Force Measurement Equipment Buyers Guide for Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Force Measurement Equipment Buyers Guide for Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Prestressed concrete is a type of concrete that is pre-compressed by applying internal forces before it faces external loads. These internal forces are introduced using high-strength steel tendons or cables, which are tensioned prior to pouring the concrete. This pre-compression enhances the concrete’s strength and resistance to tension.

Accurate force measurement during pre-stressing is critical because it ensures the correct tension is applied to the steel tendons, leading to predictable structural behavior.

This guide will walk through the key considerations for selecting a dynamometer, the role of force measurement in pre-stressed concrete, and how the right equipment can affect projects.

Force Measurement Equipment Buyers Guide for Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Prestressed concrete is a type of concrete that is pre-compressed by applying internal forces before it faces external loads. These internal forces are introduced using high-strength steel tendons or cables, which are tensioned prior to pouring the concrete. This pre-compression enhances the concrete’s strength and resistance to tension.

Accurate force measurement during pre-stressing is critical because it ensures the correct tension is applied to the steel tendons, leading to predictable structural behavior.

This guide will walk through the key considerations for selecting a dynamometer, the role of force measurement in pre-stressed concrete, and how the right equipment can affect projects.

Why Force Measurement Matters in Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Pre-stressed concrete improves structural durability and load-bearing capacity by applying tension to steel tendons and/or cables. Accurate force measurement ensures:

  • Safety: Avoid over-tensioning or under-tensioning that could compromise structural integrity.
  • Precision: Meet exact force specifications during the tensioning process.
  • Cost Savings: Reduce rework, prevent material failure, and improve project efficiency.
  • Compliance: Achieve quality standards required by governing bodies and safety regulations.

When you invest in reliable measuring equipment, you are ensuring that your pre-stressed concrete structures perform effectively for years, providing a positive return on your investment.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dynamometer

Safety Features and Load Capacity

Ensure the dynamometer can handle the maximum load capacity required for your projects. It is also recommended to choose a dynamometer with an appropriate safety factor (e.g., 5:1) to account for unexpected forces or environmental challenges.

Accuracy and Resolution

Look for dynamometers with high accuracy ratings (typically expressed as a percentage of full-scale load). Higher-resolution equipment is necessary for sensitive applications such as bridge building, post-tensioning, and structural load testing. Meeting standards like the Federal Building Performance Standard is also important as it ensures compliance and precision on-site. Precise measurements reduce the risk of miscalculations, ensuring long-term structural safety.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Construction environments are typically harsh. Choose a dynamometer that can withstand moisture and dust (look for high IP ratings for ingress protection), impact resistance, and extreme temperatures. Opt for rugged materials like stainless steel for longevity and high performance in harsh conditions.

Ease of Calibration and Total Cost of Ownership

Lower-cost options may appear appealing upfront but can lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs in the future. Choose equipment that is easy to calibrate, reducing downtime and saving on labor costs. It is important to evaluate the dynamometer’s total cost of ownership by considering frequency of repairs, lifespan of the product, and manufacturer support and warranties. Quality products are going to save time and money.

Display and Data Output Options

Clear and accessible data is critical for monitoring loads in real-time. Choose a dynamometer with features such as: backlit displays for visibility in low-light conditions, wireless transmission for remote monitoring, data logging capabilities to analyze trends and maintain records, and integration with systems like Bluetooth and USB.

The Role of Dynamometers in Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Tendon Tensioning and Stress Control

Dynamometers enable engineers to monitor and control the precise amount of force applied and ensure tendons are tensioned to exact specifications. For example, Dillon’s EDXtreme Dynamometer offers real-time load monitoring with wireless capabilities, ensuring precision throughout the tensioning process.

Verification Before Concrete Pouring

The correct tension in all tendons must be verified during pre-tensioning before pouring concrete. Force measurement tools like Quick-Check Tension Meters confirm the current tension with high accuracy so that stress is distributed evenly across the structure. This reduces structural risks caused by inconsistently tensioned cables.

Monitoring During the Curing Process

In post-tensioning, tendons are stressed after the concrete has set. Dynamometers help monitor forces applied during curing to maintain the correct tension and log data for quality assurance and compliance.

Tendon Load Testing and Calibration

Tendons must be load-tested before installation to verify that they meet specifications. Dynamometers ensure cables can handle anticipated stress levels, preventing failures once the concrete is in place. Quick-Check Tension Meters can be placed on a cable, measured its tension, and removed in under 5 seconds with no complex lookups or conversion charts. Both pieces of equipment save time and money on the job site.

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Over time, tendons may lose tension due to environmental factors or material relaxation. Periodic inspections with tension meters allow engineers to detect and correct any loss of tension and extend the lifespan of the structure. Routine maintenance prevents costly structural repairs and ensures ongoing safety.

Why Choose Dillon Force Measurement Equipment?

Dillon offers force measurement tools specifically designed for construction and pre-stressed concrete applications.

Key Features of Dillon Equipment:

  • Digital Precision: High accuracy and resolution for critical measurements.
  • Rugged Construction: Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Wireless capabilities for seamless on-site operations.
  • Data Logging: Maintain accurate records for quality assurance and compliance.

By choosing Dillon equipment, you can invest with confidence in safe, precise, and lasting measuring devices for all of your projects. Dillon’s high-quality force measurement solutions are designed to meet the demands of the construction industry, ensuring long-term reliability and operational success.

Ready to Learn More?

Take the next step in your project’s success by exploring Dillon’s full range of dynamometers and tension meters. Contact our team today or visit our website to learn more and make an informed decision.

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Force Measurement Equipment Buyers Guide for Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Dynamometer

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Dynamometer

Purchasing the correct force measurement equipment for your project can significantly impact the efficiency and accuracy of your operations. To ensure you make the best decision, here are 5 things to consider:

Safety Features and Load Capacity

Ensure the dynamometer can handle the maximum load required for your projects. The load capacity should cover both the highest expected load and any additional safety factors needed. Construction sites often involve a range of applications, so choosing a dynamometer capacity that slightly exceeds all loads encountered can ensure safety and longevity. With that, it is important to select a dynamometer that includes the appropriate safety factor for the application, such as a 5:1 minimum safety factor that can be applied to bridge cable tensioning or overhead lifting.

Cost Savings & Ease of Calibration

One of the main things to consider when purchasing a dynamometer is the cost. Many lower-end dynamometers advertise a lower upfront cost, but break easily, are less safe, and can be difficult to recalibrate. Dynamometers should have high-quality components to withstand the most challenging environments and last many years. A dynamometer manufactured with longevity in mind means little to no replacements, saving time and money. Choosing a dynamometer from a reputable manufacturer is recommended. Always consider the total cost of ownership, which includes frequency of repairs, ease of calibration, and lifespan of the dynamometer.

Accuracy and Resolution

The Federal Building Performance Standard and other transnational governing bodies maintain strict equipment requirements to ensure safety and performance within the construction industry. Look for dynamometers with high accuracy ratings, often expressed as a percentage of full-scale load. Higher-resolution force measurement equipment is suited for sensitive applications, such as gauging the level of force an object can withstand, building bridges, and measuring the resistance of heavy traffic in parking structures.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Construction sites expose equipment to harsh conditions, such as dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and rough handling. Choose a durable, weather-resistant dynamometer, and consider features like waterproofing, impact resistance, and materials like stainless steel. An ingress protection (IP) rating can give insight into how a dynamometer will hold up in more complex settings.

Display and Data Output Options

Clear, accessible data monitoring and management is important, especially when using the dynamometer in the field. Look for a dynamometer with a backlit display and, if necessary, remote or wireless data transmission capabilities. If you need to analyze data later or integrate it with software, it is important to choose equipment compatible with data logging systems, with USB, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Selecting a dynamometer with these factors in mind will help ensure safety, durability, and ease of use on construction sites.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Dynamometer

Transforming Your Speed and Precision on the Job

Transforming Your Speed and Precision on the Job

In the construction industry, precision and reliability are critical to the success of projects requiring force measurement. Dynamometers are essential for measuring tension force during design and construction phases, bridge and dam construction, parking garage barriers, post-tensioning, etc.

Dillon’s Dynamometers provide the data to ensure structures can withstand the forces encountered, driving safety and durability for years.

Why Precision Matters: Enhancing Safety and Performance

Precision while servicing and maintaining equipment means safety and proper execution on site. A slight miscalculation can lead to structural failures, putting the site at risk and likely causing significant financial losses. It is important to select equipment that offers high accuracy ratings to prevent errors from occurring and minimize the risk of equipment failure and replacement costs down the line. 

Case Studies: Success Stories from the Field

Dillon equipment has benefited construction projects worldwide. One project, for example, was the construction of a major suspension bridge. Engineers used Dillon dynamometers to measure the tension in the bridge cables. This ensured the wires were installed correctly, preventing cables from sagging or snapping under load.

In another instance, a dam construction project utilized Dillon dynamometers to monitor the forces exerted by water pressure on the dam walls. This data was critical in designing supports to handle the immense pressure, ensuring the dam’s integrity and safety. These success stories highlight the impact of precise equipment in complex construction projects.

Choosing the Right Dynamometer for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate measuring equipment for your specific needs will determine the success of your project. Dillon offers a range of equipment tailored to service and inspect even the toughest applications. From lightweight, portable models for quick field assessments to heavy-duty units designed for large-scale, high-force measurements, there is an option suited to your needs.

When choosing a dynamometer, consider factors such as the maximum force capacity, required accuracy, ease of use, and the specific conditions of your project site.

Future-Proof Your Construction Projects with Our Solutions

As projects become increasingly complex, the need for reliable force measurement equipment will only grow. Investing in Dillon solutions ensures you have the best tools to meet current and future challenges.

Our equipment is built to last, with advanced technology that can adapt to evolving industry standards and requirements. By choosing Dillon, you are not just investing in a product; you are investing in your career’s future success and safety.

Transforming Your Speed and Precision on the Job

The Role of Force Measurement Equipment in Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

The Role of Force Measurement Equipment in Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Web of metal rebar or armature steel on the construction site, concrete plate is about to be made, steel rebar for support and strength. Reinforced concrete iron on the construction site

Pre-stressed concrete is an important technology in construction, allowing for more stable and durable structures. It significantly improves a structure’s load-bearing capacity by introducing tension to steel reinforcement before pouring concrete. This technique relies on precise measurements using force measurement equipment to ensure the correct force is applied during application.

What is Pre-Stressed Concrete?

Pre-stressed concrete is reinforced concrete in which the steel tendons (or cables) are pre-tensioned before the concrete is poured or post-tensioned after the concrete has been set. This process induces compressive stress within the concrete, counteracting the tensile stresses the structure will face once in use. By pre-stressing, the concrete gains additional strength, reducing the likelihood of cracking and increasing its load-carrying capacity.

Accurate force measurement during pre-stressing is critical because it ensures the correct tension is applied to the steel tendons, leading to predictable structural behavior. Using force measurement tools helps to achieve precision and avoid costly mistakes.

Applications of Force Measurement Equipment in Pre-stressed Concrete

1. Tendon Tensioning and Stress Control

The most critical phase in pre-stressed concrete construction is the tensioning of steel tendons. These tendons must be stressed to a specific force to ensure the concrete can handle the intended loads. Engineers can accurately monitor and control the force applied to the tendons using a dynamometer or a tension meter.

2. Verification of Tension Before Concrete Pouring

In the pre-tensioning process, steel tendons are anchored and tensioned before the concrete is poured. Engineers must verify that each tendon is tensioned correctly to maintain the desired load distribution across the concrete structure. Using a force measurement device, such as a Quick-Check Tension Meter, helps to confirm that each tendon meets the requirements before the next phase.

This verification helps avoid structural issues arising from inconsistently tensioned tendons, ensuring the concrete sets properly around evenly stressed reinforcement.

3. Monitoring During the Curing Process

In post-tensioned concrete, the tendons are tensioned after the concrete has set, which means the accurate monitoring of the load applied is essential during the curing phase. Force measurement equipment can be used to track any adjustments needed to maintain the appropriate tension levels during curing, which impacts the final strength of the concrete.

Digital dynamometers with data-logging capabilities allow engineers to maintain precise records of the forces applied throughout the curing process. This data can be crucial for quality assurance and for demonstrating compliance with safety standards.

4. Tendon Load Testing and Calibration

Tendons and cables used in pre-stressed concrete must be load-tested before installation to ensure they meet the specified force requirements. Engineers can use dynamometers to perform pre-installation testing and calibrations to verify the tendons’ load capacity.

Dillon’s mechanical and digital dynamometers provide accurate measurements that confirm each tendon can handle the anticipated stresses, reducing the risk of failure after the concrete is in place.

5. Routine Inspection and Maintenance

Force measurement equipment is beneficial during the initial construction phase and in maintaining pre-stressed concrete structures. Over time, tendons can lose tension due to creep, relaxation, or environmental factors. Periodic inspections using tension meters help detect any loss of tension, allowing necessary adjustments to be made to maintain the structure’s integrity.

Regular use of force measurement tools like Dillon’s tension meters ensures that pre-stressed elements continue to perform as expected throughout the structure’s lifespan.

Benefits of Using Force Measurement in Pre-Stressed Concrete

  • Accuracy: Proper force measurement ensures the correct tension is applied to tendons, leading to precise and reliable structural behavior.
  • Safety: Monitoring and controlling tension in real-time prevent over-tensioning or under-tensioning, reducing the risk of structural failures.
  • Cost Savings: Accurate tensioning reduces the need for repairs and rework, minimizing project costs.
  • Quality Assurance: Documenting the forces applied during the pre-stressing process provides quality assurance and compliance with engineering standards.
  • Efficiency: Modern dynamometers and tension meters are user-friendly, allowing for quick setup and monitoring, which speeds up the pre-stressing process.

Why Use Dillon’s Force Measurement Solutions?

Dillon offers a comprehensive range of force measurement tools designed to meet the demands of the construction industry. Their equipment is known for durability, precision, and a user-friendly design—essential for successful pre-stressed concrete applications. Some of the standout features include:

  • Digital Accuracy: Dillon’s dynamometers provide digital precision, helping meet the exact requirements needed.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Dillon’s devices allow for remote monitoring through wireless capabilities, ensuring that tension is accurately maintained throughout the process.
  • Rugged Construction: Built to withstand harsh environments, Dillon’s force measurement tools perform reliably even in challenging construction conditions.
  • Data Logging: Many Dillon devices offer data logging features, allowing engineers to maintain detailed records of the force applied during construction, which aids in quality control and compliance.

Conclusion

Dillon’s range of reliable and precise force measurement solutions provide the necessary accuracy and durability to support every stage of the construction process.

Visit Dillon’s website for more information on its range of force measurement products and how they can benefit your next project. Investing in the right tools will enhance your work’s quality and ensure your structures’ safety and longevity.


The Role of Force Measurement Equipment in Pre-Stressed Concrete Applications

Minnesota Elevator Reduces Hours-Long Service Visit to Just Minutes with Dillon Quick Balance Tension Meter

Minnesota Elevator Reduces Hours-Long Service Visit to Just Minutes with Dillon Quick Balance Tension Meter

Minnesota Elevator, Inc. (MEI), based in Mankato, Minnesota, has nearly four decades of experience in designing, manufacturing and servicing elevators for both commercial and industrial installations. The company specializes in custom elevator designs/manufacturing, as well as maintenance and modernizations for a variety of customers including property management companies, schools, hospitals and other institutions to support infrastructure expansions, meet new building codes or to help them solve any of their vertical transportation needs.

In addition to these projects, the company maintains and services numerous traction elevators annually to ensure each operates properly and wire rope tension is well balanced. This process used to be an arduous task for elevator service technicians.

“Each elevator car is suspended by anywhere from three to 10 wire ropes, and each wire rope must bear an equal load,” said Ron Romnes, Vice-President of Field Operations at MEI. “If one wire rope is doing more work than the others, it causes irregular wear, as well as a more inconsistent ride for customers.”

To test wire rope tension using standard equipment, it would take a service technician approximately one hour to tension the wire ropes with a spring-type scale, requiring a “trial-and-error” process to ensure each was tensioned equally. For elevator modifications, the process became more complex, as MEI personnel needed to weigh the elevator car before and after modifications took place to ensure the elevator still bore a suitable load-defined as no more than a 5 percent increase in gross load.

“In these instances, our crews would need to shut the elevator down and hoist the car onto a crane scale to determine the weight of the elevator,” Romnes said. “This was a time-consuming process, taking more than two hours, excluding travel time. Upon completion of the elevator modifications, the entire process would have to be repeated. It was an inconvenience to our customers as well as a substantial labor cost for us.”

To expedite the process of gathering individual wire rope tension data and overall elevator weight, MEI selected the Quick Balance Tension Meter by Dillon Force Measurement. Quick Balance safely and efficiently measures wire rope tension and compares it to target settings for each wire rope stored within the device’s memory. It also totalizes the collected measurements to yield the full elevator weight.

“The Quick Balance Tension Meter clamps onto each individual wire rope and determines the force rating, or wire rope tension,” said Wayne Wille, area sales manager for Dillon. “Quick Balance only requires one person to operate, and it can be attached, measure the force rating and be detached in seconds.”

During this process, Quick Balance collects and displays the force ratings for each wire rope, allowing the service technician to quickly compare tension readings and determine which require adjustment. With the device’s totalizer, a single technician can check wire rope tension and determine overall elevator weight in minutes, all without requiring manual documentation or conversion charts.

Along with these savings, Romnes said MEI has been able to optimize their customer visits by integrating wire rope checks into tasks such as surveying.

“When we modernize an elevator, we send a salesperson to survey the elevator shaft and note its measurements, as well as any other factors we’ll need to account for during the modernization process,” Romnes said. “Our salesperson can easily use the Quick Balance to not only gather overall elevator weight but also get a measurement of the counterweights. By taking a few extra minutes during the initial visit, we are able to minimize elevator downtime for our customers and maximize field time for our sales and service teams.”

Once the modifications are made, a single technician can measure both the elevator and its counterweights, to verify that both are in the correct ratio with one another-and therefore ensure proper operation.

“Quick Balance has resulted in a substantial time and cost savings for us,” Romnes said. “What used to be a two-and-a-half hour operation for two of our technicians now takes one person less than five minutes.”

Click here for a PDF of this case study for printing or download.

Minnesota Elevator Reduces Hours-Long Service Visit to Just Minutes with Dillon Quick Balance Tension Meter

Dillon Quick-Check Provides Accuracy and Speed when Installing Cable Barrier Systems

Dillon Quick-Check Provides Accuracy and Speed when Installing Cable Barrier Systems

As a leading provider of high-tension cable barrier systems, Gibraltar Cable Barrier Systems, L.P requires a quick, reliable and above all accurate method of checking the tension on the cables they supply. The aptly named Quick-Check tension meter from Dillon does just that, providing assurance that the systems designed to contain and re-direct vehicles from road hazards are properly tensioned at all times.

Since 2005 Gibraltar has supplied over 13 million linear feet of cable in North America alone, which equates to 45 million feet of cables that are currently being monitored and tensioned using Dillon Quick-Check tension meters each year. Jay Winn, Technical Specialist at Gibraltar said “We have always recommended a Dillon Quick-Check because the product is so good and simple to use”.

Cable Barriers are erected to prevent a vehicle that leaves the road from heading into oncoming traffic or hitting other fixed objects or terrains along the roadside. The barriers absorb the impact via the cable system either stopping the vehicle or redirecting it post-impact. It is crucial that the cables are at the correct tension in order to take the force of the impact and assure performance.

Seasonal fluctuations in temperature can affect the cable tension so an annual check of tension cables is recommended by Gibraltar as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. The cables can sag if the right tension is not applied. The cables must also be checked each time a collision with the barrier occurs. The cable tension is measured to be within a tolerance of + or – 10% of design tension specifications

Time spent on site can be reduced due to the ease of use and the speed of the Dillon Quick-Check system which saves time and money as little training is required. Jay Winn, Gibraltar Technical Specialist says “The Dillon Quick-Check makes checking the cable tension simple. Once Dillon has set up the tension meter, all the DOT (Department of Transportation) / Contractor needs to do is turn the meter on, place it on the cable and take the tension reading. It’s very important that the job can be completed quickly so that the DOT / Contractor personnel spends less time in an area of danger at the side of the road.”

Either the DOT / Contractor will look after the upkeep of the barrier system, including ensuring the tension meter is calibrated on an annual basis in line with Dillon manufacturer guidelines. Bryan Hoefling, Gibraltar Technical Specialist, said “Our sales team, DOT and Contractors are very pleased at how quickly the Quick-Check tension meters are re-calibrated by Dillon and at how streamlined the process is”.

Click here for a PDF of this case study for printing or download.

Dillon Quick-Check Provides Accuracy and Speed when Installing Cable Barrier Systems

Dillon Quick-Check Used for 50th Africa Games

Dillon Quick-Check Used for 50th Africa Games

Dillon Quick-Check was recently used in the preparations for the 50th Africa Games. Held in Brazzaville, Congo in September 2016, the Games included spectacular visual displays involving a giant cube in the center of the stadium.

The giant cube was held in place with dozens of wires that needed to be tensioned correctly and contractor CATS Engineering selected the Dillon Quick-Check to help achieve this.

Interestingly, the Quick Check measured wire rope tensions very accurately compared to a Dynamometer with the added advantage of taking just a few seconds rather than several minutes.

Thomas Loriaux, CEO of CATS Engineering said, “Our experience with using this Dillon product on site was great. It provided accuracy, efficiency and weather resistance. On-site calibration with local products and condition went perfectly.”

Click here for a PDF of this case study for printing or download.

Dillon Quick-Check Used for 50th Africa Games

Branat Construction Use Dillon Quick Check to Ensure Cell Tower Safety

Branat Construction Use Dillon Quick Check to Ensure Cell Tower Safety

As a leading provider of tower construction, engineering, inspection, maintenance and modification services, Branat Construction must ensure that the cell towers they work on meet strict industry and safety standards. To do so, the company selected the Dillon Quick Check tension meter, which improves safety by providing simple and accurate measurement of guy wire tensions.

Tension Meters for Improved Health and Safety 

In the past 30 years, the increased demand for wireless and broadcast communications has spurred dramatic growth in communication tower construction and maintenance. With tower heights reaching in excess of 1000 or 2000 feet, it is incredibly important that they are structurally sound. Tensioned cables, also known as guy wires, are designed to add stability to free-standing structures such as cell towers. One end of the guy is attached to the structure, and the other is anchored to the ground at some distance from the mast or tower base. The tension in the diagonal guy-wire, combined with the compression and buckling strength of the structure, provide additional support which allows the structure to withstand lateral loads such as wind or the weight of cantilevered structures.

Meeting Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) standards

Adam Fear, Vice President at Branat Construction, explains, “It is important to measure guy wire tensions to ensure that the tower is in compliance with Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) standards.  It also ensures that the engineered structural analysis on the tower is accurate.  Often a tower can be brought within acceptable capacity by simply adjusting the guy wire tensions as opposed to adding additional steel to the structure.”

High mast metal structure telecommunication on tower with blue sky. ** Note: Visible grain at 100%, best at smaller sizes

The Dillon Quick-Check is ideal for situations where guy wire tension must be measured quickly and accurately. The tension meter can be placed on a cable, take a measurement and be removed in under five seconds, with no complex lookup tables or conversion charts. The operator can also quickly select from 20 pre-calibrated wire sizes and types stored in Quick-Check’s memory, speeding up with process significantly. The addition of a graphic display which clearly shows the current and target tension control limits in real-time enables extremely quick setting of line tension.

Quick Check tension meter for fast and accurate results 

Adam continued, “The Dillon Quick Check is the number one established brand in the industry and anyone who does guy wire work usually has one.  If you are actively adjusting the guy wire tension, it is a huge time saver to have a read-out of the tensions – and you can actually watch the tension drop/increase on the screen in real-time as you adjust the turnbuckles.  For this reason, the quick check can easily cut your time in half.”


About Branat Construction: Branat Construction have many years of experience with inspections, tower modification upgrades, tower maintenance and complete site builds.  These services have been performed to the standards of all tower owners, including but not limited to:  American Tower, Crown Castle, US Cellular, SBA Communications, Grain Communications, T-Mobile, Verizon, Duke Energy, AT&T, NC Highway Patrol, as well as local & federal government jurisdictions.  

Branat Construction Use Dillon Quick Check to Ensure Cell Tower Safety

Dillon selected as ORACLE TEAM USA official force measurement supplier

Dillon selected as ORACLE TEAM USA official force measurement supplier

ORACLE TEAM USA has selected Dillon to supply its force measurement equipment as the team prepares to race for the America’s Cup.

The 35th America’s Cup takes place June 2017 in Bermuda – and a range of Dillon’s precision force measurement products will be used by the team to ensure lines are accurately and safely tensioned.

The EDXtreme Dynamometer will feature amongst force measurement tools on board, its 0.1 % accuracy, rugged engineering and usability ensuring that safety checks don’t get in the way of adventure.

Dillon is a market leading manufacturer of instrumentation that measures force including load cells, overload protection and suspended weighing products.

Dillon has earned a reputation for rugged, long-lasting products that are easy to use in demanding environments. With an established worldwide distribution network, Dillon customers have an unrivaled product choice and after sales service.

The 35th America’s Cup begins on May 26 with the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers. As the defending champion, ORACLE TEAM USA will advance to the America’s Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton, beginning June 17, against the top challenging team.

Dillon selected as ORACLE TEAM USA official force measurement supplier

Zip Lines & Climbing

Canopy Tours select Dillon Quick Check to ensure Zip-Line safety

Canopy Tours select Dillon Quick Check to ensure Zip-Line safety

Zip Lines & Climbing

As one of South Africa’s fastest growing eco-adventures, Canopy Tours® is a zip-line adventure that takes thrill seekers on a journey through the treetops on a set of platforms connected by steel cables. 

Needless to say, with many of the zip-lines at the company’s seven sites set high above the forest canopy, safety is paramount and cables are subject to regular and exacting checks. The Dillon Quick-Check tension meter offers an ideal solution to measure cable tension – an extremely important element of zip-line safety. As well as the more obvious safety concern of the level of strain put on the anchor points, the tension on the line also has a direct impact on the rider’s speed and altitude.

Mark Brown, joint company founder, explains; As a civil engineer by trade, I understand the importance of good design, construction, and maintenance to any kind of built-structure. The Dillon Quick check allows us to measure the tension of the cables, which is a critical safety measure. Having cables set too slack could result in a rider stopping before they reach the platform, while the correct tension will allow the rider to maintain a safe and consistent speed until the end of the line. At Canopy Tours, where clients trust us with their lives and the well-being of their family or friends, safety is absolutely our number one priority.” 

Each branch’s zip-line system has been designed and certified by a qualified engineer, with maintenance and measurement of the tension of the zip-line cables carried out at regular intervals.

The Dillon Quick-Check can be placed on the zip-line cable, measure its tension, and be removed in under five seconds, simplifying the process for the Canopy Tour engineers by removing the need for complex lookup tables or conversion charts. The operator can quickly select from 20 pre-calibrated wire sizes and types stored in Quick-Check’s memory, saving time and ensuring accuracy. In addition, the tensioning mode graphically displays the current and target tension control limits for extremely quick setting of line tension, ensuring quick and precise measurement.

Mark continues, “The Dillon Quick-Check tension meter is ideal because it is a portable product, which is easy to use and guarantees high accuracy and safety. We do our utmost to ensure that our clients are safe and, importantly, that they feel safe at all times, so that they can truly enjoy the experience we take them on. Why? Because our business depends on it.”

Canopy Tours select Dillon Quick Check to ensure Zip-Line safety