Assessing with Crossbow Method

Our tool, crossbow, is often used to conduct asset maintenance campaigns and is one of our main tool for studying the robustness of prestressed structures.

Actual tension in post tension cable is an important factor to have an indication about its remaining life.
At Sixense, in order to obtain this tension, we perform what is called the ‘Crossbow test’. It will allow us to compare the actual tension with the designed tension of the cable. In case of potential defects present in the strands, such as rust signs in the wires for instance, obtaining the actual tension shall allow to determine whether such defects are affecting the functionality or integrity of the cable.
While a window needs to be opened to reach the strands, one of the considerable advantages of this test is that it keeps the integrity of the post tension cable’s strands and wires intact. None of the wires of the strands shall be damaged during this test.
Sixense Middle East acquired its own Crossbow over a year ago and our client’s projects greatly benefited from it, as references of projects in which this method was applied includes:
● Four bridges of Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Highway in Bahrain, 2021
● The post-tension cables on girders in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 2021
● The pedestrian bridge on the third ring road in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 2021
● The Alba bridge in Bahrain, 2022

Developed by Sixense Group, this tool offers unique opportunities and brings exclusive data to our clients. If you would like to learn more about it, do not hesitate to contact us.