Portable cable force tester that calculates stay-cable tension from natural vibration frequencies, for cable-stayed and suspension bridges.
Overview
The cable force vibration tester is a portable NDT instrument that estimates cable tension from the natural frequencies of stay cables. A high-sensitivity accelerometer is magnetically mounted on the cable; wind or manual excitation induces multi-order vibration, and the instrument samples the acceleration signal at high speed, performs real-time FFT spectrum analysis and automatically identifies the natural frequencies fn (typically the dominant peak). The tension T is then back-calculated from the string-vibration relation T = 4mLfn/n, corrected for line density m, effective length L, mode order n and end conditions. Integrated acquisition, amplification, A/D conversion, display and storage in a rugged waterproof case, it is used for construction monitoring, as-built acceptance and periodic in-service inspection of stay cables, suspenders, external prestressing tendons and long-span spatial cables in cable-stayed, suspension and tied-arch bridges.
Applications
• Road and highway engineering laboratory testing
• Construction material quality control and acceptance
• Research and teaching laboratories
• Third-party inspection and certification bodies
Features
• Large LCD display showing real-time test parameters and results
• IEPE piezoelectric sensor with wide frequency response and built-in preamplifier
• Robust construction suitable for both laboratory and field use
• Compliant with relevant Chinese and international testing standards
• Complete with calibration certificate and operation manual
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Principle | vibration method (natural frequency + string formula) |
| Frequency range | 0.1–1000 Hz |
| Frequency accuracy | ≥0.1% |
| Amplitude accuracy | ≥0.1% |
| Tension measurement error | ≤±3% |
| Sensor | piezoelectric accelerometer (magnetic mount) |
| Sampling rate | 25 Hz–5 kHz, 8 ranges |
| Trigger modes | manual / auto / signal-triggered |
| Input | mechanical vibration acceleration |
| Buffer | 256 KB |
| Amplification | programmable gain |
| Display | colour LCD, real-time time/frequency plots |
| Housing | rugged waterproof field case, portable |
| Applications | cable-stayed/suspension bridges, hangers, external tendons |
Standards
GB/T, JTG, ASTM
Standard Delivery
• Main instrument unit
• Power cable
• Operation manual
• Spare parts kit
FAQ
Q1: What standards does the Cable Force Vibration Tester comply with?
A1: The Cable Force Vibration Tester is designed and manufactured in accordance with relevant Chinese national (GB) and transport industry (JTG) standards, as well as applicable ASTM and AASHTO international standards. A calibration certificate traceable to national standards is provided with each unit.
Q2: How often should the Cable Force Vibration Tester be calibrated?
A2: We recommend annual calibration by authorized technicians or by iRoad after-sales service center. For high-frequency laboratory use, semi-annual calibration is advised. The instrument is supplied with a factory calibration certificate.
Q3: What is the lead time and do you provide training?
A3: Standard units are usually shipped within 7-15 working days. Custom configurations may require 20-30 days. iRoad provides on-site installation, commissioning and operator training for major equipment; remote video guidance is available for standard laboratory instruments.
Overview
The cable force vibration tester is a portable NDT instrument that estimates cable tension from the natural frequencies of stay cables. A high-sensitivity accelerometer is magnetically mounted on the cable; wind or manual excitation induces multi-order vibration, and the instrument samples the acceleration signal at high speed, performs real-time FFT spectrum analysis and automatically identifies the natural frequencies fn (typically the dominant peak). The tension T is then back-calculated from the string-vibration relation T = 4mLfn/n, corrected for line density m, effective length L, mode order n and end conditions. Integrated acquisition, amplification, A/D conversion, display and storage in a rugged waterproof case, it is used for construction monitoring, as-built acceptance and periodic in-service inspection of stay cables, suspenders, external prestressing tendons and long-span spatial cables in cable-stayed, suspension and tied-arch bridges.
Applications
• Road and highway engineering laboratory testing
• Construction material quality control and acceptance
• Research and teaching laboratories
• Third-party inspection and certification bodies
Features
• Large LCD display showing real-time test parameters and results
• IEPE piezoelectric sensor with wide frequency response and built-in preamplifier
• Robust construction suitable for both laboratory and field use
• Compliant with relevant Chinese and international testing standards
• Complete with calibration certificate and operation manual
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Principle | vibration method (natural frequency + string formula) |
| Frequency range | 0.1–1000 Hz |
| Frequency accuracy | ≥0.1% |
| Amplitude accuracy | ≥0.1% |
| Tension measurement error | ≤±3% |
| Sensor | piezoelectric accelerometer (magnetic mount) |
| Sampling rate | 25 Hz–5 kHz, 8 ranges |
| Trigger modes | manual / auto / signal-triggered |
| Input | mechanical vibration acceleration |
| Buffer | 256 KB |
| Amplification | programmable gain |
| Display | colour LCD, real-time time/frequency plots |
| Housing | rugged waterproof field case, portable |
| Applications | cable-stayed/suspension bridges, hangers, external tendons |
Standards
GB/T, JTG, ASTM
Standard Delivery
• Main instrument unit
• Power cable
• Operation manual
• Spare parts kit
FAQ
Q1: What standards does the Cable Force Vibration Tester comply with?
A1: The Cable Force Vibration Tester is designed and manufactured in accordance with relevant Chinese national (GB) and transport industry (JTG) standards, as well as applicable ASTM and AASHTO international standards. A calibration certificate traceable to national standards is provided with each unit.
Q2: How often should the Cable Force Vibration Tester be calibrated?
A2: We recommend annual calibration by authorized technicians or by iRoad after-sales service center. For high-frequency laboratory use, semi-annual calibration is advised. The instrument is supplied with a factory calibration certificate.
Q3: What is the lead time and do you provide training?
A3: Standard units are usually shipped within 7-15 working days. Custom configurations may require 20-30 days. iRoad provides on-site installation, commissioning and operator training for major equipment; remote video guidance is available for standard laboratory instruments.
