VSL TECHNICAL DATA

AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

STRAND AND TENDON PROPERTIES

PT-PLUS® DUCT SYSTEM DATA
TENDON LAYOUT, RADII, FRICTION AND TENDON
LOSSES FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CABLES
BLOCK-OUTS AND EQUIPMENT DATA

V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S 19
1 - STRAND
1.1 - STRAND PROPERTIES 13mm (0.5”)
Strand type prEN 10138 – 3 (2006) ASTM A 416-06
Y1860S7 Grade 270
Nominal diameter d (mm) 12.5 12.9 12.7
Nominal cross section Ap (mm2) 93 100 98.7
Nominal mass M (kg/m) 0.726 0.781 0.775
Nominal yield strength fp0,1k (MPa) 16341 16401 16752
Nominal tensile strength fpk (MPa) 1860 1860 1860
Specif./min. breaking load Fpk (kN) 173 186 183.7
Young’s modulus (GPa) approx. 195
Relaxation3 after 1000 h
max. 2.5
at 20°C and 0.7 x Fpk (%)
1) Characteristic value measured at 0.1% permanent extension
2) Minimum load at 1% extension for low-relaxation strand
3) Valid for relaxation class acc. to prEN 10138-3 or low-relaxation grade acc. to ASTM A 416-06

1.2 - TENDON PROPERTIES 13mm (0.5”)

Unit Strands Steel area Breaking load Corrugated steel duct3 Corrugated plastic duct Steel
numbers (recommended) VSL PT-PLUS® pipes
Ap acc. to prEN ASTM Y1860S7 (prEN) Grade 270 Øi / Øe e Øi / Øe e Ø ext x t
(ASTM) ø

Eccentricity
e
d=12.5 mm d=12.9 mm d=12.7 mm d=12.5 mm d=12.9 mm d=12.7 mm
Ap=93 mm2 Ap=100 mm2 Ap=100 mm2 Ap=93 mm2 Ap=100 mm2 Ap=98.7 mm2

[mm2] [mm2] [mm2] [kN] [kN] [kN] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm]
5-1 1 93 100 98.7 173 186 183.7 20/25 3 22/25 6 25.0 x 2.0
5-2 2 186 200 197 346 372 367 35/40 8 76/252 - 31.8 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-3 3 279 300 296 519 558 551 35/40 6 76/252 - 33.7 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-4 4 372 400 395 692 744 735 40/451 7 76/252 - 42.4 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-7 5 465 500 494 865 930 919 45/50 8 58/63 14 60.3 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6 558 600 592 1038 1116 1102 45/50 6 58/63 12
5-7 7 651 700 691 1211 1302 1286 50/57 7 58/63 11 60.3 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-12 8 744 800 790 1384 1488 1470 55/62 9 58/63 10 70.0 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
9 837 900 888 1557 1674 1653 55/62 8 58/63 9
10 930 1000 987 1730 1860 1837 60/67 10 58/63 9
11 1023 1100 1086 1903 2046 2021 60/67 9 58/63 8
5-12 12 1116 1200 1184 2076 2232 2204 60/67 8 58/63 7 70.0 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-15 13 1209 1300 1283 2249 2418 2388 65/72 9 76/81 14 82.5 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
14 1302 1400 1382 2422 2604 2572 65/72 8 76/81 13
5-15 15 1395 1500 1481 2595 2790 2756 70/77 9 76/81 12 82.5 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
5-19 16 1488 1600 1579 2768 2976 2939 70/77 9 76/81 12 88.9 x 2.5/3.0/3.5
17 1581 1700 1678 2941 3162 3123 75/82 11 76/81 11
18 1674 1800 1777 3114 3348 3307 75/82 10 76/81 10
5-19 19 1767 1900 1875 3287 3534 3490 75/82 9 76/81 9 88.9 x 2.5/3.0/3.5
5-22 20 1860 2000 1974 3460 3720 3674 80/87 10 100/106 20 88.9 x 2.5/3.0/3.5
21 1953 2100 2073 3633 3906 3858 80/87 9 100/106 19
5-22 22 2046 2200 2171 3806 4092 4041 80/87 8 100/106 18 88.9 x 2.5/3.0/3.5
5-27 23 2139 2300 2270 3979 4278 4225 85/92 12 100/106 19 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
24 2232 2400 2369 4152 4464 4409 85/92 11 100/106 18
25 2325 2500 2468 4325 4650 4593 90/97 14 100/106 19
26 2418 2600 2566 4498 4836 4776 90/97 13 100/106 18
5-27 27 2511 2700 2665 4671 5022 4960 95/102 15 100/106 17 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
5-31 28 2604 2800 2764 4844 5208 5144 95/102 14 100/106 16 108.0 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
29 2697 2900 2862 5017 5394 5327 95/102 13 100/106 15
30 2790 3000 2961 5190 5580 5511 95/102 12 100/106 14
5-31 31 2883 3100 3060 5363 5766 5695 95/102 11 100/106 13 108.0 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
5-37 32 2976 3200 3158 5536 5952 5878 100/107 13 115/121 20 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
33 3069 3300 3257 5709 6138 6062 100/107 12 115/121 19
34 3162 3400 3356 5882 6324 6246 100/107 12 115/121 19
35 3255 3500 3455 6055 6510 6430 110/117 17 115/121 19
36 3348 3600 3553 6228 6696 6613 110/117 17 115/121 19
5-37 37 3441 3700 3652 6401 6882 6797 110/117 16 115/121 18 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
5-43 43 3999 4300 4244 7439 7998 7899 120/127 18 130/136 23 127.0 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
5-55 55 5115 5500 5429 9515 10230 10104 130/137 17 130/136 17 139.7 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
1) Flat ducts possible as well
2) Flat duct PT-PLUS with rectangular slab anchorages, for PT-PLUS see also under 3.1.3.
3) If flat ducts (steel or PT PLUS) to be used with square type castings please contact your VSL representative. In plan view, tendons with slab type anchorages must be straight between anchorages or have only unidirectional turns with
min. radii of > 6 m. Strands must always be pushed-in prior to concreting. Eccentricity e: negligible
4) Given values may slightly vary depending on local availability of ducts. They are minimal for most applications. For special cases (long tendons, many curvatures, small radii etc.) greater size duct is recommended – please verify with
VSL. In any case the filling ratio (cross-section steel / duct) must not exceed 0.5 (EN523).
5) Please check with the nearest VSL office for the complete anchorage list

20 V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S
1.3 - STRAND PROPERTIES 15mm (0.6”)

Strand type prEN 10138 – 3 (2006) ASTM A 416-06

Y1860S7 Grade 270
Nominal diameter d (mm) 15.3 15.7 15.24
Nominal cross section Ap (mm2) 140 150 140
Nominal mass M (kg/m) 1.093 1.172 1.102
Nominal yield strength fp0,1k (MPa) 16361 16401 16762
Nominal tensile strength fpk (MPa) 1860 1860 1860
Specif./min. breaking load Fpk (kN) 260 279 260.7
Young’s modulus (GPa) approx. 195
Relaxation3 after 1000 h
max. 2.5
at 20°C and 0.7 x Fpk (%)
1) Characteristic value measured at 0.1% permanent extension
2) Minimum load at 1% extension for low-relaxation strand
3) Valid for relaxation class acc. to prEN 10138-3 or low-relaxation grade acc. to ASTM A 416-06

1.4 - TENDON PROPERTIES 15mm (0.6”)

Unit Strands Steel area Breaking load Corrugated steel duct3 Corrugated plastic Steel
numbers (recommended) duct VSL PT-PLUS® pipes
Ap acc. to prEN ASTM Y1860S7 (prEN) Grade 270 Øi / Øe e Øi / Øe e Ø ext. x t
(ASTM) ø

Eccentricity
e
d=15.3 mm d=15.7 mm d=15.24 mm d=15.3 mm d=15.7 mm d=15.24 mm
Ap=140 mm2 Ap=150 mm2 Ap=140 mm2 Ap=140 mm2 Ap=150 mm2 Ap=140 mm2

[mm2] [mm2] [mm2] [kN] [kN] [kN] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm] [mm]
6-1 1 140 150 140 260 279 260.7 25/30 5 23/25 4 25.0 x 2.0
6-2 2 280 300 280 520 558 521 40/45 9 76/252 - 33.7 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6-3 3 420 450 420 780 837 782 40/45 6 76/252 - 42.4 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6-4 4 560 600 560 1040 1116 1043 45/501 7 76/252 - 48.3 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6-7 5 700 750 700 1300 1395 1304 50/57 8 58/63 13 76.1 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6 840 900 840 1560 1674 1564 55/62 9 58/63 11
6-7 7 980 1050 980 1820 1953 1825 55/62 7 58/63 9 76.1 x 2.0/2.5/3.0
6-12 8 1120 1200 1120 2080 2232 2086 65/72 11 76/81 18 80.0 x 2.0/.2.5
9 1260 1350 1260 2340 2511 2346 65/72 9 76/81 16
10 1400 1500 1400 2600 2790 2607 70/77 11 76/81 15
11 1540 1650 1540 2860 3069 2868 70/77 9 76/81 13
6-12 12 1680 1800 1680 3120 3348 3128 75/82 11 76/81 12 80.0 x 2.0/.2.5
6-15 13 1820 1950 1820 3380 3627 3389 80/87 13 100/106 25 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
14 1960 2100 1960 3640 3906 3650 80/87 11 100/106 24
6-15 15 2100 2250 2100 3900 4185 3911 80/87 10 100/106 23 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-19 16 2240 2400 2240 4160 4464 4171 85/92 12 100/106 22 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
17 2380 2550 2380 4420 4743 4432 85/92 11 100/106 20
18 2520 2700 2520 4680 5022 4693 90/97 13 100/106 19
6-19 19 2660 2850 2660 4940 5301 4953 90/97 12 100/106 18 101.6 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-22 20 2800 3000 2800 5200 5580 5214 100/107 17 100/106 17 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
21 2940 3150 2940 5460 5859 5475 100/107 16 100/106 16
6-22 22 3080 3300 3080 5720 6138 5735 100/107 15 100/106 15 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-27 23 3220 3450 3220 5980 6417 5996 100/107 14 115/121 22 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
24 3360 3600 3360 6240 6696 6257 100/107 13 115/121 22
25 3500 3750 3500 6500 6975 6518 110/117 18 115/121 21
26 3640 3900 3640 6760 7254 6778 110/117 17 115/121 21
6-27 27 3780 4050 3780 7020 7533 7039 110/117 16 115/121 20 114.3 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-31 28 3920 4200 3920 7280 7812 7300 110/117 15 130/136 27 127.0 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
29 4060 4350 4060 7540 8091 7560 120/127 21 130/136 27
30 4200 4500 4200 7800 8370 7821 120/127 20 130/136 26
6-31 31 4340 4650 4340 8060 8649 8082 120/127 19 130/136 25 127.0 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-37 32 4480 4800 4480 8320 8928 8342 120/127 18 130/136 24 139.7 x 3.0/4.0
33 4620 4950 4620 8580 9207 8603 120/127 17 130/136 23
34 4760 5100 4760 8840 9486 8864 120/127 16 130/136 22
35 4900 5250 4900 9100 9765 9125 130/137 22 130/136 22
36 5040 5400 5040 9360 10044 9385 130/137 21 130/136 21
6-37 37 5180 5550 5180 9620 10323 9646 130137 20 130/136 20 139.7 x 3.0/4.0
6-43 43 6020 6450 6020 11180 11997 11210 140/147 21 150/157 27 152.4 x 3.0/4.0/5.0
6-55 55 7700 8250 7700 14300 15345 14339 160/167 26 150/157 21 168.3 x 3.0/4.0
1) Flat ducts possible as well
2) Flat duct PT-PLUS with rectangular slab anchorages, for PT-PLUS see also under 3.1.3.
3) If flat ducts (steel or PT PLUS) to be used with square type castings please contact your VSL representative. In plan view, tendons with slab type anchorages must be straight between anchorages or have only unidirectional turns with
min. radii of > 6 m. Strands must always be pushed-in prior to concreting. Eccentricity e: negligible
4) Given values may slightly vary depending on local availability of ducts. They are minimal for most applications. For special cases (long tendons, many curvatures, small radii etc.) greater size duct is recommended – please verify with
VSL. In any case the filling ratio (cross-section steel / duct) must not exceed 0.5 (EN523).
5) Please check with the nearest VSL office for the complete anchorage list

V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S 21
2 - ANCHORAGES
For the selection and the dimensions of the most commonly used anchorages, please consult the VSL data sheets on anchorages. For spacing between
anchorages and edge distance, refer to individual anchorage data sheet.

3 - DUCTING
3.1 TYPES
3.1.1 Bright corrugated steel ducts
The most commonly used sheaths are made
from rolled steel strip. Round and flat (max. 5
strands are available. They are corrugated and
leak-tight and must have sufficient strength to
withstand varying degrees and types of
mechanical loading. For additional information
and details, locally valid norms (or for example
EN523) can be consulted.
recommended. The PT-PLUS® system is PL3 (fib bulletin 33). These EIT tendons permit
particularly suitable for railroad brides, bridge monitoring of the leak tightness of the tendon
decks, parking structures and other situations encapsulation and protection of the tendon over
where severe corrosion or high fatigue loading the entire design life of the structure.
may be expected. In addition, the PT-PLUS®
system with additional details at the
anchorages allows to provide electrically
isolated tendons (EIT) and a protection level of
Round duct Coupler

Half-shell
3.1.2 Galvanized corrugated steel ducts
Galvanization is sometimes used to ensure
Clamp
corrosion protection of the metal strip. It can
provide lower friction losses when stressing the
tendon. Grout/Vent
connection1
Please check local code requirements.

3.1.3 Corrugated PT-PLUS® duct system

For enhanced corrosion protection and fatigue
resistance of the tendons, use of the VSL
PT-PLUS® corrugated plastic duct system is
1
Couplers are available with grout / vent connections for a
threaded tube with dia. 23 mm

Dimensions for PT-PLUS® duct system

Dimensions in mm, subject to modifications

Tendon unit Nominal weight

Type 0.5” 0.6” ØA ØB ØC D E ØF G H Duct Coupler
kg/m kg/unit
22 5-1 6-1 22 25 31 1.5 55 27.52 802 27.52 0.180 0.010
59 5-12 6-7 58 63 73 2.5 42 82 108 106 0.480 0.200
76 5-19 6-12 76 81 91 2.5 52.5 100 116 124 0.620 0.250
100 5-31 6-19/22 100 106 116 3.0 60 123 126 147 0.980 0.270
115 5-37 6-27 115 121 131 3.0 60 138 127 162 1.120 0.320
130 5-43/55 6-31/37 130 136 146 3.0 52 153 134 177 1.200 0.380
150 6-55 150 157 167 3.5 60 175 126 198 1.620 0.420
2
One-piece sleeve coupler Note: PT-PLUS ducts come in lengths of approximately
6 m, type 22 ducts are 7 m long

Flat duct Coupler Seal Clip Sleeve

Grout/Vent
connection1

Dimensions in mm, subject to modifications 1

Couplers are also available with grout / vent connections for a smooth tube with dia. 16 / 20 mm.

22 V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S
The PT-PLUS® flat duct system and type 22 are be used. Ducts normally have a ratio of standards) and machine-bendable,
often used for slab post-tensioning in buildings, diameter / wall thickness of 16 to 18, with an recommended dimensions see 1.2 / 1.4.
for transversal tendons for bridges and for internal diameter not smaller than 1.7 Ap Steel tubes used externally: dimensions are
similar structures where the exploitation of a (Ap = nominal cross section of the steel area in primarily dictated by the availability of local
maximum tendon eccentricity in relatively thin the tendon), suitable to carry internal pressure standardized tubes. The table below can serve
members is important. during grouting (ETAG013 (2002) e.g. specifies as a guideline and is based on an internal
1 MPa / 10 bar design pressure). The following diameter of ≥ 1.7 Ap where Ap represents
3.1.4 Smooth plastic ducts dimensions of external tendon pipes are the cross section of the prestressing steel,
Smooth plastic ducts are predominantly used recommended (see table below). irrespective of whether the strand is bare or
for external tendons. Occasionally they have sheathed and greased.
been also used for internal tendons when no 3.1.5 Steel pipes
bonding steel / concrete is required. They are In certain applications (e.g. cryogenic, nuclear, Dimensions for steel pipes
normally made of UV resistant, new high density offshore) where the ducts are subject to high
Strand Min inside dia. for strands with
polyethylene (HDPE) material (virgin granulate) loading when particularly tight tendon curvature
Nos. 100 mm2 140 mm2 150 mm2
acc. to EN12201 and ASTM D3035 or ASTM F714 is required, or when tendons are in congested
or equivalent standards. Material recycled from parts of structures, steel pipes are used. Tubes 4 34 40.2 41.6
previously used PE components shall not are thin (in compliance with EN or equivalent 7 45 53.2 55.1
12 58.9 69.7 72.1
Dimensions for smooth plastic ducts 15 65.8 77.9 80.6

Tendon size External pipe diameter (mm) Wall thickness (mm) 19 74.1 87.7 90.8
strands strands 22 79.7 94.3 97.7
bare PE sheathed bare PE sheathed 27 88.3 104.5 108.2
5-12 / 6-7 75 90 4.3 5.1 31 94.7 112.0 115.9
5-15/19 / 6-12 90 110 5.4 6.0 37 103.4 122.4 126.6
5-22/31 / 6-15/19 110 140 6.6 6.7 43 111.5 131.9 136.5
5-37 / 6-22/27 125 160 7.7 7.7 55 126.1 149.2 154.4
Dimensions in mm, subject to modifications
5-43 / 6-31 140 160 8.3 7.7
Wall thickness e ≥ Ø / 50 or minimum 1.5 mm
5-55 / 6-37 160 180 9.5 8.6 Ø = external diameter
Dimensions in mm, subject to modifications Where steel pipes need to be welded, e ≥ 3 mm

3.2 FRICTION COEFFICIENT AND LOSSES DUE TO PRESTRESSING

3.2.1 Friction coefficient 3.2.2 Draw-in of wedge at lock-off: approx. 6 mm
The following values may be assumed when using the equation Px = Po e -(μφx + kx) : This value is independent of the jack or tendon
type. If necessary, e.g. for short tendons,
Equation of loss of post-tensioning force along a tendon compensation can be provided by appropriate
Px = Remaining force at distance x µφx = Accumulated tendon deviation procedures.
from the stressing end from the stressing end
Po = Stressing force at the stressing end k = Wobble coefficient
µ = Friction coefficient x = Distance from the stressing end 3.2.3 Other tendon force losses
In addition to friction and relaxation losses (see
Range Recommended value above), also concrete shrinkage and creep as
Corrugated Steel Sheath μ = 0.16 - 0.24 μ = 0.20 well as a draw-in of the wedge during lock-of
k = (0.6 - 1.0) x 10-3 m-1 k = 0.8 x 10-3 m-1 must be considered.
PT-PLUS® Plastic Duct μ = 0.12 - 0.14 μ = 0.14 To calculate losses due to concrete shrinkage
k = (0.8 - 1.2) x 10-3 m-1 k = 1.0 x 10-3 m-1 and creep, reference should be made to the
Steel pipes incl. saddles for external tendons: technical documents and standards applicable
with clean dry μ = 0.20 - 0.30 μ = 0.25 to each project.
or lubricated strands1 k = refer to 2 below k = refer to 2 below
Saddles for external tendons with internal
HDPE tube over saddle:
- bare strands μ = 0.12 - 0.15 μ = 0.14
- greased and plastic sheathed monostrands μ = 0.02 - 0.08 μ = 0.06
k = refer to 2 below k = refer to 2 below
Greased and plastic sheathed monostrands μ = 0.04 - 0.07 μ = 0.05
k = (0.4 - 0.6) x 10-3 m-1 k = 0.5 x 10-3 m-1
1. m-values depend on lubrication
2. The wobble factor can normally be neglected

V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S 23
3.3 DUCT SPACING AND COVER
The cable layout patterns are dictated by the
designer.
When detailing that cable layout, it is absolutely
essential to consider the spacing of cables from
one another, required cover, and radii of
curvature. Usually the spacing and curvatures
are laid down in standards, guidelines or
national approvals. If not available, VSL
recommends that the following guidance values
be observed, these being minimum values:

Minimum spacing and cover of duct

Measurement (a) SPACING

• Precast elements, elements protected from bad weather, soft environmental conditions 30 b1, c1 = 0.7 times diameter of the duct
• In general 40 b2, c2 = 1.0 times diameter of the duct
• Severe environmental conditions 50

3.4 SPACING OF THE SUPPORTS The fastening fittings must be sufficiently
AND TOLERANCES robust and close enough such that the ducts
The spacing of the supports underneath steel and tendons will not exhibit displacements or
and plastic ducts must be 10 to 12 times the deformations in excess of the allowed
internal diameter of the duct. Kinks are not tolerances. For tolerances on cable positions
permitted. reference should be made to applicable
standards and recommendations.
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 theoretical axis
is only tolerated provided that equilibrium
reinforcing bars have been provided over this zone.

In determining minimum spacings and

concrete cover requirements for ducts,
reference should be made to applicable
standards and recommendations, see 3.3.

Standard
steel duct

VSL Protection shells are recommended to

be fixed on the duct at tendon supports for
tendon radii R < 2 Rmin (see under 4.2),
and where ducts risk to be dented by
closely placed rebars.

PT-PLUS® plastic duct

with protection shell

24 V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S
3.5 SADDLES FOR EXTERNAL TENDON the saddle must be carefully detailed in order 3.5.3 Minimum radius of tendon curvature for
3.5.1 Saddles not to damage the prestressing steel by sharp external tendons
Various solutions are used in practice. In most angular deviations during stressing and in
cases, saddles consist of a pre-bent steel tube service. It is also important that the protective Tendon unit Minimum
cast into the surrounding concrete or attached sheath be properly joined. If tendon replacement 0.5” 0.6” radius
to a steel structure by stiffening plates. The is a design requirement, the saddle up to 5 - 12 6-7 2.00 m
connection between the free tendon length and arrangement must be chosen accordingly.
up to 5 - 19 6 - 12 2.50 m
3.5.2 Various saddle arrangements up to 5 - 31 6 - 22 3.00 m
up to 5 - 43 6 - 31 3.50 m
up to 5 - 55 6 - 37 4.00 m
up to 6 - 43 4.50 m
up to 6 - 55 5.00 m

- The values are equivalent to approximately

Rmin (m) = (1.5 to 1.3) Fpk [MN] ≥ 2.0 m

- They apply to smooth steel and HDPE pipe and

assume a straight length on either side of the
deviation.

PE pipe through bell-mouth deviator, from PE pipe through deviator pipe,

anchorage to anchorage (most common detail) from anchorage to anchorage

Diabolo bell-mouth for deviation points

at diaphragm segment

Deviation pipe protrudes from concrete at sufficient

distance and is coupled to PE pipe

4 - DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
4.1 ANCHORAGE ZONE
REINFORCEMENT
The transfer of the prestressing forces from the
anchorage into the concrete produces stresses
which exceed the concrete strength and that
must be withstood by special reinforcement.
A distinction may be made between three types
of reinforcement.
a) Local zone reinforcement in the immediate
vicinity of the anchorage
For this purpose, spirals (helices) or appropriate
orthogonal reinforcement are normally used.
This reinforcement is considered as an integral
component of the anchorage and its design lies
within the field of responsibility of VSL. This 4.2 MINIMUM RADIUS OF TENDON
reinforcement is specified in approvals and it CURVATURE AND TANGENT LENGTH
may only be changed upon approval by VSL. FOR INTERNAL TENDONS
The Anchorage data sheets show the required Minimum radius Minimum tangent
reinforcement for each anchorage. of tendon curvature length
b) General zone of reinforcement for resisting
the spreading of forces in the structure
This reinforcement is designed by the project
designer. Guidelines for its design can be found
in VSL’s report “Detailing for post-tensioning”.
c) Reinforcement for spalling forces near
stress free edges Rmin (m) = 3.0 x Fpk [MN] ≥ 2.5 m
Lmin = 0.8 m for Fpk ≤ 2 MN
= 1.0 m for Fpk ≥ 2 MN, ≤ 7 MN
= 1.5 m for Fpk ≥ 7 MN
Rmin (m) = 2.50 m for unbonded tendons
for 5-1 and 6-1

V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S 25
5 - INSTALLATION
5.1 ANCHORAGES
It is a requirement that the bearing plate / casting of anchorages are fixed perpendicular to the
tendon axis.
The block-out dimensions and clearance requirement as given under 5.3 should be followed. Departures
from these data may be possible. Please contact VSL.

5.2 GROUT VENTS

Low point drains should only be foreseen where there is a risk of water freezing inside the duct and
hence, drainage is required. As a general rule distance between grout connetions should not exceed
100 m. They should have a range of spacing between vents in the order of 30 – 70 m.

5.3 BLOCK-OUT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

B Jack type A min. B C D E
ZPE-23FJ – 300-360 1,200 116 90
°
45°
-60 ZPE-30 30 600 1,350 140 100
ZPE-3 30 500 1,000 200 150
A

ZPE-60 30 650 1,250 180 140

ZPE-7/A 30 650 1,400 300 200
ZPE-12/St2 50 520 1,100 310 200
ZPE-185* 50 620 1,220 300 180
ZPE-200 50 950 2,000 330 210
A

ZPE-19 50 700 1,500 390 250

ZPE-460/31 60 560 1,300 485 300
Concrete cover according ZPE-500 80 950 2,000 585 330
to applicable standard
ZPE-580* 80 860 1,620 500 280
ZPE-750 80 1,200 2,400 570 365
ZPE-980* 80 950 1,760 650 360
ZPE-1000 80 1,200 2,400 790 450
ZPE-1250 90 1,300 2,550 710 375
ZPE-1450* 90 1,010 1,850 770 420
*
Jack is designed to be used for 310kN UTS strands stressed to max. 85% of the 310kN. Dimensions in mm

26 V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S
5.4 STRESSING JACK DATA

Type I (ZPE-23FJ) Type II (ZPE-460/31) Type III (ZPE-1000)

Designation ZPE-23FJ ZPE-30 ZPE-3 ZPE-60 ZPE-7/A ZPE-12/St2 ZPE-185* ZPE-200 ZPE-19
Type I II III III III II II III II
Length (mm) 830 720 475 615 700 610 600 1,170 730
Diameter (mm) 116 140 200 180 280 310 295 315 390
Stroke (mm) 200 250 160 250 160 100 100 300 100
Piston area (cm ) 2
47.10 58.32 103.6 126.4 203.6 309.4 309.3 325.7 500.3
Capacity (kN) 230 320 500 632 1,064 1,850 1,856 2,000 2,900
(bar) 488 549 483 500 523 600 600 614 580
Weight (kg) 23 28 47 74 140 151 120 305 294
Used for 13mm/ 5-1 5-1 5-2 5-2 5-6 5-12 5-7 5-12 5-18
0.5” tendon types 5-3 to 5-4 5-7 5-19
Used for 15mm/ 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-12
0.6” tendon types 6-3 6-7 6-4 6-7
6-7

Designation ZPE-460 ZPE-500 ZPE-580* ZPE-750 ZPE-980* ZPE-1000 ZPE-1250 ZPE-1450*

Type II III II II II III II II
Length (mm) 580 1,000 760 1,185 810 1,150 1,290 840
Diameter (mm) 485 550 500 520 645 790 620 765
Stroke (mm) 100 200 150 150 150 200 150 150
Piston area (cm ) 2
804.0 894.6 961.7 1,247.0 1,652.3 1,809.5 2,168.0 2,436.9
Capacity (kN) 4,660 5,000 5,805 7,500 9,750 10,000 12,500 14,500
(bar) 580 559 610 601 590 553 577 595
Weight (kg) 435 1,064 460 1,100 800 2,340 1,730 1,250
Used for 13mm/ 5-22 5-22 5-12 5-31 5-37 5-37
0.5” tendon types 5-31 5-31 to 5-31 to 5-55 to 5-55
Used for 15mm/ 6-18 6-18 6-12 6-31 6-27 6-31 6-43 6-43
0.6” tendon types 6-19 to 6-22 6-19 to 6-43 6-31 to 6-37 to 6-55 6-48
6-22 6-37 6-55
*
Jack is designed to be used for 310kN UTS strands stressed to max. 85% of the 310kN.

V S L P O S T- T E N S I O N I N G S O L U T I O N S 27
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

The VSL multistrand system is characterized by the

following features:

• standardized tendon units with up to 55 strands of

13mm (0.5") or 15 mm (0.6") diameter;
• wide selection of anchorage types;
• ducts of steel or plastic PT-PLUS™;
• grouting with cement mortar or other materials;
• economical tendon manufacture on-site or in the
factory;
• no need to determine tendon length in advance;
• simultaneous stressing of all strands in a tendon
but individual locking of each strand at the
anchorage;
• stressing in any number of steps;
• simple and reliable equipment for installation,
stressing and grouting.

VSL Multistrand System Components

Grout tube
Grout tube Grout tube Grout tube Grout tube

Stressing anchorage Dead end anchorage

 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Strand Properties
13 mm (0.5") 15 mm (0.6")
Strand type EN138 or ASTM A416 EN138 or ASTM A416
BS 5896 Super Grade 270 BS 5896 Super Grade 270
Nominal diameter mm 12.9 12.7 15.7 15.2
Nominal area mm 2 100 98.7 150 140
Nominal mass kg/m 0.785 0.775 1.18 1.1
1)
Yield strength MPa 1580 1) 1670 2) 1500 1670 2)
Tensile strength MPa 1860 1860 1770 1860
Min. breaking load kN 186 183.7 265 260.7
Young's modulus GPa cicra 195
Relaxation 3) % max 2.5
1) Measured at 0.1% residual strain (0.1% offset method)
2) Measured at 1% extension (1% extension under load method)
3) After 1000 hrs at 20º C (EN & BS, low relaxation to ASTM)

Tendon Properties
STRAND TYPE 13 mm (0.5") STRAND TYPE 15 mm (0.6")
4) Min. Breaking load 4) Min. Breaking load
Tendon No. of Duct ID/OD Tendon No. of Duct ID/OD
(kN) (kN)
unit strands Min. Nominal unit strands Min. Nominal
(mm) (mm) 12.9 12.7 (mm) (mm) 15.7 15.2

5-4 2 36/39 36/39 372 367 6-3 2 36/39 36/39 530 521
3 558 551 3 795 782
4 744 735 6-7 4 55/62 65/72 1060 1043
5-7 5 51/54 51/54 930 919 5 1325 1304
6 1116 1102 6 1590 1564
7 1302 1286 7 1855 1825
5-12 8 60/67 65/72 1488 1470 6-12 8 75/82 80/87 2120 2086
9 1674 1653 9 2385 2346
10 1860 1837 10 2650 2607
11 2046 2021 11 2915 2868
12 2232 2204 12 3180 3128
5-19 13 75/82 80/87 2418 2388 6-19 13 90/97 100/107 3445 3389
14 2604 2572 14 3710 3650
15 2790 2756 15 3975 3911
16 2976 2939 16 4240 4171
17 3162 3123 17 4505 4432
18 3348 3307 18 4770 4693
19 3534 3490 19 5035 4953
5-22 20 80/87 95/102 3720 3674 6-22 20 100/107 100/107 5300 5214
21 3906 3858 21 5565 5475
22 4092 4041 22 5830 5735
5-27 23 95/102 100/107 4278 4225 6-27 23 110/117 110/117 6095 5996
24 4464 4409 24 6360 6257
25 4650 4593 25 6625 6518
26 4836 4776 26 6890 6778
27 5022 4960 27 7155 7039
5-31 28 95/102 100/107 5208 5144 6-31 28 120/127 120/127 7420 7300
29 5394 5327 29 7685 7560
30 5580 5511 30 7950 7821
31 5766 5695 31 8215 8082
5-37 32 110/117 110/117 5952 5878 6-37 32 130/137 130/137 8480 8342
33 6138 6062 33 8745 8603
34 6324 6246 34 9010 8864
35 6510 6430 35 9275 9125
36 6696 6613 36 9540 9385
37 6882 6797 37 9805 9646
5-42 38 120/127 120/127 7068 6981 6-42 38 135/142 135/142 10070 9907
39 7254 7164 39 10335 10167
40 7440 7348 40 10600 10428
41 7626 7532 41 10865 10689
42 7812 7715 42 11130 10949
5-48 43 130/137 130/137 7998 7899 6-48 43 150/160 160/170 11395 11210
44 8184 8083 44 11660 11471
45 8370 8267 45 11925 11732
46 8556 8450 46 12190 11992
47 8742 8634 47 12455 12253
48 8928 8818 48 12720 12514
5-55 49 130/137 135/142 9114 9001 6-55 49 160/170 170/180 12985 12774
50 9300 9185 50 13250 13035
51 9486 9369 51 13515 13296
52 9672 9552 52 13780 13556
53 9858 9736 53 14045 13817
54 10044 9920 54 14310 14078
55 10230 10104 55 14575 14339
4) Corrugated plastic PT-Plus™ ducts are also available, refer to page 11
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Stressing Anchorage VSL Type EC

Grout connection
Duct

Anchor block

Casting

Wedges

Strands

AC F E A

B D

Dimensions
Tendon unit
A B C D E F G
Ext. Dia.
5-4 135 60 85 100 58 39 95
5-7 165 60 110 100 85 54 125
5-12 215 60 150 160 120 72 150
5-19 265 70 180 210 145 87 200
5-22 290 77 200 215 150 102 230
5-27 315 92 220 300 175 107 250
5-31 315 100 230 300 175 107 250
5-37 370 107 250 320 200 117 305
5-42 390 112 290 340 217 127 325
5-48 430 122 290 340 235 137 365
5-55 465 150 320 340 250 142 400
6-3 135 60 90 100 58 39 95
6-4 165 60 110 100 85 54 125
6-7 215 60 150 160 120 72 150
6-12 265 75 180 210 145 87 200
6-19 315 92 220 300 175 107 250
6-22 315 100 230 300 175 107 250
6-27 370 112 250 320 200 117 305
6-31 390 122 270 340 217 127 325
6-37 430 142 300 340 235 137 365
6-42 465 145 320 340 250 142 400
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
Dimensions are valid for:
Nominal concrete strength at 28 days: 35 MPa (cube), 28 MPa (cylinder).
Maximum prestressing force may be applied when concrete reaches 25 MPa (cube) or 20 MPa (cylinder).
Max prestressing force is 75% of min. tendon breaking load (temporary overstressing to 80%).
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Stressing Anchorage VSL Type E Grout tube

Bearing plate (steel)

Duct

Anchor block

Wedges Sleeve

Strands

AD F A

C B E A

Dimensions
Tendon unit A B C D E F
Ext. Dia.
5-1 70 15 45 45 70 36
5-3 115 20 60 85 190 36
5-4 130 20 60 85 190 39
5-7 175 25 60 110 190 54
5-12 230 35 60 150 370 72
5-19 290 40 75 180 470 87
5-22 315 45 82 200 480 102
5-27 370 55 97 220 550 107
5-31 370 55 105 230 550 107
5-37 405 60 112 250 570 117
5-42 500 70 117 290 680 127
5-48 500 70 127 290 680 137
5-55 500 70 155 320 680 142
6-1 75 15 60 55 70 36
6-2 110 15 60 90 190 36
6-3 135 20 60 90 190 39
6-4 160 25 60 120 190 54
6-7 205 35 70 135 290 72
6-12 270 40 78 180 460 87
6-19 340 50 97 220 590 107
6-22 370 55 107 230 690 107
6-27 435 65 117 250 690 117
6-31 435 65 127 270 690 127
6-37 480 70 147 300 830 137
6-42 580 90 147 320 950 160
6-48 580 90 147 340 950 160
6-55 580 90 187 360 950 170
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
Dimensions are valid for:
Nominal concrete strength at 28 days: 35 MPa (cube), 28 MPa (cylinder).
Maximum prestressing force may be applied when concrete reaches 25 MPa (cube) or 20 MPa (cylinder).
Max prestressing force is 75% of min. tendon breaking load (temporary overstressing to 80%).
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Couplers VSL Type K and V Sleeve

Grout tube
Coupling block V
Casting type EC or
Bearing plate type E
Coupling
block K Duct

Sleeve

Omega ring

Wedges Compression
fittings

Tension ring Compression fittings with

Tension ring retainer plates

Couplers Type K Couplers Type V

Fixed coupler. Movable coupler.
For coupling to a tendon which has been placed and stressed. For coupling to a tendon which has already been placed,
but not stressed.

Cast-in casting
A
type EC
D E+1.5 F
∆L

Tendon 2 Tendon 1
B ∆L=Elongation of tendon 1

Coupler type K Coupler type V

Tendon unit A B øC Tendon
D E F øG
5-3 430 110 130 unit
5-4 440 110 150
5-7 440 110 170
5-12 510 110 200 5-3 290 175 230 130
5-19 590 110 240
5-7 410 175 330 170
5-22 660 110 260
5-27 860 110 310 5-12 510 175 420 200
5-31 1010 110 350 5-19 600 175 490 240
5-37 1080 150 390
5-22 690 175 570 260
5-42 1080 150 395
5-48 1370 150 420 5-31 1000 175 870 350
5-55 1370 170 490
6-2 380 128 150
6-3 490 128 150
6-2 230 200 185 130
6-4 520 128 160
6-7 630 128 200 6-3 330 205 250 150
6-12 730 128 240 6-4 360 205 280 160
6-19 860 128 280 6-7 470 205 370 190
6-22 930 128 310
6-12 570 205 460 240
6-27 1090 138 330
6-31 1090 150 350 6-19 700 205 570 280
6-37 1390 170 440
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
Dimensions are valid for:
Nominal concrete strength at 28 days: 35 MPa (cube), 28 MPa (cylinder).
Maximum prestressing force may be applied when concrete reaches 25 MPa (cube) or 20 MPa (cylinder).
Max prestressing force is 75% of min. tendon breaking load (temporary overstressing to 80%).
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Dead End Anchorage VSL Type H

Grout tube

Duct

Tension ring
Bulbs

Seal

Spacer

Type II
Type I

AxB

C
D

Strand type 13 mm (0.5") Strand type 15 mm (0.6")

Tendon Alter- Type A B C D Tendon Alter- Type A B C D
unit native unit native
5-3 1 I 230 70 930 - 6-3 1 I 290 90 950 -
5-4 1 I 310 70 930 - 6-4 1 I 390 90 950 -
2 I 150 170 930 - 2 I 190 210 950 -
5-7 1 II 370 70 1130 1280 6-7 1 II 450 90 1150 1330
2 II 170 190 1130 1280 2 II 210 230 1150 1330
6-12 1 II 430 230 1150 1330
5-12 1 II 350 190 1130 1280
2 I 390 330 1150 -
2 I 310 270 1130 -
6-19 1 II 570 230 1150 1330
5-19 1 II 470 190 1130 1280
2 II 390 470 1150 1330
2 II 310 390 1130 1280
6-22 1 II 690 230 1150 1330
5-22 1 II 570 190 1130 1280
2 II 470 490 1150 1330
2 II 390 390 1130 1280
6-31 1 II 810 260 1550 1700
5-31 1 II 670 310 1330 1480 2 II 570 510 1550 1700
2 II 470 430 1330 1480 6-37 1 II 1050 370 1850 2000
5-37 1 II 770 310 1530 1680 2 II 690 510 1850 2000
2 II 470 550 1530 1680 6-42 1 II 1050 370 1850 20000
5-42 1 II 870 350 1530 1680 2 II 810 510 1850 2000
2 II 570 550 1530 1680 3 II 690 650 1850 2000
5-55 1 II 1170 350 1830 1980 6-55 1 II 1410 370 2150 2300
2 II 870 430 1830 1980 2 II 1050 510 2150 2300
3 II 570 670 1830 1980 3 II 690 790 2150 2300
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
Dimensions are valid for:
Nominal concrete strength at 28 days: 35 MPa (cube), 28 MPa (cylinder).
Maximum prestressing force may be applied when concrete reaches 25 MPa (cube) or 20 MPa (cylinder).
Max prestressing force is 75% of min. tendon breaking load (temporary overstressing to 80%).
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Intermediate Anchorage VSL Type Z and ZU

Grout tube Tension ring with anchors Wedges

Duct

Retainer plate

Anchor block Z

Wedges Anchor block ZU

Intermediate Anchorage Type Z Intermediate Anchorage Type ZU

Centre-stressing anchorages are used for ring tendons in circular structures, or for those tendons where the ends cannot be fitted
with normal stressing anchorages.

Stressing jack
Curved stressing chair

F+∆L B

Tendon 2
F+∆L B Tendon 1

G+∆L Tendon 2 Tendon 1

G+∆L

∆L = Elongation of tendon 2
C
E = + required cover
2

Intermediate anchorage type Z Intermediate anchorage type Z

Tendon Tendon
A B C D F 2) G 2) H A B C D F 2) G 2) H
unit unit

5-2 1) 130 60 80 60 400 560 170

5-4 1) 160 70 90 65 500 720 200 5-2 1)
165 103 80 60 450 655 200
5-6 200 90 130 85 700 990 240 5-4 1)
165 103 88 65 560 815 200
5-12 280 140 140 90 1000 1490 320 5-6 185 113 95 70 650 925 220
5-18 320 160 180 110 1300 1910 360
5-22 350 160 200 120 1450 2110 390

6-2 1) 140 70 90 65 450 620 180

6-4 1) 170 80 100 70 900 1180 210 6-2 1)
170 105 90 65 450 655 210
1)
6-6 210 100 140 90 1000 1400 250 6-4 170 105 92 65 560 815 210
6-12 300 160 160 100 1350 1960 340 6-6 200 120 100 75 650 925 240
6-18 380 180 200 120 1450 2280 420
6-22 400 180 250 145 1500 2380 440
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
1) Tension ring only on side 2
2) Dependent upon the shape of the concrete surface.
The values stated apply for surfaces which are not curved.
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING
Selected Design Considerations
Spacing and Cover of Ducts
In determining minimum spacing and concrete cover
requirements, reference should be made to
applicable standards and recommendations.
Minimum Radii of Tendon Curvatures and Minimum Tangent Length
Minimum radius of
tendon curvature
Minimum tangent length
Tendon Force Losses
The effective prestressing force at a specific place
and time differs from the initial prestressing force
for various reasons.
Significant factors include:
• friction losses due to curvature of the tendon;
• shrinkage and creep of the concrete;
• relaxation of the prestressing steel;
• draw-in of the wedges during lock-off.
The friction losses along the tendon can be
determined with the following formula:
Px = Po e -(µα+kx) , where
x = Distance from stressing end (in meters)
Px = Prestressing force at x
Po = Prestressing force at stressing end
µ = Coefficient of friction
α = sum of all angular deviations (in radians)
over the distance x
k = Wobble friction coefficient due to minor
unavoidable tendon curvatures
(placing tolerances)
The friction coefficients µ and k can vary fairly widely
and depend upon various factors, including: the
nature and surface condition of the prestressing
steel; the type, diameter and surface condition of the
duct; and the installation method.
Tendon Supports
Recommended spacing:
Standard steel ducts 0.8 to 1.2m
Plastic ducts PT-PLUS™: 0.8 to 1.0m
Minimum breaking load of tendon (MN)
The following values may be assumed for design:
Tendon in standard steel ducts:
µ= 0.2 (range 0.16~0.22) k= 0.001 (range 0.0008~0.0012)
Tendon in plastic ducts PT-PLUS™:
µ = 0.14 (range 0.12~0.15) k= 0.001 (range 0.0008~0.0012)
For calculating the losses due to shrinkage and
creep of the concrete, reference should be made to
the technical literature and to the standards
applicable to each project.
The relaxation of the prestressing steel depends
primarily upon the types of steel (relaxation class),
the magnitude of the prestress and the temperature.
For low relaxation strands commonly used today, the
maximum loss is 2.5% after 1000 hours at 20˚ C and
an initial stress of 70% of the nominal tensile
strength. Further information can be found in the
relevant prestressing steel standards and
manufacturer's literature.
Independent of the type of jack or tendon, a loss due
to wedge draw-in of approximately 6mm occurs at
lock-off. If necessary, this can be compensated for
by suitable procedures.
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Sheathing and Corrosion Protection

For conventional applications, corrugated galvanised
steel ducts are used.
For applications requiring enhanced corrosion
protection and improved fatigue resistance of the
tendons, use of the VSL PT-PLUS™ System with
corrugated plastic duct is recommended. This fully
encapsulated and watertight system offers superb
corrosion protection, and the plastic duct eliminates
fretting fatigue between the strand and duct. It also
provides reduced duct friction. The PT-PLUS™
System may, in conjunction with VSL CS
Anchorages, be configured with special details and
installation techniques to provide Electrically Isolated
Tendons. These tendons may be electrically
monitored at any time throughout the life of the
structure.
All ducts are manufactured in a variety of standard
lengths and are coupled on site.

Dimensions of Plastic Ducts PT-PLUS™

Strand Type Strand Type Duct
13 mm (0.5") 15 mm (0.6") Dimensions (mm)
Tendon unit Tendon unit d D s

5-12 6-7 59 73 2
5-19 6-12 76 91 2.5
5-31 6-19 / 6-22 100 116 3
5-43 6-31 130 146 3
5-55 6-37 130 146 3
Other units on request

Steel Duct

Plastic Duct PT-PLUS™

Strand bundle

Centre line of duct

e Centre of gravity of strands

Strand Type 13 mm (0.5") Strand Type 15 mm (0.6")

Steel Plastic Steel Plastic
Tendon Tendon
duct duct duct duct
unit unit
e (mm) e (mm) e (mm) e (mm) Strand Position at High Point of Tendon
5-1 4 - 6-1 5 -
5-3 7 - 6-3 6 -
5-7 8 - 6-4 6 -
5-12 11 7 6-7 10 9
5-19 13 9 6-12 14 12
5-22 12 22 6-19 17 18
5-27 13 17 6-22 14 15 e

5-31 14 14 6-27 13 32
5-37 23 32 6-31 22 28
5-42 26 28 6-37 25 22
5-48 17 24
5-55 23 14
Strand Position at Low Point of Tendon
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Dead End Anchorage VSL Type L

Duct B
Hairpin Bar Reinforcement
Hairpin bar

Required cross-sectional area of hairpin bars:

Duct A
As • n = Po • π
As [mm2 ] = Cross-section area of one hairpin bar
n [-] = number of hairpin bars
Po [kN] = Prestressing force in the tendon
Grout tube øAext. [mm] = External diameter of duct
øA T [mm] = Concrete thickness
X [mm] = Required anchoring length
according to applicable standard

Yield strength of hairpin bars: ≥400 MPa

Concrete cover to ducts shall not be less than the

external duct diameter.
T

øB Layout of L-Anchorages:
a b c

T≥3 • øA ext. T≥4 • øA ext. T≥4 • øA ext.

Hairpin bar reinforcement

T

Strand Type 13 mm (0.5") Strand Type 15 mm (0.6")

Tendon øA øB R Tendon øA øB R
unit Internal/external Internal/external min. unit Internal/external Internal/external min.

5-4 42/45 36/39 600 6-2 42/45 36/39 600

5-7 60/67 51/54 600 6-3 42/45 36/39 600
5-12 80/87 65/72 900 6-4 65/72 55/62 600
5-19 90/97 80/87 1100 6-7 75/82 60/67 750
5-22 95/102 85/92 1200 6-12 90/97 80/87 1000
5-31 110/117 100/107 1400 6-19 110/117 95/102 1300
Dimensions in mm Subject to modification
Dimensions are valid for:
Nominal concrete strength at 28 days: 25 MPa (cube), 20 MPa (cylinder).
Maximum prestressing force may be applied when concrete reaches 80% of its nominal strength.
Maximum prestressing force is 75% of min. tendon breaking load (temporary overstressing to 80%).

Dead End Anchorage VSL Type LD

When loops with a smaller radius are required,

special half round ducts are available upon request.
VSL Type LD Loops are available with a 590 mm
Duct sized such that
radius. The tendon sizes available are the same as
only two (2) layers of
Type L - the difference is in duct configuration as strand occur in the
indicated. A tight radius is good for nailing of precast loop.
box segments to piers.
 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Stressing
The unique feature of the VSL Post-Tensioning
system lies in its special procedure for locking the
wedges. The wedges always remain in contact with
the strands during the stressing operation. As the
pressure in the jack is released, the wedges
automatically lock in the conical holes of the anchor
head.

Placing of anchor block

Placing of anchor block and wedges

Positioning of the jack

Positioning of jack

Stressing

Stressing, measuring, seating of wedges

Seating of wedges

Grouting
VSL grouting equipment includes mixer and pump in
one unit. Grouting is usually carried out as soon as
possible after stressing.

Grouting equipment Grouting of tendon

 MULTISTRAND POST-TENSIONING

Push Through Machine Hydraulic Pump

Jack type A min. B C D E

60˚ ZPE-23FJ - 300 1200 116 90

ZPE-30 30 600 1100 140 100
ZPE-3 30 550 1000 200 150
ZPE-60 30 650 1100 180 140
ZPE-7/A 30 800 1200 300 200
ZPE-12/St2 50 700 1300 310 200
ZPE-200 50 1100 2100 330 210
ZPE-19 50 850 1500 390 250
ZPE-460/31 60 700 1500 485 300
Concrete cover according ZPE-500 80 1150 2000 585 330
to applicable standard ZPE-750 80 1350 2300 570 365
ZPE-1000 80 1300 2200 790 450
ZPE-1250 90 1350 2250 660 375
Dimensions in mm

B D

C E

Stressing Jack Data

Type I (ZPE-23 FJ) Type II (ZPE-19) Type III (ZPE-500)

Designation ZPE-23FJ ZPE-30 ZPE-3 ZPE-60 ZPE-7/A ZPE-12/St2 ZPE-200 ZPE-19 ZPE-460/31 ZPE-500 ZPE-750 ZPE-1000 ZPE-1250
Type I III III III III II III II II III II III II
Length (mm) 790 720 475 615 690 550 960 750 580 1000 1185 1200 1290
Diameter (mm) 116 140 200 180 280 310 315 390 485 550 520 790 620
Stroke (mm) 200 250 160 250 160 100 300 100 100 200 150 200 150
Piston area (cm 2) 47.10 58.32 103.6 126.4 203.6 309.4 325.7 500.3 804.0 894.6 1247.0 1809.5 2168.0
Capacity (kN) 230 320 500 632 1064 1850 2000 2900 4660 5000 7500 10000 12500
(bar) 488 549 483 500 523 598 614 580 580 559 601 553 577
Weight (kg) 23 28 47 74 115 151 305 294 435 1064 1100 2290 1730
Used for 13 mm 5-1 5-1 5-2 5-2 5-6 5-12 5-12 5-18 5-22 5-22 5-31 5-37 5-37
(0.5") tendon types 5-3 to 5-4 5-7 5-19 5-31 5-31 5-37 to 5-55 to 5-55
Used for 15 mm 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-12 6-18 6-18 6-31 6-31 6-31
(0.6") tendon types 6-3 6-7 6-7 6-19 to 6-22 to 6-43 to 6-55
Subject to modification
 B S
Harbour Front (Hunghom Marine Redevelopment), Hunghom, Hong Kong
Owners and designers of the
buildings of today and tomorrow
need to incorporate sufficient
flexibility into their structures to
accommodate the changing
needs of the users of the
building.
Post-tensioning offers larger
spans with reduced structural
depth, resulting in larger
column-free areas. Internal
tenancy layouts are thus not
restricted by tight column grids.
Positive deflection and crack
control and, if necessary, crack-
free water-tight slabs offer the
designer the opportunity to
Construction Sequence
Placing tendons
Concreting
P T
break free of the limitations of
the passive methods of
reinforced concrete or structural
steel.
VSL Post-Tensioning is more
economical than other systems,
especially when faster
construction cycles are
considered. There is less
material handling on site and
also a reduced site labour force
which minimises congestion on
site. Most importantly, there is
the quality and service of VSL
specialized high-performance
teams and optimum back-up on
site.
Stressing
The VSL Post-Tensioning slab
system has been used in many
prestigious buildings and
structures throughout the Far
East. The system uses up to
five strands in flat-shaped
ducting and anchorages. The
strands are individually stressed
and are gripped by wedge
action. After stressing, the duct
is subsequently filled with a
cementitious grout, which is
injected under pressure, so that
the strands are fully bonded to
the surrounding concrete.
Grouting
 BONDED S LAB POST- TENSIONING

Strand Properties
13 mm (0.5") 15 mm (0.6")
Strand type EN138 or ASTM A416 EN138 or ASTM A416
BS 5896 Super Grade 270 BS 5896 Super Grade 270
Nominal diameter mm 12.9 12.7 15.7 15.2
Nominal area mm 2 100 98.7 150 140
Nominal mass kg/m 0.785 0.775 1.18 1.1
1)
Yield strength MPa 1580 1) 1670 2) 1500 1670 2)
Tensile strength MPa 1860 1860 1770 1860
Min. breaking load kN 186 183.7 265 260.7
Young's modulus GPa cicra 195
Relaxation 3) % max 2.5
1) Measured at 0.1% residual strain (0.1% offset method)
2) Measured at 1% extension (1% extension under load method)
3) After 1000 hrs at 20º C (EN & BS, low relaxation to ASTM)

Tendon Properties Duct Dimensions

Min. breaking load (kN) Duct Dimension in mm
Strand type Tendon Number (Height x Width)
unit of BS 5896 ASTM A416 Standard Corrugated Plastic duct
strands Super Grade 270 flat duct flat duct PT-PLUS™
13 mm (0.5") 5-4 4 744 735
5-5 5 930 919 20 x 75 25 x 80 35 x 86
15 mm (0.6") 6-4 4 1060 1043
25 x 90 25 x 90 not available
6-5 5 1325 1304

Selected Design Considerations

• Spacing of tendon supports: 0.75 to 1.2 m (conventional steel ducts)

0.75 to 1.0 m (plastic ducts PT-PLUS™)

• Minimum radius of curvature: 2.5 m (vertical profile)

6.0 m (horizontal profile)

• Min. straight length at anchorage: 0.75 m

• A wedge draw-in of approximately 6 mm occurs at lock-off

• Friction losses can vary fairly widely from one tendon to another and from one structure to another,
depending on factors such as surface condition of strands, type and surface condition of ducts, material
properties, installation methods and workmanship on-site. In general, the following friction parameters can
be used, without additional consideration for anchorage losses:

- Tendons in standard steel ducts: µ = 0.20 (range: 0.16 ~ 0.22)

k = 0.001 (range: 0.0008 ~ 0.0012)
- Tendons in plastic ducts: µ = 0.14 (range: 0.12 ~ 0.15)
k = 0.001 (range: 0.0008 ~ 0.0012)
 BONDED S LAB POST- TENSIONING

Stressing Anchorage VSL Type S

E
Grout tube

Wedges

Strands

Duct

Casting
Recess
former
Anchor block

Type A B C D E F X
S 5-4 265 100 240 73 90 305 350
S 5-5 265 100 240 73 90 305 350
S 6-4 315 105 254 82 100 338 400
S 6-5 315 105 266 82 100 338 400
Subject to modification

Couplers VSL Type SK

600 D
C

Grout tube

Compression
fittings

Coupling block

Flat duct

B
Casting
Wedges

Strands
Type A B C D
S 5-4 265 110 95 215
S 5-5 265 110 95 215
S 6-4 265 110 95 215
S 6-5 265 110 95 215
Subject to modification

Dimensions in mm.
Dimensions are valid for a concrete transfer strength of 25 MPa (Cube), 20 MPa (Cylinder).
 BONDED S LAB POST- TENSIONING

Dead End Anchorage VSL Type H and Type P

Type H
Grout tube

AxB
Seal

Flat duct

Type A B C
Bulb H 5-4 310 70 750
H 5-5 390 70 750
H 6-4 390 90 950
H 6-5 490 90 950

Type P
C

Grout tube

Seal AxB

P-plate

Compression
fittings

Type A B C
P 5-4 250 75 370
P 5-5 300 75 370
P 6-4 260 80 435
P 6-5 410 80 435

Dimensions in mm.
Dimensions are valid for a concrete transfer strength of 25 MPa (Cube), 20 MPa (Cylinder).
 B S P T S

VSLAB ™ Encapsulated Two Strand System

E F
G

Grout cap
End anchor head
Bearing plate
A C
Half shell

Duct
G

Clip

Grout vent
B D
Wedge

Gasket

High performance grout

Encapsulated strand
Type A B C D E F G
SA5-2 163 163 150 90 105 130 40
k5-2 163 163 150 90 105 130 70

Anchorage Reinforcement

Details at Slab Edge

Extra links where

shown for S6-5 only Grout vent
Place innermost links
hard against casting
as shown

Extra links where Grout vent

Anchorage at Slab Edge shown for S6-5 only

Details at Edge Beam Plan

Anchorage at Edge Beam

The above sketches show the preferred arrangement for the local confinement reinforcement at the anchorages. Please consult your local VSL
representatives for more details.
 BONDED S LAB POST- TENSIONING S YSTEMS

Stressing Jack Clearance Requirements

Tendon A B C
Jack type
unit (mm) (mm) (mm)
5-4 1100 260 280
ZPE-23FJ 5-5 1100 260 400
6-4 1100 260 280
B=Strand projection C 6-5 1100 260 400
5-4 800 260 250
A DKP-5
5-5 800 260 320
6-4 850 400 300
DKP-6
6-5 850 400 400
Stressing Jack Data
DKP-5/DKP-6

Jack type ZPE-23FJ DKP-5 DKP-6

A (mm) 790 560 615
A B B (mm) 116 162 240
C (mm) - 105 84
D (mm) 195 150 165
Stroke (mm) 200 200 200
ZPE-23FJ Piston area (cm 2) 47.10 31.03 49.26
Capacity (kN) 230 147 230
(bar) 488 473 467
Weight (kg) 23 19 30
A B

Internal Stressing Pocket

13 mm and 15 mm strand
Details shown are typical and may vary for particular applications

Stressing Pocket
Plan

450 450

30 420 50 175 175 50

Section A Section B
 EXTERNAL POST-TENSIONING

External post-tensioning is well suited to bridges due to the resulting economies in construction costs and the high
degree of corrosion resistance provided by the system. External tendons are easy to inspect and can be replaced if
necessary. They are ideal for strengthening existing structures and have a multitude of applications in addition to
bridges.

VSL external tendons consist of:

• strand bundle;
• polyethylene duct;
• end and intermediate anchorages as well as tendon couplers;
• grouting compound.

External tendons, usually guided over deviation saddles, have many similarities to stay cables and permanent soil
and rock anchors.

Detailed information about design and construction is given in the VSL publication "External Post-Tensioning".

Bois de Rosset Viaduct, Switzerland

VSL External Post-tensioning System Components

Tendon deviation saddle

Stressing anchorage Strand bundle and sheathing Dead end anchorage

 E P T

A wide selection of VSL anchorage types is available to meet the full range of practical requirements. In addition
to the anchorages illustrated here, intermediate anchorages and couplers are also available . The strand bundle
can be assembled from uncoated or individually greased and sheathed strands. The anchorages for these two
types of tendon differ only in detail, the principle remains the same.

External prestressing components,

Anchorage Type ECR External tendons at deviation saddle

Tendon Dimensions (mm)

A øE
unit A B øC D øE 1)

5-12 270 125 222 110 65 / 3.6

5-19 310 150 258 125 90 / 5.1

5-31 370 165 320 150 110 / 6.3 Anchorage Type EC R

5-43 430 200 390 180 125 / 7.1

5-55 520 220 420 200 140 / 8.0 D

6-7 250 125 222 110 63 / 3.6

6-12 310 150 258 125 90 / 5.1

øC øE
6-19 390 165 300 150 110 / 6.3

6-31 430 200 390 180 140 / 8.0

6-37 520 220 420 200 160 / 9.1

Anchorage Type CS
Notes : 1. Nominal external duct diameter / wall thickness
2. Other sizes are available upon request