INSPECTION

ASSET PRESERVATION, STRUCTURAL REPAIRS & UPGRADING

OF CABLE-SUPPORTED
STRUCTURES
Many structures like stadium roofs, arch bridges, cable-stayed bridges and
suspension bridges rely on cables for the transfer of concentrated tensile
forces to ensure structural stability and, most importantly, safety. High-
tensile steel cables can be damaged by corrosion, fatigue, mechanical
impact, fire or other unexpected external effects. Regular inspections are
required to ensure good performance as well as early detection of any
relevant damage.

INSPECTION OF CABLE-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
LOCAL SUPPORT
The preservation of your asset (or "Regular
inspections") require(s) close partnership with
a reliable company able to be quickly available.
All our teams and agencies in 20 countries have
the required extensive expertise in construction
systems and technologies together with the
necessary materials to help you when you
need it and become your partner for preventive
maintenance, repairs and upgrading. VSL brings a
unique combination of knowledge in the design
and fabrication of cable systems, their installation
and stressing, as well as engineering know-how in
methods and structural interaction.
FROM ROUTINE TO
EMERGENCY INSPECTIONS
VSL is able to support you with an annual routine
inspection and detailed scheduled inspections
as well as exceptional or emergency inspections
after an accident or damage has occurred. We
conduct an initial site visit to identify access
solutions while considering specific site conditions,
we research and compile available information
and facilitate regular meetings with you to define
jointly the inspection needs before mobilising our
skilled engineers for the inspection works.
MAKING INSPECTIONS SAFE
Safety of both users and workers is our first
priority. This is particularly critical as we usually
work on sites that are in operation. Therefore, we
focus on delivering safe means of access - ranging
from temporary working platforms to rope access
- together with safe methods of work.
A RANGE OF SPECIALIST
INSPECTION TECHNIQUES
In addition to thorough visual inspection at arm’s
length, we use technology-assisted inspection
techniques for areas with higher risks or with
indications of defects.
These include:
• Endoscopic inspection of anchorage areas
• Force and vibration measurement using VSL’s
Vibratest technology
• Magnetic flux measurements to detect wire
breaks
• Ultrasonic methods to detect voids or check wire
integrity at the anchorages
• Acoustic emission monitoring to establish
statistics of wire breaks
• Automated camera robot to inspect the free
length
• Drone-based image or video taking to inspect
non-accessible areas at height
PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE
REPORTS
We provide a report of on-site inspection findings
as well as post-processing of the data. This
comprehensive report is submitted to the client
together with clear traceability of all the findings.
This includes recommendations for further
inspection or maintenance needs.
TYPES OF
INSPECTIONS
ANNUAL ROUTINE EXCEPTIONAL
INSPECTIONS INSPECTIONS
VSL local teams usually carry out routine We can also intervene when damage has
inspections once a year. These inspections
include a visual inspection of the structure
and the cables, and VSL provides you with a
occurred or is suspected due to impact, fire,
accident, vandalism or natural disaster. In this
case, VSL can mobilise quickly to make an
detailed report of the inspection findings as assessment and propose emergency repair
well as recommendations. This task can be and remedial works.
done as a one-off or as part of an ongoing
partnership, which helps build knowledge and
understanding of the structure’s evolution.
We use inspections, test plans and digital
inspection records to provide you with an
exhaustive and clear vision of your structure’s
health status.
DETAILED
INSPECTIONS
It is advisable to carry out detailed inspection
once every five years on about 25% to 50%
of the stay-cable components. This inspection
includes a visual check at arm’s length of
the opened anchorage caps, the condition of
deviators, tension rings, dampers and other
elements in contact with the cables - as well
as any sealing assemblies or outer protection
barriers. We provide the means of access, the
necessary methods and the tools needed to
carry out the inspections. If necessary, we can
also perform any minor repairs on the spot.
ASSET PRESERVATION,
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS &
UPGRADING

1 ASSET
PRESERVATION
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
3 INSPECTION
ASSESSMENT
MONITORING

UPGRADING YOUR
STRENGTHENING
ASSET’S
CHANGE OF USE LIFE CYCLE
RESILIENCE ENHANCEMENTS

STRUCTURAL
2 REPAIRS
REPAIR
REPLACEMENT

CREATIVE ENGINEERING IN-HOUSE STRUCTURAL OPERATIONAL SKILLS IN

& EFFICIENT METHODS TECHNOLOGIES COORDINATION & EXECUTION

WE’RE READY TO MAKE

YOUR PROJECT POSSIBLE!

WWW.VSL.COM