ETA 06-0006 Version2 2015-05-26

Member of
www.eota.eu
Cerema/DTecITM Mail: ete-dtecitm@cerema.fr

110 rue de Paris Tel: +33 160 523 131
77 171 Sourdun web: www.cerema.fr
FRANCE
European Technical ETA 06/0006

Assessment of 26/05/2015
Technical Assessment Body issuing the ETA: Cerema

Direction technique infrastructures de transport
et matériaux
Trade name of the construction product VSL Post-Tensioning System
Product family to which the construction 16. Reinforcing and prestressing steel for
product belongs concrete (and ancillaries). Post tensioning kits.
Manufacturer VSL INTERNATIONAL Ltd.

Saegestrasse, 76 CH-3098 Koeniz
SWITZERLAND
http://www.vsl.com/
Manufacturing plant(s) VSL Systems Manufacturer S.L.

Ribera del Congost, s/n - P. I. El Congost
08520 Les Franqueses del Vallès Barcelona
SPAIN
This European Technical Assessment 130 pages including 4 Annexes (118 pages)
contains which form an integral part of this assessment.
This European Technical Assessment is ETAG 013, edition June 2002, used as
issued in accordance with regulation (EU) No European Assessment Document (EAD)
305/2011, on the basis of
This ETA replaces ETA 06/0006, renewed on 28/06/2013

European technical assessment – VSL Post-Tensioning System
EUROPEAN TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT – VSL POST-TENSIONING SYSTEM 2
1. Technical description of the products 3

1.1. VSL Multistrand System 3
1.2. VSL Slab System 4
2. Specifications of the intended use in accordance with the applicable European

Assessment Document 4
3. Performance of the products and methods used for its assessment 6
4. Assessment and verification of constancy of performance system applied, with

reference to its legal base 7
5. Technical details necessary for the implementation of the AVCP system, as provided for
in the applicable EAD 8
5.1. Tasks for the Manufacturer 8
5.2. Tasks of the Notified Body 10
ETA 06/0006 – version 2 - of 26/05/2015 – Page 2 of 130

Translations of this European Technical Assessment in other languages shall fully
correspond to the original issued document and should be identified as such.
Communication of this European Technical Assessment, including transmission by
electronic means, shall be in full (excepted the confidential Annex(es) referred to above).
However, partial reproduction may be made, with the written consent of the issuing
Technical Assessment Body. Any partial reproduction has to be identified as such.
1. Technical description of the products
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.
1.1. VSL Multistrand System

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.
1.1.1. Ducts
- Metallic: corrugated steel strip sheaths, steel tubes,
- Plastic made: the VSL PT-PLUS® ducting, polyethylene or polypropylene sheaths
or tubes,
1.1.2. Anchorages
- Active or passive type E (1 to 55 strands), type CS (7 to 37 strands),
type GC (3 to 55 strands), , type NC (55 strands) and NC-U (55 strands),
passive type EP (3 to 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),
1.1.3. 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. Special grouts have to comply with
ETAG 013 Annex C.4.3. Grease have to comply with ETAG 013 Annex C.4.2.

1.2. VSL Slab System
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:
1.2.1. Ducts
For the system with injection: the circular or flat corrugated steel strip sheaths, the circular or flat
VSL PT-PLUS® duct,
1.2.2. Anchorages
- Active or passive type S 6-1 (1 strand), S 6-1 PLUS (1 strand),
S6-1 Standard (1 strand) and type S 6-4 (4 strands),
- Embedded dead end type SF 6-1 (1 strand), SF 6-1 PLUS (1strand)
and SF 6-1 Standard (1 strand)
- Spring-loaded coupler SLC 6-1 (1 strand)
- Using bond: type H for the system with injection applied to internal bonded tendons
only.
1.2.3. 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. Special grouts have to comply with
ETAG 013 Annex C.4.3.
2. Specifications of the intended use in accordance with the

applicable European Assessment Document
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.

The following optional use categories are possible:
- 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.
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 Technical Assesment 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.

3. Performance of the products and methods used for its
assessment
This European Technical Assessment for the post-tensioning system is issued on the basis of
relevant data, that have been deposited at Cerema/DTecITM, and identify the post-tensioning
system that has been assessed and judged.
Assessment of the performance of the post-tensioning system described in this document has
been made in accordance with the ETAG 013, European Technical Approval Guideline of post-
tensioning kits for prestressing of structures used as EAD, in the sense of basic requirement for
construction work 1 (mechanical resistance and stability) and for basic requirement for construction
work 3 (hygiene, health and environment), based on the provisions for all systems.
Product type: Post–Tensioning Kit Intended use: Prestressing of structures

Basic requirement for Essential characteristic Performance
construction work
1 Resistance to static load ≥95% of Actual Ultimate Tensile Strength –
Mechanical resistance AUTS (acceptance criteria given in paragraph
and stability 6.1.1-I of ETAG013)
Resistance to fatigue No fatigue failure in anchorage and not more
than 5% loss on cross section after 2 million
cycles (acceptance criteria given in paragraph
6.1.2-I of ETAG013)
Load transfer to the Stabilization of crack width under cyclic load
structure and ultimate resistance ≥110% characteristic
load (acceptance criteria given in paragraph
6.1.3-I of ETAG013)
Practicability / reliability of Installation of strands, duct filling (acceptance
installation criteria given in paragraph 6.1.6-I of ETAG013)
Product type: Post–Tensioning Kit Intended use: Prestressing of structures

Basic requirement for Essential characteristic Performance
construction work
3 Release of dangerous The post-tensioning system does not
Hygiene, health and substances cause harmful emission of toxic gases,
environment dangerous particles or radiation to the
indoor environment nor contamination of
the outdoor environment (air, soil, water)
Basic requirements 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are not relevant according to ETAG 013.

4. Assessment and verification of constancy of performance system
applied, with reference to its legal base
The components of the VSL Post-Tensioning System comply with the drawings and conditions
described in Annexes 1 and 2 of this European Technical Assessment.
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 file concerning this European Technical Assessment, which has been
deposited at the Technical Assessment Body. This set of information is also to be sent, whenever
necessary, to the Notified Body responsible for AVCP.
In accordance with the decision 98/456/EC1 of the European Commission, the system 1+ of
assessment and verification of constancy of performances (see Annex V to Regulation (EU) No
305/2011), given in the following table applies:
Product(s) Intended use(s) Level(s) or class(es) System(s)
Post-tensioning Kits For the prestressing of - 1+

structures
This AVCP system is defined as follows:
System 1+: Declaration of the performance of the essential characteristics of the construction
product by the manufacturer on the basis of the following items:
(a) Tasks of the manufacturer

(1) Factory production control;
(2) Further testing of samples taken at the factory by the manufacturer in accordance
with a prescribed test plan;
(b) Tasks for the notified body
(3) Determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including sampling),
type calculation, tabulated values or descriptive documentation of the product;
(4) Initial inspection of factory and of factory production control;
(5) Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of factory production control;
(6) Audit testing of samples taken at the factory.
AVCP 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 Manufacturer’s declaration, the post-tensioning kit does not contain any
dangerous substances.
1
Official Journal of the European communities L201/112 of 3 July 1998

5. Technical details necessary for the implementation of the AVCP
system, as provided for in the applicable EAD
5.1. Tasks for the Manufacturer
5.1.1. General responsibilities of the Manufacturer

The Manufacturer shall keep available an updated list of all components manufacturers.
This list is to be provided to the Notified Body. Another copy may also be made available to the
Technical Assessment Body.
The 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 manufacturer. Each
audit report shall be made available to the Notified 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 Manufacturer from at least one job site. One
series of single tensile element tests are performed according to Annex 3 (annex E3 of the
ETAG 013) by the 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 manufacturer makes available for at least 10 years all records of relevant results concerning
the ETA and the audit reports concerning the components manufacturers.

5.1.2. Factory Production Control (FPC)
The Manufacturing Plant or the designated factory (formerly designated as Kit Manufacturer)
exercises permanent internal control of the production. All the elements, requirements and
provisions adopted by the 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 Assessment.
The Factory Production Control is in accordance with the control plan of VSL named QM relating to
this European Technical Assessment which is part of the technical documentation of this European
technical assessment. The control plan is laid down in the context of the factory production control
system operated by the manufacturer and deposited at Cerema.
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 3, 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 CPR.
Parts of the FPC may be transferred to an independent test laboratory. Nevertheless, the
manufacturer has the full responsibility for all results of the FPC.
5.1.3. Other tasks

5.1.3.1 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 AVCP 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 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.
5.1.3.2 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 Manufacturing Plant
- 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 3) complies with stipulations in
Annex E.1 of ETAG 013, including the minimum test frequencies to perform.

5.1.3.3 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.
5.1.3.4 Complaints
ETA Technical File includes provisions to keep records of all complaints about the PT System.
5.2. Tasks of the Notified Body
5.2.1. General responsibilities of the Notified Body

The notified body shall perform the
- determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including sampling),

type calculation, tabulated values or descriptive documentation of the product,
- initial inspection of factory and of factory production control,
- continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of factory production control,
- audit testing of samples taken at the factory
in accordance with the provisions laid down in the "Control Plan" relating to this European
Technical Assessment.
The notified body shall retain the essential points of its actions referred to above and state the
results obtained and conclusions drawn in a written report.
The main production centre is checked at least once a year by the notified body. Each component
producer is checked at least once every five years by the notified body.
The notified body involved by the manufacturer shall issue an EC certificate of conformity of the
product stating the conformity with the provisions of this European Technical Assessment.
In cases where the provisions of the European Technical Assessment and its “Control Plan” are no
longer fulfilled the notified body shall withdraw the certificate of conformity and inform
Cerema/DTecITM without delay.
The NB may act with its own resources or subcontract inspection tasks and testing tasks to
inspection bodies and testing laboratories.
5.2.1.1 Determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including

sampling), type calculation, tabulated values or descriptive documentation of the
product
The results from tests performed during the approval procedure and then evaluated by the
Technical Assessment Body may be used by the Notified Body as initial type testing as required in
the ETAG 013.

5.2.1.2 Initial assessment of factory and of factory production control
The Notified Body assesses both the factory capacities and the factory production control
performed by the Manufacturing Plant 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.
5.2.1.3 Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of factory production control

The Notified 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 Manufacturing Plant 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.
The Notified Body shall provide to Cerema, upon request, the results of certification and
continuous surveillance.
In cases of serious non conformities, related to important aspects of the performances of the post-
tensioning system, which cannot be corrected within the deadlines, the Notified Body shall
withdraw the certification of AVCP and inform the Cerema without delay.
5.2.1.4 Audit testing of samples taken at the factory

During surveillance inspection, the notified body shall take samples at the factory of components of
the PT system or of individual components for which this European technical assessment has been
granted, for independent testing.
For the most important components Annex 27, complying with ETAG 013, Annex E.2, summarises
the minimum procedures.

Issued in Sourdun on 26.05.2015
By
Centre d’étude et d’expertise sur les risques, l’environnement, la mobilité et l’aménagement
Direction technique Infrastructures de transport et matériaux
Barthélémy PETIT, ETA manager

ANNEX 1 – TECHNICAL DATA OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM
ANNEX 1 – TECHNICAL DATA OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 13
1. Chapter 1 - Definition of the system 14

1.1. Principle of the VSL multistrand system 14
1.2. Characteristics of system units 15
1.3. Anchorages 17
1.4. Categories of use, possibilities and options 19
2. Chapter 2 – Strands and ducts 20

2.1. Strands used 20
2.2. Ducting 20
2.3. Cable layout 24
2.4. Installation of ducts and strands 26
2.5. Provisional protection and lubrication 26
2.6. Calculation elements 26
3. Chapter 3 - -Anchorages 28
3.1. Description of anchorage components 28
3.2. Organization of supply quality 30
3.3. Installation of various anchorages 30
3.4. Anchorage arrangements 33
3.5. Geometrical and mechanical use conditions 33
3.6. Local anchorage zone reinforcement 36
4. Chapter 4 - Stressing 36
4.1. Stressing equipment 36
4.2. Processes of stressing and control procedure 37
5. Chapter 5 – Injection and sealing 39

5.1. General information 39
5.2. Injection products 39
5.3. Injection equipment 40
5.4. Injection and control procedure 40
5.5. Sealing 40
6. Chapter 6 – Schematic drawings 42

6.1. STANDARD ANCHORAGE PARTS 43
6.2. ANCHORAGES TYPE E 47
6.3. ANCHORAGES TYPE CS 56
6.4. ANCHORAGES TYPE GC 60
6.5. ANCHORAGES TYPE NC AND NC-U 71
6.6. ANCHORAGES TYPE H @ 28/35 MPa 74
6.7. COUPLERS TYPE K 76
6.8. COUPLERS TYPE V 78
6.9. BLOCK OUT DIMENSIONS - CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 79
6.10. DUCTING 80

1. 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/mm2 or fpk = 1 770 N/mm2).
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 of strands (and, if applicable, their specified
characteristic value of maximum force), it would be possible to obtain tendons with a characteristic
breaking load from 260 to 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
during tensioning recommended 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/mm2, fp0.1k = 0.88 fpk, of VSL post-tensioning units are as follows :

STRAND  15.2 - T15.2 or 6 STRAND  15.7 - T15.7 or 6S
2 2
Number of fpk = 1 860 N/mm fpk = 1 860 N/mm
strands in the Fpk = 260 kN Fp0.1k = 229 kN Fpk = 279 kN Fp0.1k = 246 kN
prestressing 0.9 0.9
unit Ap Ap.fpk 0.8 Ap.fpk Ap.fp0.1k Ap Ap.fpk 0.8 Ap.fpk Ap.fp0.1k
Ap.fp0.1k 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/mm2. The provisions for
tendons with strands with a characteristic tensile strength fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 also apply to tendons
with strands with fpk < 1 860 N/mm2.
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
 2x106 cycles
- Maximum D value of deflected tensile test:  28%
- Modulus of elasticity Ep: 195 000 N/mm2
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
1.3.1. Presentation of the 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" anchorages can be used with standard anchor heads,
which feature pre-clamped wedges and which may be controlled during stressing.
Anchorages type type “E”, “GC”, “NC” or “NC-U” can also be used with an “EP” anchor head. The
"EP" anchor heads present cylindrical drillings and a flat bearing surface that supports swaged
compression fittings. They can be embedded in concrete.

Type "H" bonded passive end 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

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.
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.
1.3.2. List of approved anchorages
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 EP 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).
EP
Uses Anchorages E CS GC NC NC-U H K V
internal* bonded cable with metallic duct        
internal* bonded cable with polymeric duct        
internal* unbonded        
external* bonded cable       
external* unbonded cable      
tendon for use in various material as external cable   
restressable tendon     
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. Chapter 2 – Strands 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". 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 post-tensioning 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:
Metal Ducts Polymeric Ducts

Ducts  Smooth polymeric
Corrugated metal VSL PT-PLUS
Smooth metal duct duct polyethylene,
duct Duct
Applications polypropylene
Internal with standard  NR  NR
Cable, bonded cryogenic  NR  NR
in the injection
concrete encapsulated NA NR º NR
electrically-
isolated NA NA º NR
with standard +
encapsulated NA  NR 
unbonded
injection ² electrically-
isolated NA NA NR 
restressable
and/or NA  NR 
replaceable
External with standard +
encapsulated NA ¹ NR 
Cable, bonded
electrically-
out of injection
isolated NA NA NR 
the
with standard +
concrete encapsulated NA ¹ NR 
(or other unbonded
injection ² electrically-
material) isolated NA NR³ NR 
restressable
and/or NA ¹ NR 
replaceable
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 Αp , where Ap is the
nominal cross-section 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.
2.2.2. Metal ducts

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 machine-bendable. 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.
2.2.3. Polymeric ducts

In the case of stringent requirements as regards both corrosion protection and fatigue resistance of
cables, it is recommended to use the corrugated polymeric 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, EP, 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 ≤ R (3) Mirror Welding or Connector
115/121 to 150/157 3 Fpk ≤ R << ∞ (3) Mirror Welding
115/121 to 150/157 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 polymeric ducts have a 50% longer bond length than tendons in corrugated metal ducts.
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. Polymeric 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.
2.2.4. Accessories for inlets, bleed vents and outlets

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 polymeric 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:
Inlet, venting, bleeding or

Duct Duct connection accessory
outlet accessory
Corrugated steel strip Sealed polymeric shell Polymeric pipe
sheath
Smooth steel tube Welded pipes Steel tube or polymeric pipe
VSL PT-PLUS duct Special "clipped" collar / coupler Polymeric pipe
Polymeric duct Electro-weldable collar or Polymeric pipe
welded pipes
Distributions of inlet, venting, bleeding and outlet points along the cable profile are selected based
on a function-specific 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.
2.3.1. Straight lengths behind the anchorages

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 ≤ Fpk ≤ 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
2.3.2. Radius of curvature

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 ≥ 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 ≥ 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 ≥ 20 Øint. Under such specific conditions, local concrete strength as well as
stresses in strands must be verified.

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 ≥ max { 0.6 Fpk ; 0.6 m }, where R is expressed in
meters and Fpk expressed in MN,
- 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 Minimum Radius adjacent to the

zone 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.
If national regulations exist, radius of curvature must comply with them.
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 standard " EN 13670".
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.

2.3.4. Strand cut length
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 Assessment, 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 Regulation, these
requirements need also to be complied with, when and where they apply."
2.6. Calculation elements
2.6.1. Friction losses

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: fpo (x)  fpo (0).e - θ  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  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  and k according to EN 1992-1-1. They can
be summarized as follows:
Application  (rad-1) k (rad/m) (2)

(1)
Internal (concrete) cable with corrugated steel strip sheath 0.17 - 0.005 - 0.010
0.19
Internal (concrete) cable with smooth steel tube 0.16 - 0.005 - 0.010
0.24
Internal (concrete) cable with VSL PT-PLUS duct 0.12 - 0.005 - 0.010
0.14
External (concrete) cable with smooth steel tube 0.16 - 0
0.24
External (concrete) cable with polymeric duct 0.12 - 0
0.14
Internal (concrete) cable with individually greased and sheathed 0.05 0.008
strands
External (concrete) cable with individually greased and sheathed 0.05 0.008
strands
(1) The interval limit values encompass both lubricated and non-lubricated strands.
(2) The values of k are zero for cables outside the concrete.
2.6.2. Basis for evaluating elongations

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 Elongation of Concrete Eventual

tendon in the tendon in the shortening of the displacement of
stressing jack prestressed prestressed the dead end of
element element the tendon
where, in the second member,
- for the 1st 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,
ka: friction loss in the anchorage, which may be neglected for this purpose;
- for the 2nd 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 3rd term:
negligeable in the majority of cases (except if stresses in the concrete resulting from prestressing
are high);
- for the 4th 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).
Note: compression fittings are without significant setting.
3. Chapter 3 - -Anchorages
3.1. Description of anchorage components

VSL Multistrand System anchorages make use of a set of standard elements, to be categorized as
follows:
3.1.1. Live end / dead end 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 cast iron according to Standard EN 1563, made
composite with a very high-strength mortar. The CS trumpet is made of polymeric material
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 cast iron plate according to Standard EN 1561 or
EN 1563. For small units (3 to 15) the trumpet is comprised in the casting. For greater units
(19 and above), trumpet is made of polymeric material.
- the “NC” model composed of a cast iron plate according to Standard EN 1563 and a
polymeric insert. The “NC-U” is used with sheathed strands.
- Anchor heads:
The basic anchor heads may be found in two categories:
- the "E" or “EP” models, associated with plate E, GC, NC or NC-U, formed from a
steel rod according to Standard EN 10083-2, GB/T 3077 or GB/T 17107
- 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 and cylindrical holes are machined on transfer equipment and exhaustively controlled.
- Wedges:
The wedges are trimmed in alloyed steel for cementation according to Standard EN 10084 or GB/T
3077-99 and GB/T 5216-2004, 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. The wedges can be fabricated with or without clip.
These wedges are all submitted to rigorous controls.
The “W6N” and “W6S” wedges of the VSL Multistrand System can also be used for the VSL Slab
System (see Annex 2).
- 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 polymeric 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.

3.1.3. Presentation and packing of anchorages
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.
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.
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 polymeric
sleeve).
Initially the monostrands are slightly tensioned to remove slack. Then the free length is filled using
cementitious 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/mm2), the monostrands are stressed to final force.
Anchorages used with both isolating plates (to be inserted between the head and plate) and
isolating polymeric 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 polymeric 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 and then remain accessible throughout the stressing phase for
observation.
When an “EP” anchor head is adopted, the strands are fitted with compression fittings before
stressing at the other end. Then the strands are pulled until the compression fittings are in contact
with the “EP” anchor head and held in position by a retaining plate. These anchorages can be
embedded in concrete.
Passive end anchorages (with wedges or compression fittings) 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 polymeric material) 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 described in the following table:
Uses
external bonded
cable with metal
unbonded cable
various material
internal bonded
internal bonded
isolated tendon
polymeric duct
Components
exchangeable
Anchorages
encapsulated
tendon (leak
restressable
applications
(ext. cable)
electrically
tendon for
Cryogenic
cable with
unbonded
external
internal
tendon
tendon
cable
tight)
duct
E Plate E E E E E E E E E E
Head (8) 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(8) 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(8) 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)
H H H H
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)
Trumpet sleeve M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) M(6) P(7)
Cap K) K K K K K K K
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 Polymeric (PP) cap,
4: Permanent Metallic (PM) or Permanent Polymeric (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), Polymeric (P) sleeve can be used,
7: Polymeric (P) sleeve (cap)
8: EP anchor heads can replace E anchor heads on the passive end
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 strenght, 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
b’0
b0
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 of Chapter 6, 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 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:
and
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].
Following table gives an overview of the different anchorages and minimum concrete strengths at
time of stressing (cylinder/cube strength) for which anchorage spacing and local anchorage zone
reinforcement is detailed in this ETA, Chapter 6.
2
Type f cm(t) [N/mm ] at time of stressing (cylinder/cube)
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/m3 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 assessment whenever both the
cover and strength conditions have been minimized.
The local reinforcement of the anchorage zone is equal for the “E” and the “EP” anchor heads.
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. Chapter 4 - Stressing
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.

4.1.1. Stressing jacks
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 needed be, to destress 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.
Other models of jacks could be used if they are approved by VSL.
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.
4.1.2. Hydraulic pumps

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 dead-end 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.
4.2.1. Force measurements

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%.
4.2.2. Elongation measurements

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. Chapter 5 – Injection and sealing
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.
In addition to the specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European
Technical Assesment, there may be other requirements applicable to the products falling within its
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.
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

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 Assesment
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 perfectly-homogeneous 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 polymeric caps
may be left apparent.

6. Chapter 6 – Schematic drawings
(dimensions expressed in mm)
Figure 1 Wedge W6N Wedge W6S ........................................................................................ 43

Figure 2 Fitting .............................................................................................................................. 43
Figure 3 Insert CF6 Insert CF6N............................................................................................ 43
Figure 4 Assembly ........................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 5 Hole detail anchor head type E ....................................................................................... 44
Figure 6 Hole spacing anchor head type E.................................................................................... 44
Figure 7 Cross section anchor head type E................................................................................... 44
Figure 8 Hole detail anchor head type CS ..................................................................................... 45
Figure 9 Hole spacing anchor head type CS ................................................................................. 45
Figure 10 Cross section anchor head type CS .............................................................................. 45
Figure 11 Permanent steel caps for anchorage type GC, E, NC, NC-U......................................... 46
Figure 12 Permanent polymeric caps for anchorage type CS ....................................................... 46
Figure 13 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type E....................................................... 47
Figure 14 Anchorages type E @ 23/28 and 28/35 MPa dimensions .............................................. 48
Figure 15 Anchorages type E @ 32/40 and 36/45 MPa dimensions .............................................. 49
Figure 16 Anchorages type E @ 43/53 MPa dimensions .............................................................. 50
Figure 17 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type E @ 23/28 MPa ........................................... 51
Figure 22 Arrangements anchorage type CS cast in concrete structure ........................................ 56
Figure 23 Arrangements anchorage type CS external tendon ....................................................... 57
Figure 24 Anchorages type CS @28/35 MPa dimensions ............................................................. 58
Figure 25 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type CS @ 28/35 MPa ........................................ 59
Figure 26 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type GC.................................................... 60
Figure 27 Anchorages type GC standard bonded post-tensioning dimensions.............................. 61
Figure 28 Anchorages type GC external tendons dimensions ....................................................... 62
Figure 29 Anchorages type GC electrically isolated tendons dimensions ...................................... 63
Figure 30 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type GC internal bonded post-tensioning ............ 64
Figure 31 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type GC external and electrically isolated tendons
..................................................................................................................................................... 67
Figure 32 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type NC and NC-U ................................... 71
Figure 33 Anchorages type NC and NC-U @53/64 MPa dimensions ............................................ 72
Figure 34 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type NC and NC-U @ 53/64 MPa ....................... 73
Figure 35 Anchorage and local anchorage reinforcement type H @ 28/35 MPa ........................... 74
Figure 36 Categories of use arrangements couplers type K .......................................................... 76
Figure 37 Couplers type K dimensions.......................................................................................... 77
Figure 38 Category of use arrangement couplers type V .............................................................. 78
Figure 39 Couplers type V dimensions.......................................................................................... 78
Figure 40 Block out dimensions – Clearance requirements........................................................... 79
Figure 41 Ducting dimensions ....................................................................................................... 80

6.1. STANDARD ANCHORAGE PARTS
6.1.1. WEDGES
Figure 1 Wedge W6N Wedge W6S
NB: Wedges W6N and W6S can be fabricated with or without clip.
6.1.2. COMPRESSION FITTINGS
Figure 2 Fitting
Figure 3 Insert CF6 Insert CF6N
Figure 4 Assembly

6.1.3. ANCHOR HEADS TYPE E
Figure 5 Hole detail anchor head type E
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
E 6-27 E 6-31 E 6-37 E 6-43 E 6-55
Figure 6 Hole spacing anchor head type E
E 6-1 to E 6-55
Figure 7 Cross section anchor head type E
For sizes ØD and E see ANCHORAGES TYPE E – SIZES

6.1.4. ANCHOR HEADS TYPE CS
Figure 8 Hole detail anchor head type CS
6-7 6-12 6-19 6-22 6-27 6-31 6-37

STANDARD, PLUS, SUPER & EXTERNAL
Optional for STANDARD, PLUS & EXTERNAL
Figure 9 Hole spacing anchor head type CS
6-7 to 6-37
STANDARD, PLUS & EXTERNAL SUPER
Figure 10 Cross section anchor head type CS
For sizes ØD and E see ANCHORAGES TYPE CS – SIZES

6.1.5. PROTECTIVE CAPS FOR ANCHORAGES
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
Figure 11 Permanent steel caps for anchorage type GC, E, NC, NC-U 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
Figure 12 Permanent polymeric caps for anchorage type CS

6.2. ANCHORAGES TYPE E
6.2.1. 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 Anchorage with EP anchor head
Figure 13 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type E
(1) An “E” bearing plate is displayed. Assembly with GC, NC or NC-U plates is also possible

6.2.2. ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 23/28 AND 28/35 MPa
Figure 14 Anchorages type E @ 23/28 and 28/35 MPa dimensions
Dimensions for use with concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 23/28 (and 28/35) N/mm2 (cylinder/cube) at time of
stressing
(2) (2)
Unit A ØC ØD E F G ØH ØI J (1) K
6-1 75 18 53 53 50 50 150 10 25 21/25 86 Ø5
6-2 110 50 90 86 50 50 200 10 50 21/25 136 Ø5
6-3 135 56 95 95 50 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12
6-4 160 65 110 106 55 50 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12
6-7 205 84 135 135 60 55 320 30 72 28/32 210 M12
6-12 270 118 170 166 75 62 500 40 92 28/32 265 M16
6-15 305 143 190 186 85 68 585 45 97 28/32 275 M16
6-19 340 150 200 196 95 73 640 50 107 28/32 280 M16
6-22 370 172 220 216 100 78 745 55 122 28/32 310 M16
6-27 410 185 240 236 110 85 690 60 132 28/32 330 M16
6-31 435 192 260 256 120 90 755 65 142 28/32 360 M16
6-37 480 215 280 276 135 98 905 75 155 28/32 370 M16
6-43 520 248 320 316 145 105 1030 80 165 28/32 420 M20
6-55 580 255 340 340 160 118 1045 95 185 28/32 452 M20
All dimensions in [mm]

(1)
J spacing of holes for fixation to formwork
(2)
ØD, E dimensions of E or EP anchor heads vary depending on selected raw material

6.2.3. ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 36/45 AND 32/40MPa
Figure 15 Anchorages type E @ 32/40 and 36/45 MPa dimensions
Dimensions for use with concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 32/40 (and 36/45) N/mm2 (cylinder/cube) at time of
stressing
(2) (2)
6-1 70 18 53 53 50 50 150 10 25 21/25 79 Ø5
6-2 100 50 90 86 50 50 200 10 50 21/25 122 Ø5
6-3 125 56 95 95 50 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12
6-4 145 65 110 106 55 50 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12
6-7 175 84 135 135 60 55 315 25 72 28/32 210 M12
6-12 230 118 170 166 75 62 495 35 92 28/32 265 M16
6-15 265 143 190 186 85 68 580 40 97 28/32 275 M16
6-19 290 150 200 196 95 73 635 45 107 28/32 280 M16
6-22 320 172 220 216 100 78 740 50 122 28/32 310 M16
6-27 350 185 240 236 110 85 685 55 132 28/32 330 M16
6-31 370 192 260 256 120 90 750 60 142 28/32 360 M16
6-37 410 215 280 276 135 98 900 70 155 28/32 370 M16
6-43 450 248 320 316 145 105 1025 75 165 28/32 420 M20
6-55 500 255 340 340 160 118 1040 90 185 28/32 452 M20

(1)
(2)

6.2.4. ANCHORAGES TYPE E @ 43/53 MPa
Figure 16 Anchorages type E @ 43/53 MPa dimensions
Dimensions for use with concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 43/53 N/mm2 (cylinder/cube) at time of stressing
(2) (2)
6-1 65 18 53 53 50 50 150 10 25 21/25 78 Ø5
6-2 95 50 90 86 50 50 200 10 50 21/25 115 Ø5
6-3 120 56 95 95 50 50 205 15 55 21/25 135 M12
6-4 130 65 110 106 55 50 210 20 60 21/25 150 M12
6-7 160 84 135 135 60 55 315 25 72 28/32 190 M12
6-12 210 118 170 166 75 62 495 35 92 28/32 240 M16
6-15 240 143 190 186 85 68 580 40 97 28/32 275 M16
6-19 270 150 200 196 95 73 635 45 107 28/32 280 M16
6-22 290 172 220 216 100 78 740 50 122 28/32 310 M16
6-27 320 185 240 236 110 85 685 55 132 28/32 330 M16
6-31 340 192 260 256 120 90 750 60 142 28/32 360 M16
6-37 375 215 280 276 135 98 895 65 155 28/32 370 M16
6-43 410 248 320 316 145 105 1020 70 165 28/32 420 M20
6-55 450 255 340 340 160 118 1030 80 185 28/32 452 M20

(1)
(2)

6.2.5. LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT TYPE E @ 23/28 MPa
Figure 17 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type E @ 23/28 MPa
Reinforcement for concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 23/28 N/mm2 (cylinder/cube) at time of stressing
SPIRAL REINFORCEMENT ORTHOGONAL REINF.

X
Unit ØN n (1) P ØQ L ØR r (2) S T
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
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 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

(1)
(2)
r Number of reinforcement layers


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
All dimensions- in [mm]

(1)
(2)


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

(1)
(2)


X
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

(1)
(2)

6.2.10. ANCHORAGES TYPE CS
Anchorage cast in concrete structure
- STANDARD Unit
- PLUS Unit (encapsulated)
- SUPER Unit (Electrically Isolated Tendon)
Figure 22 Arrangements anchorage type CS cast in concrete structure

- External tendon
Figure 23 Arrangements anchorage type CS external tendon

6.2.12. ANCHORAGES TYPE CS @ 28/35 MPa
Figure 24 Anchorages type CS @28/35 MPa dimensions
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
(3)

6.2.13. LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT TYPE CS @ 28/35 MPa
Figure 25 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type CS @ 28/35 MPa
Reinforcement for concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 28/35 N/mm² (cylinder/cube) when stressing

X
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.

(1)
(2)

6.3. ANCHORAGES TYPE GC
- Internal bonded Post-Tensioning
- STANDARD Unit - PLUS Unit
- External Tendon
- Electrically Isolated Tendon (EIT)
Figure 26 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type GC

6.3.2. ANCHORAGES TYPE GC
6.3.2.1 Standard bonded Post-Tensioning:
Figure 27 Anchorages type GC standard bonded post-tensioning dimensions
(3) (3)
Unit A B ØC ØD E F ØH J (1) K
6-3 130 120 50 95 95 50 50 120 (2) 50 140 M12
6-4 140 120 60 110 106 55 50 120 (2) 60 154 M12
6-7 180 135 76 135 135 60 55 135 (2) 76 210 M12
6-12 230 220 92 170 166 75 62 220 (2) 92 264 M16
6-15 260 240 113 190 186 85 68 240 (2) 113 316 M16
6-19 290 150 131 200 196 95 73 450 112 354 M16
6-22 320 150 153 220 216 100 78 640 112 400 M16
6-27 350 170 164 240 236 110 85 620 127 430 M16
6-31 375 170 173 260 256 120 90 580 143 470 M16
6-37 410 170 196 280 276 135 98 770 142 524 M16
6-43 470 180 230 320 316 145 105 935 166 420 M20
6-55 520 180 240 340 340 160 118 1035 166 452 M20
(1)
(2)
These units do not have a trumpet
(3)

6.3.2.2 External Tendons:
Figure 28 Anchorages type GC external tendons dimensions
Unit A B ØC ØD E F ØH J (1) K L

6-3 180 135 76 116 55 200 50 210 M12 120
6-4 180 135 76 116 55 200 50 210 M12 120
6-7 230 220 92 148 62 300 75 264 M16 135
6-12 260 240 113 186 68 330 90 316 M16 145
6-15 290 150 131 196 73 405 110 354 M16 155
6-19 320 150 153 218 78 525 110 400 M16 160
6-22 350 170 164 236 85 525 125 430 M16 170
6-27 375 170 173 248 90 505 125 470 M16 180
6-31 410 170 196 276 98 730 140 524 M16 200
6-37 470 180 230 316 105 965 140 420 M20 215
6-43 520 180 240 326 118 965 160 452 M20 230
(1)

6.3.2.3 Electrically Isolated Tendons:
Figure 29 Anchorages type GC electrically isolated tendons dimensions
Unit A B ØC ØD E F ØH J (1) K L

6-3 180 135 76 116 55 245 56 210 M12 120
6-4 180 135 76 116 55 245 56 210 M12 120
6-7 230 220 92 156 62 375 63 264 M16 135
6-12 260 240 113 186 68 400 81 316 M16 145
6-15 290 150 131 198 73 475 91 354 M16 155
6-19 320 150 153 226 78 595 106 400 M16 160
6-22 350 170 164 246 85 595 106 430 M16 170
6-27 375 170 173 258 90 575 121 470 M16 180
6-31 410 170 196 286 98 800 136 524 M16 200
6-37 470 180 230 326 105 1035 136 420 M20 215
6-43 520 180 240 336 118 1035 157 452 M20 230
(1)

6.3.3. LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT
6.3.3.1 ANCHORAGES TYPE GC – INTERNAL BONDED PT
Figure 30 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type GC internal bonded post-tensioning

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
All dimensions- in [mm] Reinforcement steel fyk ≥ 500 N/mm².

(1)
(2)


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
6-43 26 12 65 730 635 - - - - 750
6-55 26 14 60 825 705 - - - - 845

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

(1)
(2)


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 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

(1)
(2)


6.3.3.2 ANCHORAGES TYPE GC –
EXTERNAL AND ELECTRICALLY ISOLATED TENDONS
OPTION A – SPIRAL REINFORCEMENT OPTION B- STIRRUP REINFORCEMENT
Figure 31 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type GC external

and electrically isolated tendons
A-SPIRAL REINFORCEMENT B – STIRRUP REINFORCEMENT

Unit l P) ØS ØG n X l P ØR M r X
6-3 225 45 10 185 5 205 180 45 12 185 5 205
6-4 275 55 12 215 5 235 200 40 12 215 6 235
6-7 320 40 12 285 8 305 300 50 16 285 7 305
6-12 385 55 16 380 7 400 360 60 20 380 7 400
6-15 440 40 16 425 11 445 405 45 20 425 10 445
6-19 480 40 16 480 12 500 450 45 20 480 11 500
6-22 540 60 20 520 9 540 520 65 25 520 9 540
6-27 550 50 20 575 11 595 550 55 25 575 11 595
6-31 600 50 20 620 12 640 605 55 25 620 12 640
6-37 630 45 20 675 14 695 650 50 25 675 14 695
(1)
(2)

Strand Ap = 150mm2, fpk = 1860 N/mm2 (GUTS), Fpk = 279kN


6-3 220 55 10 180 4 200 200 50 12 180 5 200
6-4 275 55 12 200 5 220 210 70 16 200 4 220
6-7 280 40 12 265 7 285 250 50 16 265 6 285
6-12 400 50 16 350 8 370 330 55 20 350 7 370
6-15 400 40 16 395 10 415 360 45 20 395 9 415
6-19 440 40 16 445 11 465 420 70 25 445 7 465
6-22 495 55 20 480 9 500 480 60 25 480 9 500
6-27 540 45 20 530 12 550 500 50 25 530 11 550
6-31 550 50 20 575 11 595 550 55 25 575 11 595
6-37 630 45 20 625 14 645 640 80 32 625 9 645
6-43 660 60 25 675 11 695 630 70 32 675 10 695

6-3 225 45 8 180 5 200 180 45 10 180 5 200
6-4 275 55 12 185 5 205 195 65 16 185 4 205
6-7 280 40 12 250 7 270 275 55 16 250 6 270
6-12 350 50 16 325 7 345 330 55 20 325 7 345
6-15 400 40 16 370 10 390 390 65 25 370 7 390
6-19 420 60 20 415 7 435 390 65 25 415 7 435
6-22 495 55 20 450 9 470 420 60 25 450 8 470
6-27 495 45 20 495 11 515 450 50 25 495 10 515
6-31 540 45 20 535 12 555 500 50 25 535 11 555
6-37 630 70 25 585 9 605 600 75 32 585 9 605
(1)
(2)



6-3 260 65 8 180 4 200 180 45 8 180 5 200
6-4 200 40 10 180 5 200 200 40 12 180 6 200
6-7 270 45 12 235 6 255 220 55 16 235 5 255
6-12 350 50 16 310 7 330 330 55 20 310 7 330
6-15 360 40 16 350 9 370 325 65 25 350 6 370
6-19 400 40 16 395 10 415 390 65 25 395 7 415
6-22 440 55 20 425 8 445 420 60 25 425 8 445
6-27 495 45 20 470 11 490 450 50 25 470 10 490
6-31 495 45 20 505 11 525 500 50 25 505 11 525
6-37 585 65 25 550 9 570 525 75 32 550 8 570

6-3 280 70 8 180 4 200 210 70 8 180 4 200
6-4 250 50 10 180 5 200 200 50 12 180 5 200
6-7 250 50 12 230 5 250 240 60 16 230 5 250
6-12 350 50 16 295 7 315 275 55 20 295 6 315
6-15 360 40 16 330 9 350 325 65 25 330 6 350
6-19 400 40 16 375 10 395 390 65 25 375 7 395
6-22 440 55 20 405 8 425 420 60 25 405 8 425
6-27 450 45 20 445 10 465 480 80 32 445 7 465
6-31 495 45 20 480 11 500 450 50 25 480 10 500
6-37 560 70 25 525 8 545 525 75 32 525 8 545
(1)
(2)


Reinforcement for concrete with fcm(t) ≥ 50/62.5 N/mm2 (cylinder/cube) at time of stressing

6-3 280 70 8 180 4 200 210 70 8 180 4 200
6-4 240 60 8 180 4 200 200 40 8 180 6 200
6-7 250 50 10 230 5 250 250 50 12 230 6 250
6-12 315 45 16 260 7 280 250 50 20 260 6 280
6-15 330 55 20 300 6 320 275 55 25 300 6 320
6-19 385 55 20 335 7 355 330 55 25 335 7 355
6-22 400 50 20 360 8 380 350 50 25 360 8 380
6-27 455 65 25 400 7 420 420 70 32 400 7 420
6-31 455 65 25 430 7 450 450 75 32 430 7 450
6-37 520 60 25 470 8 490 455 65 32 470 8 490
(1)
(2)


6.4. ANCHORAGES TYPE NC AND NC-U
Anchorage cast in concrete structure
- NC STANDARD Unit (bonded)
- NC PLUS Unit (bonded)
- NC-U STANDARD Unit (unbonded)
Figure 32 Categories of use arrangements anchorage type NC and NC-U

6.4.2. ANCHORAGES TYPE NC AND NC-U @ 53/64 MPa
Figure 33 Anchorages type NC and NC-U @53/64 MPa dimensions
Type Unit A B G ØD) E (2)

ØH J (1) K
NC 6-55 420 510 520 340 160 118 183 452 M16
NC-U 6-55 420 510 520 340 160 118 223 452 M16

(1)
(2)
E dimensions of E or EP anchor heads vary depending on selected raw material

6.4.3. LOCAL ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT
TYPE NC AND NC-U @ 53/64 MPa
Figure 34 Local anchorage zone reinforcement type NC and NC-U @ 53/64 MPa

X
6-55 20 11 55 580 495 18 11 80 620 650

(1)
(2)

6.5. ANCHORAGES TYPE H @ 28/35 MPa
6.5.1. ANCHORAGES TYPE H @ 28/35 MPa AND LOCAL

ANCHORAGE ZONE REINFORCEMENT
Figure 35 Anchorage and local anchorage reinforcement type H @ 28/35 MPa
Reinforcement for concrete with f cm(t) ≥ 28/35 N/mm² (cylinder/cube) when stressing
(1) (1)
A B A B
Unit C D D1 ØE ØF ØG ØH
Arrangement 1 Arrangement 2
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
430 230 8 - - - 1300
6-12 155 1150 230 16 114 28/32
- - - 390 330 12 -
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
690 230 12 - - - 1600 1450
6-22 155 350 16 146 28/32
- - - 490 470 20 1400 1250
690 260 17 - - - 1650 1500
6-27 155 350 16 171 28/32
- - - 530 510 20 1600 1450
810 260 14 - - - 1900 1750
6-31 165 400 20 171 28/32
- - - 570 510 20 1700 1550
1050 370 18 - - - 2550 2400
6-37 175 400 20 178 28/32
- - - 690 510 24 2000 1850

(1)
Number of strands with length D1

6.5.2. ARRANGEMENT AND MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF CONCRETE
SECTIONS ANCHORAGES TYPE H @ 28/35 MPa

6.6. COUPLERS TYPE K
Coupler type K with anchorage type E
Coupler type K with anchorage type CS
Coupler type K with anchorage type GC
Figure 36 Categories of use arrangements couplers type K

6.6.2. COUPLERS TYPE K
Figure 37 Couplers type K dimensions
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

6.7. COUPLERS TYPE V
Figure 38 Category of use arrangement couplers type V
6.7.2. COUPLERS TYPE V
Figure 39 Couplers type V dimensions
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

6.8. BLOCK OUT DIMENSIONS - CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Figure 40 Block out dimensions – Clearance requirements
Unit Jack ZPE A B ØC D E ØF G Weight kg

ZPE-23FJ 135 300 90 116 1200 23
6-1 140 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-19 370 165 125 700 250 390 1500 294
ZPE-460/31 570 300 485 1500 435
6-15 460 175 150
ZPE-500 1050 330 550 2100 1064
ZPE-460/31 570 300 485 1500 435
6-19 ZPE-500 460 185 160 1050 330 550 2100 1064
ZPE-500K 1150 330 510 2000 450
ZPE-500 1050 330 550 2100 435
6-22 530 190 175
ZPE-580 860 280 500 1620 650
6-27 ZPE-750 595 200 195 1150 365 520 2600 1100
ZPE-750 1350 365 520 2600 1100
6-31 595 210 200
ZPE-1000 1200 450 790 2400 2290
ZPE-1000 1200 450 790 2400 2290
6-37 ZPE-1250 640 225 225 1250 375 620 2550 1730
ZPE-980 950 360 650 1760 1170
ZPE-1000 1200 450 790 2400 2290
6-43 680 235 250
ZPE-1250 1250 375 620 2700 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 3500 3500
ZPE-1350 760 250 260 1000 (2) 470 840
(2) (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.

6.9. DUCTING
Figure 41 Ducting dimensions

Corrugated Steel Duct Smooth Steel Polymeric Duct for Polymeric Duct for
Strand Strip Sheath VSL PT-PLUS Duct Bare Strand Sheathed Strand
Unit
No (1) (2) (3) (4) (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 6-2 40/45 9 42.4x2.0/2.5/3.0 40 x 3.0
50 x 3.7
3 6-3 40/45 6 42.4x2.0/2.5/3.0 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 65/70 14
8 65/72 11 18
9 65/72 9 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 13
12 75/82 11 12
13 80/87 13 16
14 6-15 80/87 11 85/91 16 101.6x3.0/4.0/5.0 110 x 5.3 125 x 6.0
15 80/87 10 12
16 85/92 12 22
17 85/92 11 20
6-19 100/106 101.6 x3.0/4.0/5.0 110 x 5.3
18 90/97 13 19
19 90/97 12 18 140 x 6.7
20 100/107 17 17
21 6-22 100/107 16 100/106 16 114.3 x3.0/4.0/5.0 125 x 6.0
22 100/107 15 15
23 100/107 14 22
24 100/107 13 22
25 6-27 110/117 18 115/121 21 114.3 x3.0/4.0/5.0 125 x 6.0 160 x 7.7
26 110/117 17 21
27 110/117 16 20
28 110/117 15 27
29 120/127 21 27
6-31 130/136 127.0 x3.0/4.0/5.0 140 x 6.7 160 x 7.7
30 120/127 20 26
31 120/127 19 25
32 120/127 18 24
33 120/127 17 23
34 120/127 16 22
6-37 130/136 139.7 x3.0/4.0 140 x 6.7 180 x 8.6
35 130/137 22 22
36 130/137 21 21
37 130/137 20 20
38 140/147 25 31
39 140/147 24 30
40 140/147 23 9
6-43 150/157 152.4 x3.0/4.0/5.0 160 x 7.7 200 x 9.6
41 140/147 23 29
42 140/147 22 28
43 140/147 21 27
44 150/157 27 27
45 150/157 27 27
46 150/157 26 26
47 150/157 25 25
48 150/157 24 24
49 150/157 23 23
6-55 150/157 168.3 x3.0/4.0 180 x 8.6 225 x 10.8
50 160/167 29 24
51 160/167 28 23
52 160/167 27 22
53 160/167 27 22
54 160/167 27 22
55 160/167 26 21
(1) Exterior Ø of corrugations, given for indication. Actual dimensions of corrugations to be checked with supplier. 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
ANNEX 2 - TECHNICAL DATA OF THE VSL SLAB SYSTEM .................................................... 82
1. Chapter 1 – Definition of the system 83

1.1. Principle of the VSL Slab system 83
1.2. Characteristics of system units 84
1.3. Anchorages 85
1.4. Categories of use, options and possibilities 86
2. Chapter 2 – Strands and ducts 88

2.1. Strands used 88
2.2. Requirements of the unbonded system 88
2.3. Ducts used for the bonded system 88
2.4. Cable layout 90
2.5. Installation of ducts and strands 92
2.6. Provisional protection and lubrication 92
2.7. Calculation elements 93
3. Chapter 3 – Anchorages 94
3.1. Description of anchorages components 94
3.2. Organization of supply quality 96
3.3. Installation of various anchorages 96
3.4. Anchorage arrangements 97
3.5. Geometrical and mechanical use conditions 98
3.6. Local anchorage zone reinforcement 100
4. Chapter 4 – Stressing 100

4.1. Stressing equipment 100
4.2. Processes of stressing and control procedure 101
5. Chapter 5 – Injection and sealing 103

5.1. Injection 103
5.2. Sealing 104
6. Chapter 6 – Schematic drawing 105

6.1. STANDARD ANCHORAGE ELEMENTS – WEDGES 106
6.2. TYPE S 6-1 AND Si 6-1 ANCHORAGES 107
6.3. TYPE S 6-1 PLUS AND Si 6-1 PLUS ANCHORAGES 110
6.4. TYPE S 6-1 STANDARD AND Si 6-1 STANDARD ANCHORAGES 113
6.5. SK 6-1 SL SPRING LOADED COUPLER 116
6.6. TYPE S 6-4 AND Si 6-4 ANCHORAGES 117
6.7. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES - ANCHORAGE S 6-1 120
6.8. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONE - ANCHORAGE S 6-1 PLUS & S6-1
STANDARD 120
6.9. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES - ANCHORAGE S 6-4 122
6.10. STRESSING JACKS AND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS 123
6.11. DUCTING 125

1. Chapter 1 – 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 polymeric 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/mm2 or fpk = 1 770 N/mm2), 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 of strands (and, if applicable, their specified
characteristic value of maximum force), it would be possible to obtain tendons with a characteristic
breaking load from 260 to 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
during tensioning recommended by EC2 : Pmax = min {k1.Ap.fpk; k2.Ap.fp0.1k}, with k1 = 0.8, k2 = 0.9,
fpk = 1 860 N/mm2, fp0.1k = 0.88 fpk, of VSL post-tensioning units are as follows :
STRAND  15.2 - T15.2 or 6 STRAND  15.7 - T15.7 or 6S

2 2
Number of fpk = 1 860 N/mm fpk = 1 860 N/mm
strands in the Fpk = 260 kN Fp0.1k = 229 kN Fpk = 279 kN Fp0.1k = 246 kN
prestressing 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.9
unit Ap Ap.fpk Ap.fp0.1k Ap Ap.fpk Ap.fp0.1k
Ap.fpk Ap.fp0.1k Ap.fpk 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/mm2. The provisions for
tendons with strands with a characteristic tensile strength fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 also apply to tendons
with strands with fpk < 1 860 N/mm2.
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/mm2):  2x106 cycles
- Maximum D value of deflected tensile test:  28%
- Modulus of elasticity Ep: 195 000 N/mm2
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
1.3.1. Presentation of the 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 Standard”, "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 polymeric sleeve. In the case of S 6-1 PLUS, a polymeric coat covers
the external faces of the anchorage casing in continuity of the polymeric 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", “S 6-1 Standard” 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 Standard”, "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", “SF 6-1 Standard”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, SF 6-1 PLUS or SF 6-1 Standard
anchorages, which have been assembled onto the tendons prior to their installation, are used for
the given function. Their wedges are pre-locked into the anchorage bodies S 6-1, S 6-1 PLUS or
SF 6-1 Standard and the wedge-cone zone is perfectly sealed to prevent wedge sticking due to
grout infiltration and also to prevent corrosion. The embedded dead end anchorages receive the
same protection as the live end anchorages.
Type "SK 6-1 SL" spring-loaded coupler

The movable spring loaded coupler allows to connect two extremities of strand by means of an
anchorage body that houses two opposite wedges that are held in position by a spring.

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.
1.3.2. List of approved anchorages

The set of approved anchorages that allow creating all of the intermediate prestressing units have
been categorized in the following table:
Spring
ANCHORAGE Embedded dead loaded
System Function Active end Passive end
end
Bonded
CABLE coupler
S S S S S S SK 6-1
Unit label S S S
PLUS Standard PLUS Standard PLUS Standard SL
unbonded
1T15.2 /
6-1 / 6S-1          
1T15.7
4T15.2 /
4T15.7
6-4 / 6S-4  
Si S Si Si Si Si SK 6-1
Unit label Si PLUS Standard Si PLUS Standard Si PLUS Standard SL i
H
bonded
1T15.2 /
6-1 / 6S-1           
1T15.7
4T15.2 /
4T15.7
6-4 / 6S-4   
The stressing of tendons anchorages is only conducted by VSL stressing jacks, which are
presented in Chapter 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.

SFi 6-1 STANDARD
SF 6-1 STANDARD
Si 6-1 STANDARD
S 6-1 STANDARD
SFi 6-1 PLUS

SF 6-1 PLUS
Anchorages
Si 6-1 PLUS
S 6-1 PLUS
H 6-1 & 6-4

SKi 6-1 SL
SK 6-1 SL
SFi 6-1
SF 6-1
Si 6-1
Si 6-4
S 6-1
S 6-4
Uses
internal* bonded cable with metallic
        
duct
internal* bonded cable with polymeric
        
duct
internal* unbonded        
external* bonded cable
external* unbonded cable
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.
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", “S 6-1 Standard”,
“SK 6-1 SL” 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".
2. Chapter 2 – Strands 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", "S 6-1 PLUS" and “S 6-1 Standard”
anchorage or a sleeve with 4 inlets for the "S 6-4" anchorage. These connections are made of
polymeric material 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.
2.3.1. Types and dimensions of 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 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:
Metal duct Polymeric duct

Ducts Corrugated steel strip flat sheath 
VSL PT-PLUS
Applications
standard  ~
Cable with encapsulated NA ª
inside the bonded
electrically
concrete injection NA ª
isolated
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.
2.3.2. Metal ducts

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 thermo-retractable sleeves.
2.3.3. Polymeric ducts

In the case of stringent requirements as regards to both corrosion protection and fatigue resistance
of cables, it is recommended to use the corrugated polymeric 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 polymeric ducts have a 50% longer bond length than tendons in corrugated metal ducts.

2.3.4. Accessories for inlets, bleed vents and outlets
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 Sealed polymeric shell Polymeric pipe
sheath
VSL PT-PLUS duct Special "clipped" collar Polymeric 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.
2.4.1. Straight lengths behind the anchorages

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.
2.4.2. Radius of curvature

- 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 ≥ 2.50 m,
loop anchorage: rmin ≥ 0.60 m, the term loop anchorage indicates a zone with strong
curvature over which the total deviation is nearly π 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 ≥ 6.00 m, tendon curvature in one direction only
elevation: rmin ≥ 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 ≥ 6.00 m, tendon curvature in one direction only
elevation: rmin ≥ 2.50 m.
VSL PT-PLUS® round duct 22/25 rmin≥ 2.50 m
If national regulations exist, radius of curvature must comply with them.
2.4.3. Spacing of the supports and tolerances

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.

2.4.4. Strand cut length
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 lubrication

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
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."

2.7. Calculation elements
2.7.1. Friction losses

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: fpo (x)  fpo (0).e - θ  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  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  and k prescribed in Eurocode 2 which can be
summarized as follows:
Application  (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.
2.7.2. Basis for evaluating elongations

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 "W6M", “W6N”, "W6S" or “W6ML” 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 "W6M". “W6N” or "W6S" 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. Chapter 3 – Anchorages
3.1. Description of anchorages components

VSL Slab System anchorages make use of a set of standard elements that can be categorized as
follows:
3.1.1. Live end / dead end anchorages

For these active/passive anchorages, the anchor head and plate are combined to form a single
part, commonly called the anchorage body.
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 polymeric sleeve is screwed onto the anchorage body.
In the unbonded case, the end cap is made of polymeric 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 and S 6-1 Standard anchorages

Standard EN 1563. The conically-shaped hole is subject of a rigorous control.
The cast part of both anchorages is identical. The S 6-1 Plus is covered with an external polymeric
coating to isolate metallic anchorage body from concrete is made of polyethylene.
The polymeric sleeve is securely fastened to the exit of the anchorage body.
In the unbonded case, the end cap is made of polymeric 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.
- SK 6-1 SL
The SK 6-1 SL tendon couplers are intended to connect two consecutive strands. They are made
with four elements: the coupler body (fabricated in cast iron according to standard ASTM A 897 M),
two wedges type W6ML and one retaining spring.
Couplings shall be placed inside housings (see drawings attached in chapter 6 of this Annex2).
These housings are polymeric or steel ducts with internal diameter large enough to admit the
couplers and long enough to allow the free displacement of the coupler during stressing
operations. Connections between housings and standard tendon ducts (or unbonded strands) shall
be conveniently sealed to assure the correct coupler functioning and provide the convenient
corrosion protection level. In case of unbonded tendons the spaces between couplers and
housings shall be filled with grease.
- S 6-4 anchorage
Standard EN 1563; the four conically-shaped holes are rigorously controlled individually.
The polymeric 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 anchorage end in order to perform the grouting.

- Wedges
The wedges are machined, threaded, cut in two pieces and finally heat treated. The following types
of wedges are available:
"W6N", “W6S”. They are made out of alloyed steel for cementation according to
Standard EN 10084 or GB/T 3077-99 and GB/T 5216-2004, with or without clip and they
can be used with anchorages S 6-1, S 6-1 PLUS, S 6-1 Standard and S 6-4. The
W6N wedges are used for the 0.6" or T15.2 strands and the W6S wedges are used 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.
"W6M" wedges. They are made out of alloyed steel for cementation according to
Standard EN 10087. They can be used on anchorages S 6-1 PLUS and S 6-1 Standard
with 0.6" or T15.2 strands (type Y1860S7 or Y1770S7).
"W6ML" wedges. They are made out of alloyed steel for cementation according to
Standard EN 10087. They can be used on couplers SK 6-1 SL with 0.6" or T15.2 strands
(type Y1860S7 or Y1770S7). They are fabricate with clip and can only be used with spring-
loaded couplers. It is reminded that coupler wedges (type W6ML) are different from the rest
of monostrand and multistrand wedges.
All wedges are all submitted to rigorous controls.
3.1.2. Presentation and packing of anchorages

The unbonded system:
Since the installation of the monostrands and anchorage body for the S 6-1 anchorages 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, S 6-1 Standard 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. S 6-1 Standard 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.

The complete couplers SK 6-1 SL (coupler body, W6ML wedges and spring) are assembled prior
to their delivery to the jobsite. They are delivered when strands have to be installed (before
concreting) with proper identification, 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", “S 6-1 Standard”

and "S 6-4" active end anchorages
The S 6-1, S 6-1 PLUS or S-1 Standard 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", “S 6-1 Standard”

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 "SK 6-1 SL" intermediate couplers

In both the bonded and unbonded systems, the intermediate couplers SK 6-1 SL anchorages are
assembled on the strands. It is important to check that the strand is correctly positioned inside the
wedge (usually by marking the extremity of the strand) and verify that it is perfectly locked by the
wedge. Special attention should be paid to the position of the coupler that should be free to move
during the stressing operation.
3.3.5. 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:
Use
with metal duct
Anchorage
with polymeric
exchangeable
bonded cable
bonded cable
Compone
encapsulated
tendon (leak
electrically
unbonded
isolated
internal
internal
internal
tendon
tendon
tight)
duct
nt
S & Si 6-1 Body S S S S (2) S
S & Si 6-1 Standard Body S Standard S Standard S Standard S Standard (2)
S & Si 6-1 PLUS Body S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS (2) S PLUS
SF & SFi 6-1 Body S S S S
SF & SFi 6-1 Standard Body S Standard S Standard S Standard S Standard (2)
SF & SFi 6-1 PLUS Body S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS S PLUS (2) S PLUS
S & Si 6-4 Body S S S S(2) S S (1)
Sleeve Si Si S S (2) S Si S Si
Cap S S S S (2) S S
SK & SKi 6-1 SL SK 6-1 SL SK 6-1 SL SK 6-1 SL SK 6-1 SL (2) SK 6-1 SL
Notes:
(1): Electrical isolation provided by a polymeric trumpet (anchor body),
(2) Tendon will be exchangeable only if it is not grouted

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 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:
Where P(0,0) is the force in the cable, at the anchorage on the concrete side, before load transfer to
anchorage.
b’0
b0
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/mm2 20/25 N/mm2

(7) (5) (6)
Anchorage S 6-1 S 6-1 PLUS S 6-1 Standard S 6-4 S 6-1 PLUS S 6-1 Standard
u | u’ 105 75 122 94 117 89 280 115 117 89 117 89
mm (3)
2b0 | 2b’0
180 120 180 140 180 140 400 220 170 140 170 140
mm (4)
Xmin | X’min
155 100 155 120 155 120 340 185 150 120 150 120
mm
(3) Sizes of anchor plate / anchorage body
(4) Sizes of test block
(5) With strand Y1860 S7  15.7 - T15.7 or 6S with fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 , Fpk = 279 kN
and Fp0.1k = 246 kN or below (fpk = 1770 N/mm2)
(6) With strand Y1860 S7  15.2 - T15.2 or 6 with fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 , Fpk = 260 kN
and Fp0.1k = 229 kN or below (fpk = 1770 N/mm2)
(7) Concrete strength expressed in cylinder/cube values
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) is below the minimum
strength (i.e. 16/20 or 20/24 N/mm2), regardless of the anchorage layout within the concrete
element (where P(o,o) max means the force in the cable, at the anchorage on the concrete side,
before load transfer to anchorage).
It remains possible however to partially tension the tendon. 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/mm2.
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. Chapter 4 – Stressing
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.
4.1.1. Stressing jacks

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 Twin 25 T ZPE 23 FJ Alevin A 7-24

Type 2 // pistons 2 // pistons 1 hollow piston 1 hollow piston
Cross section mm2 240 x 165 252 x 164  116  108
Length mm 615 549 790 834
Weight kg 30 30 23 24
Stroke mm 200 190 200 200
Ram area mm² 4 926 5 655 4 710 4 008
Maximum pressure bar 467 442 488 599
Maximum force kN 230 250 230 240
Presence of seating ram? No Yes Yes Yes
Other models of jacks could be used if they are approved by VSL.
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.
4.1.2. Hydraulic pumps

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

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 given 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.
4.2.1. Force measurements

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%
- Twin jack 25 T: 3.5%
- ZPE 23 FJ jack: 1.5%
- Alevin A7-24 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, S 6-1 Standard 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.
4.2.2. Elongation measurements
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 sheets, which are to remain available.
Section 2.7.2 provides a recap of the elongation evaluation basis used during the stressing
operation.

5. Chapter 5 – Injection and sealing
5.1. Injection
5.1.1. Unbonded system

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", “S 6-1 Standard” 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

- 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.
In addition to the specific clauses relating to dangerous substances contained in this European
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.
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.
The 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 sheets, which are to remain available.
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).

6. Chapter 6 – Schematic drawing
(dimensions expressed in mm)
Figure 42 Wedge W6N Wedge W6S .................................................................................... 106

Figure 43 Wedge W6M (for use with T15.2 strand) ..................................................................... 106
Figure 44 Wedge W6ML (for use with spring-loaded coupler) ..................................................... 106
Figure 45 Type S 6-1 anchorage................................................................................................. 107
Figure 46 Type Si 6-1 anchorage ................................................................................................ 108
Figure 47 Anchorages type S 6-1 and Si 6-1 dimensions ............................................................ 109
Figure 48 Anchorages type S 6-1 and Si 6-1 placing devices dimensions ................................... 109
Figure 49 Type S 6-1 PLUS anchorage ...................................................................................... 110
Figure 50 Type Si 6-1 PLUS anchorage...................................................................................... 111
Figure 51 Anchorages type S 6-1 PLUS and Si 6-1 PLUS dimensions ....................................... 112
Figure 52 Anchorages type S 6-1 PLUS and Si 6-1 PLUS placing devices dimensions .............. 112
Figure 53 Type S 6-1 Standard anchorage ................................................................................. 113
Figure 54 Type Si 6-1 Standard anchorage................................................................................. 114
Figure 55 Anchorage body type S 6-1 Standard ......................................................................... 115
Figure 56 Sleeve S 6-1 Standard (for unbonded application) ...................................................... 115
Figure 57 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler ( bonded and unbonded application ) ...................... 116
Figure 58 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler body dimensions ..................................................... 116
Figure 59 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler assembly drawing ................................................... 116
Figure 60 Type S 6-4 anchorage................................................................................................. 117
Figure 61 Type Si 6-4 anchorage ................................................................................................ 118
Figure 62 Anchorages type S 6-4 and Si 6-4 body and sleeve dimensions ................................. 119
Figure 63 Anchorages type S 6-4 and Si 6-4 placing devices dimensions ................................... 119
Figure 64 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one type S 6-1 ................. 120
Figure 65 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one type S 6-1 PLUS and S
6-1 Standard f cm(t)>16/20 N/mm2 ............................................................................................. 120
Figure 66 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one type S 6-1 PLUS and S
6-1 Standard f cm(t)>20/25 N/mm2 ............................................................................................. 121
Figure 67 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one type S 6-4 f cm(t)>16/20
N/mm2 ........................................................................................................................................ 122
Figure 68 Stressing jack DKP-6 .................................................................................................. 123
Figure 69 Twin jack 25T .............................................................................................................. 123
Figure 70 Stressing jack ZPE-23FJ ............................................................................................. 123
Figure 71 Stressing jack Alevin A7/24 ......................................................................................... 123
Figure 72 Clearance requirements with jacks DKP-6 and ZPE 23FJ ........................................... 124
Figure 73 Clearance requirements with Twin jack 25T ................................................................ 124
Figure 74 Clearance requirements with jack Alevin A7-24 .......................................................... 124
Figure 75 VSL PT-PLUS® Duct bonded / bonded / unbonded .................................................... 125

6.1. STANDARD ANCHORAGE ELEMENTS – WEDGES
Figure 42 Wedge W6N Wedge W6S
NB: Wedges W6N and W6S can be fabricated with or without clip.
Figure 43 Wedge W6M (for use with T15.2 strand)
Figure 44 Wedge W6ML (for use with spring-loaded coupler)

6.2. TYPE S 6-1 AND Si 6-1 ANCHORAGES
6.2.1. PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-1 AND Si 6-1
Figure 45 Type S 6-1 anchorage
Note: the same anchorage body is used for SF 6-1

6.2.2. PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-1
Figure 46 Type Si 6-1 anchorage
Note: the same anchorage body is used for SFi 6-1

6.2.3. BODY AND SLEEVE DIMENSIONS – TYPE S 6-1 AND Si 6-1
Figure 47 Anchorages type S 6-1 and Si 6-1 dimensions
Note: anchorage S 6-1 can be used as intermediate, dead end or embedded anchorage (SF 6-1)
Figure 48 Anchorages type S 6-1 and Si 6-1 placing devices dimensions

6.3. TYPE S 6-1 PLUS AND Si 6-1 PLUS ANCHORAGES
6.3.1. PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-1 PLUS
Figure 49 Type S 6-1 PLUS anchorage
Note: the same anchorage body is used for SF 6-1 PLUS

6.3.2. PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-1 PLUS
Figure 50 Type Si 6-1 PLUS anchorage
Note: the same anchorage body is used for SFi 6-1 PLUS

6.3.3. BODY AND SLEEVE DIMENSIONS – TYPE S 6-1 PLUS AND Si 6-1 PLUS
Figure 51 Anchorages type S 6-1 PLUS and Si 6-1 PLUS dimensions
Note: anchorage S 6-1 PLUS can be used as intermediate,

dead end or embedded anchorage (SF 6-1 PLUS)
Figure 52 Anchorages type S 6-1 PLUS and Si 6-1 PLUS placing devices dimensions

6.4. TYPE S 6-1 STANDARD AND Si 6-1 STANDARD ANCHORAGES
6.4.1. PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-1 STANDARD
Figure 53 Type S 6-1 Standard anchorage

6.4.2. PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-1 STANDARD
Figure 54 Type Si 6-1 Standard anchorage

6.4.3. BODY AND SLEEVE DIMENSIONS
– TYPE S 6-1 STANDARD AND Si 6-1 STANDARD
Figure 55 Anchorage body type S 6-1 Standard
Figure 56 Sleeve S 6-1 Standard (for unbonded application)

6.5. SK 6-1 SL SPRING LOADED COUPLER
6.5.1. PRINCIPLE OF BONDED ANDUNBONDED SYSTEM –

SK 6-1 SL SPRING LOADED COUPLER
Figure 57 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler ( bonded and unbonded application )
6.5.2. BODY DIMENSIONS– SK 6-1 SL SPRING LOADED COUPLER
Figure 58 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler body dimensions
Figure 59 SK 6-1 SL Spring loaded coupler assembly drawing

6.6. TYPE S 6-4 AND Si 6-4 ANCHORAGES
6.6.1. PRINCIPLE OF UNBONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE S 6-4
Figure 60 Type S 6-4 anchorage

6.6.2. PRINCIPLE OF BONDED SYSTEM – ANCHORAGE Si 6-4
Figure 61 Type Si 6-4 anchorage

6.6.3. BODY AND SLEEVE DIMENSIONS – TYPE S 6-4 AND Si 6-4
Figure 62 Anchorages type S 6-4 and Si 6-4 body and sleeve dimensions
Figure 63 Anchorages type S 6-4 and Si 6-4 placing devices dimensions

6.7. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES - ANCHORAGE S 6-1
With f cm(t)>16/20 N/mm2 (cylinder /cube strength) and strand Y1860 S7  15.7 - T15.7 or 6S with
fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 , Fpk = 279 kN and Fp0.1k = 246 kN or below.
Figure 64 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one type S 6-1
6.8. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONE -

ANCHORAGE S 6-1 PLUS & S6-1 STANDARD
fpk = 1 860 N/mm2 , Fpk = 279 kN and Fp0.1k = 246 kN or below
Figure 65 Example of additional reinforcement to combine with main one

type S 6-1 PLUS and S 6-1 Standard f cm(t)>16/20 N/mm2

With f cm(t)>20/25 N/mm2 (cylinder /cube strength) and strand Y1860 S7  15.2 - T15.2 or 6 with

type S 6-1 PLUS and S 6-1 Standard f cm(t)>20/25 N/mm2

6.9. REINFORCEMENT OF ANCHORAGE ZONES - ANCHORAGE S 6-4

type S 6-4 f cm(t)>16/20 N/mm2

6.10. STRESSING JACKS AND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
Figure 68 Stressing jack DKP-6
Figure 69 Twin jack 25T
Figure 70 Stressing jack ZPE-23FJ
Figure 71 Stressing jack Alevin A7/24

1000
Figure 72 Clearance requirements with jacks DKP-6 and ZPE 23FJ
Figure 73 Clearance requirements with Twin jack 25T
Figure 74 Clearance requirements with jack Alevin A7-24

6.11. DUCTING
Figure 75 VSL PT-PLUS® Duct bonded / bonded / unbonded
Bonded Bonded Unbonded
Corrugated
VSL PT-PLUS® VSL PT-PLUS® ∅ ext. duct
steel strip ∅ Strand
Duct Duct Min / Max
sheath
a int. 72 72 ∅a int. 22 0.6’’ 18 / 20
a ext. - 76 ∅a ext. 25
A 75 86 ∅A 31
b int. 18 21
b ext. - 25
B 21 35

ANNEX 3 – PRESCRIBED TEST PLAN AND AUDIT TESTING
1. Prescribed test plan
1 2 3 4 5 6
4
Component Item Test / Check Traceability Minimum Documen-
frequency tation
Anchorage zone components
7 6 9 1,6
Anchor plate Material Check bulk 100% "2.2"
5 9
Detailed dimensions Test 3% Yes
≥ 2 elements
3 9
Visual inspection Check 100% No
7 9 2
Anchor head, Material Check full 100% "3.1"
Coupler 5 9
 2 elements
3 9
7 9 2
Wedges, Material Check full 100% "3.1"
9
Compression Treatment, hardness Test 0.5% Yes
fitting ≥ 2 elements
5 9
≥ 2 elements
3 9
Current zone components
7 2 2
Duct Material Check "CE" 100% "CE"
3
7 2
Strand Material Check National 100 % "CE"
Diameter Test Certification till Each coil No
2
3 "CE"
Visual inspection Check Each coil No
7 2
Constituents of Cement Check full 100% "CE"
filling material Admixtures, Check bulk 100% "CE"
2
as per EN 447 additions, ...7

7 8
Monostrand Material Check National 100% "CE"
Certification till
2
"CE"
7 2
Plastic pipes Material Check full 100% "CE"
7 8
Plastic ducts Material Check full 100% "CE"
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 Technical Assessment Body and the 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 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
full: Full traceability of each component to its raw material.
bulk: Traceability of each delivery of components to a defined point.
5
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.

2. Audit testing
During surveillance inspections, the Notified 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 Notified Body.
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
10
Visual inspection Check
Wedges, Compression Material according to specification Check, test 2
fitting Treatment Test 2
Detailed dimensions Test 1
Main dimensions, surface hardness Test 5
10
Visual inspection Check 5
Single tensile element Single tensile element test according to Test 1 series
test Annex E.3
Inclined Tube test Inclined Tube test as per Clause Test 1 test
11
C.4.3.3.2.1
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 Technical Assessment Body and the 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.

ANNEX 4 – REFERENCE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
1. Material and reference standards
Component Material Standard

Anchorage plate Structural steel EN 10025
Cast iron plate Cast iron EN 1561, EN 1563
Anchor head Steel for quenching and EN 10083-1, EN 10083-2, GB/T 3077,
tempering GB/T 17107, ASTM A897 M
Monostrand coupler Cast iron ASTM A897 M
Wedges Case hardening or free-cutting EN 10084, EN 10087, GB/T 3077, GB/T
steel 5216
Compression fittings Unalloyed steel EN 10083-2
Corrugated sheaths Metal strip EN 523
Polymeric duct Polymeric material Fib bulletin 7
Grout Cement, additives EN 447
Strand Steel strand prEN 10138-3
NB: Exact materials and properties are deposited at Cerema/DTecITM
2. Guidelines and recommendations
Guideline for European Technical Approval (used as an European Assessment Document)
ETAG 013:2002: “Guideline for European Technical Approval of post-tensioning kits for
prestressing of structures”
CEN Workshop Agreement
CWA 14646:2003: “Requirements for the installation of post-tensioning kits for prestressing of
structures and qualification of the specialist company and its personnel.”

3. Standards and norms
ASTM A897 M (2011) “Standard Specification for Austempered Ductile Iron Castings”
EN 445:2007 “Grout for prestressing of tendons – Test methods”
EN 446:2007 “Grout for prestressing of tendons – Grouting procedures”
EN 447:2007 “Grout for prestressing of tendons – Specification for common grout”
EN 523:2005 “Steel strip sheaths for prestressing tendons – Terminology, requirements,
quality control”
EN 1561:2011 “Founding – Grey cast irons”
EN 1563:2012 “Founding – Spheroidal graphite cast irons”
EN 1992-1-1:2004 “Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures. Part 1-1: General rules and
rules for buildings”
EN ISO 9001:2008 “Quality management systems-Requirements”
EN 10025-2:2006 “Hot rolled products of structural steel”
EN 10083-1:2008 “Steels for quenching and tempering - Part 1: General technical delivery
conditions”
EN 10083-2:2006 “Quenched and tempered steel – Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for
unalloyed quality steels”
EN 10084:2010 “Case hardening steel – Technical delivery conditions
prEN 10138-3:2006 “Prestressing steel – Part 3: strands”
EN 10216-1:2014 “Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes- Technical delivery
conditions - Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature
properties”
EN 10217-1:2003 “Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions
- Part 1: Non-alloy steel tubes with specified room temperature properties”
EN 10219-1:2007 “Cold formed welded structural hollow sections of non-alloy and fine grain
steels - Part 1: Technical delivery conditions”
EN 12201-1:2012 “Plastic piping systems for water supply- Polyethylene”
EN 10204:2006 “Metallic products – Types of inspection documents”
EN 10255:2005 “Non-Alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading - Technical
delivery conditions”
EN 10305-3:2011 “Steel tubes for precision applications - Technical delivery conditions -
Part 3: Welded cold sized tubes”
EN 13391:2005 “Mechanical tests for Post-tensioning systems”
EN 13670:2013 “Execution of concrete structures”
GB/T 3077-1999 “Alloy structure steels”

GB/T 5216-2004 “Structural steels subject to end-quench hardenability requirements”
GB/T 17107-1997 “Structural steel grades and mechanical property for forgings”

ETA 06-0006 Version2 2015-05-26

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Cerema/DTecITM Mail: ete-dtecitm@cerema.fr

European Technical ETA 06/0006

Technical Assessment Body issuing the ETA: Cerema

Trade name of the construction product VSL Post-Tensioning System

Manufacturer VSL INTERNATIONAL Ltd.

Manufacturing plant(s) VSL Systems Manufacturer S.L.

This ETA replaces ETA 06/0006, renewed on 28/06/2013

EUROPEAN TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT – VSL POST-TENSIONING SYSTEM 2

1. Technical description of the products 3

2. Specifications of the intended use in accordance with the applicable European

3. Performance of the products and methods used for its assessment 6

4. Assessment and verification of constancy of performance system applied, with

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1. Technical description of the products

1.1. VSL Multistrand System

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2. Specifications of the intended use in accordance with the

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Product type: Post–Tensioning Kit Intended use: Prestressing of structures

Product type: Post–Tensioning Kit Intended use: Prestressing of structures

Basic requirements 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are not relevant according to ETAG 013.

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Product(s) Intended use(s) Level(s) or class(es) System(s)

Post-tensioning Kits For the prestressing of - 1+

This AVCP system is defined as follows:

(a) Tasks of the manufacturer

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5.1. Tasks for the Manufacturer

5.1.1. General responsibilities of the Manufacturer

These audit reports include:

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5.1.3. Other tasks

Otherwise, the specifications are given in the ETA.

5.1.3.2 Inspection and testing

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5.2. Tasks of the Notified Body

5.2.1. General responsibilities of the Notified Body

- determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including sampling),

5.2.1.1 Determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including

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5.2.1.3 Continuous surveillance, assessment and approval of factory production control

5.2.1.4 Audit testing of samples taken at the factory

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Barthélémy PETIT, ETA manager

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ANNEX 1 – TECHNICAL DATA OF THE VSL MULTISTRAND SYSTEM 13

1. Chapter 1 - Definition of the system 14

2. Chapter 2 – Strands and ducts 20

5. Chapter 5 – Injection and sealing 39

6. Chapter 6 – Schematic drawings 42

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1.1. Principle of the VSL multistrand system

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1.2. Characteristics of system units

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Type "K" fixed couplers

Type "V" movable couplers

1.3.2. List of approved anchorages

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