We provide advanced cable inspection and monitoring tools for cables, bars, and tie rods to help identify structural issues early and predict the remaining service life of cable‑stayed and prestressed structures.
Detection of voids and white paste in cement‑grouted cable sheaths
Escan uses an annular capacitive probe made of two electrodes that form a capacitor. Its capacitance changes based on the dielectric properties of the materials inside the polyethylene sheath. By sliding the device along the cable, engineers can identify injection defects and voids with precision. Escan was developed in partnership with Cerema and is a key tool in cable inspection and monitoring programs.
Detection of wire breaks in anchorage zones using guided ultrasonic waves
Uscan is a patented technology co‑developed with UGE and is the only method capable of assessing the condition of guy‑wire strands directly in the anchorage zone. An ultrasonic transducer sends guided waves along the wire; when the wave encounters a defect, an echo returns to the sensor. Signal analysis reveals both the presence and approximate location of the discontinuity. This makes Uscan an essential component of modern cable inspection and monitoring strategies.
Analysis of cable vibration behavior to determine tension and damping
A cable’s natural vibration frequency is directly related to its tension. This method records those frequencies—either by manually exciting the cable or capturing its natural vibrations—and calculates tension by modeling the cable as a vibrating string. It is especially useful when direct force measurement at the anchor is not possible and is commonly used to evaluate dampers on guy wires.
Non‑contact dynamic displacement measurement for structures and cables
4DVib uses interferometric radar to measure dynamic displacement at one or more points within its line of sight. It is quick to deploy and provides immediate insight into vibration levels, dominant modes, and excessive deflection under load. The system can also estimate cable tension remotely, making it a powerful tool for cable inspection and monitoring and structural acceptance testing.
Acoustic detection of broken wires in stay cables
When a wire or strand breaks inside a stay cable, it generates a shock wave that travels along the cable. EverSense® Acoustics uses sensors placed at anchors or suspension collars to detect this wave and triangulate the break location. This real‑time monitoring capability is critical for early detection of failures in cable‑supported structures.
Measurement of residual tension in tie rods
This method determines the tensile force in a tie rod or bar by measuring the force required to lift its head from the anchor plate. Using a jack, hydraulic power unit, and force/displacement sensors, engineers obtain a precise force‑displacement curve during loading and unloading. The method follows the TA 2020 guide for active tie rods.
Rapid tension measurement in bolts or prestressing bars using ultrasonic waves
Upus® evaluates the durability of structural connections made with prestressing bars. Loss of prestressing force can create serious structural risks, so periodic verification is essential. The system uses ultrasonic wave propagation to measure stress from a single accessible end of the bar, making it ideal for bars with limited access.
Continuous force measurement in multi‑strand cables
Single‑strand load cells continuously measure force in guyed cables during tensioning and long‑term operation. Designed to fit inside modern Freyssinet‑type anchor covers, they withstand hot‑wax filling and extreme temperatures down to –40°F. Continuous monitoring allows engineers to calculate total cable load by multiplying the force per strand by the number of strands.
Strain gauges for stress variation monitoring
Strain gauges measure micro‑strain, which can be converted into stress when the material’s Young’s modulus is known. We offer a wide range of gauges from welded, glued, embedded, clamped, or surface‑mounted suitable for metal, concrete, glass, and cables. Technologies include electrical (Wheatstone bridge), vibrating‑wire, and fiber‑optic (FBG) sensors, supporting both static and dynamic measurements. These tools are essential for fatigue analysis, stress‑cycle monitoring, and long‑term structural evaluation.
Sixense’s cable inspection and monitoring solutions support proactive decision‑making so you can: