Explore our site
Memberships & Affiliations
Explore our site
Memberships & Affiliations
New Cable
Restraint Barriers
Vehicle Restraint
Systems Maintenance &
Upgrade
Post Tensioning
Aplications
Post Tensioning
Repairs &
Alterations
Cable Supported
Structures
Blast Protection
& Progressive
Collapse
BENEFITS OF CABLE BARRIER SYSTEMS
BARRIER CABLES ARE
ENGINEERED SYSTEMS
Beyond their visual appeal, vehicular barrier cables are the lightest and most structurally effective vehicle restraint/guardrail system for parking garages. Properly designed, its cost per foot is typically less than precast or CIP concrete barriers and always cheaper than fabricated metal guard rails. Beyond the direct cost per square foot comparison, additional indirect initial investment costs and life cycle economies, the advantages of the Cable Barrier are:
• The Nearly weightless barrier system reduces the dead load resulting in cost savings throughout the structure from foundations to columns to beams.
• They Maximize use of natural daylight and reduce the energy use of the structure.
• It Allows for natural ventilation so the needs for forced ventilation systems are saved or greatly reduced.
• There is a saving on the fire-protection systems as open structures usually do not require a sprinkler system.
• They are the greenest type of barrier systems when accounting for all the usage in construction materials and energy for construction itself when compared to other systems.
Vehicular Barrier Cables are designed to comply with the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for pedestrian guards and vehicular restraints. The most cost effective design is achieved when using all the building columns as the posts for the system and end anchoring. Although the pre-tensioning force is fairly low (2-7 Kips controlled by the anti-sag check), cables may reach loads in excess of 20 Kips upon impact which explains the absolute need for back-stressing to secure the anchors at the highest anticipated load. A design criterion often forgotten is the maximum deflection of the barrier when impacted. This design check will limit the size of the longest span or require the use of intermediate anchors.
In Steel buildings, the horizontal load cables imposed to the columns might not be allowable or may require specific strengthening and stiffening. This might result in Barrier Cable systems being removed at the design stage in favor of traditional steel or concrete barriers.
Vehicular barrier cables are engineered systems, although hardware and components may be the same, the system shall be analyzed and designed on a case by case basis to insure performance. Calculation notes and project specific shop drawings are a must for any project!
PEDESTRIAN FALL
PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
TEMPORARY VEHICLE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Due to their extremely high structural efficiency and value, high strength cable systems can be used effectively for pedestrian fall protection by creating barriers through the combined used with Chain Link Fence or as a railing atop low concrete spandrels.
Sometimes, due to construction phasing of a garage project or the expansion of an existing garage it becomes necessary to provide temporary vehicle restraint systems while the permanent barriers need to be taken down for the work or while the next phase is being constructed. Here again, barrier cable systems are the lightest and most effective solution to achieve these goals.
BOLLARDS
FENCE INFILL PANELS
When runs are too short, no structural member is available for end support or pedestrians need to pass through a vehicle restraint system, Steel Bollards spaced at 4’6” can be a suitable design strategy to complement a Vehicular Barrier Cable System. As a turnkey specialty contractor, BCSI also offers fabrication & installation of Galvanized Steel Bollards conceived to match the aspect and blend with the rest of the vehicle restraint barrier systems.
In some Precast Parking Structures, when openings between panels do not exceed 4’6” and the precast panels act as the primary vehicle restraint system (resisting direct impact in the same manner Bollards would…), prefabricated chain link fence or mesh panels can be used in order to resolve the pedestrian fall protection code requirements. Barrier Cable Systems, Inc. manufactures and installs such panel based barriers completing its line of parking garage barrier systems.
INSPECTION & ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Damaged or non-compliant guardrail systems expose parking garage owners and operators to liabilities should anyone be injured. Law suits and damages can cost thousands of dollars in cases of injury or possible death from a fall accident resulting from the lack of proper code mandated protection. Lack of maintenance for an extended period has been used to add charges for negligence which make liabilities even greater and may even involve personal responsibilities.
Owners and operators need to realize that guardrails are essential to the safety of the facility users and need to be maintained properly so the building remains serviceable. Handyman repair shown in the photos to the right do not restore the structural capacity of the barrier cable and are a worthless investment that will not resolve the problem.
Barrier cables are an engineered systems and their design requires calculations by an experienced Professional Engineer for each specific structure, it is not an off the shelf solution! When it comes to Barrier Cables, only a Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) certified technician has the training, experience and special hydraulic tools needed to properly stress and back-stress cables to a precise load so to insure their performance according to the design.
Corrosion damaged plastic sheathed stravnd.
Corrosion damaged plastic sheathed strand.
Old repair with un-approved components resulting in a deficient vehicle restraint.
Old repair with un-approved components resulting in a deficient vehicle restraint.
What can Barrier Cable Systems, Inc offer you?
Barrier Cable Systems is our core activity complemented by other technologically related applications such as Post-Tensioning and cable structures. Our staff and technicians are PTI trained and certified and perform Barrier Cable installation and repairs on a daily basis. We see a large variety of structures and problems and possess the knowledge and experience to solve issues in the most cost effective way and with a guarantee of compliance with the governing building codes and guidelines.`
We offer expert advice and professional services that solve Barrier Cable problems the right way to return the structure safe and eliminate owner and operator exposure to risks and liabilities. When it comes to existing structures, our services include:
CABLE BARRIER SYSTEMS UPGRADES
REPLACEMENT OF PRECAST OR CMU PARAPETS
Modifications to IBC guardrail requirements makes the old 7 cable vehicular systems unfit as pedestrian barriers or vehicle restraints. We developed several options for conversion/upgrades so to achieve compliance with the new standards and avoid liabilities.
Restoring code compliance of older barriers can be achieved through the addition of cables, creation of new intermediate supports or anchoring locations as well through the proper addition of a Chain Link fence to resolve Pedestrian Safety concerns.
Adding Barrier Cables to existing structures can be a great way to supplement old parapets uncappable of vehicle restraint or as a replacement to an existing precast spandrel system. Barrier Cable Systems, Inc. can assess, custom engineer, fabricate and install such systems as a turnkey service.
Bridge Post-Tensioning
BCSI can design, supply, and install bridge post-tensioning systems using monostrand, multi-strand or bar based tendon systems for small and medium bridges or buildings.
Additional Post-Tensioning & Strengthening
Additional Post-Tensioning is an active strengthening method consisting of introducing forces that oppose the permanent and/or live loads. This technique can be applied in most cases in highly congested areas and is the only technique that can be used to relieve over-stressed structures. This application is extremely cost effective for large structural members and for heavy alterations such as transfer girders which are required when columns are being removed in a structure. They can be applied to virtually any structure and any material such as concrete, steel, or timber. As shown in the photos below, Additional PT can be installed in congested areas, under operation with minimal disruption, dust or noise. It can be successfully implemented to all sorts of structures including industrial, buildings, and bridges.
Circular Structures, Large Diameter Pipes and Silos
Post-Tensioning is extremely effective in strengthening circular structures (tanks, silos and pipelines) that require additional strength due to deterioration or change of use. Cables applied externally induce compression in the cylinder walls that impede cracking from its deterioration or to allow for a higher pressure or denser contents.
Post-tensioned concrete construction represents an important and growing percentage of today’s building structures. Tendons supporting these structures may be damaged over time by corrosion or accidentally during rehabilitation/alteration works. BCSI has the experience, specialty hardware, and equipment to:
• Precisely locate tendon paths and strand break position using advanced electromagnetic detection tools
• Investigate and assess Post-Tensioned tendons and structures including visual, lift-offs, or tension measurements
• Perform repairs to re-splice and re-stress damaged tendons to preserve the structural stability and strength
• Perform repairs and alteration on old or exotic post-tensioning systems such as button head wires, 3/8″ and 6/10″ strands or precast prestressed structural elements.
Additional Post-Tensioning & Strengthening
Additional Post-Tensioning & Strengthening
BCSI has the ability to design and implement all types of structural modifications to Post-Tensioned structures and specially Post-Tensioned floors. Planning and executing a new stair opening in an existing building with PT slabs takes a lot more careful planning and expertise. BCSI can assist engineers to define the most efficient way to execute these structure alterations and implement them with the skill and attention to detail that these sensitive operations require.
Our services include investigation and assessment of existing Post-Tensioning systems in order to determine their condition, evaluate the forces still active, and to recommend repair or strengthening strategies. BCSI designs and produces a special PT cable tension gage that allows structural engineers to collect actual force data in the tendons. This allows for condition assessments and safety evaluations by executing a side pull with no need to access the anchors or a full depth demolition or opening. The patented equipment features a fully digital control, acquisition, and displays for the highest degree of accuracy.
Suspended bridges are highly cost effective and visually appealing structures that have a need for the same high strength cable materials and anchoring devices. Relaying on its expertise in Post-Tensioning and Cable Structures, BCSI is developing a complete range of specialty hardware geared towards the construction of small suspended structures and bridges. Using the same galvanized high strength strand cables and wedge based anchoring mechanisms we can build small pedestrian suspended structures far more efficient and durable than the old wire rope cables and rigging hardware still prevailing in today’s small bridge market.
Façade & Window Catchment Cable Systems
When a structure is subjected to a blast wave resulting from an accidental or intentional explosion on the outside of the building, the skin of the building is subjected to extreme high pressures that may blow the exterior and windows into the occupied spaces of the building. During these events, the building elements can become deadly shrapnel and increase the damage of such event. Cable Catchment systems are Engineered Blast Mitigation systems that are designed to limit the consequences of a blast. This is done by limiting the size and amount of elements that are susceptible to being propelled into the occupied space.
A catchment system is made of cables pitched to limit the size of the potentially projected façade elements and can be combined with a steel mesh to create a net that can catch blocks and large debris while allowing the energy and limitation of forces applied to the building frame/structure to dissipate. The main advantage of such an application is the fact that it makes existing façade and window systems (including historical structures) safer without replacement or an upgrade. Using high strength materials and hardware derived from its vehicular restraint systems, BCSI can design and implement Cable Catchment Systems adapted to each specific structure and client need
Progressive Collapse Mitigation / Alternate Load Paths
The principal risk factor that leads to a potential progressive collapse of structures is the accidental or intentional removal of a load-bearing element such a column. In order to prevent the possible disastrous effects of such a systemic structure failure (domino effect) it is essential to engineer redundant load paths into the structure so it can find stability (although it may be damaged beyond repair) for a time sufficient to evacuate the occupants and prevent catastrophic loss of life.
High strength steel cables are an optimal tool in Progressive Collapse Mitigation. Their extremely high strength to weight ratio allows strengthening of structures by creating a truss mechanism without significant addition of weight and in the most cost effective manner.
The GIF to the right illustrates one way to achieve the stabilization of a structure with high strength cables in the event of perimeter columns being significantly damaged by an event.
Capabilities
New Cable Restraint Barriers
BENEFITS OF CABLE BARRIER SYSTEMS
Beyond their visual appeal, vehicular barrier cables are the lightest and most structurally effective vehicle restraint/guardrail system for parking garages. Properly designed, its cost per foot is typically less than precast or CIP concrete barriers and always cheaper than fabricated metal guard rails. Beyond the direct cost per square foot comparison, additional indirect initial investment costs and life cycle economies, the advantages of the Cable Barrier are:
• The Nearly weightless barrier system reduces the dead load resulting in cost savings throughout the structure from foundations to columns to beams.
• They Maximize use of natural daylight and reduce the energy use of the structure.
• It Allows for natural ventilation so the needs for forced ventilation systems are saved or greatly reduced.
• There is a saving on the fire-protection systems as open structures usually do not require a sprinkler system.
• They are the greenest type of barrier systems when accounting for all the usage in construction materials and energy for construction itself when compared to other systems.
BARRIER CABLES ARE
ENGINEERED SYSTEMS
Vehicular Barrier Cables are designed to comply with the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for pedestrian guards and vehicular restraints. The most cost effective design is achieved when using all the building columns as the posts for the system and end anchoring. Although the pre-tensioning force is fairly low (2-7 Kips controlled by the anti-sag check), cables may reach loads in excess of 20 Kips upon impact which explains the absolute need for back-stressing to secure the anchors at the highest anticipated load. A design criterion often forgotten is the maximum deflection of the barrier when impacted. This design check will limit the size of the longest span or require the use of intermediate anchors.
In Steel buildings, the horizontal load cables imposed to the columns might not be allowable or may require specific strengthening and stiffening. This might result in Barrier Cable systems being removed at the design stage in favor of traditional steel or concrete barriers.
Vehicular barrier cables are engineered systems, although hardware and components may be the same, the system shall be analyzed and designed on a case by case basis to insure performance. Calculation notes and project specific shop drawings are a must for any project!
PEDESTRIAN FALL
PROTECTION SOLUTIONS
Due to their extremely high structural efficiency and value, high strength cable systems can be used effectively for pedestrian fall protection by creating barriers through the combined used with Chain Link Fence or as a railing atop low concrete spandrels.
TEMPORARY VEHICLE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
Sometimes, due to construction phasing of a garage project or the expansion of an existing garage it becomes necessary to provide temporary vehicle restraint systems while the permanent barriers need to be taken down for the work or while the next phase is being constructed. Here again, barrier cable systems are the lightest and most effective solution to achieve these goals.
BOLLARDS
When runs are too short, no structural member is available for end support or pedestrians need to pass through a vehicle restraint system, Steel Bollards spaced at 4’6” can be a suitable design strategy to complement a Vehicular Barrier Cable System. As a turnkey specialty contractor, BCSI also offers fabrication & installation of Galvanized Steel Bollards conceived to match the aspect and blend with the rest of the vehicle restraint barrier systems.
FENCE INFILL PANELS
In some Precast Parking Structures, when openings between panels do not exceed 4’6” and the precast panels act as the primary vehicle restraint system (resisting direct impact in the same manner Bollards would…), prefabricated chain link fence or mesh panels can be used in order to resolve the pedestrian fall protection code requirements. Barrier Cable Systems, Inc. manufactures and installs such panel based barriers completing its line of parking garage barrier systems.
Vehicle Restraint Systems Maintenance & Upgrade
INSPECTION & ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Damaged or non-compliant guardrail systems expose parking garage owners and operators to liabilities should anyone be injured. Law suits and damages can cost thousands of dollars in cases of injury or possible death from a fall accident resulting from the lack of proper code mandated protection. Lack of maintenance for an extended period has been used to add charges for negligence which make liabilities even greater and may even involve personal responsibilities.
Owners and operators need to realize that guardrails are essential to the safety of the facility users and need to be maintained properly so the building remains serviceable. Handyman repair shown in the photos to the right do not restore the structural capacity of the barrier cable and are a worthless investment that will not resolve the problem.
Barrier cables are an engineered systems and their design requires calculations by an experienced Professional Engineer for each specific structure, it is not an off the shelf solution! When it comes to Barrier Cables, only a Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) certified technician has the training, experience and special hydraulic tools needed to properly stress and back-stress cables to a precise load so to insure their performance according to the design.
What can Barrier Cable Systems, Inc offer you?
Barrier Cable Systems is our core activity complemented by other technologically related applications such as Post-Tensioning and cable structures. Our staff and technicians are PTI trained and certified and perform Barrier Cable installation and repairs on a daily basis. We see a large variety of structures and problems and possess the knowledge and experience to solve issues in the most cost effective way and with a guarantee of compliance with the governing building codes and guidelines.`
We offer expert advice and professional services that solve Barrier Cable problems the right way to return the structure safe and eliminate owner and operator exposure to risks and liabilities. When it comes to existing structures, our services include:
CABLE BARRIER SYSTEMS UPGRADES
Modifications to IBC guardrail requirements makes the old 7 cable vehicular systems unfit as pedestrian barriers or vehicle restraints. We developed several options for conversion/upgrades so to achieve compliance with the new standards and avoid liabilities.
Restoring code compliance of older barriers can be achieved through the addition of cables, creation of new intermediate supports or anchoring locations as well through the proper addition of a Chain Link fence to resolve Pedestrian Safety concerns.
REPLACEMENT OF PRECAST OR CMU PARAPETS
Adding Barrier Cables to existing structures can be a great way to supplement old parapets uncappable of vehicle restraint or as a replacement to an existing precast spandrel system. Barrier Cable Systems, Inc. can assess, custom engineer, fabricate and install such systems as a turnkey service.
Post Tensioning Applications
Bridge Post-Tensioning
BCSI can design, supply, and install bridge post-tensioning systems using monostrand, multi-strand or bar based tendon systems for small and medium bridges or buildings.
Additional Post-Tensioning & Strengthening
Additional Post-Tensioning is an active strengthening method consisting of introducing forces that oppose the permanent and/or live loads. This technique can be applied in most cases in highly congested areas and is the only technique that can be used to relieve over-stressed structures. This application is extremely cost effective for large structural members and for heavy alterations such as transfer girders which are required when columns are being removed in a structure. They can be applied to virtually any structure and any material such as concrete, steel, or timber. As shown in the photos below, Additional PT can be installed in congested areas, under operation with minimal disruption, dust or noise. It can be successfully implemented to all sorts of structures including industrial, buildings, and bridges.
Circular Structures, Large Diameter Pipes and Silos
Post-Tensioning is extremely effective in strengthening circular structures (tanks, silos and pipelines) that require additional strength due to deterioration or change of use. Cables applied externally induce compression in the cylinder walls that impede cracking from its deterioration or to allow for a higher pressure or denser contents.
Post Tensioning Repairs & Alterations
Post-tensioned concrete construction represents an important and growing percentage of today’s building structures. Tendons supporting these structures may be damaged over time by corrosion or accidentally during rehabilitation/alteration works. BCSI has the experience, specialty hardware, and equipment to:
• Precisely locate tendon paths and strand break position using advanced electromagnetic detection tools
• Investigate and assess Post-Tensioned tendons and structures including visual, lift-offs, or tension measurements
• Perform repairs to re-splice and re-stress damaged tendons to preserve the structural stability and strength
• Perform repairs and alteration on old or exotic post-tensioning systems such as button head wires, 3/8″ and 6/10″ strands or precast prestressed structural elements.
POST-TENSIONING ALTERATION
BCSI has the ability to design and implement all types of structural modifications to Post-Tensioned structures and specially Post-Tensioned floors. Planning and executing a new stair opening in an existing building with PT slabs takes a lot more careful planning and expertise. BCSI can assist engineers to define the most efficient way to execute these structure alterations and implement them with the skill and attention to detail that these sensitive operations require.
INVESTIGATION AND ASSESSMENT
Our services include investigation and assessment of existing Post-Tensioning systems in order to determine their condition, evaluate the forces still active, and to recommend repair or strengthening strategies. BCSI designs and produces a special PT cable tension gage that allows structural engineers to collect actual force data in the tendons. This allows for condition assessments and safety evaluations by executing a side pull with no need to access the anchors or a full depth demolition or opening. The patented equipment features a fully digital control, acquisition, and displays for the highest degree of accuracy.
Cable Supported Structures
Suspended bridges are highly cost effective and visually appealing structures that have a need for the same high strength cable materials and anchoring devices. Relaying on its expertise in Post-Tensioning and Cable Structures, BCSI is developing a complete range of specialty hardware geared towards the construction of small suspended structures and bridges. Using the same galvanized high strength strand cables and wedge based anchoring mechanisms we can build small pedestrian suspended structures far more efficient and durable than the old wire rope cables and rigging hardware still prevailing in today’s small bridge market.
Blast Protection & Progressive Collapse
Façade & Window Catchment Cable Systems
When a structure is subjected to a blast wave resulting from an accidental or intentional explosion on the outside of the building, the skin of the building is subjected to extreme high pressures that may blow the exterior and windows into the occupied spaces of the building. During these events, the building elements can become deadly shrapnel and increase the damage of such event. Cable Catchment systems are Engineered Blast Mitigation systems that are designed to limit the consequences of a blast. This is done by limiting the size and amount of elements that are susceptible to being propelled into the occupied space.
A catchment system is made of cables pitched to limit the size of the potentially projected façade elements and can be combined with a steel mesh to create a net that can catch blocks and large debris while allowing the energy and limitation of forces applied to the building frame/structure to dissipate. The main advantage of such an application is the fact that it makes existing façade and window systems (including historical structures) safer without replacement or an upgrade. Using high strength materials and hardware derived from its vehicular restraint systems, BCSI can design and implement Cable Catchment Systems adapted to each specific structure and client need
Progressive Collapse Mitigation / Alternate Load Paths
The principal risk factor that leads to a potential progressive collapse of structures is the accidental or intentional removal of a load-bearing element such a column. In order to prevent the possible disastrous effects of such a systemic structure failure (domino effect) it is essential to engineer redundant load paths into the structure so it can find stability (although it may be damaged beyond repair) for a time sufficient to evacuate the occupants and prevent catastrophic loss of life.
High strength steel cables are an optimal tool in Progressive Collapse Mitigation. Their extremely high strength to weight ratio allows strengthening of structures by creating a truss mechanism without significant addition of weight and in the most cost effective manner.
The GIF to the right illustrates one way to achieve the stabilization of a structure with high strength cables in the event of perimeter columns being significantly damaged by an event.
Explore our site
Memberships & Affiliations