Tension member, particularly for use as a diagonal cable in a stayed

Abstract

A tension member is secured at each end to a separate anchoring system for transferring the tensile force from the member to a support structure. The tension member is made up of individual elements disposed in parallel over an axial length located between the ends. After the individual elements are tensioned, open spaces around the elements within the tubular casing are filled with cement grout. Between the tubular casing and each anchoring disc the individual elements extend through and are guided within an anchoring pipe. One end of each anchoring pipe bears against the associated anchoring disc and supports the anchoring disc. A radially outwardly and inwardly projecting annular collar is formed in the anchoring pipe and the collar forms an outwardly extending annular shoulder for transferring the load from the anchoring disc to the support structure. Since the collar is spaced from the anchoring disc, the stress developed due to live loads in the tension member in the axially extending region between the collar and the anchoring disc, is reduced at least in part due to the compressive forces which prevail in this region of the anchoring pipe. Accordingly, alternating stresses caused by live loads do not reach the location where the individual elements are secured to the anchoring disc. Such an arrangement improves the fatigue strength of the tension member.