VSL Stay cable systems
VSL stay cable systems offer proven performance, durability, and customization for a wide range of cable-supported structures. With decades of expertise and a strong global track record, VSL delivers complete solutions, from design and fabrication to installation, monitoring, and maintenance.
You can also purchase our stay pipes directly to enhance the performance, durability, and aesthetics of your cable-stayed structures.
Why choose VSL stay cables ?
VSL’s stay cable technology is trusted for some of the world’s most iconic cable-stayed bridges and towers. With over 40 years of experience and more than 300 completed projects worldwide, we deliver:
- Proven performance in harsh environments
- In-house design and production
- Extensive testing and international certifications
- Full service: design, supply, installation, monitoring, maintenance
- Worldwide references and expertise
Key features
Key features
VSL stay cable systems are built around parallel wire strands encased in corrosion-resistant HDPE sheathing. Options include both fixed and replaceable strand-by-strand configurations.
- High fatigue performance: Fully tested to fib and PTI standards
- Durability: Long-term protection against corrosion, UV, fire, and mechanical stress
- Customization: Adjustable anchorage types and sheathing designs
- Ease of installation: Modular components and pre-assembly options
Applications
Each system is adapted to your project’s geometry, load conditions, and environmental challenges.
- Cable-stayed bridges
- Arch and extradosed bridges
- Roofs and tensile structures
- Observation towers and pylons
- Offshore platforms and energy structures
Benefits
- Strand-by-strand replaceability: Ensures future access without dismantling the full cable
- Durability-enhancing anchorage: Multi-layer protection in the anchorage zone
- Fatigue-resistant components: Full compliance with latest international fatigue criteria
- Active corrosion protection: With customized sheathing, corrosion inhibitors, and monitoring
- Integrated damping: Optional VSL Friction Damper or Crossbow Damper to reduce vibrations
Embedded sensing for smart continuous stay cable monitoring
An integrated accelerometer installed inside the stay pipe, connected to a data acquisition unit and dedicated VSL software, uses automatic self-orientation and gravity-based calibration to generate key structural parameters for operation and maintenance: maximum cable displacement, tension force, and flexural stiffness.
Sensor protected from environmental exposure
High-accuracy data from known orientation and position
Fast, straightforward installation and servicing
No traffic disruption or high-access equipment required
Fully compatible with stay-pipe maintenance devices
Preserves bridge aesthetics
Low lifecycle and maintenance costs
STAY PIPES: HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROTECTION
Key features
VSL stay pipes are available as a standalone solution that enhances the performance, durability, and aesthetics of cable-stayed structures.
They are designed to:
Suppress rain- and wind-induced vibrations through helical ribs
Minimize aerodynamic drag
Protect against UV exposure and harsh weather conditions using UV-resistant HDPE (PE 100)
Optionally integrate fire or ice protection systems
Long design service life (≥ 25 years)
Fittings
- Deck & pylon connectors: Ensure tight sealed integration
- Expansion sleeve: Accommodates thermal movements, especially efficient when placed at the pylon top for easier maintenance
Colors
Vast color chart made from eight combinable UV-proof colors, further custom colors on request.
Fire Protection
Designed for critical infrastructure such as bridges and towers, the system offers high-performance fire resistance without compromising cable function or aesthetics.
- Quick installation with no interference to the cable system functionalities
- Access maintained for cable inspection, maintenance or replacement
- Weather-resistant, pre-assembled, lightweight
- Fully tested and certified to international fire and stay cable standards
Ice Protection
Helps prevent sudden ice fall by fragmenting ice particles and retaining them on pipe surfaces until melting. It protects vehicles and pedestrians from falling debris while improving the overall aerodynamic performance of the structure.
- Suitable for new builds and retrofits
- Up to 90% reduction in falling particle energy
- Enhanced rain-wind stability
- Supports active de-icing systems
Robotic cable inspection
Our self-propelled robot travels along the cable at an average speed of 6 m/min, capturing 100% of the cable surface without disrupting traffic or requiring risky access.
- Full-length inspection in a fraction of the time
- Automated damage detection using machine learning
- Early intervention enabled by accurate, real-time data
- Enhanced safety for inspection teams
Cable cleaning services
Robotic cleaning solutions help maintain aerodynamic performance and aesthetics, especially on high-profile structures.
From stay-pipe-only to full support: what do you need?
VSL stay pipes combine top-quality manufacturing with high performance and a low-carbon footprint.
- HDPE stay pipes supplied in 11.80 m straight lengths
- Custom lengths, finishes and colors on request
- Basic end caps and packaging
Best for: straightforward supply-only needs
Add value to your cable-stayed structure with expertly designed add-ons that require specialist expertise and skills.
- De-icing system
- Fire protection system
- Fittings (expansion sleeves & connectors)
Best for: complex projects or special requirements
VSL provides an end-to-end solution for cable-stayed bridges, from design to long-term performance.
- Design support & customization
- On-site assistance for installation
- Long-term monitoring and cleaning services
Best for: turnkey projects with full technical and execution support
Need to integrate our technologies into your BIM model?
Explore our BIM Library and Technical Resources Hub!
More than just a collection of BIM-ready files, it’s a simple platform designed to support your technology selection and configuration choices.
Discover even more value in our Hub:
- Technical catalogues
- 400+ technical studies
- Expert webinars with high-quality educational content.
FAQ about Stay Cable Systems
VSL cables offer long-term performance, replaceability, lower life-cycle costs, and proven vibration control solutions.
Yes. All VSL stay cable systems are fully adaptable to your project’s technical and architectural requirements.
Absolutely. Our technology is used in both new and retrofit projects, including rehabilitation and structural upgrades.
They meet or exceed international stay cable standards including fib Bulletin 30 and PTI recommendations.
Yes. VSL stay pipes are manufactured following a sustainability-first approach. They come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and are part of a continuous improvement process to reduce the carbon footprint of our solutions.