United States Patent

[151

3,647,184

Vanderhurst et al.

[45]

Mar. 7, 1972

[54] APPARATUS FOR TENSIONING

TENDONS

[5 7]

[72] Inventors: William L. Vanderhurst, 20630 Carmel

Road, Saratoga, Calif. 95070; Sidney D.

Kemp, 339 Vassar Ave., Berkeley, Calif.
94708

[22]

Filed:

Nov. 25, 1969

[21] Appl.No.: 879,780

[52]
[51]
[58]

U.S. Cl. ............................ ..254/29 A, 29/452, 52/223 R

lnt. Cl. ................ ..E2lb 19/00, B2ld 39/00, E040 3/20
Field of Search ................ ..254/29 A; 29/452; 52/223 R,

52/223 L

[56]

References Cited
UNITED STATES PATENTS

3,351,320 ll/ 1 967

Harvey ............................... ..254/29 A

3,491,431

Pewitt ................................ ..254/29A

1/1970

Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson

ABSTRACT

Apparatus including a jacking device and a tendon aligning

cartridge for use therewith, and a method of tensioning a plu
rality of side-by-side tendons is disclosed. The jacking device
is preferably formed as a ring-type or center hole ram having a

central passageway formed of sufficient dimension to accept

and receive a tendon gripping pulling head, as mounted on the
ends of the tendons to be tensioned, and formed with pulling
head engaging gates which allow the pulling head to be en
gaged by the ram for tensioning of the tendons upon axial ad~
vancement of the ram. The jacking device is preferably addi
tionally provided with a second ring-type ram which is used to
insure uniform actuation of an anchorage having tendon

gripping wedges therein after advancement of the tensioning

ram to the desired position. A cartridgelike apparatus is also
preferably used with the ram in order to align and separate the
tendons between the tendon anchorage and the pulling head.
The cartridge may also function to assist in properly actuating
the tendon anchorage into gripping engagement of the ten
dons. The method includes the mounting of a pulling head
onto the plurality of tendons, and preferably a tendon aligning
cartridge, prior to bringing the ram into position for engage
ment of the pulling head and tensioning of the tendons.

Atmmey-Warren, Rubin, Bruker & Chickering

8 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures

PAIENTEBMAR 7:912

3,647, 184
sum 3 or 3

INVENTORS

William L. Vanderhurst

B Sidney D. Kemp
' _\ 7

Attorneys

3,647,184
I

APPARATUS FOR TENSIONING TENDONS

jacking device. In Freyssinet the slots are on the exterior

peripheral surface of the ram. After insertion into the slots a

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

tendon gripping coupler, usually consisting of a plurality of

The construction of prestressed concrete members often

wedges, is mounted on each of the tendons, with the slots

being formed for engagement of the couplers upon axial ex

requires the use a plurality of side-by-side adjacent tendon

members in order to provide the necessary prestressing force.

tension of the tendons. As will be understood since the ten-'

In many instances, these tendons are necessarily con?ned to a

dons may be as large as one-half inch strand or one-fourth

relatively small area, and they should be simultaneously ten

inch bar stock, the tendons are not easily manipulated, with

sioned to substantially the same axial load. This type of a

the difficulty of manipulation of the tendons increasing with

the number of tendons to be simultaneously tensioned. Ac
cordingly, substantial difficulty often results in attempts to

requirement exists when concrete members are prestressed by

either pretensioning or posttensioning, although posttension
ing systems may be most commonly employed. Similarly, the
requirement of simultaneously tensioning a plurality of side
by-side tendons may also be encountered in structures which
are not concrete.

secure all of the tendons to the jacking device for tensioning.

Moreover and very importantly, during the time when the dif
ficulties are being encountered in securing the plurality of ten
dons to the jacking device, the jacking device must be held in

place adjacent to and in alignment with the anchorage.

As will be readily appreciated, the dif?culties encountered

in simultaneously tensioning a plurality of tendons dramati
cally increases as the number, size and tensioning forces

Jacking devices often weigh as much as 2,000 to 4,000'lbs.

many as 50 or more one-half inch diameter cable strands. As

used herein, the term tendon shall include wires as well as .

and skilled equipment operators.

A second type of tendon tensioning device which has been

and require a crane or other heavy equipment to be held in

required increases. Thus, systems which are suitable for use in 20 position next to the anchorage. Accordingly, the difficulty in
securing the plurality of tendons to the jacking device results
tensioning 10 or 20 wires one-fourth inch in diameter may be
in the tying up of a substantial amount of heavy equipment
entirely unsuited for use in simultaneously tensioning 10 to as

25 employed consists of a center hole type ram having a heavy

strand (cablelike tensioning elements).
plate or pulling head mounted on the far side of the ram. The
A variety of previous tendon tensioning apparatus and
portions of the tendons extending beyond the tendon
methods have been employed in order to simultaneously ten

sion a plurality of tendons. These apparatus, however, have

anchorage are inserted into openings in the front of the ram
suffered from a number of defects. One approach has been
and passed axially down the central bore of the ram to cor
used in the tensioning of a plurality of button-head wire ten 30 responding openings in the pulling head or plate member at
dons. A plurality of wire tendons having upset ends forming a
the far end of the ram. The tendons are threaded through the
button-head are placed in a tendon anchorage which is
second openings and wedge-type couplers are then mounted
comprised of a plate having a series of openings big enough to
on the tendons to secure them against withdrawal from the
receive the body of the wire but small enough to prevent
pulling head. After all of the wedges are mounted on the ten
withdrawal of the button-head from the plate. The tendons are
dons, they may be simultaneously tensioned. In this system,
then tensioned by use of a jacking device which includes a
however, the jacking device must again be supported for a

drawbar. The drawbar reaches down the conduit and engages

the plate, usually by threads. With a jack at each end, the
anchore plates are then drawn out of the conduit until they are

substantial period of time while the plurality of relatively in

flexible and difficult to manage tendons must be threaded
down through the center bore of the ram and tendon couplers

even with hearing plates disposed at the ends of the conduit, 40 then mounted on each tendon. Thus, very heavy and expen
and suitable shims are inserted between the anchor plate and
sive equipment and personnel are tied up while a time con
the bearing plates so as to hold the anchor plate in ?xed posi
suming task of manipulating a plurality of tendons is taking

tion. This system has several disadvantages. First, the use of

place.

button-heads is limited to relatively small wires. Moreover, the

Accordingly, it is an object of the tendon stressing ap
45
use of a drawbar system when applied to tendons of large
paratus and method of the present invention to provide an im
diameter would require a drawbar and jacking device of
proved jacking device construction which allows insertion and
prohibitively large mass. This would in turn complicate the
removal of the tendons with the pulling head mounted thereon
support structure for the jacking device and the anchorage en
to enable simultaneous tensioning of a plurality of tendons
gaging structure, which could not be simply formed as a
without tying up thejacking device.
threaded connection in light of the tremendous axial forces
Another object of the method and apparatus of the present
generated. .
invention is to provide a tendon alignment means which may
Accordingly, for larger tendons the approach generally em
be mounted onto the tendons prior to tensioning to maintain
ployed is to use a tendon gripping anchorage mounted at each
them in alignment with the tendon anchorage between the
end of the concrete member with, in the case of posttension 55 tendon anchorage and pulling head.
ing, a conduit extending between the anchorages. After the
Still another object of the apparatus and method of the
concrete member is cast, the tendons may be inserted into the
present invention is to provide a jacking device and tendon
conduit member and through both anchorages so as to have a
aligning means which is formed to insure uniform actuation of

portion thereof extend beyond the anchorages. The portion

extending beyond the anchorages may then be gripped by a

pulling head device in order to allow axial advancement for

elongation of the tendons beyond the anchorages. Once the

tendons are elongated to the proper axial load, the anchorages
may be set or actuated to take the full axial load and the forces

on the pulling heads released. The portion of the tendons ex 65

tending beyond the anchorages may then be sheared off by a

variety of techniques. At least two types of approaches have

been taken to the problem of tensioning tendons which are
secured by anchorages and gripped at a point beyond the
anchorages to apply the tensioning forces. One such system is
illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,371,882, to Freyssinet. In the
Freyssinet tensioning system the ram or jack is brought into

the tendon gripping anchorage once a predetermined axial

load has been applied to the tendons.
Another object of the apparatus of the present invention is
to provide a tendon jacking device which is formed in a
manner which insures positive seating and engagement of the

pulling head by the jacking device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Brie?y, the jacking device of the present invention includes

a piston and cylinder formed and mounted for relative axial

reciprocation to apply loading forces in a direction of elonga
tion of the tendons on tensioning, pulling head engaging
means secured to the movable portion of the piston and
cylinder for transfer of jacking forces to a pulling head
jacking position adjacent to the tendon anchorage. While the
mounted on the portions of the tendons extending beyond the
jack is maintained in such position, the tendons are then one
by one inserted into tendon receiving slots or holes in the 75 anchorage, the piston and cylinder being formed with a

3,647,184

passageway terminating in a pulling head receiving opening

with the opening and passageway being formed and dimen
sioned to allow insertion of the tendons with the pulling head
mounted thereon into the passageway to a position allowing
the engaging means to be brought into engagement with the

pulling head for tensioning of the tendons. Hydraulic driving

means operatively connected tothe piston and cylinder and
formed to cause the movable portion of the piston and

cylinder to be driven in a direction causing tensioning of the

tendons is provided, and the jack supporting means secured to

the stationary portion of the piston and cylinder for engaging a
support to allow application of jacking forces to the. pulling
head is also provided. The jacking device is preferably formed

-4

plate 14 having a bore 16 therethrough aligned with bore 13.

Thus, when posttensioning of the concrete member 12 is to be

effected, bearing plate 14 may be cast into member. 12 and

bore or passageway 13 may be lined with a conduit (not
shown). After casting of the member 12 tendons 11 are in
serted down the bore 13 until a portion 17 thereof projects
beyond, the bore and the anchor means or anchorage,
generally designated 18, which is here seen to be comprised of
an anchor plate 19 formed with frustoconical wedge receiving
openings 21 therein and wedge 22.

Immediately adjacent to anchorage 18 it is preferable to

mount a tendon aligning means, generally designated 26,
which extends along portions 17- to pulling, head means,

with a bore completely therethrough with a pulling head en

generally designated 27. Aligning means 26 can be seen to be

gaging gate member being slidably mounted for movement

device. Additionally, the jacking device is preferably provided

comprised of a plurality of tubular members 28 held in' spaced

fixed relation by end members 29 and 31 and by intermediate
member 32. Pulling means 27 is comprised of a pulling head
plate 33 formed with frustoconical bores 34 for receipt of

pulling head to a position for engagement by the jacking

' device and formed to insure actuation of the anchorage by

means and pulling head means are displaced from one another ~

transverse to the bore to allow the gate to be disposed to

prevent axial withdrawal of the pulling head from the jacking

with a second ram which is formed to allow passage of the 20 frustoconical tendon gripping wedges 36.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 the anchor plate, wedges, aligning

for the purposes of ease of understanding. In actual'use, how

ever, the assembly of FIG. 1 would be constructed as follows.
Aligningv means are also provided which maintains the ten 25 First, tendons 11 would be inserted down bore 13 to be
secured at an opposite end thereof by a varietylof means (not
don portions in relatively fixed spaced alignment with the ten
shown) including a second anchorage such as anchorage I8.
don anchorage between the tendon anchorage and the pulling
Tendons 11 would be selected of a length so as to allow por
head. The alignment means is formed for mounting within the
tion 17 to'extend beyond the bearing plate 14 a substantial
center bore of the jacking device, and preferablyformed to
transfer anchorage actuation forces from the jacking device to 30 distance. Anchorage 18 would then be mounted on portion 17

uniformly urging the tendon gripping wedges in the anchorage

into engagement of the tendons.

the anchorage.

>

with anchor plate 19 abutting bearing plate 14 and wedges 22

The method of the present invention is brie?y comprised of

mounting the tendons in a tendon gripping anchorage with

positioned in bores 21 for radial gripping of tendons 11. The

to simultaneously grip the tendons for tensioning thereof on

each'of the tensioning portions a spaced distance from the
anchorage, thereafter positioning jacking means for engage

means would be placed adjacent to anchor plate 19. Finally,

pulling head 27 is mounted on portion 17 adjacent to end 31
of the aligning means with tendons 11 being threaded through
frustoconical bores 34 and wedges 36 mounted thereon.

tendon portion 17 would then be threaded or inserted into the

respective tubes 28 in aligning means 26 until they projected

tensioning portions of each tendon extending beyond the
anchorage, mounting a tendon gripping pulling head formed 35 beyond end 31 of the aligningmeans. End 29 of the aligning

ment of the pulling head and for support of the jacking means
to allow application of jacking forces to the pulling head, en 40

gaging the pulling head with the jacking means, and applying

In the system illustrated in FIG. I there are 24 tendons

which will be simultaneously tensioned, with three tendons

disposed in each tube 28 and gripped by each of the sets of
gripping wedges 22 and 36. As will be understood, the above

jacking forces to the pulling head. Additionally, a unitary or

one-piece pulling head, as mounted on the tendons, is
preferably inserted down the central bore of the jacking 45 outlined assembly procedure for 24 relatively in?exible ten
dons can be time consuming. However, this assembly is
device, and engaged by pulling head engaging means provided
straightforward and can be accomplished by relatively un
in the jacking device. Tendon aligning means are preferably
skilled labor. Moreover and more importantly, the time used
mounted on the tendons between the anchorage and the
to assemble the components in FIG. 1 can all be accomplished
pulling head means prior to engagement of the pulling head
without the need of having the tendon jacking device present.
means by the jacking device.
50 Thus, the assembly of the tendons into a 'unitized cartridge
structure ready for tensioning can all be accomplished before
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially broken away and
partially in cross section, of a tendon aligning means and

there is any need to employ the relatively expensive, heavy,

and complicated jacking equipment which required highly

skilled
personnel.
pulling head constructed in accordance with the present in 55 As should be understood, the importance of being able to
vention and mounted on a plurality of tendons.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged end view of the tendon aligning device

illustrated in FIG. I and taken along plane 22 thereof.

preassemble the tendons into a unitized cartridge for relatively

rapid engagement and tensioning by a jacking device after

such assembly increases as the number of tendons increases.

For example, using prior techniques for simultaneously ten
60
illustrated in FIG. 1 and taken along the plane of line 3-3
sioning a plurality of tendons, groups of 24 tendons per cluster
thereof.
.
or station, as illustrated in FIG. 1, on the order of IO to l5 sta
FIG. 3 is an enlarged end view of the tendon aligning device '

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of a jacking

- device constructed in accordance with the present invention.

tions or clusters of tendons can be tensioned in a normal work

ing day with a single ram. By comparison, using the unitized

FIG. 5 is a front end view of the jacking device. illustrated in 65 cartridge technique of the present invention and the ram or
FIG. 4.
jacking device hereinafter described, as many as 40 to 50
FIG. 6 is a back end view of the jacking device illustrated in
clusters of tendons can be tensioned in a single day with a sin
FIG. 4.

'

gle jacking device.

In order to enable the tendon and pulling head assembly

DESCRIPTION'OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 70 above
described to be easily and expeditiously engaged and
the tendons tensioned, the jacking device of the present inven
Referring first to'FIG. 1, a typical arrangement of tendons
tion is preferably formed as a center-holeram, such as is illus
trated in FIGS. 4 through 6. The jacking device, generally
mounted in a member 12 to which they are to be secured. The
designated 41, is formed for engagement of pulling head 27
member 12 is here illustrated asa concrete member having a
bore 13 therethrough to receive the tendons and a bearing 75 mounted on portions 17 of the tendons. The jacking device is

and an anchorage therefore can be illustrated. Tendons'll are

3,647,184
5

provided with a ram or piston 42 and a ram housing or

generated during jacking being converted into transverse

cylinder 43 which is formed and mounted for relative axial

forces which tend to pull gates 56 and 57 towards each other

in order to maintain the gates in closed position. Thus, the
frustoconical shape of the pulling head engaging means and
the pulling head tends to lock the gates into interference fit
with the pulling head to insure a positive engagement of the

reciprocation in the direction of elongation of the tendons. As

illustrated in FIG. 4, the cylinder 43 is stationary and piston 42
moves from its position, as illustrated, to the right, which
causes elongation of the tendons. As will also be readily un

derstood, the other piston and cylinder combinations could be

employed wherein the cylinder or outer housing might be

pulling head.

movable relative to an inner stationary piston. The movable

tive to the longitudinal axis of the bore 46, it is preferable to

construct the jacking device of the present invention with an
gular aligning means such as cylindrical bars 71 and 72 which

In order to maintain the angular alignment of piston 42 rela

member of the ram and ram housing, in this case ram or piston

42, has pulling head engaging means, generally designated 44,

are mounted for reciprocation with piston 42 through guide

secured thereto for movement therewith. The ram and ram

housing are formed with a passageway 46, here illustrated as a

members 73 and 74 secured to housing 43. Bars 71 are

mounted for movement with piston 42 by securement to arms
76 and 77 which in turn are fastened by fasteners 63 to the
piston. As may best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, guide bars 71

cylindrical bore, terminating in a pulling head receiving open

ing 47, with opening 47 and passageway 46 formed and
dimensioned to allow insertion of tendon portions 17 with
pulling head 27 mounted thereon into passageway 46 to a
position allowing engaging means 44 to be brought into en

and 72 will prevent rotation of cylinder 42 about central lon

gitudinal axis 54. This kind of angular rotation is sometimes

gagement with pulling head 27 for tensioning of the tendons. 20 encountered when cablelike or strand-type tendons are em
The jacking device is also provided with hydraulic driving
ployed, since elongation of these strands tend to unwind the
tendons and induce twisting or turning of the jacking device.
means 48 (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) operatively connected
to the piston and cylinder and formed to cause the movable
As above described, the jacking device of the present inven
tion is normally used to simultaneously tension a substantial
portion of the piston and its housing to be driven in a direction
causing tensioning of the tendons. Jack supporting means 49 25 number of tendons having diameters on the order of about
onehalf inch. Accordingly, the jacking device must be quite
secured to the stationary portion of the piston and cylinder
massive and provisions for manipulating the jacking device
and formed for engagement of a support to allow application
of jacking forces to pulling head 27 is also provided.
through the use of a crane or similar equipment is preferable.
In order to enhance the efficiency of jacking device 41, it is
A center hole ram having a 400 ton loading capacity will typi
preferably that passageway 46 be formed to extend from the 30 cally weigh about 4,000 lbs. Accordingly, it is preferable to
end 51, which faces the anchorage, completely through the
provide a manipulating structure such as two yoke members
78 and 79 connected by bar 81 having an opening 82 therein
jacking device to end 52, which faces away from the
for receipt of a crane or hoist connection 83. Yokes 78 and 79
anchorage. Thus, the pulling head may be inserted from end
are secured to housing 43 by means of pins 84 and 86.
51 through the jacking device until it protrudes past end 52
In order to support the jacking means of pins 84 and 86.
which allows the jacking device to be positioned between the 35
In order to support the jacking device of the present inven
point of applying tensioning forces to the tendons and the ten
tion for application of tensioning forces to pulling head 27 and
don anchorage 18. While this construction affords additional
tendons 11, a jack stand, best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, is secured
important advantages to the jacking device of the present in
to end 51 of the ram housing. The jack stand is here illustrated
vention, it is also within the scope of the present invention to
form passageway 46 so that it does not entend to end 52 and to 40 to be comprised of four L-shaped axially protruding members
87-90 having end surfaces 92 which are formed to engage

position pulling head engaging means 44 in passageway 46 at a

anchor plate 19 or end member 29. The jack supporting

means is secured to housing 43 by means of removable
fasteners 93 which would allow for removal of the jacking
second opening 53 and pulling head engaging means 44 is
positioned beyond and adjacent to opening 53 for engagement 45 device and the second ram, hereinafter described.
Since the tendon anchorages which are typically employed
of the pulling head 27 upon advancement to opening 53 and
to secure a plurality of tendons in a cluster are most often
past engaging means 44.
formed with a plurality of wedges, such as wedges 22, it is ad
In order to facilitate the rapid engagement and disengage
ditionally preferable to form the present jacking device with
ment of the pulling head by the jacking device of the present
means for actuating the plurality of wedges into simultaneous
invention, it is preferable to construct the pulling head engag
uniform gripping of the tendons once tendon tensioning forces
ing means with at least one gate member 56, and as illustrated,
have been attained. Accordingly, mounted on the front end of
a second gate member 57, best seen in FIG. 5. Gate members
the jacking device of the present invention is a second piston
56 and 57 are formed with a pulling head engaging surface 58,
location between end 52 and the front opening 47.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the passageway 46 terminates in a

which is preferably frustoconical, and are mounted for move

and cylinder which is formed as a center hole or ring-type ram,

ment in a direction transverse to the central axis of

generally designated I01. Ring ram 101 is formed of a

passageway 46. As illustrated in FIG. 5 gate 56 is positioned to

allow pulling head 27 to be inserted past gate 56, and gate 57
has been slidably urged to superimpose surface 58 over open
ing 53 to prevent withdrawal of pulling head 27 from the 60

cylinder 102 and movable piston 103 mounted for axial ad

vancement in the direction opposite to the direction of elonga

jacking device. This transverse movement of the gates may be

achieved by providing gates 56 and 57 with tongue portions 59

and 60 (see FIG. 4), which are formed ride in tracks 61 and
62, which are in turn bolted to the jacking device by fasteners

tion of the tendons. The second ram is formed to apply a load

ing force against the anchorage wedges 22, preferably through

plate member 29 in the alignment means, whereby the wedges
22 are uniformly and simultaneously urged into a positive
gripping of tendons 11 prior to and during release of the ten
sioning forces generated by main piston 42. Ring ram 301

63 and cylindrical L-shaped ?ange 64. Secured to gates 56 65 must also be formed with a central passageway 104 which al
lows advancement of the pulling head 27, tendon portion 17
and 57 are manually engageable handles 66 and 67 which
and preferably aligning means 26 into the passageway 46.
allow the gates to be selectively urged to open or closed posi
The hydraulic system suitable for operation of the tension
tion. As will be understood, the opening and closing of the
gates can be effected hydraulically or through other mechani
cal linkage.

'

As best may be seen in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the

pulling head engaging means and the pulling head be formed
with mating frustoconical bearing surfaces. Thus, surface 58

ing ram and wedge actuating ram can correspond to those typ
70 ically employed in jacking devices heretofore used in tension

ing tendons. Brie?y, the hydraulic system consists of a fluid

may be seen to be formed to engage surface 68 on the pulling

pressure source and controlling means 48 having connections

I06 and 107 to the ?rst or tensioning ram and connections
108 and 109 to the anchorage actuating ring ram. Referring to

head. This construction will result in the axial forces which are

FIG. 4, it will be understood that when ?uid is forced through

7..

3,647,184

hose 109 into passageway riiZild behind piston 103, piston

103 will move from right to left while ?uid is exhausted from

vspace 113 out passageway 112 and through hose 108.

Similarly, connection 106 is provided with a bore 114 which
communicates with space 116 behind piston 42. Connection
107 is secured to a bore 115 which communicates with space
117. Thus, when ?uid is introduced in space 116 and evacu
ated from space 117, piston 42 will be driven from its present
position to the right, as viewed in FIG. 4. The reversal of the

introduction of ?uid will correspondingly cause the piston to

be driven in the opposite direction for relaxing of tensioning

forces. Cylinder 43 and piston 42 and cylinder 102 and piston
103 are provided with suitable means for con?ning the

hydraulic ?uid in the respective spaces between the pistons

the diameter of bore 137 in gate 56. Moreover, when this type
of construction is used it is preferable to remove a portion 138
of tubes 28 in order to insure that the tubes will pass inside
bore 137 in the gate member. The notch portion 138 of the
tubes can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. The tendon aligning
means of the present invention may also additionally be pro
vided with stiffeners 139 welded or otherwise fastened to
tubes 28 to assist in guiding the tubes and reinforcing the

overall cartridge structure.

Having set forth the apparatus of the present invention, the

operation of this apparatus and the method of the present in
vention can be more fully described. In most instances, ten

dons will be positioned in a series of parallel adjacent clusters

(herein referred to as tensioning stations). Thus, if there are

and cylinders, such as O-rings mounted at positions 121-124.

50 or 100 adjacent tensioning stations, which must be ten
Referring now to FIGS. 1,2 and 3, the tendon aligning ' sioned at one or possibly both ends of the cluster of tendons,
device of the present invention can be described in greater
the advantage of the apparatus and method of the present in
vention can be readily appreciated.
detail. In order to properly space pulling head 27 a sufficient
distance from anchor plate 19 to allow jacking device 41 to be 20 The concrete member 12 will be formed with a plurality of
passageways 13 to receive the clusters of tendons with a
positioned between the pulling head and anchor place, tubes
passageway at each work station. Bearing plates 14 will be cast
28 are selected of a length to position end plates 29 and 31 to
into the member 12, and tendons, cut to predetermined
act as a spacer. Thus, if the aligning means is mounted on ten
lengths, will be inserted into the passageway 13 for secure
don portion 17, pulling head 27 will always be mounted on
tendon portion 17, a sufficient spaced distance from anchor 25 ment at both ends by suitable anchorage means. When
anchorage 18 is employed, tendon portion 17 will extend a
plate 19 so as to insure that the tensioning ram may be posi

tioned betweenthe pulling head and anchorage for tensioning

substantial distance beyond bearing plate 14. Anchor plates

of the tendons. Tubes 28 act as the body of the aligning means

to provide guide passageways, in this instance each

18 will be mounted on the tendons adjacent to and bearing

upon plate 14. Then wedges 22 will be mounted on the ten

passageway receiving three tendons, which extend from the 30 dons and urged loosely into frustoconical bores 21 leaving
portion 17 extending beyond the anchorage. Next, aligning
anchorage to the pulling head to maintain the tendons in
means 26 will be threaded onto portion 17 with pulling head
aligned spaced relatively ?xed relation for the full distance
27 being ?tted on portion 17 thereafter. Wedges 36 will ?nally
between the anchorage and the pulling head. This is important
be secured to the tendons and urged loosely into the bores 34
in order to insure that the tensioning forces applied at the
remote pulling head 27 are in alignment with the axis of the 35 in the pulling head. It is preferable that four or ?ve stations be
set up as above described with the anchor plates, aligning
tendons at the anchorage and wedges 2,2. The aligning means
means and pulling head mounted thereon, with an additional
in effect is a cartridge for unitizing the tendons into a con
?ve to 10 stations being set up with the anchor plates only
veniently manipulatable and readily engageable structure for
mounted thereon. The jacking device, related equipment and
the above~described jacking device. The body portion of the
skilled personnel are not required for any of the steps above
cartridge, therefore, has a peripheral con?guration formed
and dimensioned to allow insertion of a substantial length of

the cartridge with tensioning portion 17 mounted therein into

outlined.
The stations are now ready for serial or consecutive tension

ing of the tendons by a single jacking device. The jacking

device is brought into proximity with the pulling head end of
formed with a cruciform periphery having protruding portions 45 one station, and the pulling head and aligning device up to
plate 29 is inserted past the jack stand, ring ram 101 down
131. These protrusions extend between jack stand or chairs
bore 46 and out bore 137 until pulling head 27 is positioned
87-90 and are engaged on the back surface 132 thereof by the
beyond surface 58 of the jack engaging means. Gates 56and
piston 103 of ring ram 101. Thus, upon urging by ring ram 101
57 are open to allow passage of the pulling head therebeyond
against surface 132, plate 29 will be urged towards plate 19
and closed after such passage to prevent withdrawal of the
forcing wedges 22, which engage the front surface of plate 29
pulling head. The jack stand front surfaces 92 pass beyond
adjacent to opening 133, into frustoconical bores 21. Bores
plate 29 through the spaces between projections 131 and en
133 are. as may be seen in FIG. 1, suf?ciently large to allow
gage anchor plate 19, while ring ram piston 103 will engage
passage of tendon portion 17 but small enough to insure en
plate 29. Wedges 36 are then urged tightly into bores 34 to
gagement of wedges 22.
55
grip tendon portion 17, and hydraulic ram driving means 48
Secured to the back side of plate 29 is a second plate 1341.
the central bore 46 ofjacking device 41.
As best may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, end member 29 is

Plate 134 is formed to have a diameter which is substantially

actuated to drive piston 42 from its position in FIG. 4 to the

equal to the diameter of passageway 46 whereby the aligning

right, causing axial elongation of tendons 17. The axial loading

can be measured by means of the elongation of tendons l7

means is seated with plate 134 recessed into passageway 46
and plate 29 acting as a stop means against further axial ad 60 and checked against the ?uid pressure in the hydraulic actuat
ing means 48. When the predetermined elongation and axial
vancement of the aligning means into the jacking device.

loading is achieved, ring ram 101 is actuated and piston 103

Fasteners 136 hold plates 29 and 134 together, although other
drives plate 29 into wedges 22 causing them to be urged into
fastening devices could be used. It should be noted also that
positive locking engagement with tendons 17, whereupon
the fasteners 136 do not protrude beyond the front surface of
plate 29 a sufficient distance to interfere with the seating of 65 piston 42 may be driven toward the anchorage releasing the
wedges 22 in frustoconical bores 21.
tensioning forces which are now taken up or assumed by
Intermediate ends 29 and 31, it is preferable to provide a
wedges 22 in anchorage 18. The gates may then be opened
and the jacking device pulled back 01? the cartridge and
plate member 32 having a diameter slightly less than the
diameter of bore 46 to act as a guide means for maintaining
moved to the next station whereupon the procedure above
cartridge 26 positioned substantially in the > center of 70 described is repeated. After one or two stations are tensioned,
the pulling head and tendon aligning means at the ?rst stations
passageway 46 over its entire length. Thus,- guide 32 acts as an
can be removed and mounted at a subsequent tensioning sta
intermediate support of tubes 28 and rides along bore 26 in
tion ahead of the progress of the ram. Thus, as the ram is being
the jacking device to support the tendons and cartridge at the
employed to tension tendons, new cartridges and pulling
approximate center of the passageway. End plate 31 is formed
with an external or peripheral diameter which corresponds to 75 heads can be mounted on still further stations so that the

3,647,184

jacking device is constantly being used in tensioning tendons

and not being held in the ?eld while these tendons are
threaded into thejack or rain,

It should be noted that seating plate 29 acts to prevent alig

ning means 26 from axially traveling in the direction of elon
gation of the tendons during the tensioning process.
in most concrete structures, portions 1] will be sheared off

tendons ill at a position adjacent to wedges 2i and the entire

anchorage may be subsequently cast into concrete. This shear

2. in a jacking device for the tensioning a plurality of ten

dons having a pulling head mounted thereon securing said ten

dons for simultaneous tensioning, said jacking devices includ

ing a ram and ram housing formed and mounted for relative
reciprocation and formed with a passageway therethrough,
hydraulic driving means operatively connected to said ram
and ram housing to cause relative reciprocation thereof, and

jack supporting means formed to support said jacking device

for relative reciprocation of said ram and ram housing and ap

ing operation can be accomplished by mechanical cutting 10 plication of tensioning forces to said tendons, the improve
devices or by burning the portions off through the use of a

cutting torch.
The construction of the apparatus of the present invention
can be readily accomplished through the use of standard prac
tices. The ram is preferably constructed from alloy steels

which are commonly presently employed in such jacking

devices, with the use of standard auxiliary hydraulic equip
ment to effect seals of the cylinder and pistons. The cartridge
structure of the aligning device of the present invention can be
formed of a plurality of tubes, preferably aluminum for ease in

manipulation, which are secured together by welding or other

fasteners with plates and gussets which are also aluminum.

Wedge eating plate 29, however, is preferably formed of steel

(1040) in order to increase its wear resistance during engage

ment comprising:
a. said passageway being formed and dimensioned for

receipt and passage of said tendons with said pulling head

mounted thereon down said passageway to a positionfor

engagement of said pulling head by said jacking device;

b. pulling head engaging means secured to a moveable
member of said ram and ram housing and positioned ad

jacent said passageway, said pulling head engaging means

being formed for passage of said tendons and pulling head
there beyond to said position, and said pulling head en
gagement means being formed for engagement of said

pulling head and application of jacking forces thereto

upon relative movement of said pulling head and said
pulling head engaging means from a position allowing
passage of said tendons and pulling head beyond said
pulling head engaging means to a position- preventing
withdrawal of said tendons and said pulling head from
said passageway.

25
ment of wedges 22.
For a 400-ton, iii-inch stroke center hole ram weight will
vary between approximately 3,000 and 4,000 lbs. and the car
tridge length will be approximately 40 to 50 inches. Center
3. A jacking device as de?ned in claim i for use with a
hole 46 may be about 10 inches in diameter and the internal
pulling head means having a bearing plate member with a
diameter of the tubes 28 may be about 1% inches. As will be

readily understood, these dimensions may vary considerably

with the size of the ram and the number of tendons which are
to tensioned. As the number of tendons to be tensioned in

creases, the diameter of the tensioning station may also in 35

crease and require a larger center hole in the ram. The pulling

head is preferably formed of the same type of high-strength

steel as is the anchorage and pulling head engaging gatev
What is claimed is:
1. A jacking device for use with a tendon gripping pulling
head means in simultaneously tensioning a plurality of tendons
to be secured by an anchor means, said tendons having por

tions extending beyond said anchor means and said pulling

head means being mounted on said portions, comprising:

peripheral concaveiy formed frustoconical bearing surface

wherein,

said pulling head engaging surface is formed as a convexly

protruding frustoconical surface formed to mate with said

bearing surface.
4. A jacking device as defined in claim i wherein,
said rain and ram housing are provided with angular align
ment means for guiding the movable member of said ram

and ram housing in a predetermined angular alignment

relative to the central axis of said passageway during

reciprocation thereof.
5. Ajacking device as defined in claim )1 and a second ram

formed and mounted for reciprocation relative to the stationa

ry member of said first ram and ram housing, hydraulic ram
a. a ram and ram housing formed and mounted for relative 45
driving means operatively connected to said second ram, said
axial reciprocation; said ram and ram housing being
second ram and hydraulic means being formed for applying a
formed with a passageway extending therethrough and
loading force in a direction opposite to the direction of elon
terminating at one end in a pulling head receiving open
gation of said tendons, said second ram being positioned on
ing and at a second end in a second opening, said ?rst
the end of said first ram and ram housing facing said anchor
named opening, said passageway and said second opening 50 means upon mounting of said jacking device on said tendons
being formed and dimensioned to allow insertion of said
and being formed to allow said tendons and pulling head
tendons with said pulling head means mounted thereon

through said ?rst-named opening, down said passageway

and beyond said second opening;
b. pulling head engaging means secured to the moveable
member of said ram and ram housing and positioned ad

jacent and beyond said second opening, said engaging

means being formed with at least one gate member having

a pulling head engaging surface, said gate member being

mounted for movement in a direction allowing passage of 60

means to be advanced into said passageway, said second ram

being further formed to urge a portion of said anchor means

into gripping engagement of said tendons prior to release of

tensioning forces generated by said ?rst ram and ram housing.
6. Ajacking device as defined in claim 5 wherein,
said second ram is formed with a bore therethrough, said

bore being positioned in alignment with said passageway

during reciprocation of said second ram and being dimen

position superimposing said surface over said second

opening for engagement with said puiling head means to

sioned for advancement of said tendons and pulling head

means therethrough.
7. A jacking device as defined in claim 11 for use with a ten
don aligning means demountable positioned on said tendon

selectively prevent and allow withdrawal of said pulling

portions between said anchor member and said pulling head

said pulling head means through said second opening to a

head means from said jacking device and to releasably en 65 means wherein,
gage said pulling head means for the transfer of jacking
said passageway is formed and dimensioned to receive said

forces thereto;
c. hydraulic driving means operatively connected to said
ram and ram housing and formed to cause the moveable
member of said ram and ram housing to be driven in a 70

tendons with said aligning means mounted thereon, and

said jacking device is provided with anchorage actuating

means formed to engage said aligning means to urge a

of said ram and ram housing for engagement of a support

portion thereof into engagement with said anchor means

to insure actuation of said anchor means into gripping en
gagement of said tendons.
3. Ajacking device as de?ned in claim 7 wherein,

member to allow application of jacking forces to said

75
pulling head means.

said anchorage actuating means is provided by a center hole

ram axially aligned with said passageway.

direction causing tensioning of said tendons; and

jack supporting means secured to the stationary member