Stay cable protection
Our expert teams deliver tailored stay cable protection using proven solutions such as Cableskin®, HDPE sheathing, and double sheathing systems. We provide in-depth technical advice and customize each application to your site’s unique conditions, ensuring reliable, corrosion-resistant performance and long-term durability of infrastructure.
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Lifespan Service Range - Brochure
Cableskin
Cableskin
Cableskin® (Base)
What is stay cable protection?
Stay cable protection refers to the use of materials and systems designed to shield the cables of cable-stayed bridges from environmental and mechanical damage. This includes protection from corrosion, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and physical wear.
How does it work?
Protection methods typically involve the application of external barriers such as HDPE sheathing, double sheathing systems, or specialized protective wraps. These layers act as a shield against moisture, pollutants, and other corrosive elements. Installation can be carried out manually or with robotic systems, depending on the design and complexity of the structure.
Why is it important?
Proper protection of stay cables is essential for ensuring the long-term safety, performance, and durability of bridge structures. It helps reduce maintenance needs, extend the service life of the cables, and lower overall lifecycle costs for infrastructure assets.
Your trusted partner for robust stay cables
At DYWIDAG, we know that no two bridges are alike. That’s why our cable protection services combine smart technology with customized execution to strengthen new and ageing stay cables from installation, through to maintenance and ongoing monitoring—ensuring your unique bridge configuration gets exactly what it needs to stand the test of time.
Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, we start with a detailed site survey to assess structural and environmental conditions. Then, we design a bespoke protection plan, executed by our specialist teams using precision robotics or skilled manual application—always with minimal traffic disruption.
Our global network of civil engineers and bridge experts has supported over 500 bridge projects, including some of the world’s longest stay cable structures. Backed by German engineering and recyclable materials, we also offer post-installation inspections and dehumidification system integration to extend your asset’s lifespan and reduce long-term maintenance.
Types of protection
Corrosion and UV protection
Steel cables and HDPE pipes degrade over time when exposed to harsh environments. Our high-performance wrapping systems prevent corrosion and UV damage, ideal for both maintenance and strengthening on new or existing bridges
Vibration and fatigue
Constant movement from wind and traffic can lead to long-term fatigue. We offer retrofit dampers, welded helical fillets, and engineered solutions to control vibrations and extend cable lifespan.
Fire Exposure
Stay cables need protection in high-temperature or fire-risk zones. Our fire-resistant wraps and coatings help safeguard structural performance and meet strict fire safety requirements.
Blast and impact
In critical or high-risk areas, stay cables must be ready for more than environmental stress. We provide blast protection systems that increase resilience against impact and intentional attack.
Ultimate protection with Cableskin® by DYWIDAG
DYWIDAG’s Cableskin® technology brings a time-proven pipeline coating method to bridge stay cables. Originally used on large-diameter pipelines since the 1960s, Cableskin® was re-engineered in 2004 for both new and aging stay cables, fusing multilayer butyl-rubber tapes into a single, seamless sheath.
Rather than relying on scaffolding or extensive surface prep, our self-driving CE-certified and semi-automated wrapping robots — alongside small, specialized crews — apply Cableskin® quickly, often completing a bridge in weeks instead of months. The system locks out moisture and pollutants, provides UV resistance, and is available in a variety of top-coat colors to suit aesthetic or project requirements.
Beyond installation, Cableskin® integrates with DYWIDAG’s Infrastructure Intelligence suite. Inspection robots capture surface imagery and inner-duct scans, feeding data into digital twins for real-time health monitoring. This end-to-end solution keeps traffic flowing, minimizes downtime, and ensures long-term cable performance backed by German engineering expertise.
What the Cableskin® system delivers
Robust multi-layer protection
Airtight, watertight butyl rubber barrier—impermeable to moisture, oxygen, and UV radiation.
Certified durability
60+ year service life; ETA‑13/0171 and Z‑30.11‑41 certified for C5-M (marine) and C5-I (industrial) environments.
Compatible with monitoring systems
Designed for integration with dehumidification systems and robotic inspection technologies.
Customizable top layer
Available in multiple colors to match aesthetic or project requirements.
Solutions we offer
We use a range of products to support the protection of stay cables from installation, through to maintenance and continuous monitoring.
Stay Cable Sheathings
Stay sheathings and dampers shielding against environmental influences.
Fire Protection
Avoidance of cable failures during extreme fire events.
De-Icing Solutions
Control of icing and de-icing of stay cables with passive and active solutions.
Blast-Protection
Blast protection for Stay Cables: Fullfills AASHTO bridge security guidelines.
Dampers
Extending service life of your cables.
