Check 100% 9 

"3.1" 2 

Detailed 

dimensions 5 

Test 5% 9 

Anchor head, 

Coupler 

2 elements 

Yes 


full 

Check 

100% 9 


Material 7 

Check 100% 9 

"3.1" 2 

Treatment, 

hardness 

Test 0.5% 9 

= 2 elements 

Yes 

Detailed 

dimensions 5 

Test 5% 9 

Wedges, 

Compression 

fitting 

= 2 elements 

Yes 


full 

Check 

100% 9 

Current zone components 


Duct Material 7 

Check "CE" 2 

100% "CE" 2 


Check 100% No 

Strand Material 7 

Check 100 % "CE" 2 

Diameter 

Visual inspection 

Test Each coil No 

3 

National 

Check 

Certification 

till "CE" 2 

Each coil No 

Cement 7 

Check full 100% "CE" 2 

Constituents 

of filling 

material as 

per EN 447 

Admixtures, 

additions, ... 7 

Check bulk 100% "CE" 2 

Monostrand Material 7 

Check National 

Certification 

till "CE" 2 

100% "CE" 8 

Plastic pipes Material 7 


Plastic ducts Material 7 


All samples are to be extracted at random and clearly identified. 

Details on sampling procedures including methods of recording as well as test methods have been 

agreed between the Approval Body and the Kit Manufacturer as part of the prescribed test plan. 

Preferably standardized sampling and test methods are used. Generally all results are reported in the 

test reports in such a way to enable direct comparison with the specification’s data in the ETA or 

subsidiary documentation. 

1 

"2.2": Test report type "2.2" according to EN 10 204 (this applies to simple steel 

anchor plates only). 

2 

"3.1": Inspection certificate type "3.1" according to EN 10 204. 

If the basis of "CE"-marking is not available, the prescribed test plan has to include appropriate 

measures, only for the time until the harmonized technical specification is available. 



3 

Visual inspections means e.g.: main dimensions, gauge testing, correct marking or 

labelling, appropriate performance acceptability, surface fins, kinks, smoothness, corrosion, coating, 

etc., as given in the prescribed test plan. 

4 

5 

full: Full traceability of each component to its raw material. 

bulk: Traceability of each delivery of components to a defined point. 

Detailed dimensions mean measuring of all dimensions and angles according to the 

specifications as given in the prescribed test plan. 

6 

Only if the force transfer unit is a "simple plate". Otherwise appropriate procedures 

have to be introduced. 

7 

Material checks are included for information only as these are not part of the 

prescribed test plan. 

8 

If the basis of "CE"-marking is not available, the prescribed test plan has to include 

appropriate measures. The certificate shall be based on specific testing on the fabrication lot from which 

the supply has been produced, to confirm specified properties, and shall be prepared by a department 

of the supplier which is independent of the production department. 

9 

Procedure according to VSL Final Control Specifications. 

Note: Generally speaking, all tests, inspections, etc. are aimed at verifying that the information 

contained in manufacturing drawings as well as in the ultimate set of associated specifications has 

actually been applied to the components. 

During surveillance inspections, the Certification Body has to take samples of components of the PT 

System or the relative individual components for which the ETA has been granted for independent 

testing. For the most important components, the table given below summarises the minimum 

procedures which are performed by the Certification Body. 

"Audit testing" 

1 2 3 4 

Component Item Test / Check Sampling Number of 

components per visit 

Anchor head, Coupler Material according to specification Check, test 

1 

Detailed dimensions Test 

Visual inspection 10 Check 

Wedges, 

Material according to specification Check, test 2 

Compression fitting Treatment Test 2 

Detailed dimensions Test 1 

Main dimensions, surface hardness Test 5 

Visual inspection 10 Check 5 

Single tensile Single tensile element test 

Test 1 series 

element test according to Annex E.3 

Inclined Tube test Inclined Tube test as per Clause 

C.4.3.3.2.1 11 

Test 1 test 

All samples are to be randomly selected and clearly identified. 

Details on sampling procedures including methods of recording as well as test methods have been 

agreed between the Approval Body and the Kit Manufacturer as part of the prescribed test plan. 

Preferably standardized sampling and test methods are used. Generally all results are reported in the 

test reports in such a way to enable direct comparison with the specification’s data in the ETA or 

subsidiary documentation. 



10 Visual inspections means e.g. : main dimensions, gauge testing, correct marking or labelling, 

appropriate performance, surface, fins, kinks, smoothness, corrosion, coating, etc. 

11 Applied to special grout specified within the ETAG 013 in C.4.3 and this ETA. 

3 - Responsibility assigned the ETA Holder and PT Specialist Companies 

The respective tasks and responsibilities of the ETA Holder and PT Specialist Companies are 

expressed in Appendix D of ETAG 013. 

Installation of the VSL Post-Tensioning System is carried out in full compliance with the present 

European Technical Approval, all related European level documents, and all pertinent National 

application documents at the Country level. 


Annex 1 

TECHNICAL DATA 

OF THE 

VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM

Annex 1 of the European Technical Approval No ETA-06/0006 2 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Title Page 

1. DEFINITION OF THE SYSTEM 

1.1 PRINCIPLE OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 4 

1.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM UNITS 5 

1.3 ANCHORAGES 6 

1.3.1 PRESENTATION OF THE ANCHORAGES 

1.3.2 LIST OF APPROVED ANCHORAGES 

1.4 CATEGORIES OF USE, POSSIBILITIES AND OPTIONS 7 

1.4.1 USES AND OPTIONS OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 

1.4.2 POSSIBILITIES OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 

2. STRANDS AND DUCTS 

2.1 STRANDS USED 9 

2.2 DUCTING 9 

2.2.1 TYPES AND DIMENSIONS OF USABLE DUCTS 

2.2.2 METAL DUCTS 

2.2.3 PLASTIC DUCTS 

2.2.4 ACCESSORIES FOR INLETS, BLEED VENTS AND OUTLETS 

2.2.5 CONNECTION WITH TRUMPETS 

2.3 CABLE LAYOUT 11 

2.3.1 STRAIGHT LENGTHS BEHIND THE ANCHORAGES 

2.3.2 RADIUS OF CURVATURE 

2.3.3 SPACING OF SUPPORTS AND TOLERANCES 

2.3.4 STRAND CUT LENGTH 

2.4 INSTALLATION OF DUCTS AND STRANDS 13 

2.5 PROVISIONAL PROTECTION AND LUBRICATION 13 

2.6 CALCULATION ELEMENTS 13 

2.6.1 FRICTION LOSSES 

2.6.2 BASIS FOR EVALUATING ELONGATIONS 

2.6.3 SETTING OF ANCHORAGE WEDGES 

3. ANCHORAGES 

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ANCHORAGE COMPONENTS 15 

3.1.1 LIVE END / DEAD END ANCHORAGES 

3.1.2 COUPLERS 

3.1.3 PRESENTATION AND PACKING OF ANCHORAGES 

3.2 ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLY QUALITY 16 

3.3 INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS ANCHORAGES 16 

3.3.1 TYPE "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" ACTIVE END ANCHORAGES 

3.3.2 TYPE "E", "CS", "GC", , "NC" and "NC-U" PASSIVE END ANCHORAGES 

3.3.3 TYPE "H" BOND ANCHORAGES 

3.3.4 TYPE "K" FIXED COUPLERS 

3.3.5 TYPE "V" MOVABLE COUPLERS 

3.4 ANCHORAGE ARRANGEMENTS 18 

3.5 GEOMETRICAL AND MECHANICAL USE CONDITIONS 19 

3.5.1 CLEARANCE BEHIND STRESSING ANCHORAGES 

3.5.2 CONCRETE COVER AND ANCHORAGE SPACING 

3.6 LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 22 

4. STRESSING 

4.1 STRESSING EQUIPMENT 22 

4.1.1 STRESSING JACKS 

4.1.2 HYDRAULIC PUMPS 

4.1.3 MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS 

4.2 PROCESSES OF STRESSING AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 22 



4.2.1 FORCE MEASUREMENTS 

4.2.2 ELONGATION MEASUREMENTS 

5. INJECTION AND SEALING 

5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION 24 

5.2 INJECTION PRODUCTS 24 

5.2.1 PRODUCT FOR BONDED CABLES 

5.2.2 PRODUCT FOR UNBONDED CABLES 

5.3 INJECTION EQUIPMENT 25 

5.4 INJECTION AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 25 

5.5 SEALING 26 

6. SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS 27 



CHAPTER 1 

DEFINITION OF THE SYSTEM 

1.1 PRINCIPLE OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 

The cable or unit of the VSL Multistrand System is composed of a bundle of strands made of high-strength steel 

called a "tendon", along with the associated set of anchorages. 

The tendon has to be encased within a duct such as a sheath or tube, etc. The void thereby produced can 

potentially be filled with an injected material for the purpose of bonding with the structure and/or inhibiting 

corrosion. 

The constituting strands are those defined in the European Standard White Draft pr EN 10138-3: "Prestressing 

steels - Strand". They refer to 7-wire strands with nominal diameters of 15.2 and 15.7 mm (fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

or fpk = 1 770 N/mm 2 ). 

As long as EN 10138 does not exist, 7-wire strands in accordance with national provisions shall be used. 

The VSL Multistrand system is able to accommodate bare strands and individually sheathed and greased 

(protected) monostrands. 

By varying both the strand diameter and number (and, if applicable, their specified characteristic value of 

maximum force), it would be possible to obtain a value for the characteristic tensile strength per cable or unit 

that varies between 260 and 15 345 kN. 

All strands of a cable are simultaneously stressed, yet each one is individually locked within a conical anchoring 

hole by means of wedges. 

The anchorage function is performed by clamping during strand moving back at the time of pressure release in 

the jack. 

The choice of post-tensioning units, as dictated by force requirements, leads for a given strand diameter and 

characteristic strength to a specific number of strands to be placed. In conjunction with this design element, the 

choice of type of anchorage associated with the cable depends on the intended function and application of the 

particular unit. 

The designation of post-tensioning units is expressed with reference to both the type and number of component 

strands. The VSL commercial labeling is explained below: 

The labeling of units 6-1… 6-55 or 6S-1… 6S-55 signifies: 

the first digit indicates strand diameter, 

6 = 6 × 1/10" = T15.2 15.2 mm 

6S = 6 × 1/10" S = T15.7 15.7 mm (S stands for super). 

the subsequent digits indicate the number of strands composing the unit. 

To provide greater detail, the designation of units begins with the names of the anchorages placed at the ends. 

The following designation serves as an example: 

Cable VSL E-E 6S-12 L = 50.000 (1) 

The functions and names of the anchorages will be defined hereafter. The cable features a length of 50.000 m 

and has been stressed at one (1) end. 

To cover the entire range from 1 to 55 strands, an array of basic anchorages has been developed, i.e.: 1 - 2 - 3 - 

4 - 7 - 12 - 15 - 19 - 22 - 27 - 31 - 37 - 43 - 55, thus enabling the creation of any intermediate unit, considering 

that the number of strands placed may be less than the number of conical holes of the anchorage. 

In incompletely filled anchor heads, the present strands have to be arranged to centre the applied load to the 

anchor head. 



1.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM UNITS 

On the basis of the strand characteristics defined in draft Standard "pr EN 10138-3: Prestressing steels - Part 3: 

Strand", the values of tendon cross-sections Ap, maximum forces under anchorage upon tensioning recom- 

mended by EN 1992-1-1 : Pmax = min {k1.Ap.fpk; k2.Ap.fp0.1k}, with k1 = 0.8, k2 = 0.9, fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 , fp0.1k = 

0.88 fpk, of VSL post-tensioning units are as follows : 

Number of 

strands in the 

prestressing 

unit 

Ap 

STRAND 15.2 - T15.2 or 6 

fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

Fpk = 260 kN Fp0.1k = 229 kN 

Ap.fpk 

0.8 

Ap.fpk 

Ap.fp0.1k 

0.9 

Ap.fp0.1k 

Version of 28 th July 2011 

Ap 

STRAND 15.7 - T15.7 or 6S 

fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

Fpk = 279 kN Fp0.1k = 246 kN 

Ap.fpk 

0.8 

Ap.fpk 

Ap.fp0.1k 

0.9 

Ap.fp0.1k 

mm² kN kN kN kN mm² kN kN kN kN 

1 140 260.0 208.0 229.0 206.1 150 279.0 223.2 246.0 221.4 

2 280 520.0 416.0 458.0 412.2 300 558.0 446.4 492.0 442.8 

3 420 780.0 624.0 687.0 618.3 450 837.0 669.6 738.0 664.2 

4 560 1 040.0 832.0 916.0 824.4 600 1 116.0 892.8 984.0 885.6 

5 700 1 300.0 1 040.0 1 145.0 1 030.5 750 1 395.0 1 116.0 1 230.0 1 107.0 

6 840 1 560.0 1 248.0 1 374.0 1 236.6 900 1 674.0 1 339.2 1 476.0 1 328.4 

7 980 1 820.0 1 456.0 1 603.0 1 442.7 1 050 1 953.0 1 562.4 1 722.0 1 549.8 

8 1 120 2 080.0 1 664.0 1 832.0 1 648.8 1 200 2 232.0 1 785.6 1 968.0 1 771.2 

9 1 260 2 340.0 1 872.0 2 061.0 1 854.9 1 350 2 511.0 2 008.8 2 214.0 1 992.6 

10 1 400 2 600.0 2 080.0 2 290.0 2 061.0 1 500 2 790.0 2 232.0 2 460.0 2 214.0 

11 1 540 2 860.0 2 288.0 2 519.0 2 267.1 1 650 3 069.0 2 455.2 2 706.0 2 435.4 

12 1 680 3 120.0 2 496.0 2 748.0 2 473.2 1 800 3 348.0 2 678.4 2 952.0 2 656.8 

13 1 820 3 380.0 2 704.0 2 977.0 2 679.3 1 950 3 627.0 2 901.6 3 198.0 2 878.2 

14 1 960 3 640.0 2 912.0 3 206.0 2 885.4 2 100 3 906.0 3 124.8 3 444.0 3 099.6 

15 2 100 3 900.0 3 120.0 3 435.0 3 091.5 2 250 4 185.0 3 348.0 3 690.0 3 321.0 

16 2 240 4 160.0 3 328.0 3 664.0 3 297.6 2 400 4 464.0 3 571.2 3 936.0 3 542.4 

17 2 380 4 420.0 3 536.0 3 893.0 3 503.7 2 550 4 743.0 3 794.4 4 182.0 3 763.8 

18 2 520 4 680.0 3 744.0 4 122.0 3 709.8 2 700 5 022.0 4 017.6 4 428.0 3 985.2 

19 2 660 4 940.0 3 952.0 4 351.0 3 915.9 2 850 5 301.0 4 240.8 4 674.0 4 206.6 

20 2 800 5 200.0 4 160.0 4 580.0 4 122.0 3 000 5 580.0 4 464.0 4 920.0 4 428.0 

21 2 940 5 460.0 4 368.0 4 809.0 4 328.1 3 150 5 859.0 4 687.2 5 166.0 4 649.4 

22 3 080 5 720.0 4 576.0 5 038.0 4 534.2 3 300 6 138.0 4 910.4 5 412.0 4 870.8 

23 3 220 5 980.0 4 784.0 5 267.0 4 740.3 3 450 6 417.0 5 133.6 5 658.0 5 092.2 

24 3 360 6 240.0 4 992.0 5 496.0 4 946.4 3 600 6 696.0 5 356.8 5 904.0 5 313.6 

25 3 500 6 500.0 5 200.0 5 725.0 5 152.5 3 750 6 975.0 5 580.0 6 150.0 5 535.0 

26 3 640 6 760.0 5 408.0 5 954.0 5 358.6 3 900 7 254.0 5 803.2 6 396.0 5 756.4 

27 3 780 7 020.0 5 616.0 6 183.0 5 564.7 4 050 7 533.0 6 026.4 6 642.0 5 977.8 

28 3 920 7 280.0 5 824.0 6 412.0 5 770.8 4 200 7 812.0 6 249.6 6 888.0 6 199.2 

29 4 060 7 540.0 6 032.0 6 641.0 5 976.9 4 350 8 091.0 6 472.8 7 134.0 6 420.6 

30 4 200 7 800.0 6 240.0 6 870.0 6 183.0 4 500 8 370.0 6 696.0 7 380.0 6 642.0 

31 4 340 8 060.0 6 448.0 7 099.0 6 389.1 4 650 8 649.0 6 919.2 7 626.0 6 863.4 

32 4 480 8 320.0 6 656.0 7 328.0 6 595.2 4 800 8 928.0 7 142.4 7 872.0 7 084.8 

33 4 620 8 580.0 6 864.0 7 557.0 6 801.3 4 950 9 207.0 7 365.6 8 118.0 7 306.2 

34 4 760 8 840.0 7 072.0 7 786.0 7 007.4 5 100 9 486.0 7 588.8 8 364.0 7 527.6 

35 4 900 9 100.0 7 280.0 8 015.0 7 213.5 5 250 9 765.0 7 812.0 8 610.0 7 749.0 

36 5 040 9 360.0 7 488.0 8 244.0 7 419.6 5 400 10 044.0 8 035.2 8 856.0 7 970.4 

37 5 180 9 620.0 7 696.0 8 473.0 7 625.7 5 550 10 323.0 8 258.4 9 102.0 8 191.8 

38 5 320 9 880.0 7 904.0 8 702.0 7 831.8 5 700 10 602.0 8 481.6 9 348.0 8 413.2 

39 5 460 10 140.0 8 112.0 8 931.0 8 037.9 5 850 10 881.0 8 704.8 9 594.0 8 634.6 

40 5 600 10 400.0 8 320.0 9 160.0 8 244.0 6 000 11 160.0 8 928.0 9 840.0 8 856.0 

41 5 740 10 660.0 8 528.0 9 389.0 8 450.1 6 150 11 439.0 9 151.2 10 086.0 9 077.4 

42 5 880 10 920.0 8 736.0 9 618.0 8 656.2 6 300 11 718.0 9 374.4 10 332.0 9 298.8 

43 6 020 11 180.0 8 944.0 9 847.0 8 862.3 6 450 11 997.0 9 597.6 10 578.0 9 520.2 

44 6 160 11 440.0 9 152.0 10 076.0 9 068.4 6 600 12 276.0 9 820.8 10 824.0 9 741.6 

45 6 300 11 700.0 9 360.0 10 305.0 9 274.5 6 750 12 555.0 10 044.0 11 070.0 9 963.0 

46 6 440 11 960.0 9 568.0 10 534.0 9 480.6 6 900 12 834.0 10 267.2 11 316.0 10 184.4 

47 6 580 12 220.0 9 776.0 10 763.0 9 686.7 7 050 13 113.0 10 490.4 11 562.0 10 405.8 

48 6 720 12 480.0 9 984.0 10 992.0 9 892.8 7 200 13 392.0 10 713.6 11 808.0 10 627.2 

49 6 860 12 740.0 10 192.0 11 221.0 10 098.9 7 350 13 671.0 10 936.8 12 054.0 10 848.6 

50 7 000 13 000.0 10 400.0 11 450.0 10 305.0 7 500 13 950.0 11 160.0 12 300.0 11 070.0 

51 7 140 13 260.0 10 608.0 11 679.0 10 511.1 7 650 14 229.0 11 383.2 12 546.0 11 291.4 

52 7 280 13 520.0 10 816.0 11 908.0 10 717.2 7 800 14 508.0 11 606.4 12 792.0 11 512.8 

53 7 420 13 780.0 11 024.0 12 137.0 10 923.3 7 950 14 787.0 11 829.6 13 038.0 11 734.2 

54 7 560 14 040.0 11 232.0 12 366.0 11 129.4 8 100 15 066.0 12 052.8 13 284.0 11 955.6 

55 7 700 14 300.0 11 440.0 12 595.0 11 335.5 8 250 15 345.0 12 276.0 13 530.0 12 177.0 

Note : prestressing force applied to structure must be in accordance with national regulations.


Temporary overstressing is permitted in accordance with the requirements of EN 1992-1-1 to a maximum force 

of k3.Ap.fp0.1k, with k3 = 0.95. 

The system can obviously be used with strands displaying a specific characteristic tensile strength of less than 

that proposed in the table as strands with fpk = 1 770 N/mm 2 . The provisions for tendons with strands with a 

characteristic tensile strength fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 also apply to tendons with strands with fpk < 1 860 N/mm 2 . 

The draft Standard pr EN 10138-3 sets the following criteria for the other useful characteristics of prestressing 

strands composing the VSL units: 

- Elongation at maximal force: 3.5% 

- Relaxation at 0.70 fpk after 1,000 hours: 2.5% 


- Fatigue behavior (0.70 fpk; 190 N/mm 2 ): 2x10 6 cycles 

- Maximum D value of deflected tensile test: 28% 

- Modulus of elasticity Ep: 195 000 N/mm 2 

Even though the modulus of elasticity of both the tendon or bundle of strands and the (single) strand are 

somewhat different, VSL still recommends adopting, for the cable calculations, the measured strand value that 

had been transmitted upon delivery of the supply of strands. 

Individually greased and sheathed monostrands have the same mechanical properties as listed above for bare 

strands. 

1.3 ANCHORAGES 


The VSL Multistrand System anchorages may, depending on their function and commercial labeling, be 

classified as one of the following: 

Type "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" active end anchorages 

These active anchorages are designed to anchor the tendons at the end through which stressing of the entire 

set of bundled strands will be carried out. 

They are composed of an anchor head (cylindrical for the "E" anchor head or a cylindrical / hexagonal-base 

prism for the "CS" anchor head) drilled with the same number of conically-shaped holes as strands to be 

anchored; the anchoring step is performed at each strand using wedges inside the conical holes to provide a 

strong grip. 

The anchor head is supported by the concrete via an "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" or "NC-U" type anchor plate 

connected to an "E", "CS", "GC" type trumpet housing deviating the strands to the current duct. 

The "NC" and "NC-U" anchor plate comprises its own deviating trumpet (ditto for smallest "GC" anchor plates). 

Type "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" passive end anchorages 

These passive anchorages serve to block the tendons at the end on which no stressing force is to be exerted. 

The "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" category only includes those anchorages that remain accessible at the 

time of stressing. These anchorages, which feature pre-clamped wedges and which may be controlled during 

stressing, are used for this purpose. 

Type "H" bonded anchorages 

These dead end anchorages rely, at least in part, on bond in order to maintain the tendon extremity fastened 

with respect to the concrete. 

In type "H" anchorages, the clean strands exhibit wires, over a given bond length, folded at their extremities to 

form an onion. 

Type "K" fixed couplers 

Version of 28 th These anchorages ensure the continuity of two tendons placed in tension one after the other when two distinct 

phases of the construction job overlap and the first phase cable is stressed before stressing the second phase 

cable. 

Within "K" type fixed couplers, the first-phase cable is anchored on the coupler side with a type "E", "CS" or 

"GC" anchor (transfer) plate whose head labeled "K" contains the housing units for the coupling elements 

around its periphery. 

The second phase cable, on the coupler side, is anchored by means of compression fittings on the strands 

placed into the aforementioned housings. The two coupled tendons must be units of the same number of 

strands and the force in the second phase cable shall not be larger than the force in the first phase cable. 

July 2011


The coupling is then insulated from the concrete by means of a sleeve. 

Type "V" movable couplers 

These anchorages ensure the continuity of two lengths of a tendon which are stressed simultaneously. 

Within "V" type mobile couplers the "movable" head labeled "K" – described here before – coupling the two 

lengths is mobile in its sleeve. The coupling head where the opposite strands are locked with compression 

fittings is equipped with retaining plates. The two coupled lengths must be units of the same number of strands. 

The coupling is insulated from the concrete by means of the sleeve. 


The set of approved anchorages that allow creating all sorts of intermediate prestressing units have been 

categorized in the following table: 

ANCHORAGE 

Function Active end Passive end Bond Coupler 

CABLE 

Unit Label E CS GC NC NC-U E CS GC NC NC-U H K V 

1T15.2 / 1T15.7 6-1/6S-1 

2 2 

3 3 

4 4 

7 7 

12 12 

15 15 

19 19 

22 22 

27 27 

31 31 

37 37 

43 43 

55 55 

The stressing of tendons at PT system anchorages is only conducted by VSL stressing jacks, which are 

presented in Chapter 4. 

1.4 CATEGORIES OF USE, POSSIBILITIES AND OPTIONS 

1.4.1 USES AND OPTIONS OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 

VSL Multistrand System units may be: 

- internal or external (to the concrete or to one another material), 

- with or without a bonded or unbonded permanent injection, and 

- applied in structures composed indiscriminately of various construction materials. 

These units may entail: 

- an adjustable force, and/or 

- the potential for replacement provided the absence of bonding with the structure. 

They can also be conceived for applications that are: 

- cryogenic, 

- encapsulated (leak-tight, waterproof), and 

- electrically isolated (electrical isolation implies a strong waterproofing). 

Uses Anchorages 

internal* bonded cable with metallic duct 

internal* bonded cable with plastic duct 

internal* unbonded 

E CS GC NC NC-U H K V 

external* bonded cable 

external* unbonded cable 

tendon for use in various material as external cable 

restressable tendon 

E CS GC NC NC-U H K V 



exchangeable tendon 

cryogenic applications 

encapsulated tendon (leak tight) 

electrically isolated tendon 

(*) of concrete 

As noted before, 

- absence of bonding with the structure for exchangeable cable means soft injection or double pipe at 

anchorage and deviator in case of rigid injection. The clearance between outside diameter of tendon 

duct and inside diameter of formwork pipe in structure has to be 10 mm minimum. 

- the VSL Multistrand System may be introduced without grouting, which for example is the case when 

tendons are left without protection due to their provisional use, or their location within a neutral 

environment. 

It goes without saying that all these potential uses and options presume the availability of adequate choices and 

combinations of all cable components as indicated in this ETA: 

- for strands see Chapter 2.1 "Strands used", 

- for ducts see Chapter 2.2 "Ducting", 

- for anchorages see Chapter 3.4 "Anchorage arrangements", 

- for injection see Chapter 5.2 "Injection products". 

1.4.2 POSSIBILITIES OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 

The VSL Multistrand System is able to take advantage of the following unique set of possibilities: 

- Partial stressing or stressing in stages: 

When prestressing needs to be applied gradually, the stressing may be performed in stages. As the first 

partial stressing step gets carried out, at the beginning of the second stage, the wedges are unclamped by 

action of the jack on the cable. Once the targeted force has been reached, pressure in the jack is relaxed 

and the wedges are once again clamped inside the anchor head. This procedure consists of the same 

steps as for tensioning of a long cable whose elongation necessitates several successive jack strokes. 

- Overstressing with shimming: 

Upon loading of the anchorage during releasing the jack pressure, due to wedges draw in, a simultaneous 

setting of the strands takes place causing a reduction of elongation and a drop in tension at the cable end. 

It is still possible however to adjust tension to the desired value by use of a jack chair ring that enables 

pressing the jack no longer upon the anchor head but rather via jack chair upon the bearing plate. In this 

case, since the stressing had been conducted under typical conditions and the wedges locked definitively, 

tensioning is resumed by bringing the head back to the target displacement (the wedge draw in or other 

value), and then shimming between the anchor head and the anchor plate with split shim (see chapter 

2.6.3). 

- Destressing procedure: 

The destressing of an anchored cable by a type "E" or "CS" anchor head is possible using a special tooling 

assembly mounted on the tensioning jack provided that (1) the required strand overlengths have been 

conserved, (2) that the tendon remains unbonded to the structure. The required strand overlength exceeds 

the values provided in Chapter 6. 

From the aforementioned, two zones would appear to stand out, the free length and the anchorage zone; they 

will be presented in greater detail within the following chapters entitled "Strands and ducts" and "Anchorages". 



2.1 STRANDS USED 

The high-strength prestressing steel (strands) composing the tendons are labeled "Y1860S7 – No. 1.1366" and 

are defined in the draft Standard "pr EN 10138-3: Prestressing steels – Part 3: Strand". Alternatively, the 

strands labeled "Y1770S7 – No. 1.1365" may also be employed. 

The primary characteristics have been recalled in Section 1.2. 

Monostrands (individually greased and sheathed) can be used for unbonded tendons, either internal or external 

to concrete or other materials. They are compliant with Annex C.1 of the ETAG 013, which specifies the 

requirements, verification methods and acceptance criteria of both the grease and the sheathing. 

2.2 DUCTING 

The VSL Multistrand System can use several types of duct as provided in this section. Duct type selection 

depends on the specific project, the final use designed for the structure and the options selected for the posttensioning 

units. 

2.2.1 TYPES AND DIMENSIONS OF THE USABLE DUCTS 

Depending on the specific application, various types of ducts may be employed. From a general standpoint, the 

ducts used must be mechanically resistant, display continuity in shape, ensure continuity of the seal and, 

ultimately, continuity in electrical insulation over their entire length, as well as comply with the project's bond 

requirements while not causing any chemical attack to the prestressing steel. 

Without claiming to be exhaustive, the following table of frequently-used ducts can be cited as having 

demonstrated their capacities in the uses and applications associated with the given options: 

Applications 

Ducts 

Corrugated metal 

duct 

CHAPTER 2 

STRANDS AND DUCTS 

Metal Ducts Plastic Ducts 

Smooth metal duct 


VSL PT-PLUS 

Duct 

Smooth plastic duct 

polyethylene, 

polypropylene 

Internal with 

standard NR NR 

Cable, 

in the 

concrete 

bonded 

injection 

cryogenic 

encapsulated 

electricallyisolated 

NA 

NA 

NR 

NR 

NA 

º 

º 

NR 

NR 

NR 

with 

unbonded 

injection ² 

standard + 

encapsulated 


restressable 

NA 

NA NA 

NR 

NR 

and/or 

replaceable 

NA NR 

External 

Cable, 

out of 

the 

concrete 

(or other 

material) 

with 

bonded 

injection 

with 

unbonded 

injection ² 

standard + 

encapsulated 


standard + 

encapsulated 


restressable 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

¹ 

NA 

¹ 

NR³ 

NR 

NR 

NR 

NR 

and/or 

replaceable 

NA ¹ NR 

For the other materials such as masonry, wood, etc., refer to conditions relative to concrete and take into account the 

installation constraints, which may be of various types. 

Notes: º) This set-up features a fully-bonded cable. ¹) Smooth ducts in polyethylene or polypropylene are the most 

common. ²) Strands defined in chap. 2.1, i.e. bare strands with total unbonded injection of duct or (individually greased 

and sheathed) monostrands in rigid filling of duct. ³) Using monostrands. 

: Advised ~: Possible NR: not recommended NA: not allowed


The VSL Multistrand System's post-tensioning tendon ducts, for the most part with a circular cross-section, must 

display an internal diameter large enough to provide for easy strands installation and adequate filling during 

injection of the protective filling product. 

With this objective, VSL recommends an internal duct diameter Øint 1.8 p , where Ap is the nominal crosssection 

of the strands composing the unit. This relation is suitable for the case of threading the tendons by 

means of pushing through strand by strand into the ducts installed prior to concreting. In the case of 

prefabricated cables, it is authorized to adopt a duct with a smaller diameter. Moreover, during the calculations, 

it is necessary to consider the distance (called eccentricity) existing between the center of the duct and the 

center of gravity of the strand bundle cross-section. 

The recommended duct dimensions, along with the corresponding eccentricity values, are given in Chapter 6. 

The ducts, depending on their type and capacities, may be provided on coil or in straight segments. 


The tendons are most often (as per the "STANDARD" solution) isolated from the concrete by means of 

corrugated steel strip sheaths. According to Standard EN 523, they are either normal (Category 1), i.e. "normal 

sheaths", or (Category 2), i.e. "rigid sheaths" but bendable by hand, with their characteristics being stipulated in 

the standard. 

Connections between coils or straight segments are performed by means of screwing a connector (coupler) 

onto the two extremities to be connected. The sealing at the joints is done by either an adhesive ribbon or 

thermo-retractable sleeves. 

In certain applications (e.g. nuclear, offshore), the tendons are encased in smooth steel ducts. The most 

frequently-employed tubes, whether welded or not, are thin (in compliance with the EN standards) and machinebendable. 

The connections between segments are commonly performed by flaring one end and clamping the 

other; the seal is generated by welding, thermo-retractable sleeves or adhesive ribbon. 


S In the case of stringent requirements as regards both corrosion protection and fatigue resistance of cables, it 

is recommended to use the corrugated plastic duct VSL PT-PLUS . This duct may only be used inside the 

concrete with a grouting and generates perfect bond between the tendons and the structure. It is recommended 

for applications submitted to a particularly-aggressive environment or strong fatigue loads. The VSL PT-PLUS 

duct complies with ETAG 013. The fitting between duct segments is introduced by means of mirror welding or 

by connectors that provide for both the waterproofing seal and electrical isolation. This duct can be used with all 

anchorage types E, CS, GC, NC, NC-U, H, K and V. When used with CS-type anchorages, it allows to provide 

fully-encapsulated units labeled CS "PLUS" as well as electrically isolated units labeled CS "SUPER". Such 

applications necessitate the presence of rigid half-shells between the duct and its supports at all of the high 

points along cable path in order to avoid any risk of perforation during stressing of the tendon. 

Regarding the selection of connection options for VSL PT-PLUS duct, the prescripts in the following table have 

to be strictly applied. 

Duct Sizes (1) Radius of curvature (2) Prescribed Connection Type 

Øint / Øext [m] 

23/25 to 100/106 3 Fpk W R (3) Mirror Welding or Connector 

115/121 to 150/157 3 Fpk W R Mirror Welding or Connector 

Note (1) see Schematic Drawing "Ducting" 

Note (2) R min see chap. 2.3.2 

Note (3) Fpk expressed in MN 

For design considerations in accordance with EN-1992 where the relative bond properties between reinforcing 

steel and post-tensioning tendons are relevant it may be assumed that tendons in PT-PLUS plastic ducts have a 

50% longer bond length than tendons in corrugated metal ducts. 

S More common ducts (sleeves or tubes) made of polyethylene or polypropylene can also be used. The 

connections and seals between the segments are introduced by either mirror welding or electro-weldable 

couplers, or other means. Plastic pipe in accordance with ETAG 013 / EN-compliant ducts are in fact required. 



With an appropriate set of fittings, they may be used for applications involving encapsulated / waterproof and 

electrically-isolated tendons. 


In internal (concrete) post-tensioning applications for structures composed of prefabricated elements, duct 

continuity, regardless of duct type, is performed in alignment with the joints by means of a coupler fitting that 

encompasses a set of rings inserted at the contact element duct end. These plastic accessories serve to 

complete the seal. 

Providing permanent protection by means of grout injection presupposes the possibility of intervening anywhere 

along the cable path in order to adjust the filling and bleed any air, water, etc. that may be within the ducts. In 

this aim, accessories for re-circulation, venting and bleeding are installed on the ducts. These basically 

comprise shells or collars fastened onto holes in the ducts and connected to pipes with plugs opening onto an 

accessible face of the structure. The following options are available: 

Duct Duct connection accessory 

Inlet, venting, bleeding or outlet 

accessory 

Corrugated steel strip sheath Sealed plastic shell Plastic pipe 

Smooth steel tube Welded pipes Steel tube or plastic pipe 

VSL PT-PLUS duct Special "clipped" collar / coupler Plastic pipe 

Plastic duct Electro-weldable collar or welded pipes Plastic pipe 

Distributions of inlet, venting, bleeding and outlet points along the cable profile are selected based on a functionspecific 

study of both the injection pattern and procedure. 

2.2.5 CONNECTION WITH TRUMPETS 

The strands, located within the ducts, must slightly dilate in the vicinity of the anchorages in order to pass 

through the corresponding holes in the anchor head. This conical deviation is done in a transition zone called a 

trumpet and is considered part of the anchorage element. 

The trumpets of a specific anchor plate are of adequate diameters, with enough length and opening at the end 

that allows for connection and alignment to the duct of the free length. 

The seal between the duct and trumpet is carried out using an adhesive strip, a thermo-retractable sleeve or a 

connector designed as a duct accessory (e.g. a VSL PT-PLUS coupler). 

2.3 CABLE LAYOUT 

The cable layout patterns are not inherent to the VSL Multistrand System, but instead depend on the particular 

project. 


In order for the strands not to display excessive deviation with respect to the anchor head support surface, it is 

recommended to lay out a rectilinear segment in the back of the anchorage. This straight length in axial 

alignment varies with the size of the prestressing units. The following has been specified as straight length Lmin 

which includes both the anchor plate and the trumpet: 

for Fpk < 2 MN Lmin = 0.8 m 

for 2 MN W Fpk W 7 MN Lmin = 1.0 m 

for Fpk > 7 MN Lmin = 1.5 m 

In the particular case of external PT, refer to chap. 2.3.2 


In order for the ducts and tendons to be easily installed and handled, for the friction loss values to be respected 

and for the actions upon deviations to be acceptable, it is recommended to limit the radius of cable curvature. 



For internal (concrete) post-tensioning, in the cases of common deviations, VSL recommends verifying that: 

R Z 100 Øint, where R is the radius of curvature and Øint = internal diameter of the duct. 

This rule is appropriate for corrugated steel strip sheaths of Category 2 (see Section 2.2.2). 

When using corrugated steel strip sheaths of Category 1 (Section 2.2.2), the VSL PT-PLUS duct (Section 2.2.3) 

and smooth steel tube, R Z 3 Fpk , where R is expressed in meters and Fpk expressed in MN. 

In more unique cases involving the use of smooth steel tubes, the radius of curvature may be significantly 

reduced: R Z 20 Øint. Under such specific conditions, local concrete strength as well as stresses in strands must 

be verified. 

If existing, national provisions may supersede previous recommendations. 

Tendon sections curved in a U-shape at a tight radius to form an inaccessible end of the tendon named loop 

anchorage (not considered to be an anchorage in the intent of ETAG 013) respect the following details: 

- duct in loop is either smooth or corrugated, diameter one size larger than in free length for ease 

of connection (one fitting into other), 

- radius of curvature in loop R Z max { 0.6 

Fpk expressed in MN, 

Fpk ; 0.6 m }, where R is expressed in meters and 

- tendon is stressed simultaneously from both ends, 

- tendon is subject to primarily static load (no significant fatigue load). 

For external (concrete) post-tensioning, in cases where a high-quality polyethylene tube and thickness adequate 

for external cable use as defined in Appendix C.2 of the ETAG 013, the following values should be respected. 

Tendon Unit Minimum Radius in deviation zone Minimum Radius adjacent to the 

between straight lengths 

trumpet in anchorage zone 

[-] [m] [m] 

6-7 2.0 3.0 

6-12 2.5 3.5 

6-19 3.0 4.0 

6-27 3.5 4.5 

6-37 4.0 5.0 

6-43 4.5 5.5 

6-55 5.0 6.0 

While corrugated metal strip sheath can be bent by hand to almost any shape in space, machine-bent smooth 

steel pipe can only be bent to a constant radius in one plane. The designer should take this into account when 

specifying the tendon profile. 

2.3.3 SPACING OF THE SUPPORTS AND TOLERANCES 

The support heights underneath the duct are listed on the cable diagrams approximately every meter for a large 

radius of curvature and every fifty centimeters for a small radius of curvature, in order to allow for duct 

placement with the required level of precision. 

Depending on the type of duct and its dimensions, the fastening fittings are sufficiently robust and close enough 

such that the ducts and tendons will not exhibit displacements or deformations in excess of the allowed 

tolerances. Recommended spacing of tendon supports is 10 to 12 time duct diameter. 

The tolerances on cable positions in the concrete elements must respect the prescriptions stipulated in the draft 

standard "pr ENV 13670-1". 

Moreover, under all circumstances and in every direction, whenever a cable displays or potentially displays 

deviation in the vicinity of an edge of concrete which could lead to spalling of concrete cover, an offset with 

respect to the cable diagram in this direction is only tolerated provided that equilibrium reinforcing bars have 

been provided over this zone. 




Since the anchorage has been fastened with respect to the structure undergoing post-tensioning, its space 

consumption is limited to its specific volume. Strand length is strictly the length of the prestressed element 

between the anchorages increased by the over length crossing the stressing jack(s). 

These over length have been defined in the drawing for block out dimensions and clearance requirements in 

Chapter 6. 

2.4 INSTALLATION OF DUCTS AND STRANDS 

Depending on the size and layout of the worksite, the available space on site and the schedule of works, one of 

the following solutions is to be adopted (for practical purposes and in order to list all installation possibilities, 

only the case of an internal post-tensioning of a new concrete structure has been highlighted herein): 

- Cables (both strands and ducts) fabricated in the plant and then delivered as needed at the worksite for 

installation into the passive reinforcement; 

- Strand bundles fabricated in a mobile workshop located adjacent to the worksite and then drawn either 

before or after concreting into the ducts installed in the passive reinforcement; 

- Tendons composed by pushing through strand by strand before or after concreting into the ducts installed 

in the passive reinforcement. 

2.5 PROVISIONAL PROTECTION AND LUBRICATION 

The oiling or greasing of strands, exclusively by means of non-dangerous substances, is 

performed: 

- in the aim of providing provisional protection against corrosion from the time of leaving the plant until 

permanent protection has been achieved (grouting of the cable); 

- in the aim of lubrication since the friction loss of oiled strands in the ducts during stressing is lower. 

With this same objective, other products serving to reduce friction loss may be used, as long as they are 

recognized as non-dangerous, can be easily applied and remain inert in the presence of permanent protection 

(and the eventual bond to the structure),. 

It is necessary to point out that: 

"In addition to the specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European Technical 

Approval, there may be other requirements applicable to the products falling within its scope (e.g. transposed 

European legislation and national laws, regulations and administrative provisions). In order to meet the 

provisions of the EU Construction Products Directive, these requirements need also to be complied with, when 

and where they apply." 

2.6 CACULATION ELEMENTS 


The friction of strands in their ducts, which hinders tendon displacement during stressing, causes a tension loss 

by friction all along the cable path beginning at the considered live end anchorage. 

In examining the friction loss formula: e ( ) 

- 

f po (x) = f po (0) . µ + k x , which expresses the tension in a 

cable at the abscissa x as a function of the tension at the considered active anchorage (positioned at x = 0), 

where µ is the friction coefficient (over the curve) between the strands and the duct, the sum of the 

angular deviations of the cable over the distance x, and k the unintentional deviation (per unit length) affecting 

the cable path, 

it is recommended to adopt the numerical values of µ and k according to EN 1992-1-1. They can be 

summarized as follows: 

Version of 28 th Application µ (rad 

July 2011 

-1 ) (1) k (rad/m) (2) 

Internal (concrete) cable with corrugated steel strip sheath 0.17 - 0.19 0.005 - 0.010 

Internal (concrete) cable with smooth steel tube 0.16 - 0.24 0.005 - 0.010 

Internal (concrete) cable with VSL PT-PLUS duct 0.12 - 0.14 0.005 - 0.010 

External (concrete) cable with smooth steel tube 0.16 - 0.24 0


External (concrete) cable with plastic duct 0.12 - 0.14 0 

Internal (concrete) cable with individually greased and sheathed strands 0.05 0.008 

External (concrete) cable with individually greased and sheathed strands 0.05 0.008 

(1) The interval limit values encompass both lubricated and non-lubricated strands. 

(2) The values of k are zero for cables outside the concrete. 


The calculation of elongations for stressing purposes presumes that the tension curve within the strands along 

the cable just before locking of the anchorage is known, i.e. fpo (x). 

The measurable elongation upon stressing at the back of the jack for the live end anchorage under 

consideration, where x = 0, may be written as follows: 

Elongation of 

tendon in the 

stressing jack 

where, in the second member, 

- for the 1 st term: 

L j : length of the strands in the stressing jack. 

fpo (x) ~ (1 + ka). fpo,o = constant 

where fpo,o: stress in the strands upon stressing at x = 0, 

Elongation of 

tendon in the 

prestressed 

element 

ka: friction loss in the anchorage, which may be neglected for this purpose; 

- for the 2 nd term: 

La: length of the concerned tendon = length from the live end anchorage to the MIN (fpo(x)), i.e. the abscissa of 

the strands cross-section not moving; 

- for the 3 rd term: 

negligible in the majority of cases (except if stresses in the concrete resulting from prestressing are high); 

- for the 4 th term: 

in the case where the cable is terminated by a fixed external anchorage whose wedges were manually pre-set 

(common case), a draw-in g’ of these so-called wedges on the order of 3 mm must be incorporated. 

In simplifying and defining: fpo,m, the average stress over the concerned strands length, the following is 

obtained: 

On the worksite during stressing, elongation due to tendon slack should be eliminated from the reported value 

with appropriate procedures (e.g. taking into account elongations only once the tendon has been stiffened inside 

its duct). 

Note: ka : friction losses in the anchorages are expressed in Section 4.2.1 

2.6.3 SETTING OF ANCHORAGE WEDGES 

A 6-mm draw-in of the wedges is considered; this value remains constant for all units and is applicable to all 

anchorages and all types of wedges. 

When an adjustment must be conducted, the insertion of a suitable split shim between the anchor head and its 

anchor plate makes it possible to compensate for the wedge draw-in up to the shim thickness. 

In this case, the re-tensioning force must not exceed Pmax, which is the maximum force authorized during unit 

stressing. If upon initial tensioning Po,o < Pmax, compensation for the wedge draw-in may thus be complete. If 

however upon initial tensioning Po,o = Pmax, an uncompensated wedge draw-in of 1 to 2 mm must be 

incorporated. 

The split shim is made of same material as anchor plate E and that diameter of hole is the same as specified in 

E or CS plate (depending of which anchor is used). 

Version of 28 th Note: compression fittings are without significant setting. 

July 2011 

Concrete 

shortening of the 

prestressed 

element 

Eventual 

displacement of 

the dead end of 

the tendon


3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ANCHORAGE COMPONENTS 

VSL Multistrand System anchorages make use of a set of standard elements, to be categorized as follows: 


CHAPTER 3 

ANCHORAGES 

Live end (active) and dead end (passive) anchorages comprise: 

- Anchor plates and trumpets: 

Common anchorage plates and duct-transition trumpets exist in accordance with several models: 

- the "E" model composed of a simple plate made of steel according to Standard EN 10025. The E 

trumpet is made of steel sheet; 

- the "CS" model composed of a spheroidal graphite cast iron matrix according to Standard EN 1563, 

made composite with a very high-strength mortar. The CS trumpet is made of plastic and can be ended 

by an appropriate ancillary attachment for connection to the VSL PT-PLUS duct. The CS trumpet can 

also be associated with E anchor plate model. 

- the "GC" model composed of a lamellar graphite cast iron plate according to Standard EN 1561. For 

small units (3 to 12) the trumpet is comprised in the casting. For greater units, trumpet is made of 

plastic. 

- the “NC” model composed of a spheroidal graphite cast iron body - plate plus trumpet - according to 

Standard EN 1563. The “NC-U” (1) used with monostrands includes a slightly increased diameter 

of the transition cone compared to the one of “NC” used for bare strands. (1) u for unbonded. 

- Anchor heads: 

The basic anchor heads may be found in two models: 

- the "E" model, associated with plate E, GC, NC or NC-U, formed from a steel rod according to Standard 

EN 10083-2. 

- the "CS" model, associated with plate CS, formed from a steel rod, with quenching and tempering 

according to Standard EN 10083-1 and then machined or forged to achieve variable thickness. 

The conical holes are machined on transfer equipment and exhaustively controlled. 

- Wedges: 

The wedges are trimmed in alloyed steel for cementation according to Standard EN 10084, then cleaved into 

parts and finally treated. These elements are available as: 

the "W6N" or "W6S" model, with two independent parts. 

The wedges are specified according to two types, adapted to strand diameters, along with the 6N wedges for 

the 0.6" or T15.2 strands and the 6S wedges for the 0.6"S or T15.7 strands. The S (or super) wedges are 

differentiated from the N (normal) wedges by the presence on the plane face, which remains apparent, of a 

grooved trim. These wedges are all submitted to rigorous controls. 

Both the VSL Multistrand System and VSL Slab System (see Annex 2) wedges are identical. 

- Protective caps: 

In order to enable injecting permanent protection and ultimately contributing to protecting the anchorage, three 

cap models to be used with the plate are available: 

- the provisional cap designed to contain the injection product for the permanent protection of the zone. 

Following the curing period, this cap is recycled for reuse; the injection product must be a rigid grout and 

then the anchorage block-out must be filled with concrete; 

- the permanent steel cap, containing the anchor head and the protection product, which is left in place 

after injection; 

- the permanent plastic cap, containing the anchor head and protection product, which is also to be left in 

place after injection. This cap has been designed in particular for sealed and electrically isolated cables. 

Permanent caps are obviously required in all cases calling for the injection of a flexible protection product. 



Provided a few precautions have been taken against corrosion of the metallic parts, the permanent caps may be 

left apparent; moreover, permanent caps can also be used as temporary caps. 

3.1.2 COUPLERS 

The couplers rely, for the second phase cable (fixed coupler) or both cable (movable coupler), upon reliable 

anchorage components that are supported on the installed anchor head including connection grooves. 

This setup consists of compression fittings, composed of a hard steel wire coil wound in a spiral and a fitting 

sleeve. The coil is assembled on the strand, and then the fitting sleeve is swaged on the assembled unit. 


Given that strand placement only takes place in a rather generalized manner following concreting, the delivery 

of anchorages on the worksite entails: 

(only the most common case of internal (concrete) post-tensioning of a new structure will be highlighted herein) 

1. Delivery of the anchor plates along with the ducts for placement within the passive reinforcement, and 

fastening of the plates to the formwork. These anchorage parts are delivered tagged for identification 

either on pallets or in bulk. 

Following concreting and curing: 

2. Delivery of the anchor heads and wedges along with the strands to be threaded, installation of the 

anchor heads, stressing and grouting of the permanent cable protection. These anchorage components 

are delivered tagged for identification, packaged and protected (the same applies for the strands). 

3.2 ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLY QUALITY 

The fabrication of anchorage components of post-tensioning system and especially those designed for the VSL 

Multistrand System is conducted in compliance with the specifications, production and control procedures laid 

out in the present ETA and associated documents. 

The control procedures in effect for anchorage Component Manufacturers, to the same extent as those adopted 

by the PT Specialist Company, serve to ensure the traceability of the components all the way through to their 

delivery on site. It is to be recalled that the basis for evaluating these procedures and the supervision of their 

application have been defined in Chapter 8 and its Annex E of the ETAG 013. 

It should also be recalled that prior to installation, the compliance of all delivered components, by means of both 

identification and visual inspection of their state, must be performed by the PT Supervisor. 

3.3 INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS ANCHORAGES 

The installation of VSL units must be assigned to a competent staff member and involve technical management 

personnel within the PT Specialist Company or a PT Supervisor certified by this company. 

Anchorage placement in accordance with model prescriptions is handled as follows (for practical purposes, only 

the most common case of internal (concrete) post-tensioning of a new structure has been highlighted herein): 

3.3.1 TYPE "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" AND "NC-U" ACTIVE END ANCHORAGES 

The anchor plates and trumpets are fixed to the formwork and connected to the ducts which have been placed 

at the time of installation of the passive reinforcement; they are thus incorporated into the structure or structural 

element upon concreting. 

Version of 28 th It should be noted that for the "E" plates, the possibility exists to install them on a previously-completed concrete 

facing by means of inserting a flexible and durable joint between the plate and concrete or installing them on a 

metallic surface. 

On the other hand, the "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" plates may only be installed into a concrete block cast 

around the plates. 

July 2011


The arrangement of injection holes vary according to the anchorage models and structures and can either open 

onto the front face or may use pipes in order to open onto other faces of the structure. 

The anchor heads and wedges are positioned immediately before stressing, a step which serves to avoid 

polluting the parts. 

Anchorages used with monostrands (individually greased and sheathed) include sealing between anchor head 

and monostrands to seal the free grouted tendon length at the anchor plate surface and to confine greased 

protection in the anchorage zone (e.g. with neoprene disk or plastic sleeve). 

Initially the monostrands are slightly tensioned to remove slack. Then the free length is filled using cementitions 

grout to fill the interstices between individual strands and between strands and duct. To achieve this, the duct is 

sealed on both ends at the anchor plates using temporary formworks which maintain the correct strand pattern 

and provide a leak tight seal. Once the grout has attained sufficient strength (f cm(t) 20/25 N/mm 2 ), the 

monostrands are stressed to final force. 

Anchorages used with both isolating plates (to be inserted between the head and plate) and isolating plastic 

caps, enable constituting electrically isolated tendons, such as the CS "SUPER" type units. The "E" anchorages 

can also be used for electrically isolated tendons when using the CS plastic trumpet and isolating plate. 

As for force losses in the anchorages during stressing, see Section 4.2.1: "Force Measurements". 

3.3.2 TYPE "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" AND "NC-U" PASSIVE END ANCHORAGES 

The placement of these anchorages is performed as indicated in Section 3.3.1. Once the anchor head has been 

installed, before stressing at the other end, the wedges are pre-locked using a wedge tool. The anchorage then 

remains accessible throughout the stressing phase for observation. These anchorages also enable generating 

electrically isolated tendons. 

3.3.3 TYPE "H" BOND ANCHORAGE 

The load transfer to the structure is based primarily on the bond of dilated strands within the concrete over a 

straight segment length and the anchorage by an onion (curvature of wires) at the strand end. 

Upon exiting the duct, the strands are gradually deviated towards two positioning and maintenance grids. The 

duct end is reinforced with a ring. 

The entire anchorage assembly is solidly fastened to the passive reinforcement. 

Following assembly of the injection tube, the sealing between duct end and strands is ensured by means of 

resin packing at the level of the ring. 

The proper working of the anchorage necessitates degreasing the strands on the bond length, along with careful 

concreting over this length using a concrete whose aggregate diameter does not exceed 30 mm. 

3.3.4 TYPE "K" FIXED COUPLER 

When a structure must be built in several phases, especially when setting up the scaffolding and formwork over 

the entire length of the structure proves impossible, it may be wise to stress and anchor certain cables over a 

fraction of their length and then extend them through the use of a coupler. 

Once the structure has been completed, the coupler may or may not be inside the concrete. 

Installation of the coupler proceeds for the active part as defined in Section 3.3.1 for the "E", "CS" or "GC" type 

of live end anchorage, with the installed anchor head being the "K" head fitted with grooves for peripheral 

coupling. 

For the passive part of the coupling, the installation takes place prior to concreting of the zone; the strands 

exiting the duct are deviated through a ring towards the "K" head; they are fitted with compression fittings and 

placed into the designated grooves. A strapping serves to maintain them in position and a trumpet/sleeve (made 

of either sheet metal or plastic) isolates the coupler from the concrete, thereby making it possible to transmit the 

prestressing force through the joint. 

A vent at the apex of the trumpet/sleeve allows for accurate filling during grouting. 

For the use in electrically isolated tendon, in addition to specific arrangements of Section 3.3.1, the K coupler 

requires a load distribution plate to be installed between coupling head and isolating plate. 



3.3.5 TYPE "V" MOVABLE COUPLER 

When a cable must be composed of several lengths, the "K" head defined in Section 3.3.5 is used as movable 

coupler (of two lengths) in the sleeve. The size of the sleeve is defined to allow free movement of the coupler 

head during stressing. 

A vent at the apex of the sleeve allows for accurate filling during grouting. 

3.4 ANCHORAGE ARRANGEMENTS 

According to categories of use, referring to Section 1.4.1, arrangements of anchorage components are descri- 

bed in the following table: 

Anchorages 

Anchorages 

Components 

internal bonded 

cable with metal 

duct 

internal bonded 

cable with plastic 

duct 

internal 

unbonded 

external bonded 

cable 

external 

unbonded cable 


Uses 

tendon for 

various material 

(ext. cable) 

restressable 

tendon 

Cryogenic 

applications 

exchangeable 

tendon 

encapsulated 

tendon (leak 

tight) 

E Plate E E E E E E E E E E 

Head E E E E E E E E E CS 

Trumpet E E E E E E E E E CS(1) 

Cap T(2) T(2) PM(3) PM(3) PM(3) PM(3) PM(4) PM(4) PM(3) PP 

CS Plate CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS 

Head CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS 

Trumpet CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS CS(1) 

Cap T(2) T(2) PP(3) PP(3) PP(3) PP(4) PP(4) PP PP 

GC Plate GC GC GC GC GC GC GC GC GC 

Head E E E E E E E E E 

Trumpet GC GC GC GC GC GC GC GC GC 

Cap T(2) T(2) PM(3) PM(3) PM(3) PM(4) PM(4) PM(4) PM(3) 

NC Plate NC NC NC NC NC NC NC NC 

Head E E E E E E E E 

Cap T(2) T(2) PM(3) PM(3) PM(3) PM(4) PM(4) PM(3) 

Components 

internal 

bonded cable 

with metal 

duct 

internal 

bonded cable 

with plastic 

duct 

internal 

unbonded 

external 

bonded cable 

H H H H 

external 

unbonded 

cable 

tendon for 

various 

material (ext. 

cable) 

restressable 

tendon 

exchangeable 

tendon 

encapsulated 

tendon (leak 

tight) 

K Plate (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) 

Coupler Head K K K K K K K K 

Trumpet (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) 

electrically 

isolated tendon 

… / … 

electrically 

isolated 

tendon 

Trumpet sleeve M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) P(7) 

V Coupler Head V V V V V V V 

Trumpet sleeve M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) 

Notes: 1: plus isolating shim in between head or coupler and plate, 

2: T (as temporary) Provisional cap, Permanent (P) cap can be used, 

3: Permanent Metallic (PM) or Permanent Plastic (PP) cap, 

4: Permanent Metallic (PM) or Permanent Plastic (PP) cap, special cap housing to preserve strand over-lengths 

should be used, 

5: See E, CS or GC anchor plate and trumpet of first-phase cable, 

6: Metallic (M) sleeve (cap), Plastic (P) sleeve can be used, 

7: Plastic (P) sleeve (cap)


3.5 GEOMETRICAL AND MECHANICAL USE CONDITIONS 

For the seating and installation of anchorages, certain construction-related conditions must be verified. 

3.5.1 CLEARANCE BEHIND STRESSING ANCHORAGES 

In order to facilitate jack placement and simplify the stressing procedure, a free space must be allocated behind 

the anchorage. 

These dimensions are given in the drawing "Block out dimensions for anchorages, Clearance requirements" in 

Chapter 6. 

For the use of destressing equipment or overstressing equipment these dimensions must be increased. 

3.5.2 CONCRETE STRENGTH, COVER AND ANCHORAGE SPACING 

Introducing post-tensioning forces into the structures takes the form, within the anchorage zones, of 

concentrated forces applied onto the plates. The high stress values encountered underneath the anchor plates 

necessitate certain construction-related measures. For the concrete structures: 

- The anchorages must be laid out at a sufficient distance from the nearest edge of the concrete (cover) and 

respect a spacing between anchorages (centre to centre) that will be specified below. 

- A local anchorage zone reinforcement must be set up in front of the plates; this local (surrounding anchorage 

body) zone will be defined in Section 3.6. 

- The concrete in the vicinity of the plates must be especially homogeneous and display, at the time of 

stressing, an adequate level of strength. 

- A general zone (surrounding local zone) must be defined by the project designer and laid out in front of the 

anchorage plates within the structure, thereby reducing the concentrated forces and distributing them over 

the concrete cross-section, in compliance with the design rules. 

As stated above and in considering a maximum prestressing force P(t,x) at the time of stressing (t = 0) (1) at the 

anchorage , thus called P(0,0) Pmax, for the normal anchor plates and P(0,0) max = Pmax, the following are defined: 

(1) Force in the cable, at the anchorage on the concrete side, before load transfer to anchorage 

b0 and b’0 are the distances between the anchorage axis and the edge of the block tested. 

The local anchorage zone reinforcement required to prevent bursting and spalling in anchorage zones is 

determined in relation to a rectangular prism of concrete, known as the primary regularisation prism, located 

behind each anchorage. The cross section of the prism associated with each anchorage is known as the impact 

rectangle. 

The impact rectangle has the same centre and the same axes of symmetry as the anchor plate (which should 

have two axes of symmetry). 

The impact rectangle with dimensions X x X’’ has the same area as the block tested A = 4 x b0 b’0 and the 

same aspect ratio. 

Xmin,rect = 0.85 x 2 b0 ; X’ min,rect = 0.85 x 2 b’0 

Xmin and X’min taking into account dimensions of local anchorage zone reinforcement are given in the tables in 

Chapter 6, then 

X Xmin or X’ 

) 

X’min [1] 

and X x X’ = A = 4 x b0 b’0 [2] ) 

Version of 28 th It should be noted that application of Xmin may require adaptation of the local anchorage zone reinforcement in 

accordance with the applicable Eurocodes and national regulations, see Chapter 3.6. 

July 2011 

b 0 

b’0


Rules for centre distance and edge distances of anchorages: 

Impact rectangles associated with anchorages located in the same cross section should not overlap. 

In addition, they should remain inside the concrete. Taking into account the concrete cover, we obtain the 

distance to edge in the two directions : 

Note: 10 mm is the concrete cover in the tested block (except for H anchorage block using 25 mm). 

For anchorage spacing, refer to equations [1] and [2] 

and 

Following table gives an overview of the different anchorages and minimum concrete strengths at time of 

stressing for which anchorage spacing and local anchorage zone reinforcement is detailed in this ETA, Chapter 

6. 

Type f cm(t) [N/mm 2 ] at time of stressing 

E 23/28 28/35 32/40 36/45 43/53 

CS 28/35 

GC 25/30 28/35 32/40 36/45 40/50 

NC / NC-U 53/64 

H 28/35 

Anchorage spacing and local anchorage zone reinforcement are given in Chapter 6 (data sheets) 

fcm(t) given in above table is the minimum concrete strength required at the time of stressing the tendon to the 

maximum possible stressing force 0.8 x Ap x fpk. On site, the mean strength of concrete prisms / cubes tested 

shall be equal or more than the specified fcm(t) at the time when stressing is performed. 

It remains possible however to partially stress the tendon. In the case of tensioning to 50% of the maximum 

value at the anchorage for example, the strength of concrete f cm(t) may be reduced to approximately 2/3 of the 

values indicated above for total stressing. 

From a general standpoint for unique cases (e.g. when using materials other than concrete), the project 

designer will apply the pertinent Eurocodes with Pdesign 1.1 Fpk to design anchorage and deviation zones 

(contact may be made with the VSL organization, which will provide the proper advice as regards experimental 

work and developments). 

3.6 LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 

As mentioned previously, a local anchorage zone reinforcement must be laid out as specified in chapter 6. In 

accordance with ETAG013 this assumes the presence of additional general reinforcement of 50 kg/m 3 in the 

structure. 

For the "E", "CS", "GC", "NC" and "NC-U" type anchorages, this reinforcement is split between a spiral and 

orthogonal reinforcement (stirrups). The spiral reinforcement defined on the drawings in Chapter 6 displays a 

large enough pitch of the thread to allow for adequate concreting of the zone. 

It is recommended to proceed with this layout as stipulated in the approval whenever both the cover and 

strength conditions have been minimized. 

As foreseen by this ETA, the local anchorage zone reinforcement specified in this ETA and confirmed in the 

load transfer tests, may be modified for a specific project design if required in accordance with national 

regulations and relevant approval of the local authority and of the ETA holder to provide equivalent 

performance. 

In the case of grouped anchorages, it is permitted to combine the reinforcement of the individual anchorages. 

The chosen combination must conserve the dedicated steel cross-sections in all directions. In the case of a 

unique arrangement in the vicinity of the plates, it is also possible to replace the spiral with a combination of 

bars that contain equivalent cross-sections in all directions and that are configured at the same depth with 

respect to the plate. 



In all cases, the local anchorage zone reinforcement must be complemented by a reinforcement in the general 

anchorage zone for equilibrium designed by the project designer in accordance with typical design rules. 

Similarly, in all cases, the contractor responsible for concreting must ensure that the density and layout of 

reinforcement within the anchorage zone allow for adequate and homogeneous concreting of the entire zone. 

Similar to every other type of anchorage, VSL type H anchorage requires a local anchorage zone reinforcement 

split between a spiral and orthogonal reinforcement (stirrups). This reinforcement is defined on the drawing in 

Chapter 6. 



4.1 STRESSING EQUIPMENT 

The VSL equipment used for cable stressing is composed primarily of stressing jacks, hydraulic power packs 

(commonly called pumps) and the associated set of measurement instruments or acquisition system. 


Tendons are stressed by means of VSL stressing jacks. 

This equipment consists of double acting jacks with a central hole that enables stressing the cable in one or 

several stages and then, if need be, to de-stress the cable. Their primary characteristics will be defined below. 

In sequence starting from the anchorage, these jacks are composed of: 

- 1 nose (chair ring) at the front resting upon the anchor head, 

- 1 body or cylinder, including a piston with a central hole, resting upon the chair ring, 

- 1 battery composed of metallic tubes fastened to the inside of the hole that guide strands behind the jack, 

and 

- 1 pulling anchor head behind the piston, with a gripper plate for facilitating the procedure of stressing by 

stages. The ungripping of the jack anchorage is performed automatically. 

The drawing in Chapter 6 lists the VSL jacks and indicates the clearances to be introduced around the 

anchorages and at the ends of the post-tensioned structures in order to facilitate installation. 

For the purpose of implementing all the particularities and options, the VSL stressing equipment comprises a 

series of modular and compatible accessories; as such, a broad range of tools for these jacks is available by 

VSL. 

Included herein would be the jack chair ring, the over-stress chair ring, the de-stress chair ring, etc. 


CHAPTER 4 

STRESSING 

The VSL pumps comprise the assembly of hydraulic components including: pumps, distributors, nozzles and 

safety valves. The pumps are typically driven by electric motors. 

The pumps themselves have been dimensioned for normal stressing speeds and contain safety measurement 

devices that depend on the specific application. 

4.1.3 MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS 

The VSL force and elongation measurement instruments or systems serve to control with precision the stressing 

operation and display the set of results obtained. 

4.2 PROCESSES OF STRESSING AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 

Before proceeding with cable stressing, a certain number of preconditions must be met, in particular: 

- all pertinent safety rules and recommendations must be fully known; 

- the force targets along with the corresponding values of elongation; moreover, tolerances must be known 

by the PT Supervisor, who will have applied any eventual necessary adjustments to these values in order to 

account for parameters specific to the equipment and anchorages; 

- the procedure to be adopted in the event of a value beyond the tolerance threshold or any other 

unanticipated incident must be known; 

- the order in which the post-tensioning cables are to be stressed must be specified; 



- the stressing equipment (including measurement instruments) must comply with guidelines furnished in the 

present ETA; 

- the required strength of concrete (or other component material) of both the structure and anchorage zone 

undergoing stressing must be verified; 

- the loading and support states of the structure associated with the stressing phase must also be verified; 

- the over lengths of the strands for stressing must remain perfectly clean. 

The point should be recalled that during the stressing process, it is strictly forbidden to be positioned behind the 

jack or within its immediate vicinity. The same precautions must be taken for the area in the back of the deadend 

external anchorages. 

One of the VSL system's key characteristics lies in its wedge-locking process. Given that the wedges remain in 

constant contact with the strands during stressing, the locking operation does not require any accessory device. 


The measurement of force in the cable, as transformed into pressure measurement in the jack, is generally the 

assigned objective herein. 

The pressure existing in the jack chamber is indicated by the manometer installed on the pump, with the 

eventual possibility of exercising controls on the jack. The manometers used (Accuracy 1%), regularly 

recalibrated using a scale, feature a guaranteed precision of 1% of their maximum pressure, which tends to lie 

at 600 bars; these instruments thereby provide a precision of 6 bars over the entire manometer scale. 

In order to obtain the effective force onto the structure, the force resulting from the manometer reading is 

corrected for losses inside the jack as well as for losses due to friction of the strands in the anchorage. 

Losses inside the jacks are identified from intrinsic hardware data. Although they contain an independent 

pressure term and another closely-proportional term, submitted to the maximum pressure reached upon 

completion of the stressing operation, the losses inside jacks are solely expressed in proportional terms and 

vary from 1% to 3%. 

The losses in active anchorages E, CS, NC, NC-U or K, named ka, are due to friction of the strands deviated on 

the components and, depending on the specific anchorage, vary between 1% and 2%. 

For the active anchorages type GC they vary from 2 to 3%. 


The measurement of cable elongation is generally a control measurement that provides information on cable 

behavior during stressing. 

As for elongation measurements, an index is installed on the tendons. During stressing, elongations are then 

deduced from measurements of the displacement of this index. Since the onset of displacements combines the 

seating of tendons in their ducts with their actual elongation, the elongation during initial displacements is 

obtained by means of extrapolating the pure elongations occurring subsequently. 

The various pressure-elongation relations noted during the cable stressing phases are recorded on the 

stressing data sheets, which are to remain available. 

Section 2.6.2 provides a recap of the elongation evaluation basis used during the stressing operation. 



5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION 

The nature and composition of injection products for the permanent protection of tendons and anchorages and 

for their eventual bonding to the structure are not inherent to the prestressing process; instead, they depend on 

the project and the structure's assigned purpose. 

The products involved must not be a threat to the hygiene, health and the environment. 





and where they apply. 

5.2 INJECTION PRODUCTS 

The products used for the permanent protection of post-tensioning tendons and anchorages implemented by 

means of injection may be categorized as follows: 

5.2.1 PRODUCTS FOR BONDED CABLES 

When it is sought to bond the tendon to the structure, the products or grouts for bonded injection are with a 

hydraulic cement base: 

These products may pertain to common grouts defined in the standard EN 447 or special grouts that make use 

of performance-enhancing admixtures. In some regions of the EU, unfavorable climatic conditions or other 

conditions impose the application of special grouts according to ETAG 013. 

Completion of the tendon envelope at the end of the anchorages may be provided by means of either temporary 

or permanent grouting caps. 

The concreting of block out is only strictly necessary when using temporary grouting cap (whether recycled or 

not). Should the permanent grouting cap be left apparent, the metallic parts must be protected against 

corrosion, see Section 3.1.1. 

5.2.2 PRODUCTS FOR UNBONDED CABLES 

CHAPTER 5 

INJECTION AND SEALING 

When it is not sought to bond the tendon to the structure in order, for example, to be able to maintain the tendon 

accessible, the unbonded injection products are as follows: 

- with a grease base, as defined in Annex C.4.1 of the ETAG 013, 

- with a wax base, as defined in Annex C.4.2 of the ETAG 013. 

In this case, plugging the tendon envelope at the anchorages is still provided by permanent waterproof injection 

cap. The concreting of the block-out is not strictly necessary here, see above and Section 3.1.1. 

Those products for bonded or unbonded injection covered by a European Technical Approval may also be 

employed in accordance with the prescribed set of uses. 



5.3 INJECTION EQUIPMENT 

The injection equipment has been adapted to the specific products to be injected. 

For the cement-based grouting, the VSL injection equipment is composed for the most part of mixers and 

pumps integrated into a single device that enables preparing the grout and performing the injection. This 

equipment makes it possible to allocate with precision the grout components and to obtain a perfectlyhomogeneous 

mix. The pump installed in the injection equipment has been designed for continuous injection at 

a grout progression speed of the same order of magnitude regardless of the units used. 

For current grouted cable, provisional caps seal the anchorages till setting of grouting. 

For some applications, vacuum pumps that allow for depressurization inside the ducts have been included, 

thereby facilitating progression of the grouting. 

For the unbonded products such as grease or petroleum wax, the VSL injection equipment is composed of 

melting devices or heaters, stirrers and pumps. Depending on the application, these components are either 

integrated or separated on the worksite in accordance with implementation specifications. 

5.4 INJECTION AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 

Before proceeding with the injection of permanent cable protection, a certain number of conditions must be 

fulfilled and in particular: 

- The injection product must comply with the terms of the present ETA and the ETAG 013; 

- The injection equipment must comply with indications laid out in the present ETA, 

- The waterproof sealing of the tendon and anchorage envelopes (ducts, fittings, rods and caps) must be 

verified, 

- The climatic conditions and temperature of the structure must satisfy use conditions of the injection product. 

The primary controls conducted during injection consist of verifying the adequate filling of the duct by means of 

rods, bleed vents and outlets laid out all along the cable path and verifying that the product discharged by the 

vents or outlets displays the required properties. 

Grouting procedures and grouting surveillance shall be carried out according to EN 446. 

As an initial approach, the injection product quantities per unit cable length will be derived from: 

[(internal duct section area - tendon section area) × (unit length)] × (1 + ), where is such that: 0.10 0.20 

in order to consider worksite losses, the shape of the duct and eventual corrugations. 

The various phases and parameters associated with cable injection are to be recorded on the injection data 

sheets, which are to remain available. 

5.5 SEALING 

The continuity of protection against all types of aggressions must be ensured all along the cable up to and 

including the anchorages. 

The protection measures introduced for this unique zone, which is often located at the extremity of the structure 

and submitted to external aggressions determined during the design phase, must be effective. 

Refer to the section entitled "Protective Caps" in Section 3.1.1 "Active end / Passive end anchorages" and to the 

corresponding drawings in Chapter 6. 

The concreting of block-out in the anchorage zone with surface treatment and eventual reinforcing bars 

represents the most widespread solution. Moreover, it may be advantageously complemented by a waterproof 

lining that prevents against all risks of infiltration of fluids that may runoff on the face of the block-out. 

The permanent metallic caps (if protected by means of galvanization, paint, etc.) or plastic caps may be left 

apparent. 



CHAPTER 6 

SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS 

(dimensions expressed in mm) 

Title Page 

STANDARD ANCHORAGE PARTS : 

Wedges, Compression fitting 27 

Anchor heads Type "E" 28 

Anchor heads Type "CS" 29 

Protective caps for anchorages 30 

ANCHORAGES TYPE "E" 

Categories of use arrangements 31 

Sizes @ 43/53 32 

Sizes @ 36/45 & 32/40 33 

Sizes @ 23/28 & 28/35 34 

Local anchorage zone reinforcement @ 43/53 35 





ANCHORAGES TYPE "CS" 


Sizes 41 


ANCHORAGES TYPE "GC" 


Sizes 44 






ANCHORAGES TYPE "NC and NC-U" 


Sizes 51 


ANCHORAGES TYPE "H" @ 28/35 

Sizes and local anchorage zone reinforcement 53 

Arrangement and minimum dimensions of concrete sections 54 

COUPLERS TYPE "K" 


Sizes 56 

COUPLERS TYPE "V" 

Categories of use arrangements - Sizes 57 

BLOCK OUT DIMENSIONS - CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 58 

DUCTING 59 



STANDARD ANCHORAGE PARTS 

WEDGES 

Wedge W6N Wedge W6S 

COMPRESSION FITTINGS 

Fitting 

Insert CF6 

Insert CF6N 

Assembly 




ANCHOR HEADS TYPE E 

Hole detail 

Hole spacing 

E 6-1 E 6-2 E 6-3 E 6-4 E 6-7 E 6-12 E 6-15 E 6-19 E 6-22 

Cross section 

E 6-27 E 6-31 E 6-37 E 6-43 E 6-55 

E 6-1 to E 6-55 

For sizes ØD and E see ANCHORAGES TYPE E – SIZES 




ANCHOR HEADS TYPE CS 

Hole detail 

Hole spacing 

6-7 6-12 6-19 6-22 6-27 6-31 6-37 

STANDARD, PLUS, SUPER & EXTERNAL 

Optional for STANDARD, PLUS & EXTERNAL 

6-7 to 6-37 

STANDARD, PLUS & EXTERNAL SUPER 

For sizes ØD and E see ANCHORAGES TYPE CS – SIZES 




PROTECTIVE CAPS FOR ANCHORAGES 

Permanent steel caps for anchorage type GC, E, NC, NC-U 

Permanent plastic caps for anchorage type CS 


Unit D 

6-3 106 

6-4 111 

6-7 118 

6-12 134 

6-15 145 

6-19 155 

6-22 162 

6-27 173 

6-31 183 

6-37 200 

6-43 210 

6-55 225 

Unit D 

6-7 112 

6-12 113 

6-19 114 

6-22 115 

6-27 140 

6-31 150 

6-37 160


ANCHORAGES TYPE E 

CATEGORIES OF USE ARRANGEMENTS 

Anchorage cast in concrete structure Anchorage placed against concrete structure 

Anchorage inserted in masonry structure Anchorage placed against steel structure 

Anchorage placed against wood structure 



ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 43/53 MPa 

SIZES 

Unit A ØC ØD E F G ØH ØI 

6-1 65 18 53 50 150 10 25 21/25 78 Ø5 

6-2 95 50 90 50 200 10 50 21/25 115 Ø5 

6-3 120 56 95 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12 

6-4 130 65 110 55 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12 

6-7 160 84 135 60 315 25 72 28/32 190 M12 

6-12 210 118 170 75 495 35 92 28/32 240 M16 

6-15 240 143 190 85 580 40 97 28/32 275 M16 

6-19 270 150 200 95 635 45 107 28/32 280 M16 

6-22 290 172 220 100 740 50 122 28/32 300 M16 

6-27 320 185 240 110 685 55 132 28/32 330 M16 

6-31 340 192 260 120 750 60 142 28/32 360 M16 

6-37 375 215 280 135 895 65 155 28/32 435 M16 

6-43 410 248 300 145 1020 70 165 28/32 490 M20 

6-55 450 255 340 160 1030 80 185 28/32 540 M20 

All dimensions in [mm] 

(1) J spacing of holes for fixation to formwork 


J 

(1) 

K


ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 36/45 AND 32/40MPa 

SIZES 


6-1 70 18 53 50 150 10 25 21/25 79 Ø5 

6-2 100 50 90 50 200 10 50 21/25 122 Ø5 

6-3 125 56 95 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12 

6-4 145 65 110 55 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12 

6-7 175 84 135 60 315 25 72 28/32 210 M12 

6-12 230 118 170 75 495 35 92 28/32 265 M16 

6-15 265 143 190 85 580 40 97 28/32 275 M16 

6-19 290 150 200 95 635 45 107 28/32 280 M16 

6-22 320 172 220 100 740 50 122 28/32 300 M16 

6-27 350 185 240 110 685 55 132 28/32 330 M16 

6-31 370 192 260 120 750 60 142 28/32 360 M16 

6-37 410 215 280 135 900 70 155 28/32 435 M16 

6-43 450 248 300 145 1025 75 165 28/32 490 M20 

6-55 500 255 340 160 1040 90 185 28/32 540 M20 




J 

(1) 

K


ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 28/35 AND 23/28MPa 

SIZES 


6-1 75 18 53 50 150 10 25 21/25 86 Ø5 

6-2 110 50 90 50 200 10 50 21/25 136 Ø5 

6-3 135 56 95 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12 

6-4 160 65 110 55 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12 

6-7 205 84 135 60 320 30 72 28/32 210 M12 

6-12 270 118 170 75 500 40 92 28/32 265 M16 

6-15 305 143 190 85 585 45 97 28/32 275 M16 

6-19 340 150 200 95 640 50 107 28/32 280 M16 

6-22 370 172 220 100 745 55 122 28/32 300 M16 

6-27 410 185 240 110 690 60 132 28/32 330 M16 

6-31 435 192 260 120 755 65 142 28/32 360 M16 

6-37 480 215 280 135 905 75 155 28/32 435 M16 

6-43 520 248 300 145 1030 80 165 28/32 490 M20 

6-55 580 255 340 160 1045 95 185 28/32 540 M20 




J 

(1) 

K



LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 

Reinforcement for concrete with fcm(t) < 43/53 N/mm 2 at time of stressing 

All dimensions- in [mm] 

SPIRAL REINFORCEMENT ORTHOGONAL REINF. 

Unit ØN n (1) P ØQ L ØR r (2) S T 

6-1 10 5 50 70 150 - - - - 95 

6-2 12 5 50 110 150 - - - - 130 

6-3 14 5 65 135 195 - - - - 155 

6-4 16 5 70 160 210 - - - - 180 

6-7 16 6 55 220 220 - - - - 240 

6-12 16 7 50 260 250 12 7 50 295 315 

6-15 16 7 50 280 250 16 7 50 330 350 

6-19 20 7 60 320 300 16 6 75 370 390 

6-22 20 8 60 350 360 16 9 50 400 420 

6-27 20 8 60 390 360 20 8 65 445 465 

6-31 20 9 60 430 420 20 8 65 480 500 

6-37 20 10 55 480 440 20 9 60 530 550 

6-43 25 9 65 510 455 20 10 60 560 585 

6-55 25 10 65 590 520 20 11 60 640 660 

Reinforcement steel fyk < 500 N/mm² 

(1) n Number of turns incl. first and last turn required for anchorage of spiral 

(2) r Number of reinforcement layers 


X








6-1 10 5 65 75 195 - - - - 95 

6-2 12 5 55 115 165 - - - - 135 

6-3 12 5 50 145 150 - - - - 165 

6-4 12 6 45 170 180 - - - - 190 

6-7 16 6 65 195 260 12 4 80 230 250 

6-12 16 7 50 270 250 12 5 70 305 325 

6-15 16 8 50 300 300 16 6 70 345 365 

6-19 16 8 50 345 300 16 7 60 390 410 

6-22 16 10 45 375 360 16 8 55 420 440 

6-27 16 11 45 425 405 16 10 50 470 490 

6-31 16 11 45 460 405 16 12 45 505 525 

6-37 20 11 50 505 450 16 10 60 550 570 

6-43 20 12 50 545 500 20 10 65 595 615 

6-55 20 13 50 625 550 20 12 60 675 695 





X








6-1 10 5 65 85 195 - - - - 105 

6-2 12 5 60 125 180 - - - - 145 

6-3 12 6 50 155 200 - - - - 175 

6-4 12 6 45 180 180 - - - - 200 

6-7 12 7 45 210 225 12 5 65 245 265 

6-12 16 7 55 290 275 12 6 60 325 345 

6-15 16 8 55 320 330 16 7 60 365 385 

6-19 16 8 55 370 330 16 8 60 415 435 

6-22 16 10 45 400 360 16 8 60 445 465 

6-27 16 11 45 450 405 16 10 50 495 515 

6-31 16 12 45 490 450 16 12 45 535 555 

6-37 20 11 55 540 495 16 11 55 585 605 

6-43 20 13 50 585 550 16 14 45 630 650 

6-55 20 14 50 670 600 16 18 40 715 735 





X







Unit ØN n (1) 

P ØQ L ØR r (2) S T 

6-1 10 5 65 90 195 - - - - 110 

6-2 12 5 60 135 180 - - - - 155 

6-3 12 5 55 165 165 - - - - 185 

6-4 12 6 50 195 200 - - - - 215 

6-7 12 6 50 225 200 12 5 75 260 280 

6-12 16 7 65 315 325 12 6 75 350 370 

6-15 16 7 65 345 325 16 6 75 390 410 

6-19 16 8 60 395 360 16 7 75 440 460 

6-22 16 10 50 430 400 16 7 75 475 495 

6-27 16 11 50 485 450 16 9 65 530 550 

6-31 16 11 50 525 450 16 10 60 570 590 

6-37 20 11 60 580 540 16 9 75 625 645 

6-43 20 12 55 630 550 16 11 65 675 695 

6-55 20 14 55 720 660 16 14 55 765 785 





X








6-1 10 5 60 100 180 - - - - 120 

6-2 12 5 60 150 180 - - - - 170 

6-3 12 5 55 185 165 - - - - 205 

6-4 12 6 50 220 200 - - - - 240 

6-7 12 6 60 260 240 12 4 75 295 315 

6-12 16 7 65 345 325 12 7 70 390 410 

6-15 16 7 75 390 375 16 6 75 435 455 

6-19 16 9 60 450 420 16 6 90 495 515 

6-22 16 10 60 490 480 16 7 75 535 555 

6-27 16 11 55 545 495 16 8 70 595 615 

6-31 16 12 55 585 550 16 10 60 635 655 

6-37 20 11 65 645 585 16 9 75 695 715 

6-43 20 13 60 705 660 16 10 70 750 770 

6-55 20 14 60 805 720 16 15 55 855 875 





X


ANCHORAGES TYPE CS 


Anchorage cast in concrete structure 

- STANDARD Unit 

- PLUS Unit (encapsulated) 

- SUPER Unit (Electrically Isolated Tendon) 

- External tendon 



ANCHORAGES TYPE CS 

SIZES 

Unit ØA B C ØD E F1 (1) F2 (2) G H1 (1) H2 (2) ØJ (3) K 

6-7 222 136 85 143 50 225 360 60 80 63 188 M12 

6-12 258 149 117 178 60 392 530 80 95 81 220 M12 

6-19 300 170 148 210 70 540 660 90 110 106 260 M12 

6-22 320 180 165 228 70 570 740 100 125 106 274 M12 

6-27 360 203 181 256 69 660 810 110 139 121 310 M16 

6-31 390 217 188 274 69 620 740 122 149 136 330 M16 

6-37 420 236 211 300 82 805 925 130 149 136 357 M16 


(1) for STANDARD 

(2) for PLUS or SUPER 




ANCHORAGES TYPE CS @ 28/35 MPa 


Reinforcement for concrete with fcm(t) < 28/35 N/mm² when stressing 




6-7 12 6 60 260 240 10 7 50 295 315 

6-12 16 7 65 345 325 12 9 60 390 410 

6-19 16 9 60 450 420 16 11 65 495 515 

6-22 16 10 60 490 480 16 11 75 535 555 

6-27 16 11 55 545 495 16 11 50 595 615 

6-31 16 12 55 585 550 16 12 45 635 655 

6-37 20 11 65 645 585 16 13 50 695 715 

Reinforcement steel fyk < 500 N/mm². 




X


ANCHORAGES TYPE GC 



- STANDARD Unit 

- PLUS Unit 

- External Tendon 



ANCHORAGES TYPE GC 

SIZES 

Unit A B ØC ØD E F ØH J (1) K 

6-3 130 120 50 95 50 120 (2) 50 140 M12 

6-4 140 120 60 110 55 120 (2) 60 154 M12 

6-7 180 135 76 135 60 135 (2) 76 210 M12 

6-12 230 220 92 170 75 220 (2) 92 264 M16 

6-15 260 240 113 190 85 240 (2) 113 316 M16 

6-19 290 150 131 200 95 450 112 354 M16 

6-22 320 150 153 220 100 640 112 400 M16 

6-27 350 170 164 240 110 620 127 430 M16 

6-31 375 170 173 260 120 580 143 470 M16 

6-37 410 170 196 280 135 770 142 524 M16 


(2) These units do not have a trumpet 



ANCHORAGES TYPE GC @ 40/50 MPa 






6-3 12 5 50 135 150 - - - - 155 

6-4 12 6 40 160 160 - - - - 180 

6-7 16 6 60 220 240 - - - - 240 

6-12 16 7 50 295 250 - - - - 315 

6-15 20 7 60 330 300 - - - - 350 

6-19 16 8 50 335 300 12 8 50 370 390 

6-22 20 7 60 370 300 12 7 65 400 420 

6-27 20 8 60 400 360 16 6 85 445 465 

6-31 20 9 60 435 420 16 7 75 480 500 

6-37 20 9 60 480 420 20 7 80 530 550 





X








6-3 12 5 55 145 165 - - - - 165 

6-4 12 6 45 170 180 - - - - 190 

6-7 16 6 65 230 260 - - - - 250 

6-12 16 8 50 305 300 - - - - 325 

6-15 16 8 50 315 300 10 6 65 345 365 

6-19 16 9 45 355 315 12 7 65 390 410 

6-22 20 8 60 385 360 12 6 79 420 440 

6-27 16 11 45 425 405 16 8 60 465 485 

6-31 16 11 45 460 405 16 10 50 500 520 

6-37 20 10 55 510 440 16 10 60 550 570 





X








6-3 12 5 55 155 165 - - - - 175 

6-4 12 6 45 180 180 - - - - 200 

6-7 12 6 50 215 200 10 6 50 245 265 

6-12 16 7 55 295 275 10 5 90 325 345 

6-15 16 8 50 335 300 10 7 65 365 385 

6-19 16 10 45 375 360 12 7 65 410 430 

6-22 20 8 60 410 360 12 6 85 445 465 

6-27 16 11 45 455 405 16 8 65 495 515 

6-31 16 12 45 490 450 16 10 55 530 550 

6-37 20 12 50 540 500 16 8 85 580 600 





X








6-3 10 5 50 140 150 8 4 55 165 185 

6-4 12 5 60 170 180 8 5 50 195 215 

6-7 12 6 50 230 200 10 6 50 260 280 

6-12 16 7 60 320 300 10 6 75 350 370 

6-15 16 9 50 365 350 8 9 50 390 410 

6-19 16 9 50 410 350 12 9 55 440 460 

6-22 20 9 60 445 420 10 7 80 475 495 

6-27 16 11 50 490 450 16 9 60 530 550 

6-31 16 13 45 530 495 16 10 60 570 590 

6-37 20 12 55 585 550 16 9 80 625 645 





X








6-3 10 5 50 150 150 8 4 60 180 200 

6-4 12 5 60 180 180 8 5 50 210 230 

6-7 12 7 50 250 250 10 6 55 280 305 

6-12 16 7 60 345 300 10 5 85 380 400 

6-15 16 9 50 395 350 8 7 70 425 440 

6-19 16 10 50 445 400 12 7 70 480 495 

6-22 20 9 60 480 420 10 6 100 515 535 

6-27 16 12 50 530 500 16 9 65 570 590 

6-31 16 13 50 570 550 16 11 60 615 635 

6-37 20 11 60 630 540 16 10 70 670 690 





X


ANCHORAGES TYPE NC and NC-U 



- NC STANDARD Unit (bonded) 

- NC PLUS Unit (bonded) 

- NC-U STANDARD Unit (unbonded) 



ANCHORAGES TYPE NC and NC-U 

SIZES 


Type Unit A B G ØD E ØH J (1) K 

NC 6-55 420 510 520 340 160 183 452 M16 

NC-U 6-55 420 510 520 340 160 223 452 M16 




ANCHORAGES TYPE NC and NC-U @ 53/64 MPa 






6-55 20 11 55 580 495 18 11 80 620 650 





X


ANCHORAGES TYPE H @ 28/35 MPa 

SIZES AND LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 

Reinforcement for concrete with f cm(t) < 28/35 N/mm² when stressing 

Unit 

A B 

(1) 

A B 

Arrangement 1 Arrangement 2 

(1) 


C D D1 ØE ØF ØG ØH 

6-1 90 90 1 - - - - - 950 - - - 16/20 

6-3 290 90 3 - - - - - 950 - - 64 21/25 

6-4 390 90 4 210 190 4 - - 950 - - 70 28/32 

6-7 450 90 4 230 210 5 155 1300 1150 200 16 83 28/32 

6-12 

430 

- 

230 

- 

8 

- 

- 

390 

- 

330 

- 

12 

155 

1300 

- 

1150 230 16 114 28/32 

6-15 450 230 9 370 370 9 155 1300 1150 300 16 130 28/32 

6-19 570 230 10 470 390 16 155 1300 1150 300 16 140 28/32 

6-22 

690 

- 

230 

- 

12 

- 

- 

490 

- 

470 

- 

20 

155 

1600 

1400 

1450 

1250 

350 16 146 28/32 

6-27 

690 

- 

260 

- 

17 

- 

- 

530 

- 

510 

- 

20 

155 

1650 

1600 

1500 

1450 

350 16 171 28/32 

6-31 

810 

- 

260 

- 

14 

- 

- 

570 

- 

510 

- 

20 

165 

1900 

1700 

1750 

1550 

400 20 171 28/32 

6-37 

1050 

- 

370 

- 

18 

- 

- 

690 

- 

510 

- 

24 

175 

2550 

2000 

2400 

1850 

400 20 178 28/32 


(1) Number of strands with length D1


ANCHORAGES TYPE H 

ARRANGEMENT AND MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF CONCRETE SECTIONS 



COUPLERS TYPE K 


Coupler type K with anchorage type E 

Coupler type K with anchorage type CS 

Coupler type K with anchorage type GC 



COUPLERS TYPE K 

SIZES 


Unit ØC ØD B F G ØH E 

6-3 76 150 160 430 200 62 118 

6-4 83 160 160 440 210 67 118 

6-7 95 190 160 560 310 77 128 

6-12 121 240 160 660 400 97 128 

6-15 133 270 160 770 510 102 128 

6-19 146 280 160 770 510 112 128 

6-22 159 310 160 910 610 122 128 

6-27 168 350 180 980 655 132 150 

6-31 178 360 180 970 625 142 150 

6-37 203 400 200 1200 830 155 168 



COUPLERS TYPE V 


SIZES 

Unit �C �D B F1 F2 G1 G2 �H E 

6-3 76 150 210 210 200 60 70 60 118 

6-4 83 160 220 220 210 60 70 65 118 

6-7 95 190 220 320 310 80 90 75 128 

6-12 121 240 220 420 410 80 90 95 128 

6-15 133 270 220 530 520 80 90 100 128 

6-19 146 280 220 530 520 80 90 110 128 

6-22 159 310 220 630 620 120 130 120 128 

6-27 168 350 240 690 670 110 130 130 150 

6-31 178 360 240 660 640 130 150 140 150 

6-37 203 400 260 870 850 130 150 153 168 


s = coupler movement due to stressing 



BLOCK OUT DIMENSIONS 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 

Unit Jack ZPE A B ØC D E ØF G Weight kg 

6-1 

ZPE-23FJ 135 300 90 116 1200 23 

140 40 

ZPE-30 200 

600 100 140 1350 28 

6-2 ZPE-60 170 140 60 650 140 180 1100 74 

6-3 ZPE-60 195 140 70 650 140 180 1100 74 

6-4 ZPE-7A 220 145 80 650 200 280 1400 115 

ZPE-12St2 670 200 310 1300 151 

6-7 ZPE-200 305 150 90 950 210 315 2000 308 

ZPE-185 

620 180 300 1220 280 

6-12 ZPE-19 370 155 125 700 250 390 1500 294 

6-15 

6-19 

6-22 

ZPE-460/31 570 300 485 1500 435 

460 175 150 

ZPE-500 

1050 330 550 2100 1064 

ZPE-460/31 570 300 485 1500 435 

ZPE-500 460 185 160 1050 330 550 2100 1064 

ZPE-500K 

1150 330 510 2000 450 

ZPE-500 

ZPE-580 

530 190 175 

1050 

860 

330 

280 

550 

500 

2100 

1620 

435 

650 

6-27 ZPE-750 595 200 195 1150 365 520 2600 1100 

6-31 

6-37 

6-43 

ZPE-750 1350 365 520 2600 1100 

595 210 200 

ZPE-1000 

1200 450 790 2400 2290 

ZPE-1000 1200 450 790 2400 2290 

ZPE-1250 640 225 225 1250 375 620 2550 1730 

ZPE-980 

950 360 650 1760 1170 

ZPE-1000 

ZPE-1250 

680 235 250 

1200 

1250 

450 

375 

790 

620 

2400 

2700 

2290 

1730 

ZPE-1000 1200 450 790 2400 2290 

6-55 ZPE-1250 760 250 260 1250 375 620 2700 1730 

ZPE-1450 

1010 420 770 1850 1690 

6-55 

ZPE-1350 760 250 260 

1000 

(2) 

470 840 

3500 

(2) 

3500 

(2) 

Notes: (1) If a deeper recess > B is required, minimum lateral clearance E applies instead of 

block out dimension A 

(2) Dimensions D, G and the weight of stressing jack type ZPE 1350 depend on jack 

configuration. 



DUCTING 

Strand 


Unit 

Corrugated Steel 

Strip Sheath 

(1) 

Duct 

VSL PT-PLUS 

(2) 

Smooth Steel 

Duct 

(3) 


Plastic Duct for 

Bare Strand 

(4) 

Plastic Duct for 

Sheathed Strand 

(4) 

Øint / Øext e Øint / Øext e Øext x t Øext x t min Øext x t min 

1 6-1 25/30 5 22/25 4 25.0 x 2.0 25 x 2.0 32 x 2.4 

2 

3 

6-2 

6-3 

40/45 

40/45 

9 

6 

42.4x2.0/2.5/3.0 

42.4x2.0/2.5/3.0 

40 x 3.0 

50 x 3.7 

50 x 3.7 

4 6-4 45/50 7 48.3x2.0/2.5/3.0 50 x 3.7 75 x 5.6 

5 50/57 8 58/63 13 

6 6-7 55/62 9 58/63 11 76.1 x2.0/2.5/3.0 75 x 5.6 90 x 5.4 

7 

55/62 7 58/63 9 

8 65/72 11 76/81 18 

9 65/72 9 76/81 16 

10 6-12 70/77 11 76/81 15 80.0x2.0/2.5 90 x 5.4 110 x 5.3 

11 70/77 9 76/81 13 

12 

75/82 11 76/81 12 

13 80/87 13 100/106 25 

14 6-15 80/87 11 100/106 24 101.6x3.0/4.0/5.0 110 x 5.3 125 x 6.0 

15 

80/87 10 100/106 23 

16 85/92 12 100/106 22 

17 

18 

6-19 

85/92 

90/97 

11 

13 

100/106 

100/106 

20 

19 

101.6 

x3.0/4.0/5.0 

110 x 5.3 

19 

90/97 12 100/106 18 

140 x 6.7 

20 100/107 17 100/106 17 

21 6-22 100/107 16 100/106 16 

22 

100/107 15 100/106 15 

23 100/107 14 115/121 22 

24 100/107 13 115/121 22 

25 6-27 110/117 18 115/121 21 

26 110/117 17 115/121 21 

27 

110/117 16 115/121 20 

28 110/117 15 130/136 27 

29 

30 

6-31 

120/127 

120/127 

21 

20 

130/136 

130/136 

27 

26 

31 

120/127 19 130/136 25 

32 120/127 18 130/136 24 

33 120/127 17 130/136 23 

34 

35 

6-37 

120/127 

130/137 

16 

22 

130/136 

130/136 

22 

22 

36 130/137 21 130/136 21 

37 

130/137 20 130/136 20 

38 140/147 25 150/157 31 

39 140/147 24 150/157 30 

40 

41 

6-43 

140/147 

140/147 

23 

23 

150/157 

150/157 

9 

29 

42 140/147 22 150/157 28 

43 

140/147 21 150/157 27 

44 150/157 27 150/157 27 

45 150/157 27 150/157 27 

46 150/157 26 150/157 26 

47 150/157 25 150/157 25 

48 150/157 24 150/157 24 

49 

50 

6-55 

150/157 

160/167 

23 

29 

150/157 

150/157 

23 

24 

51 160/167 28 150/157 23 

52 160/167 27 150/157 22 

53 160/167 27 150/157 22 

54 160/167 27 150/157 22 

55 

160/167 26 150/157 21 

114.3 

x3.0/4.0/5.0 

114.3 

x3.0/4.0/5.0 

127.0 

x3.0/4.0/5.0 

125 x 6.0 

125 x 6.0 160 x 7.7 

140 x 6.7 160 x 7.7 

139.7 x3.0/4.0 140 x 6.7 180 x 8.6 

152.4 

x3.0/4.0/5.0 

160 x 7.7 200 x 9.6 

168.3 x3.0/4.0 180 x 8.6 225 x 10.8 

(1) Exterior Ø of corrugations. Use next larger duct for strong deviation and long cables. The corrugated steel strip 

sheaths of diameters larger than 130mm follow the design of EN 523 with the same thickness. 

(2) Exterior Ø of duct. 

(3) According to standard EN 10255, EN 10216-1, EN 10217-1, EN 10219-2 and EN 10305-3. 

Recommended values. Dimensions might vary depending on project requirements. 

(4) According to standard EN 12201, material PE 80. Recommended values. Dimensions might vary depending 

on project requirements.

Annex 2 

TECHNICAL DATA 

OF THE 

VSL SLAB SYSTEM


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Title Page 

1. DEFINITION OF THE SYSTEM 

1.1 PRINCIPLE OF THE VSL SLAB SYSTEM 4 

1.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM UNITS 5 

1.3 ANCHORAGES 5 



1.4 CATEGORIES OF USE, OPTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES 6 

1.4.1 USES AND OPTIONS OF VSL SLAB SYSTEM UNITS 

1.4.2 POSSIBILITIES OF THE VSL SLAB SYSTEM 

2. STRANDS AND DUCTS 

2.1 STRANDS USED 8 

2.2 REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNBONDED SYSTEM 8 

2.3 DUCTS USED FOR THE BONDED SYSTEM 8 





2.3.5 CONNECTION WITH SLEEVES 

2.4 CABLE LAYOUT 10 





2.5 INSTALLATION OF DUCTS AND TENDONS 11 

2.6 PROVISIONAL PROTECTION AND LUBRICATION 11 

2.7 CALCULATION ELEMENTS 12 



2.7.3 ACTIVE ANCHORAGE SETTINGS 

3. ANCHORAGES 

3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ANCHORAGE COMPONENTS 13 

3.1.1 LIVE-END / DEAD-END ANCHORAGES 


3.2 ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLY QUALITY 14 

3.3 INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS ANCHORAGES 14 

3.3.1 TYPE "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" AND "S 6-4" ACTIVE END ANCHORAGES 

3.3.2 TYPE "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" AND "S 6-4" PASSIVE END ANCHORAGES 

3.3.3 TYPE "SF 6-1" AND "SF 6-1 PLUS" EMBEDDED DEAD END ANCHORAGES 

3.3.4 TYPE "H 6-(1 through 4)" BONDED ANCHORAGES 

3.4 ANCHORAGE ARRANGEMENTS 15 

3.5 GEOMETRICAL AND MECHANICAL USE CONDITIONS 15 

3.5.1 CLEARENCE BEHIND ANCHORAGES 

3.5.2 CONCRETE COVER AND ANCHORAGE SPACING 

3.6 LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 17 

4. STRESSING 

4.1 STRESSING EQUIPMENT 18 



4.1.3 INSTRUMENTS AND MEASURING SYSTEMS 



4.2 PROCESSES OF STRESSING AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 19 



5. INJECTION AND SEALING 

5.1 INJECTION 20 

5.1.1 UNBONDED SYSTEM 

5.1.2 BONDED SYSTEM 

5.2 SEALING 21 

6. SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS 22 



CHAPTER 1 

1. SYSTEM DEFINITION 

DEFINITION OF THE SYSTEM 

1.1 PRINCIPLE OF THE VSL SLAB SYSTEM 

The cable or unit of the VSL Slab System is composed of one or several strands made of high-strength steel 

called a "tendon", along with the associated set of anchorages. 

In this system, the cable may be not only the unit itself, but also the assembly of several closely spaced parallel 

units (in general of just one strand). 

This System has considered two subsystems (to be called systems in the following discussion for the sake of 

simplicity), i.e.: 

- "unbonded", using individually greased and plastic sheathed monostrands placed directly in the 

concrete. The unbonded protection of the tendons serves to make them independent of the structure. 

Only greased sheathed monostrands will be considered in the ensuing discussion, see Section 2.1; 

- "bonded", a grouting type of PT that uses bare strands. In this case, the strands are located within a 

duct that constitutes a cylindrical or flat conduit. The void thus created is then filled with grout according 

to EN 447 or Annex C4 of ETAG 013 for the purpose of bonding with the structure and inhibiting 

corrosion. 

The constituting strands are those defined in the European Standard White Draft pr EN 10138-3: "Prestressing 

steels - Strand". They refer to 7-wire strands with nominal diameters of 15.2 and 15.7 mm (fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

or fpk = 1 770 N/mm 2 ), which are identical to those used with the VSL Multistrand system. 

As long as EN 10138 does not exist, 7-wire strands in accordance with national provisions shall be used. 

By varying both the strand diameter and number (and, if applicable, their specified characteristic value of 

maximum force), it would be possible to obtain a value for the characteristic tensile strength per cable or per unit 

that varies between 260 and 1 116 kN. 

Each strand, of a cable or unit, is individually stressed and becomes locked within a conical anchoring hole by 

means of wedges. 

The anchorage function is performed by clamping during strand moving back at the time of pressure release in 

the jack. 

The choice of post-tensioning units, as dictated by force requirements, leads for a given strand diameter and 

characteristic strength to a specific number of strands to be laid out in accordance with a recommended spacing 

plan. In conjunction with this design element, the choice of type of anchorage associated with the cable 

depends on the intended function and application of the particular unit. 

The system is limited to units of 1 and 4 strands since these units prove appropriate for common slabs and 

plates. 

The designation of post-tensioning units is expressed with reference to both the type and number of component 

strands. The VSL commercial labeling is explained below: 

The labeling of units 6-1… 6-4 or 6S-1… 6S-4 signifies: 

the first digit indicates strand diameter, 

6 = 6 × 1/10" = T15.2 15.2 mm 

6S = 6 × 1/10" S = T15.7 15.7 mm (S stands for super). 

the subsequent digits indicate the number of strands composing the unit. 

To provide greater detail, the designation of units begins with the names of the anchorages placed at the ends. 

The following designation serves as an example: 

Cable VSL S-S 6S-4 L = 50.000 (2) 

Cable VSL 4(S-S 6S-1) L = 50.000 (2) [cable composed of 4 individual but parallel and closely spaced 

monostrand units] 

The functions and names of the anchorages will be defined hereafter. The cables feature a length of 

50.000 m and have been stressed at both (2) ends. 

The VSL Slab System contains 1 and 4 strand units. The intermediately-dimensioned cables of 2 and 3 strands 

are composed preferentially by means of parallel arrangement of several monostrand units. 

The prestressing force applied may naturally be fine-tuned to meet the required prestressing force level by 

adjusting the appropriate spacing between units. 



1.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SYSTEM UNITS 

On the basis of the strand characteristics defined in draft Standard "pr EN 10138-3: Prestressing steels - Part 3: 

Strand", the values of tendon cross-sections Ap, maximum forces under anchorage upon tensioning recom- 

mended by EC2 : Pmax = min {k1.Ap.fpk; k2.Ap.fp0.1k}, with k1 = 0.8, k2 = 0.9, fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 , fp0.1k = 0.88 fpk, of 

VSL post-tensioning units are as follows : 

Number of 

strands in the 

prestressing 

unit 

Ap 

STRAND 15.2 - T15.2 or 6 

fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

Fpk = 260 kN Fp0.1k = 229 kN 

Ap.fpk 

0.8 

Ap.fpk 

Ap.fp0.1k 

0.9 

Ap.fp0.1k 


Ap 

STRAND 15.7 - T15.7 or 6S 

fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 

Fpk = 279 kN Fp0.1k = 246 kN 

Ap.fpk 

0.8 

Ap.fpk 

Ap.fp0.1k 

0.9 

Ap.fp0.1k 

mm² kN kN kN kN mm² kN kN kN kN 

1 140 260.0 208.0 229.0 206.1 150 279.0 223.2 246.0 221.4 

2 280 520.0 416.0 458.0 412.2 300 558.0 446.4 492.0 442.8 

3 420 780.0 624.0 687.0 618.3 450 837.0 669.6 738.0 664.2 

4 560 1 040.0 832.0 916.0 824.4 600 1 116.0 892.8 984.0 885.6 

Note : prestressing force applied to structure must be in accordance with national regulations 

The system can obviously be used with strands displaying a specific characteristic tensile strength of less than 

that proposed in the table as strands with fpk = 1 770 N/mm 2 . The provisions for tendons with strands with a 

characteristic tensile strength fpk = 1 860 N/mm 2 also apply to tendons with strands with fpk < 1 860 N/mm 2 . 

The draft Standard pr EN 10138-3 sets the following criteria for the other useful characteristics of prestressing 

strands composing the VSL units: 

- Elongation at maximal force: 3.5% 



- Fatigue behaviour (0.70 fpk; 190 N/mm 2 ): 2x10 6 cycles 

- Maximum D value of deflected tensile test: 28% 

- Modulus of elasticity Ep: 195 000 N/mm 2 

The strands are stressed individually, the modulus of elasticity of the strand measured and communicated at the 

time of its supply is to be taken into account for the cable elongation calculations. 

Individually greased and sheathed monostrands have the same mechanical properties as listed above for bare 

strands. 


1.3 ANCHORAGES 

The VSL Slab System anchorages are all (with the exception of the type "H" bonded anchorages) available for 

the two systems of unbonded or bonded tendons. Depending on their function and commercial labeling, the 

anchorages may be classified as follows: 

Type "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" and "S 6-4" active end anchorages 

These active anchorages have been designed to anchor tendons at the end at which the stressing will be 

performed strand by strand. 

They are composed of a single-block anchorage casing drilled with conically-shaped holes (1 or 4) in which the 

strands are anchored by means of locking through the use of wedges. These anchorages exist in both the 

unbonded and bonded systems. 

The continuity of protection and the waterproof sealing between the duct and the anchorage casing are provided 

by means of a plastic sleeve. In the case of S 6-1 PLUS, a plastic coat covers the external faces of the 

anchorage casing in continuity of the plastic sleeve. 

In the unbonded case, a cap is required to close the housing of the wedges after filling with a protective product 

(identical or compatible with that of the greased and sheathed single strands) by injection. 

The "S 6-1" and the "S 6-1 PLUS" anchorages can be used as an intermediate anchorage at a construction joint 

with the strand being continuous through the anchorage and over the entire tendon length to the end 

anchorage. The tendon is first stressed at the intermediate anchorage at the construction joint. When the entire


slab is built, the tendon is stressed at the end anchorage and the intermediate anchorage becomes obsolete but 

remains in place. The remaining wedge bites on the free length are acceptable. Overlapping wedge bites on the 

strand and angular deviation of the strand before or behind the intermediate anchorage shall however be 

avoided. 

Type "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" and "S 6-4" passive end anchorages 

These passive anchorages ensure the locking of tendons at the end on which no stressing force is being 

exerted by means of the jack. These anchorages apply to both the unbonded and bonded systems. 

This category only includes those anchorages that remain accessible at the time of stressing. 

The type "S 6-1" or "S 6-1 PLUS" anchorages, whose wedges have been pre-locked and which may be 

controlled during stressing are used for the given function. 

The protection of these dead end anchorages is identical to that of the live end anchorages. 

Type "SF 6-1" and "SF 6-1 PLUS" embedded dead end anchorages 

These fixed anchorages are incorporated into the concrete of the structure. Only considered as embedded 

anchorages are those that make use of a direct transfer on the concrete in order to lock the tendon ends. 

In both the unbonded and bonded systems, the type SF 6-1 or SF 6-1 PLUS anchorages, which have been 

assembled onto the tendons prior to their installation, are used for the given function. Their wedges are locked 

into the anchorage bodies S 6-1 or S 6-1 PLUS and maintained using a series of washers and springs 

supported on the caps screwed at the end, a set-up that provides mechanical protection against any slipping 

movement. The SF 6-1 and SF 6-1 PLUS anchorages receive the same protection as the live end anchorages. 

Type "H 6- (1 through 4)" bonded anchorages 

These fixed anchorages rely, at least in part, on bonding in order to maintain the tendon end fastened with 

respect to the concrete. They are strictly the same as those of the VSL Multistrand System, which has been 

detailed in Annex 1. 

These anchorages may only be used for the bonded system. 


The set of approved anchorages that allow creating all of the intermediate prestressing units have been 

categorized in the following table: 

System 

ANCHORAGE 

CABLE 

Function Active end Passive end Embedded dead end Bonded 

Unit label S S PLUS S S PLUS S S PLUS 

unbonded 1T15.2 / 1T15.7 6-1 / 6S-1 

4T15.2 / 4T15.7 6-4 / 6S-4 

Unit label Si Si PLUS Si Si PLUS Si Si PLUS H 

bonded 1T15.2 / 1T15.7 6-1 / 6S-1 

4T15.2 / 4T15.7 6-4 / 6S-4 

The stressing of tendons anchorages is only conducted by VSL stressing jacks, which are presented in Chap. 4. 

1.4 CATEGORIES OF USE, OPTIONS AND POSSIBILITIES 

1.4.1 USES AND OPTIONS OF VSL SLAB SYSTEM UNITS 

The VSL Slab System units are entirely internal to the concrete; they may be: 

- either unbonded, i.e. with individually greased and sheathed monostrands, unbonded to the structure, 

- or bonded, i.e. with "bare" strands placed inside a duct and with permanent grouting, providing bonding 

to the structure. 

These units may also be: 

- replaceable provided the absence of bonding with the structure, 

- designed to be encapsulated and perfectly waterproof, 

- designed to be electrically-isolated. 



Uses 

internal* bonded cable with metallic duct 

internal* bonded cable with plastic duct 

internal* unbonded 

external* bonded cable 

external* unbonded cable 

Anchorages 

tendon for use in various material as external cable (1) 

restressable tendon 

exchangeable tendon (2) 

encapsulated tendon (leak tight) 

electrically isolated tendon 

(*) of concrete 

(1) the anchorage must be embedded in concrete block. 

(2) the designer must check feasibility regarding geometrical tendon layout. 

S 6-1 

It goes without saying that the solutions and options implemented presume the availability of adequate choices 

and combinations of all unit or cable components, as indicated in this ETA: 

- for strands see Chapter 2.1 "Strands used", 

- for ducts see Chapters 2.2 "Requirements of the unbonded system" and 2.3 "Ducts used for bonded 

system", 

- for anchorages see Chapter 3.4 "Anchorage arrangements", 

- for injection see Chapter 5.1 "Injection". 

1.4.2 POSSIBILITIES OF THE VSL SLAB SYSTEM 

The VSL Slab System is able to take advantage of the following unique set of possibilities: 

- Partial stressing or stressing in stages: 

When prestressing needs to be applied gradually, the stressing may be performed in stages. With the first 

partial stressing step being carried out at the beginning of the second stage, the wedges are unclamped by 

action of the jack on the strand. Once the targeted force has been reached, pressure in the jack is relaxed 

and the wedges are once again locked inside the anchorage. This procedure consists of the same steps as 

for stressing a long cable strand whose elongation necessitates several successive jack strokes. 

Since the strands have been stressed individually, the procedure may also entail the total stressing of a 

fraction of the strands. 

- Destressing procedure: 

The destressing of a strand(s) anchored by a type "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" or "S 6-4" anchorage is possible 

using a special tooling assembly mounted on the stressing jack provided that the required strand over 

lengths have been conserved and that the strands remain independent of the structure (unbonded). 

From the aforementioned, two zones appear to stand out, the free length and the anchorage zone; they will be 

presented in greater detail in the following chapters entitled "Strands and ducts" and "Anchorages". 

S 6-1 PLUS 

SF 6-1 


SF 6-1 PLUS 

Si 6-1 

Si 6-1 PLUS 

SFi 6-1 

SFi 6-1 PLUS 

S 6-4 

Si 6-4 

H 6-1 & 6-4


CHAPTER 2 

STRANDS AND DUCTS 

2. TENDONS AND DUCTS 

2.1 STRANDS USED 

The high-strength prestressing steel (strands) composing the tendons are labeled "Y1860S7 – No. 1.1366" and 

are defined in the draft Standard "pr EN 10138-3: Prestressing steels – Part 3: Strand". On an occasional basis, 

the strands labeled "Y1770S7 – No. 1.1365" may also be employed. 

The primary characteristics have been recalled in Section 1.2. 

As regards monostrands (individually greased and sheathed) that are used in the unbonded system, they are 

compliant with Annex C.1 of the ETAG 013, which specifies the requirements, verification methods and 

acceptance criteria of both the grease and the sheathing. 

2.2 REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNBONDED SYSTEM 

While it is obvious that the individually greased and sheathed monostrand do not necessitate any duct, the 

cables composed by several parallel monostrands however require assembly by means of regularly-spaced 

spacers ensuring their respective positions / linear lay out within the group. 

The connection of the monostrand sheathing with the anchorage is conducted by means of inserting the strands 

in a sleeve with one inlet for the "S 6-1" and "S 6-1 PLUS" anchorage or a sleeve with 4 inlets for the "S 6-4" 

anchorage. These connections are made of plastic and provide for a watertight seal with the sheathing. 

2.3 DUCTS USED FOR THE BONDED SYSTEM 

The VSL Slab System can use several types of duct as provided in this section. Duct type selection depends on 

the specific project, the final use designed for the structure and the options selected for the post-tensioning 

units. 

Although the VSL Slab System authorizes the use of cylindrical ducts, the applications targeted with the slabs 

and plates increasingly rely upon the flat ducts presented below. For cylindrical ducts, for S6-1 / S6-1 Plus the 

interested reader is advised to consult Annex 1 of this ETA. 


Depending on the specific application, various types of ducts may be employed. From a general standpoint, the 

ducts used must be mechanically resistant, display continuity in shape, ensure continuity of the seal over their 

entire length and comply with the project's bond requirements, while not causing any chemical attack. 

Without claiming to be exhaustive, the frequently-used ducts of the following table have demonstrated their 

capacities in the uses and applications cited: 

Ducts 

Metal duct Plastic duct 

Applications Corrugated steel strip flat sheath VSL PT-PLUS 

Cable 

inside the 

concrete 

with 

bonded 

injection 

standard 

encapsulated 

electrically 

isolated 

NA 

NA 

~ 

ª 

ª 

Note: ª) This set-up features a fully-bonded cable. 

: Advised ~ : Possible NA: not allowed 



The VSL Slab System's prestressing tendon ducts, with either a cylindrical cross-section or oblong, must display 

internal dimensions large enough to provide for easy tendon installation and adequate filling during grouting of 

the protective product. 

The small internal dimension of the oblong section is considerably less than two strand diameters in order to 

ensure that they remain juxtaposed side by side, in the same position all along the tendon. 

The most common duct sizes are listed on drawing "Ducting" of Chapter 6. 


Tendons are most often isolated from the concrete by means of corrugated steel strip cylindrical or flat sheaths. 

Although not covered in Standard EN 523, these flat sheaths due to their shapes and dimensions may be 

qualified as normal (Category 1). Their characteristics are nearly the same as those of the cylindrical sleeve 

stipulated in the standard. 

Connections between coils or straight segments are performed by means of a coupler on the two extremities to 

be connected. The waterproof sealing at the joints is provided by either an adhesive ribbon or thermoretractable 

sleeves. 


In the case of stringent requirements as regards to both corrosion protection and fatigue resistance of cables, it 

is recommended to use the corrugated plastic VSL PT-PLUS flat or cylindrical duct; this material generates 

perfect bonding between the tendons and the structure (6-1 round / 6-4 flat see chapter 6). It is the preferred 

choice for tendons submitted to a particularly-aggressive environment or strong fatigue loads. The fittings 

between ducts segments are introduced by means of connectors that serve to generate a waterproof sealing. 

The VSL PT-PLUS duct complies with ETAG 013. 

The VSL PT-PLUS duct with its set of appropriate fittings is also employed in the case of fully-encapsulated 

(waterproof) and or electrically isolated cables. This application necessitates the presence of rigid half-shells 

between the duct and its supports at all the high points along the cable path in order to avoid any risk of 

perforation during stressing of the tendon. 

For design considerations in accordance with EN-1992 where the relative bond properties between reinforcing 

steel and post-tensioning tendons are relevant it may be assumed that tendons in PT-PLUS plastic ducts have a 

50% longer bond length than tendons in corrugated metal ducts. 

2.3.4 ACCESSORIES FOR INLETS, BLEED VENTS AND OUTLET 

Providing permanent protection by means of grout injection presupposes the possibility of intervening anywhere 

along the cable path in order to adjust the filling and bleed any air, water, etc. that may be within the ducts. In 

this aim, accessories for inlets, venting and outlets are installed on the ducts. These basically comprise shells or 

collars fastened onto holes in the ducts and then connected to pipes with plugs opening onto the slab surface or 

subsurface. 

Duct Duct connection accessory Inlet, venting, bleeding or outlet 

accessory 

Corrugated steel strip sheath Sealed plastic shell Plastic pipe 

VSL PT-PLUS duct Special "clipped" collar Plastic pipe 

The distributions of inlet, venting, bleeding and outlet points along the cable profile are selected based on a 

function-specific study of the cable path. 

2.3.5 CONNECTION WITH SLEEVES 

The strands, placed within their ducts, must slightly dilate in the vicinity of the "S 6-4" anchorages in order to 

pass through the corresponding holes in the anchorage body. This "variable oblong"-shaped duct expansion is 

called a trumpet and is considered part of the anchorage element. 

The trumpets are fastened to the formwork of appropriate dimensions, with enough length and opening at the 

end to allow for connection and alignment of the duct of the current zone. 



The sealing between the ends of duct and trumpet is carried out using an adhesive strip, a thermo-retractable 

sleeve, or a connector designed as a duct accessory (e.g. a VSL PT-PLUS coupler). 

2.4 CABLE LAYOUT 

The cable layout patterns are not inherent to the VSL Slab System, but instead depend on the particular project. 


In order for the strands not to display excessive deviation with respect to the anchorage support surface, it is 

recommended to lay out a rectilinear segment in the back of the anchorage. In both systems (unbonded and 

bonded), whether the systems include an individual sleeve and a shared sleeve, their trumpet length is sufficient 

as straight length needed behind the anchorage. 


- unbonded system: 

The individually greased and sheathed monostrands typically laid out either isolated or flat juxtaposed must 

satisfy the minimum radius of curvature rmin : 

deviation : rmin S 2.50 m, 

loop anchorage: rmin S 0.60 m, the term loop anchorage indicates a zone with strong curvature 

over which the total deviation is nearly T radians and which is located at approximately mid-length of the 

cable, with simultaneous stressing at both ends. 

In the case of an anchorage with several strands, the strands are to be laid out such that the radial force due to 

deviation of one strand does not harm the adjacent strand. 

- bonded system: 

The corrugated steel strip flat sheath is bent by respecting a minimum radius of curvature rmin. With the sheath 

laid out flat (see drawing "Ducting" of Chapter 6), the following dimensions are respected: 

plane: rmin S 6.00 m, tendon curvature in one direction only 

elevation: rmin S 2.50 m. 

The VSL PT-PLUS flat duct is bent by respecting a minimum radius of curvature rmin. With the duct laid out flat, 

the following dimensions are respected: 

plane: rmin S 6.00 m, tendon curvature in one direction only 

elevation: rmin S 2.50 m. 

VSL PT-PLUS ® round duct 22/25 rminS 2.50 m 


The support heights underneath the cables or ducts are listed on the cable diagrams approximately every meter 

for a large radius of curvature and every fifty centimeters for a small radius of curvature, in order to allow for 

cable (or duct) placement with the required level of precision. 

The cable (or duct) supports are laid out as stipulated in the design that also establishes the order in which the 

cables (or ducts) are to be installed to ensure installation without "intertwining" in the case of slabs with tendons 

in both directions. 

The fastening fittings are sufficiently robust and close enough such that the cables (or ducts) will not exhibit 

displacements or deformations in excess of the allowed tolerances. 

The tolerances on cable positions in the concrete elements must respect the prescriptions stipulated in standard 

"ENV 13670-1". 

Moreover, in every direction, whenever a cable displays or potentially displays deviation in the vicinity of an 

edge of concrete which could lead to spalling of the concrete cover, an offset with respect to the cable diagram 

in this direction is only tolerated provided that equilibrium reinforcing bars are provided over this zone. Special 

attention must be paid to outward pressure due to structural singularities, such as floor openings. 

The VSL Slab System authorizes the cable installation technique according to the so-called "free path" or "Freie 

Spanngliedlage" method defined here after. 

- In slabs with a thickness of not more than 450 mm the tendons can be placed with the method of “Freie 

Spanngliedlage”. 



- Tendons placed with the method of “Freie Spanngliedlage” need only a limited number of tendon supports, in 

general at the low and high points of the tendon profile, however, with limitations on the spacing as stated 

below. 

- The maximum spacing of tendon supports is: 

- 1.5 m between the tendon fixation to the top layers of reinforcement and an adjacent anchorage, 

- 3.0 m between the tendon fixation to the bottom layers of reinforcement and an adjacent anchorage or 

the tendon fixation to the top layer of reinforcement. 

- At the low points and high points of the tendon profile, the tendons have to be fixed to the top and bottom 

layers of reinforcement, respectively, on least two locations which have a distance of between 0.3 to 1.0 m. The 

fixation shall ensure a tight fit without damaging the tendon sheathing. The reinforcement layers have to be fixed 

in accordance with the relevant standards. 


Since the anchorage has been fastened with respect to the part undergoing post-tensioning, its space 

consumption is limited to its specific volume. Strand length is strictly the length of the prestressed element 

between the anchorages increased by the over length crossing the stressing jack(s). 

These over length have been defined in the drawing "Clearance requirements" of Chapter 6. 

2.5 INSTALLATION OF DUCTS AND STRANDS 

Depending on the size and layout of the worksite, the available space on site and the schedule of works, one of 

the following solutions is to be adopted: 

- unbonded system: 

- cables fabricated in the plant and then delivered as needed to the worksite for installation into the 

passive reinforcement; 

- cables fabricated in a mobile workshop on the worksite, all ready to be installed in the passive 

reinforcement. 

- bonded system: 

- cables (both tendons and ducts) fabricated in the plant and then delivered as needed on the 

worksite for installation into the passive reinforcement; 

- strand bundle fabricated in a mobile workshop located adjacent to the worksite and then drawn 

before concreting into the ducts installed in the passive reinforcement; 

- tendons composed by threading strand by strand before concreting into the ducts installed in the 

passive reinforcement. 

2.6 PROVISIONAL PROTECTION AND LUBRIFICATION 

In the bonded system, the oiling or greasing of tendons, exclusively by means of non-dangerous substances, is 

performed: 

- in the aim of providing provisional protection against corrosion from the time of leaving the plant until 

permanent protection has been achieved (grouting of the cable); 

- in the aim of lubrication since the friction loss of oiled strands in the metal ducts during stressing is lower. 

With this same objective, other products serving to reduce friction may be used, as long as they are recognized 

as non-dangerous, can be easily applied and remain inert in the presence of permanent protection (and the 

eventual rigid bond to the structure).. 

It is necessary to point out that: 

"In addition to the specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European Technical 




and where they apply." 




2.7 CALCULATION ELEMENTS 

The friction of strands in their ducts, which hinders tendon displacement during stressing, causes a tensile loss 

by friction all along the cable path beginning at the considered live-end anchorage. 

In examining the friction loss formula: e ( ) 

- 

f po (x) = f po (0) . µ + k x , which expresses the tension in a 

cable at the abscissa x as a function of the tension at the considered live end anchorage (positioned at x = 0), 

where µ is the coefficient of friction (over the curve) between the strands and the duct, the sum of the 

angular deviations of the cable over the distance x, and k the unintentional angular deviation (per unit length) 

affecting the cable path, 

it is recommended to adopt the numerical values of µ and k prescribed in Eurocode 2 which can be summarized 

as follows: 

Application µ (rad -1 ) (1) k (rad/m) 

Individually greased and sheathed monostrand 0.05 0.008 

Cable with corrugated steel strip sheath 0.17 - 0.19 0.005 - 0.010 

Cable with VSL PT-PLUS duct 0.12 - 0.14 0.005 - 0.010 

(1) The interval limit values encompass both lubricated and non-lubricated strands. 


See Section 2.6.2 of Annex 1. 

Due to the limited clearance inside the duct, effect of strand slack may be neglected. 

Note : friction losses at anchorages are expressed in Chapter 4.2.1. 

2.7.3 ACTIVE ANCHORAGE SETTINGS 

The following wedge draw-in values will be applied herein: 

- 6 mm, which remains constant for all units and is applicable to all types of anchorage using the 

"6N" or "6S" wedges implemented without activation of the seating ram of the stressing jack (see 

Section 4.1.1). 

- 5 mm, which remains constant for all units and applicable to all types of anchorage using the "6N" 

or "6S" wedges implemented with activation of the seating ram of the stressing jack (see 

Section 4.1.1). 

The VSL Slab System anchorages do not allow for any adjustment with shim. 



3.1 DESCRIPTION OF ANCHORAGE COMPONENTS 

VSL Slab System anchorages make use of a set of standard elements that can be categorized as follows: 


CHAPTER 3 

ANCHORAGES 

For these active/passive anchorages, the anchor head and plate are combined to form a single part, commonly 

called the anchorage body. 

The wedges used for both the VSL Slab System and VSL Multistrand System are identical (see Annex 1). 

These anchorages comprise: 

- S 6-1 anchorage 

The anchorage body is molded and cast in spheroidal graphite cast iron in accordance with Standard EN 1563. 

The conically-shaped hole is subject of a rigorous control. 

The plastic sleeve is screwed onto the anchorage body. 

In the unbonded case, the end cap is made of plastic or metal material. 

In the bonded case, a temporary or permanent cap provides for the waterproof seal of the envelope at the 

anchorage end in order to perform the grouting. 

- S 6-1 PLUS anchorage 

The anchorage body is molded and cast in spheroidal graphite cast iron in accordance with Standard EN 1563. 

The conically-shaped hole is subject of a rigorous control. 

The external plastic coating to isolate metallic anchorage body from concrete is made of polyethylene. 

The plastic sleeve is securely fastened to the exit of the anchorage body. 

In the unbonded case, the end cap is made of plastic material. 

In the bonded case, a temporary or permanent cap provides for the waterproof seal of the envelope at the 


- S 6-4 anchorage 

The anchorage body is molded and cast in spheroidal graphite cast iron in accordance with Standard EN 1563; 

the four conically-shaped holes are rigorously controlled individually. 

The plastic sleeve of this anchorage is inserted into the concrete and accommodates in an appropriate form the 

simply-supported anchorage body. 

In the unbonded case, a permanent cap filled with grease protects the end anchorage. 

In the bonded case, a provisional or permanent cap provides a waterproof sealing of the envelope at the 



The unbonded system: 

Since the installation of the monostrands and anchorage body for the S 6-1 anchorage or the trumpet for the 

S 6-4 anchorage is done prior to concreting, the delivery of anchorages to the worksite entails: 

1. Delivery of the S 6-1, S 6-1 PLUS anchorages or the S 6-4 trumpets, along with the monostrand coils 

and the installation accessories for both cable manufacturing and placement in the passive 

reinforcement. These anchorage components are fixed to the formwork. The anchorage components 

are delivered already tagged, packaged and protected. 

After concreting and cure of the concrete, 

2. Delivery of the wedges, eventually along with installation of the S 6-4 anchorage units, the stressing 

operation, cutting of the strand over lengths and permanent protection of the anchorages. These 

anchorage components are delivered identified, packaged and protected. 

The bonded system: 

Given that strand placement takes place before concreting, the delivery of anchorages on the worksite entails: 



(only the most common case of internal (concrete) post-tensioning of a new structure will be highlighted herein) 

1. Delivery of the S 6-1, S 6-1 PLUS anchorages or the S 6-4 trumpets, the ducts, the accessories for 

placement within the passive reinforcement, along with the strands to be threaded. These anchorage 

parts are fastened to the formwork. The anchorage units come delivered tagged, packaged and 

protected. 

Following concreting and curing of the concrete, 

2. Delivery of the wedges (eventually the S 6-4 anchorage body), the stressing operation, cutting of the 

excess lengths and grouting for the permanent protection of both cables and anchorages. These 

anchorage components are delivered identified, packaged and protected. 

3.2 ORGANIZATION OF SUPPLY QUALITY 

The fabrication of anchorage components of the post-tensioning system and especially those designed for the 

VSL Slab System is conducted in compliance with the specifications, production and control procedures laid out 

in the present ETA document and all associated documents. 

The control procedures in effect for anchorage Component Manufacturers, to the same extent as those adopted 

by the PT Specialist Company, serve to ensure the traceability of the components all the way through to their 

delivery on site. It is to be recalled that the basis for evaluating these procedures and the supervision of their 

application have been defined in Chapter 8 and its Appendix E of the ETAG 013. 

It should also be recalled that prior to installation, the compliance of all delivered components, by means of both 

identification and visual inspection of their state, must be performed by the PT Supervisor. 

3.3 INSTALLATION OF VARIOUS ANCHORAGES 

The implementation of VSL units must be assigned to a competent staff member and involve technical 

management personnel within the PT Specialist Company or a PT Supervisor certified by this company. 

3.3.1 TYPE "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" AND "S 6-4" ACTIVE END ANCHORAGES 

The S 6-1 or S 6-1 PLUS anchorage bodies and the S 6-4 trumpets are fixed to the formwork and connected to 

the monostrands or ducts aligned at the time of their installation, in general during placing of the passive 

reinforcement, then incorporated therefore to the structure or structural element during concreting. 

Depending on the type of system (bonded or unbonded), sleeves or trumpets are appropriate. 

For detail of connections of anchorages with current ducts refer to Chapter 2.2: “Requirements of the unbonded 

system” and 2.3: “Duct used for the bonded system”. 

The S 6-4 anchorage unit is installed into the trumpet which was placed before concrete pouring. The wedges 

are placed immediately prior to stressing, which ensures that they are clean for use. 

For force losses in the anchorages during stressing, see Section 4.2.1: "Force measurements". 

3.3.2 TYPE "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" AND "S 6-4" PASSIVE END ANCHORAGES 

The placement of these passive anchorages is performed as indicated in Section 3.3.1. Once the anchorage 

has been installed, before stressing at the other end, the wedges are pre-locked using a wedge tool. The 

anchorage then remains accessible throughout the stressing phase for observation. 

3.3.3 TYPE "SF 6-1" AND "SF 6-1 PLUS" EMBEDDED DEAD END ANCHORAGES 

In both the bonded and unbonded systems, the fixed SF 6-1, SF 6-1 PLUS anchorages are assembled on the 

strands, then the wedges are pre-locked and verified and, lastly, the ducts and sleeves are connected. The 

anchorages assembled in this manner are then positioned and inserted into the passive reinforcement. 



3.3.4 TYPE "H 6- (1 through 4)" BONDED ANCHORAGES 

These fixed anchorages reserved for the bonded system are strictly identical to those of the multistrand system 

described in Annex 1. 

3.4 ANCHORAGE ARRANGEMENTS 

According to categories of use, referring to Section 1.4.1, arrangements of anchorage components are 

described in the following table: 

Anchorage 

Component 

internal 

bonded cable 

with metal duct 

internal 

bonded cable 

with plastic 

duct 

S & Si 6-1 Body S S S S S 

internal 

unbonded 


Use 

exchangeable 

tendon 

encapsulated 

tendon (leak 

tight) 

S & Si 6-1 PLUS Body S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS 

SF & SFi 6-1 Body S S S S 

SF & SFi 6-1 PLUS Body S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS 

electrically 

isolated 

tendon 

S & Si 6-4 Body S S S S S S (1) 

Sleeve Si Si S S S Si S Si 

Cap S S S S S SP (2) 

H 6-1 & H 6-4 H H 

Note (1): Electrical isolation provided by plastic trumpet (anchor body), 

3.5 GEOMETRICAL AND MECHANICAL USE CONDITIONS 

For the seating and installation of anchorages, certain construction-related conditions must be verified. 

3.5.1 CLEARANCES BEHIND ANCHORAGES 

In order to facilitate jack placement and simplify the stressing procedure, a free space must be allocated behind 

the anchorage. 

These dimensions are given in the drawing "Clearance requirements" in Chapter 6. 

3.5.2 CONCRETE STRENGTH, COVER AND ANCHORAGE SPACING 

Introducing post-tensioning forces into the structures takes the form, within the anchorage zones, of 

concentrated forces applied onto the anchorage bodies. The high stress values encountered underneath the 

anchorages necessitate certain construction-related measures, i.e.: 

- The anchorages must be laid out at a sufficient distance from the nearest edge of the concrete (cover) and 

respect a spacing between anchorages (centre to centre) that will be specified below. 

- The concrete in the vicinity of the anchorages must be especially homogeneous and display, at the time of 

stressing, an adequate level of strength. 

- A general diffusion zone must be designed and prepared in front of the anchorages within the structure, 

thereby reducing the concentrated forces and distributing them over the concrete cross-section, in 

compliance with the design rules.


As stated above and in considering a maximum prestressing force P(t,x) at the time of stressing (t = 0) (0) at the 

anchorage (x = 0), thus called P(0,0) Pmax, for the normal anchor plates and P(0,0) max = Pmax, the following are 

defined: 

(0) Force in the cable, at the anchorage on the concrete side, before load transfer to anchorage. 

b0 and b’0 are the distances between the anchorage axis and the edge of the block tested. These values are 

given in the tables here after. 

The local anchorage zone reinforcement required to prevent bursting and spalling in anchorage zones is 

determined in relation to a rectangular prism of concrete, known as the primary regularisation prism, located 

behind each anchorage. The cross section of the prism associated with each anchorage is known as the impact 

rectangle. 

The impact rectangle has the same centre and the same axes of symmetry as the anchor plate (which should 

have two axes of symmetry). 

The impact rectangle with dimensions X x X’ has the same area as the block tested A = 4 x b0 b’0 and the same 

aspect ratio. 

Xmin,rect = 0.85 x 2 b0 ; X’ min,rect = 0.85 x 2 b’0 

Xmin and X’min taking into account dimensions of bursting reinforcement are given in the tables here after, then 

X Xmin or X’ X’min [1] 

and X x X’ = A = 4 x b0 b’0 [2] 

It should be noted that application of Xmin may require adaptation of the local anchorage zone reinforcement in 

accordance with the applicable Eurocodes and national regulations, see Chapter 3.6. 

Rules for center distance and edge distances of anchorages: 

Impact rectangles associated with anchorages located in the same cross section should not overlap. 

In addition, they should remain inside the concrete. Taking into account the concrete cover, we obtain the 

distance to edge in the two directions : 

' 

X X 

+ cover-10 mm and +cover – 10 mm 

2 

2 

Note: 10 mm is the concrete cover in the tested block. 

For anchorage spacing, refer to equations [1] and [2] 

For f cm(t) 16/20 N/mm 2 

16/20 N/mm 2 

16/20 N/mm 2 

Anchorage S 6-1 S 6-1 PLUS S 6-4 

u | u’ mm (3) 105 75 122 94 280 115 

2b0 | 2b’0 mm (4) 180 120 180 140 400 220 

Xmin | X’min mm 155 100 155 120 340 185 

(3) Sizes of anchor plate / anchorage body 

(4) Sizes of test block 

During cable stressing, the concrete in front of the anchorages must have reached an adequate strength level, 

i.e. a 100% stressing of P(o,o) max = Pmax is not permitted if fcm(t) < 16/20 N/mm 2 , regardless of the anchorage 

layout within the concrete element. 

It remains possible however to partially tension the tendon. 

b 0 


b’0


(0) Force in the cable, at the anchorage on the concrete side, before load transfer to anchorage. 

In the case of stressing to 50% of the maximum value at the anchorage for example, the characteristic 

strengths fcm(t) may be reduced to approximately 2/3 of the values indicated above for total stressing. 

It is to be recalled that for those anchorages relying upon bonding alone, i.e. for type "H" anchorages, concrete 

strength within the anchorage zone during stressing must be: fcm(t) 28/35 N/mm 2 . 

3.6 LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT 

A local anchorage zone reinforcement is required due to application of the concentrated post-tensioning force. 

In all cases, the general anchorage zone must contain a reinforcement for equilibrium designed by the project 

designer in accordance with typical design rules (see examples presented in the drawings Page 29 and 30 

"Reinforcement of anchorage zones" in Chapter 6). 

As foreseen by this ETA, the local anchorage zone reinforcement specified in this ETA and confirmed in the 

load transfer tests, may be modified for a specific project design if required in accordance with national 

regulations and relevant approval of the local authority and of the ETA holder to provide equivalent 

performance. 

The contractor responsible for concreting must ensure that the density and configuration of reinforcement within 

the diffusion zone allow for adequate and homogeneous concreting of the entire zone. 



4.1 STRESSING EQUIPMENT 

The VSL equipment used for stressing is primarily composed of stressing jacks, hydraulic power packs 

(commonly called pumps) and the associated set of measurement instruments or systems. 


The strands are individually stressed by means of VSL stressing jacks, which are available according to two 

types: 

- a double acting front-gripping hollow piston jack, 

- a twin ram double acting jack, with solid pistons laid out on both sides of the strand. This configuration allows 

for stressing the intermediate anchorages. 

This equipment enables stressing the strand in one or several stages and then, if need be, to de-stress the 

strand. Their primary characteristics will be defined below. 

In sequence starting from the anchorage, these jacks are composed of: 

- 1 nose (chair ring) at the front resting upon the anchorage body, ultimately associated with a seating ram; 

- 1 body or cylinder, composed of one or two jacks and resting upon the chair ring, 

- 1 auxiliary anchorage driven by the piston(s) and laid out as close as possible to the anchorage installed in 

place in order to limit the over length of the strands. The ungripping of the jack anchorage is performed 

automatically. 

List of VSL jacks: 

Designation DKP 6 ZPE 23 FJ 

Type 2 // pistons 1 hollow piston 

Cross section mm 2 

240 x 165 116 

Length mm 615 790 

Weight kg 30 23 

Stroke mm 200 200 

Ram area mm² 4 926 4 710 

Maximum pressure bar 467 488 

Maximum force kN 230 230 

Presence of seating ram? No Yes 

The drawing in Chapter 6 indicates the clearances to be introduced around the anchorages at the ends of the 

post-tensioned structures in order to facilitate installation. 


The VSL pumps comprise the assembly of hydraulic components including: pumps, distributors, nozzles and 

safety valves. The pumps are typically driven by electric motors. 

The stations themselves have been dimensioned for normal stressing speeds and contain safety measurement 

devices that depend on the specific application. 

4.1.3 INSTRUMENTS AND MEASURING SYSTEMS 

CHAPTER 4 

STRESSING 

The VSL force and elongation measurement instruments or systems serve to control with precision the stressing 

operation and display the results obtained. 



4.2 PROCESSES OF STRESSING AND CONTROL PROCEDURE 

Before proceeding with cable stressing, a certain number of preconditions must be met, in particular: 

- all pertinent safety rules and recommendations must be fully known; 

- the force targets along with the corresponding values of elongation; moreover, tolerances must be known by 

the PT Supervisor, who will have applied any eventual necessary adjustments to these values in order to 

account for parameters specific to the equipment; 

- the order in which the prestressing cables are to be stressed must be specified, and the order in which the 

strands in the cables are to be stressed with S 6-4 anchorages must be known; 

- the stressing equipment (including measurement instruments) must comply with guidelines furnished in the 

present ETA; 

- the required strength of the concrete of both the structure and anchorage zone undergoing stressing must be 

verified; 

- the loading and support states of the structure associated with the stressing phase must also be verified; 

- the over lengths of the strands to be stressed must remain perfectly clean. 

It should nonetheless be recalled that during the stressing process, it is strictly forbidden to be positioned behind 

the jack or within its immediate vicinity. The same precautions must be taken for the area in the back of the 

accessible dead-end anchorages. 

Even though the VSL system does not require any locking accessory device, with some jacks, the wedges may 

be set in order to reduce the setting of anchorage wedges and its influence on the force = f (x) in the strands. 


The measurement of force in the cable, as transformed into pressure measurement in the jack, is generally the 

assigned objective herein. 

The pressure existing in the jack chamber is indicated by the manometer installed on the pump, with eventual 

control of the jack. The manometers used (Accuracy 1%), regularly recalibrated using a scale, feature a 

guaranteed precision of 1% of their maximum pressure, which tends to lie at 490 bars; these instruments 

thereby provide a precision of 5 bars over the entire manometer scale. 

In order to obtain the effective force on the structure, the force resulting from the manometer reading is to be 

corrected for losses inside the jack as well as for losses due to friction of the strands in the anchorage. 

Losses inside the jacks are identified from intrinsic hardware data. Although they contain an independent 

pressure term and another closely-proportional term, submitted to the maximum pressure reached upon 

completion of the stressing operation, the losses inside jacks are solely expressed in proportional terms and 

exhibit the following values: 

- DKP 6 jack: 3.5% 

- ZPE 23 FJ jack: 1.5% 

The losses in active anchorages, named ka, are due to friction of the strands deviated on the component parts 

and, depending on the specific anchorage, exhibit the following values: 

- S 6-1 and S 6-1 PLUS anchorages: 0% to 1% 

- S 6-4 anchorage: 0% to 1% for the two central strands, 2% for the two outside 

strands. 


The measurement of cable elongation is generally a control measurement that provides information on cable 

behavior during stressing. 

As for elongation measurements, an index is installed on the strands. During the stressing operation, 

elongations are then deduced from measurements of the displacement of this index. Since the onset of 

displacements combines the seating of tendons in their ducts with their actual elongation, the elongation during 

initial displacements is obtained by means of extrapolating the linear elastic elongations occurring subsequently. 

For single strand round ducts and flat ducts this effect may usually be neglected. 

The various pressure-elongation relations noted during cable stressing are recorded in the stressing data 


Section 2.7.2 provides a recap of the elongation evaluation basis used during the stressing operation. 



5.1.1 UNBONDED SYSTEM 

CHAPTER 5 

5.1 INJECTION 

5.1 INJECTION 

The monostrand (individually greased and sheathed), protected from the factory by grease, obviously does not 

necessitate any special additional protection. 

The "S 6-1", "S 6-1 PLUS" and "S 6-4" anchorage units, after stressing and cut-off of the strands, are filled with 

grease (identical or compatible with that of the monostrand in compliance with the ETAG 013) by means of 

injection using a pump. Following filling, a cap serves to enclose the strand ends and the wedge housings. 

5.1.2 BONDED SYSTEM 

INJECTION AND SEALING 

- General information: 

The nature and composition of injection products for the permanent protection of tendons and anchorages and 

for their bonding to the structure are not inherent to the prestressing process; instead, they depend on the 

project and the structure's assigned purpose. 

The products involved must not be a threat to the hygiene, health and the environment. 



European legislation and national laws, regulations and administrative provisions) In order to meet the 


and where they apply. 

The products used for the permanent protection of post-tensioning tendons and anchorages implemented by 

means of injection may be categorized as follows: 

Hydraulic cement-based injection grouts are the most commonly employed. These products may pertain 

to common grouts defined in the standard EN 447 or special grouts that make use of performance-enhancing 

admixtures. In some regions of the EU, unfavorable climatic conditions impose the application of special grouts 

according to ETAG 013. 

Those injection products that have already received a European Technical Approval may also be used in 

respect of the prescribed set of uses. 

Completion of the tendon envelope in the anchorage zone is provided during the time of injection by means of 

either temporary waterproof caps or definitively by permanent caps. 

- Injection equipment: 

The set of injection equipment has been adapted to the specific products to be injected. 

For the cement-based grout, the VSL injection equipment is composed for the most part of mixers and pumps 

integrated into a single device that enables preparing the grout and performing the injection. This equipment 

makes it possible to allocate with precision the grout components and to obtain a perfectly-homogeneous mix. 

The pump with which the equipment is fitted has been designed for continuous injection at an adapted grout 

progression speed. 

- Injection procedures: 

Before proceeding with the injection of a permanent cable protection, a certain number of conditions must be 

fulfilled and in particular: 

- The injection product must comply with the terms of the present ETA and the ETAG 013; 

- The injection equipment must comply with indications laid out in the present ETA, 



- The waterproof sealing of the tendon and anchorage envelopes (ducts, fittings, pipes and caps) must be 

verified, 

- The climatic conditions and temperature of the structure must satisfy the use conditions of the injection 

product. 

The primary controls conducted during injection consist of verifying the adequate filling of the duct by means of 

inlets, bleed vents and outlets laid out all along the cable path and verifying that the product discharged by the 

vents or outlets displays the required properties. 

Grouting procedures and grouting surveillance shall be carried out according to EN 446. 

As an initial approach, the injection product quantities per unit cable length will be derived from: 

[(internal duct section area - tendon section area) × (unit length)] × (1 + ), where is such that: 0.05 0.10 

in order to incorporate worksite losses, the shape of the duct and eventual corrugations. 

The various phases and parameters associated with cable injection are to be recorded on the injection data 


5.2 SEALING 

The continuity of protection against all types of aggressions must be ensured all along the cable up to and 

including the anchorages. 

The protection measures introduced for this unique zone, which is located at the end of the slab and frequently 

protected from external aggressions is most often limited in this case to the filling of the block-out with mortar or 

concrete. In the case of end zones exposed to aggressive environment additional protection measures may be 

necessary (permanent cap or waterproof lining). 



CHAPTER 6 

SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS 

(dimensions expressed in mm) 

Title Page 

STANDARD ANCHORAGE ELEMENTS 

Wedges see Annex 1 

ANCHORAGES 

Type S 6-1 and Si 6-1 anchorages 

Principles of both the "unbonded" and "bonded" systems 23 

Sizes 24 

Type S 6-1 PLUS and Si 6-1 PLUS anchorages 


Sizes 26 

Type S 6-4 and Si 6-4 anchorages 


Sizes 28 

Type H 6- (1 through 4) anchorages see Annex 1 

REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES 

Anchorage S 6-1 and S 6-1 PLUS 29 

Anchorage S 6-4 30 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 31 

DUCTING 32 



PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-1 

Note: the same anchorage body is used for SF 6-1 

PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-1 

Note: the same anchorage body is used for SFi 6-1 



ANCHORAGES TYPE S 6-1 / Si 6-1 

Anchorage body and sleeve 

Note: anchorage S 6-1 can be used as intermediate, dead end or embedded anchorage (SF 6-1) 

Placing devices 



PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-1 PLUS 

Note: the same anchorage body is used for SF 6-1 PLUS 

PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-1 PLUS 

Note: the same anchorage body is used for SFi 6-1 PLUS 



ANCHORAGES TYPE S 6-1 PLUS / Si 6-1 PLUS 


Note: anchorage S 6-1 PLUS can be used as intermediate, dead end or embedded anchorage 

(SF 6-1 PLUS) 




PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-4 

PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-4 



ANCHORAGES TYPE S 6-4 / Si 6-4 





REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES 

ANCHORAGE S 6-1 

Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one 

ANCHORAGE S 6-1 PLUS 



Reinforcement steel fyk � 500 N/mm 2


ANCHORAGE S 6-4 




CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 

Stressing jack DKP-6 

Stressing jack ZPE-23FJ 



DUCTING 

Corrugated 

steel strip 

sheath 

Bonded Bonded Unbonded 

VSL PT-PLUS® 

Duct 

a int. 72 72 

a ext. - 76 

A 75 86 

b int. 18 21 

b ext. - 25 

B 21 35 


VSL PT-PLUS® 

Duct 

�� 

� ext. duct 

Min / Max 

�a int. 22 0.6’’ 18 / 20 

�a ext. 25 

�A 31

European Technical Approval No. ETA-06/0006

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