The Benefits of Power Seating Jacks in Construction
Power seating jacks utilize hydraulic force during operation to precisely seat anchorage systems into post-tensioned concrete. It is therefore an essential tool in commercial construction, and there are several benefits of using power seating jacks in construction. Those advantages include:
- Precise pressure delivery and loading, down to the PSI
- Maximum efficiency and operational speed
- Improved quality assurance and data logging
- Lightweight build that improves safety and operator comfort
- Excellent durability
If your crew performs post-tensioning during construction – which is typically the case when installing commercial concrete – then power seating jacks will provide several benefits over spring-seating jacks.
Five Benefits of Using Power Seating Jacks in Construction
Power seating jacks use hydraulic precision to tension the strand and set the wedge into the anchor pocket. There are several advantages to using power instead of springs to tension concrete, including:
- Precision pressure delivery and loading – Because power seating jacks rely on hydraulic power, they are more precise than spring loading jacks. This provides two major benefits. One benefit is that as double-acting hydraulic systems, power loading jacks are able to maintain loading on the strand as the wedge is seated into the pocket. As such, there’s no seating loss as the wedge is placed in the pocket.
Power seating jacks can also be programmed to tension the load to exact pressure parameters, and this same load can be applied to other strands without recalibrating the hydraulic jack. - Maximum operational efficiency and speed – In addition to rapid load repeating, which speeds up tensioning, power seating jacks are designed to tension many strands at once. Some models can tension 16 strands at once with the same degree of loading precision. Once the desired loading pressures are achieved, all of the strands can be locked down and anchored simultaneously. The efficiency advantages here are considerable and can save operator teams a lot of time.
- Improved data tracking and quality assurance – Some power seating hydraulic jacks can be used in tandem with data logging technology to monitor loading on the strand in real time. This data and tensioning history can also be logged for future reference, such as for quality assurance reasons.
- Lighter weight construction for improved safety – Power seating post tensioning jacks weigh less than spring seating jacks and are therefore better suited for hand-held operations and operations performed at any height. Their lighter weight also reduces strain on operators and ensures they can work safely.
- Better durability and longevity – Power seating jacks are characterized by their excellent durability and longevity. They are also more likely to retain their performance longer, as they aren’t susceptible to spring-related wear.
- Precision pressure delivery and loading – Because power seating jacks rely on hydraulic power, they are more precise than spring loading jacks. This provides two major benefits. One benefit is that as double-acting hydraulic systems, power loading jacks are able to maintain loading on the strand as the wedge is seated into the pocket. As such, there’s no seating loss as the wedge is placed in the pocket.
Power Seating Jacks Perform Better and Longer with Professional Hydraulic Maintenance
Power seating jacks are reliable pieces of hydraulic technology that should provide tens of thousands of hours of effective performance. However, the equipment’s durability partly depends on whether your hydraulic equipment is properly maintained.
All hydraulic technology tends to experience the occasional failure and develop performance issues if it’s not properly maintained. For power seating jacks, that important maintenance includes the following:
- Protecting hydraulic fluid quality – Hydraulic fluid contamination is the number one cause of system failures, and it can cause your power seating jacks to develop downtime-causing issues as well. It’s important to keep tabs on your hydraulic fluid quality by taking the occasional sample and inspecting it for any signs of contamination. If you see any suspended solids in your hydraulic fluid, shut down operations, drain the system of all hydraulic fluid, flush out the system and replace the degraded hydraulic fluid with fresh fluid.
- Cleaning the hydraulic jack and tightening hardware – The best way to deal with hydraulic fluid contamination is to keep it out of your equipment in the first place. This starts by prioritizing cleanliness following operation. Wipe the jack down after the job is done, check for any fluid leaks and store it properly when not in use. You may need to check the power seating jack’s fasteners following use and tighten them to maintain optimal performance.
- Monitoring the jack for wear or other issues – Power seating jacks often show signs of emerging trouble when wear, damage or other issues are affecting performance. Loss of power or reduced power delivery is one example. Rough handling is another. Unusual sounds during operation or visible signs of leaks or wear are additional concerns.
If your power seating jacks are showing any of the above signs, it’s worth scheduling a full inspection with a hydraulic equipment expert.
- Protecting hydraulic fluid quality – Hydraulic fluid contamination is the number one cause of system failures, and it can cause your power seating jacks to develop downtime-causing issues as well. It’s important to keep tabs on your hydraulic fluid quality by taking the occasional sample and inspecting it for any signs of contamination. If you see any suspended solids in your hydraulic fluid, shut down operations, drain the system of all hydraulic fluid, flush out the system and replace the degraded hydraulic fluid with fresh fluid.
A Respected Hydraulic Equipment Supplier Can Provide Power Seating Jacks for all Types of Construction
When post-tensioning concrete, your operators have a couple of options to provide that tensioning force. For most commercial construction applications, hydraulic power offers the reliability, performance, durability and safety that operators need from their power seating jacks.
If your team is ready to expand its post-tensioning operations or needs to replace some of its existing hydraulic jacks, your hydraulic equipment expert can identify the best power seating jack model for your projects. They can also extend the life of your power seating jacks and ensure they always operate at peak performance through on-time maintenance.