I strongly agree with the importance of calibrated equipment. However, I also believe in the value of using a strand gauge and reporting to an engineer. Here's why: there are many variables involved, especially with seating loss, and when working with runs under 40 feet, there's not a lot of room to work with to stay in tolerance. An 1/8 to a 1/4-inch variation can cause the cable to be either too tight or too loose. After back seating, it's impossible to know if that cable is at the correct force because the wedges don't always grab at the same spot. There may be discrepancies of up to half an inch when releasing the ram after achieving the specified force. I've seen this happen frequently because we put a gauge on every cable we install. Without the strand gauge, that cable would not have had the proper deflection, even when simply pulling off a column, which is easy.

The Critical Role of Strand Gauges in Short Runs

When working with barrier cable installations, particularly runs under 40 feet, precision becomes paramount. The margin for error is significantly reduced, and traditional methods of force estimation simply aren't adequate. Here's why strand gauges are essential:

Tolerance Challenges in Short Runs:

• Limited working distance means small variations have major impact
• An 1/8 to 1/4-inch variation can render a cable installation ineffective
• Traditional "feel" methods are inadequate for achieving required precision
• Seating loss calculations become more critical with shorter cable lengths

Post-Installation Verification Issues: After back seating, determining actual cable force becomes nearly impossible without instrumentation. The wedges don't consistently grab at identical positions, creating uncertainty about final tension values. This variability can result in discrepancies of up to half an inch when releasing the hydraulic ram, even after achieving the specified force during initial tensioning.

Inside Column Tube Installations and Turnbuckle Considerations

Regarding what's often referred to as "anchors facing each other," I call this an inside column tube configuration, where the anchor is located within the tube itself, leaving no external point to pull from. This presents unique challenges that require careful consideration of installation methods.

My Position on Turnbuckles: While turnbuckles serve crucial purposes in appropriate applications, I've opted not to use them in barrier cable systems for several reasons:

Reliability Concerns:

• Turnbuckles introduce additional components and potential failure points
• They require human interaction and additional installation steps
• Risk of incomplete wedge seating during back-seating operations
• No reliable method to verify proper installation without instrumentation

Human Factor Risks: Perhaps most concerning is the potential for post-installation tampering. I've observed turnbuckles that can be easily adjusted by hand months or years after installation. This creates dangerous situations when:

• General public can access and inadvertently adjust tension
• Seasonal temperature changes affect cable tension
• Initial installation may have been at minimum required forces
• Lack of ongoing monitoring allows dangerous conditions to develop

The Skill Factor and Professional Standards

I believe turnbuckles can diminish the skill required for proper installation. Professional cable installation should require expertise, experience, and precision. Experienced installers should be capable of making critical decisions about force application and maintaining proper tension without relying on field-adjustable components.

Architectural Aesthetic Considerations

From an aesthetic standpoint, it's difficult to imagine any architect who designed a building wanting to see turnbuckles on every cable. The visual impact of these mechanical adjusters can significantly detract from the clean lines and professional appearance that barrier cable systems are meant to provide.

Design Integration Priorities:

• Maintain clean, uninterrupted cable lines
• Minimize visible hardware and adjustment mechanisms
• Preserve architectural intent and visual aesthetics
• Ensure long-term appearance stability

The Evolution of Strand Gauge Technology

While several companies offer strand gauges today, the situation was different eight years ago. Faced with limited options and immediate needs, many of us in the field developed or adapted existing solutions. This wasn't about originating new concepts, but rather about finding practical solutions to real-world installation challenges.

The key is recognizing that experienced installers, when faced with inadequate tools or methods, will innovate to maintain quality standards. This drive for precision and reliability is what separates professional installations from substandard work.

Professional Installation Standards

The combination of proper instrumentation, experienced personnel, and commitment to precision creates installations that exceed industry standards. This approach ensures:

• Accurate force application and verification
• Long-term structural performance and safety
• Enhanced architectural aesthetics
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Professional accountability and documentation

Core Principles:

• Use strand gauges for every cable installation
• Report all measurements to qualified engineers
• Maintain forces closer to maximum allowable rather than minimum required
• Prioritize long-term performance over installation convenience
• Consider human factors in all design decisions

Professional barrier cable installation requires expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence that goes beyond basic installation practices. The integration of proper instrumentation, experienced judgment, and aesthetic consideration separates truly professional work from merely adequate installations.