Stay Cable Inspection
Ensure the safety, durability, and load-bearing performance of your cable-stayed structures with DYWIDAG’s stay cable inspection services. Over time, aging, environmental exposure, and repeated load cycles can lead to hidden deterioration. DYWIDAG provides certified, non-destructive inspection solutions that detect both visible and internal damage, helping asset owners manage risk, maintain compliance, and extend service life.
Why stay cable inspection is essential
Stay cables are critical load-bearing elements that directly influence the safety and long-term performance of bridges, stadiums, and other cable-stayed structures. Through out their service life, cables are exposed to environmental exposure, and repeated load cycles, leading to progressive and often hidden deterioration:
- Wire or strand breaks caused by corrosion or mechanical damage
- Loss of metallic cross-sectional area, reducing load-bearing capacity
- Fatigue damage resulting from cyclic loading
- Gr...
Surface defects in stay cable systems
Different cable systems exhibit distinct surface degradation mechanisms over time. While surface defects may initially appear limited in scope, they often represent early indicators of compromised corrosion protection and if not addressed, can accelerate internal deterioration. System-specific inspection approaches are therefore essential.
Surface defects in full locked cables (FLC)
In full locked cable systems, aging of the outer mechanical or corrosion protection layer can lead to paint detachm...
Why choose DYWIDAG for stay cable inspection?
Decades of cable expertise
With decades of hands-on experience across all cable types, DYWIDAG delivers reliable, efficient, and tailored inspection solutions for complex structural challenges worldwide.
Smart technology meets skilled access
We combine advanced inspection technologies — robotics, magneto-inductive testing, and force measurement - with certified rope access for safe, flexible, and non-invasive inspections.
Deep structural insight
Our non-destructive magneto-inductive inspections detect hidden wire breaks and internal corrosion, enabling early intervention and informed maintenance planning.
From insight to action
Beyond inspection, DYWIDAG identifies suitable repair strategies and delivers complete strengthening and maintenance solutions when required.
From inspection to intervention
Stay cable inspection provides a critical input for condition-based asset management. When defects or early-stage deterioration are identified, DYWIDAG supports asset owners with targeted follow-on measures designed to mitigate risk and maintain structural performance.
Based on inspection findings, DYWIDAG delivers coordinated solutions including stay cable cleaning to remove surface contaminants, stay cable sheath repair to address cracking, UV damage, or mechanical defects, stay cable protecti...
Proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and extend the service life of your assets with DYWIDAG’s stay cable inspection services.
Comprehensive stay cable inspection by DYWIDAG
DYWIDAG delivers a holistic cable inspection approach that addresses both surface-level and internal structural conditions.
Certified visual inspections with rope access
- Visual inspections performed by certified bridge inspectors in accordance with DIN 1076
- Main inspections typically carried out every six years
- Close-up inspections executed using rope access by FISAT Level 3 certified technicians
- No scaffolding required, ensuring faster execution and minimal traffic disruption
cable inspection
Robotic cable inspection with panoramic imaging
For long free cable lengths, DYWIDAG deploys robotic inspection systems that:
- Capture high-resolution 360° panoramic images
- Enable consistent documentation of the entire cable surface
- Support precise comparison across inspection cycles
To ensure reliable and repeatable results, imaging is performed in a controlled environment shielded from direct sunlight and supported by artificial lighting. This allows accurate assessment of defect progression over time.
AI-assisted data interpretation supports early identification of potential risks, while certified inspectors validate all findings to ensure dependable condition assessments
Magneto-inductive inspection for hidden damage
Magneto-inductive testing is a powerful complement to visual inspection and is essential for detecting internal stay cable defects that are not visible from the surface.
This non-destructive testing method magnetizes the entire metallic cross-section of the cable, including the inner core; using permanent magnets, fully compliant with DIN EN 12927. Complete magnetic saturation is essential, as defects cannot be reliably detected without it.
Magneto-inductive inspection reliably detects both intern...
Advanced defect localization
Using a combination of induction coils and Hall sensors, the Mageneto-inductive inspection system enables precise three-dimensional localization of defects within the cable. Measurements are repeatable, interference-free, and directly comparable across inspection cycles, ensuring reliable condition assessment over time.
DYWIDAG offers inspection devices for cables up to 315 mm in diameter, suitable for full locked cables, spiral strands, strand ropes, and parallel wire or parallel strand systems. Importantly, inspections are carried out without dismantling HDPE sheathing or existing corrosion protection systems, enabling efficient, non-invasive assessment even in hard-to-reach areas.
Certifications & compliance
Standards-compliant testing
Full magnetization of the entire metallic cross-section in accordance with DIN EN 12927, using CE-conform inspection systems.
Regulatory inspection coverage
Supports DIN 1076 requirements, including mandatory main inspections (Hauptprüfung, HP) every six years.
Mandatory testing for critical systems
Fully compliant with ZTV-ING Part 4.4, where magneto-inductive testing is required for fully locked ropes and strand bundle systems.
Certified specialist execution
Inspections carried out by FISAT-certified rope access technicians, with FISAT being a member of the European Committee for Rope Access (ECRA).
Related Services
Stay cable sheath repair
Essential stay cable sheath and cover repair, and replacement services to keep your cable-stayed structures safe and performing at their best.
Stay Cable Protection
Providing in-depth technical advice and advanced repair technologies customized to your project's unique conditions.
Stay cable detensioning and exchange
Controlled release and reinstallation of stay cables, ensuring structural stability and safety at every stage.
Cable cleaning and surface maintenance
Removal of surface contaminants, to prevent long-term degradation of the sheathing and anchor zones.
Damper replacement and retrofit
DYWIDAG offers inspection, replacement, and retrofit services for stay cable dampers.
Strengthening
Prevent structural damage and aging with specialized protection against corrosion, UV rays, and fire risks.
Cableskin
Long-term UV and corrosion protection with minimal traffic disruption.
Related products
Stay Cable Sheathings
Stay sheathings and dampers shielding against environmental influences.
Stay Cable Strands
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Blast-Protection
Blast protection for Stay Cables: Fullfills AASHTO bridge security guidelines.
Integrated Cable Illumination
Integrated LED displays with minimal wind load impact.
Dampers
Extending service life of your cables.
Clevis Anchorage
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