BBR HiEx CONA strand saddle system
The BBR® HiEx CONA saddle system represents the newest and most modern saddle for stayed and extradosed bridges. The HiEx CONA® saddle system completely eliminates the problems associated with standard friction saddles and, at the same time, allows for a compact and slender pylon. The technical solution results from the combination of the CONA CMI internal PT system with the BBR HiAm CONA strand stay cable system.
Ahead of the pack
The HiEx CONA saddle system completely eliminates the problems associated with standard friction saddles and, at the same time, allows for a compact and slender pylon. The technical solution results from the combination of the BBR VT CONA CMI internal post-tensioning system with the BBR HiAm CONA strand stay cable system.
The installation of a CONA CMI post-tensioning tendon, as a substitute to the traditional friction saddle, creates a compressive environment and provides a fixing point for the stay cable at the pylon. This connection point is realized with the BBR HiEx CONA Sleeve-W which incorporates two access windows to allow wedge inspection, strand-by-strand installation and cable replacement.
Contrary to traditional friction saddles – that try to compensate differential cable forces with friction between the strand and the inner saddle material - the BBR HiEx CONA saddle is a fixed structural point which ensures no-slippage and full load transmission between the stay cable and the saddle.
Saddle configurations
The BBR HiEx CONA Monotube Saddle is our standard saddle configuration which consists of a parallel arrangement of individual guiding systems surrounded by a high strength grout, all enclosed in a curved smooth steel pipe. HDPE-sheathed strands - factory provided with corrosion protection filling material - are inserted through the guiding system and connect to the coupler heads placed at both sides of the pylon. The strands are fully replaceable as there is no bond between the guiding system and the external HDPE of the strands.
Alternatively, BBR HiEx CONA Bundle Saddle consisting of a bundle of bare strands fully bonded/unbonded to the pylon might also be used if permitted at the place of use.