Anchorages performances

Anchorages perform the following three main functions:

  • they transfer the force from the stay cable to the structure
  • they manage strand tension variations to ensure maximum endurance
  • they protect the individual anchor elements from environmental attack, including corrosion.

The durability of structures is one of the main concerns in the engineering field.

Poor design or installation can jeopardize the structural integrity of the bridge.

To be competitive, the cable system and its anchorage must be able to adapt to different constraints and configurations, while using a maximum of standard products.

The choice of the most appropriate anchorage system depends on its location on the structure, the performance requirements and the expected functionality. Expert advice is a must.

On cable structures, the construction phase has a major impact on the final design of the structure. Design and construction should preferably be carried out by the same specialist company.

Advantages of Freyssinet's technology

01. Longest track record

Improved continuously since the mid-1970s, Freyssinet stay cable technology is the world reference in terms of fatigue resistance, protection against corrosion, ease of inspection and replaceability.

02. Durability

• Double barrier corrosion protection on the entire cable and anchors
• Individual strand anchoring for optimized protection
• Outstanding fatigue performance

03. Improved bending fatigue resistance

Integrated bending filter (patented) capable of handling angular deflection up to 50 milliradians.

04. Axial fatigue

Wedges designed to resist 300 MPa stress amplitude at 45% of ultimate strength for 2 million cycles.

05. A solution for each project

Technologies adapted to the needs of your projects, from the Parallel Strand System anchor with full options for long-span bridges to the cost-effective extradosed bridge anchorage.

06. Full service

As the undisputed pioneer, Freyssinet will assist you in the selection of the system's components, including the anchorages, which are one of the key components.

07. Reliable installation

The Monostrand system patented by Freyssinet is implemented using the Isotension process, an exclusive Freyssinet technique that enables cables to be installed using light equipment.

08. Easy replaceability

Strand by strand installation and replacement with minimum disruption to the operation of the structure.
Cable systems

Our range of anchorages technologies

The complete designation of Freyssinet anchorages gives the type of anchor (Standard, Extradosed, Clevis) as well as the useful characteristics for their installation: Adjustable or Fixed, Active or Passive, with or without duct fixing, etc.

As a matter of example, the 37 SFPD 1960 stay anchorage includes the following features:

  • Standard anchorage for 37 strands
  • 1960 MPa grade steel
  • Fixed model
  • Passive anchorage
  • With Duct fixing

Standard anchorages

The Freyssinet standard anchorage is a compact anchor with two possible configurations, fixed and adjustable. The two versions can be combined at each end of the cables. This makes it possible to adjust the tension and de-tensioning of the cable. Strands can be easily weighted, re-stressed or unstressed as well. A specific range is available for cold environment (-20°C). Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, stadiums.
  • Proven reliability on the largest structures
    and on the longest parallel strand systems
    installed to date
  • Waterproofing at cable ends
    with patented stuffing box
  • Strand-by-strand installation and replacement

Standard anchorages

The Freyssinet standard anchorage is a compact anchor with two possible configurations, fixed and adjustable. The two versions can be combined at each end of the cables. This makes it possible to adjust the tension and de-tensioning of the cable. Strands can be easily weighted, re-stressed or unstressed as well. A specific range is available for cold environment (-20°C). Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, stadiums.
  • Proven reliability on the largest structures
    and on the longest parallel strand systems
    installed to date
  • Waterproofing at cable ends
    with patented stuffing box
  • Strand-by-strand installation and replacement
Standard anchorage specifications
Configuration…

Adjustable and fixed versions allowing for cable adjustment capability
Type of anchoring…

Individual anchoring by jaws
Type of strand…

Freyssinet Monostrand or Cohestrand®
Range…

Up to 192 strands, tailor-made capacity if required
Maximum tensile force…

Conical wedge specially designed to handle tensile force up to 2160 MPa
Allowed stay cable rotation…

Up to 50 mrad strand deviation, with filtering device to guarantee cable endurance
Stroke…

Adjustment stroke from 100 mm up to 1 m for adjustable anchorages

 

 

Extradosed anchorages

The extradosed anchors were developed by Freyssinet to meet the specific requirements of extradosed bridges, in particular the higher tension forces of the cables and the lower variation of stresses due to fatigue compared to standard stay cable bridges. They are compact and can be used at the deck or pylon level, or in combination with multihole saddles at pylon level.
  • Strand-by-strand installation and replacement
  • Cable length adjustment
    during and after bridge construction
  • Tensioning adjustments possible during service life

Extradosed anchorages

The extradosed anchors were developed by Freyssinet to meet the specific requirements of extradosed bridges, in particular the higher tension forces of the cables and the lower variation of stresses due to fatigue compared to standard stay cable bridges. They are compact and can be used at the deck or pylon level, or in combination with multihole saddles at pylon level.
  • Strand-by-strand installation and replacement
  • Cable length adjustment
    during and after bridge construction
  • Tensioning adjustments possible during service life
Extradosed anchorage specifications
Suitable for… Extradosed bridges, short to medium spans (30m to 150m) 
Type of anchoring… Individual anchoring by jaws
Type of strand… Freyssinet Monostrand or Cohestrand®
Range… From 12 to 109 strands, tailor-made capacity if required
Adjustable block… Tension adjustment using ring jack and shims
Allowed stay cable rotation… Up to 10mrad strand deviation with filtering device to meet the needs of  extradosed bridges

Clevis anchorages

Designed specifically for thin footbridge pylons, arch bridges or suspension hangers, the clevis anchorage is a high-performance hinge anchor that allows a cable to be connected to a structure, without the need for an anchor chamber. Depending on project requirements, it can be combined with a standard anchorage or another clevis anchorage. Fixed and adjustable versions can also be combined, which will determine the cable anchoring method.
  • Flexible cable installation and replacement
  • Waterproofing at cable ends
    with patented stuffing box
  • Cable length adjustment after installation

Clevis anchorages

Designed specifically for thin footbridge pylons, arch bridges or suspension hangers, the clevis anchorage is a high-performance hinge anchor that allows a cable to be connected to a structure, without the need for an anchor chamber. Depending on project requirements, it can be combined with a standard anchorage or another clevis anchorage. Fixed and adjustable versions can also be combined, which will determine the cable anchoring method.
  • Flexible cable installation and replacement
  • Waterproofing at cable ends
    with patented stuffing box
  • Cable length adjustment after installation
Clevis anchorage specifications
Configuration…

Fixed and adjustable models
Fixed models with embedded block. Visible block on request
Type of anchoring…

Individual anchoring by jaws or swages
Type of strand…

Standard strand, diameter 15,7mm, cross section 150mm²
Range…

Up to 169 strands (depending on fork type)
Installation…

Semi-prefabricated cable or strands manufactured during their installation (direct unreeling method)
Stroke…

Cable length can be adjusted once the stay cable is installed using a turnbuckle system

Multihole saddles

A new concept of deviation saddle designed by Freyssinet, the multihole saddle allows for individual deviation of each tensile element, with the strands passing through the saddle via separate curved cavities. These cavities have a specific cross-sectional geometry ensuring easy threading during installation and high friction during service life. The differential service loads between each side of the pylon are taken up by the friction between the strands and the cavities in the saddle body. The positioning of the saddle in the pylon frame is straightforward. Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, extradosed bridges.
  • Outstanding axial and bending fatigue behaviour
  • Durable waterproofing
    with rainproof connections at saddle ends
  • Preservation of matrix at ultimate cable tension
    ensured by the UHPFRC cast into the saddle cavities

Multihole saddles

A new concept of deviation saddle designed by Freyssinet, the multihole saddle allows for individual deviation of each tensile element, with the strands passing through the saddle via separate curved cavities. These cavities have a specific cross-sectional geometry ensuring easy threading during installation and high friction during service life. The differential service loads between each side of the pylon are taken up by the friction between the strands and the cavities in the saddle body. The positioning of the saddle in the pylon frame is straightforward. Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, extradosed bridges.
  • Outstanding axial and bending fatigue behaviour
  • Durable waterproofing
    with rainproof connections at saddle ends
  • Preservation of matrix at ultimate cable tension
    ensured by the UHPFRC cast into the saddle cavities
Multihole saddle specifications
Strand compatibility…

Cohestrand® or Locally Cohesive Strand (LCS), diameter 15,7mm, cross section 150mm²
Grade available…

1860 MPa or 1960 MPa
Saddle minimal radius…

1500mm

 

Built-in saddles

Built-in saddles are rigid links designed to connect two cable sections on either side of a pylon, with standard anchorages at each end. They combine the functions of anchoring to the pylon and transmitting the load through it, with easy integration into the pylon regardless of its design. As built-in saddles are welded components and provide a fixed point in the pylon, non-symmetrical live loads are allowed. Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, extradosed bridges.
  • Cost-effective solution at pylon level,
    compatible with all Freyssinet anchorages
  • Factory prepared, installed on site
    with the concrete casting of the pylon
  • Access allowed at anchorage protrusion
    for control and maintenance if necessary

Built-in saddles

Built-in saddles are rigid links designed to connect two cable sections on either side of a pylon, with standard anchorages at each end. They combine the functions of anchoring to the pylon and transmitting the load through it, with easy integration into the pylon regardless of its design. As built-in saddles are welded components and provide a fixed point in the pylon, non-symmetrical live loads are allowed. Applications: cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, extradosed bridges.
  • Cost-effective solution at pylon level,
    compatible with all Freyssinet anchorages
  • Factory prepared, installed on site
    with the concrete casting of the pylon
  • Access allowed at anchorage protrusion
    for control and maintenance if necessary
Built-in saddle specifications
Suitable for…

Concrete pylons, possibly steel pylons
Various pylon geometries
Type of anchoring…

Compatible with extradosed anchorages
Type of strand…

Standard semi-bonded Monostrands
Range…

Up to 109 strands

 

Anchorage solutions

Download our technical datasheets
Documentation
Documentation

Our references of cable systems

Build
Vietnam

An Dong bridge’s multihole saddle

The latest generation of Freyssinet’s multihole saddle, which offers improved performance and durability, was used for the first time on Vietnam’s An Dong extradosed bridge.
Discover more
Build
Vietnam

Cua Dai extradosed bridge using Cohestrand technology

Locally-cohesive Cohestrand technology was successfully produced and installed for the first time on an extradosed highway bridge which crosses the Tra Khuc River to create a coastal bypass of Quang Ngai city.
Discover more
Repair
Netherlands

Ewijk bridge cables replacement

Multi-strand cables were proposed as an alternative to locked-coil cables during renovation of the Ewijk Bridge in the Netherlands, delivering direct benefits for the renovation process.
Discover more
Build
Belgium

Kanne suspension bridge with cohestrand technology

Improved durability was the key aim when Cohestrand was first deployed to construct the main cable of a 125 m-long suspension bridge south of Maastricht in Belgium.
Discover more
Verdun-sur-Garonne suspension bridge, France / Multihole saddles and standard anchorages
An Dong extradosed bridge, Vietnam / Multihole saddle
An Dong extradosed bridge, Vietnam / Preparation of multi-hole recesses before concreting the saddle in factory
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, Canada / Clevis accessible anchorage blocks
Cua Dai extradosed bridge, Vietnam / Extradosed anchorages
Ewijk bridge, The Netherlands / Multihole saddles
Ewijk bridge, The Netherlands / Multihole saddles
Kanne suspension bridge, Belgium / Cable hanger anchorage
Laroin footbridge, France / Clevis anchorages
Russki bridge, Vladivostok, Russia / Bottom passive anchorage

Our other cable system solutions

Strand solutions

Strands are the main components of Freyssinet Parallel Strand System (PSS) cables, and are often referred to as main tensile elements. They are the modular elements that allow full cables of any size to be made from lightweight yet durable elements bundled together. Freyssinet has developed two technologies, known as Monostrand® and Cohestrand®, which set the standard in the construction of cable structures.

Damper solutions

Dampers are mechanical assemblies installed between the cable and the bridge. They dissipate energy to ensure the stability of the cable.

Cable protection solutions

In addition to the risks associated with the construction of a bridge, owners must consider the risks throughout the life of the bridge, such as fire, lightning, explosion or ice formation on cables. We have developed specific solutions for those of you who wish to better control these risks and limit or avoid the closure of a bridge and its impact on the local economy.

Aesthetic enhancement solutions

Cable-stayed bridges are elegant and strong structures that can become iconic architectural landmarks. To further enhance their aesthetics, we have developed coloured ducts and lighting systems. Combining functionality, aesthetics and mechanical performance, our solutions are customised to your requirements.

Suspension cable solutions

The parallel strand system developed by Freyssinet, well known for cable-stayed bridges and extradosed bridges, brings advantages in terms of durability for suspension bridges and cabled stadium roofs.

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