The Technology
s2 has built upon the engineering principles and practices of string line theory which have been used by designers and engineers for centuries. The design of s² structures incorporates sound engineering principles of the past with new tools available to engineers today.
In practice, these engineering principles physically exist as a post-tensioned cable system that is loaded to calculated forces by hydraulic stressing. This pre-loads energy into the structure before the application of external forces.
The concept of stored energy results in an approximate saving of up to 60% in overall steel weight due to the degree of deflection control provided by the stressed and grouted composite structural form when compared to a conventional design of the same span.
A further, unique feature of this genre of structure is the ability to confirm its computed structural performance from analysis in the field, through load measurements on the hydraulic jacks. This can be predetermined to be the largest load the structure will undergo. The structure is therefore actually proof tested during the construction process.