4
2.3 Attaching the Wedge/Platen Assembly
The wedge/platen assemblies are shipped separately. They are held together by a nylon screw
and nut. Remove the nut and then use the nylon screw to attach the wedge/platen assembly to the
Stressmeter Body. Orient the wedge so that the narrow end is facing in the same direction as the
cable, (see Figure 2 in the next section). Tighten the nylon screw into the threaded hole in the
body.
Do not overtighten the screw as it may break
; it is made of nylon so that it can be
sheared easily later in the installation.
(Note: The BX size stressmeter and the NX size stress meter both use the same wedge. However,
there are two holes in the wedge. The one nearest the tip is for the BX size, the one farthest from
the tip is for the NX size).
2.4 Setting the Stressmeter (Recoverable Type)
Mount the stressmeter on the setting tool by pushing the nylon threaded pieces into the matching
holes in the setting tool head. Feed the gauge leads through the slot in the setting head. (See
Figure 2 below.)
Connect the first section of 1/4” rod to the yoke attached to the thin end of the wedge. Note that
the first section of rod has one end with a
¼-20
left handed thread
on it. This will connect to the
left-handed thread in the yoke.
Attach the first section of the 3/4” positioning rod to the back of the setting tool head. Push the
stressmeter into the hole using the positioning rod. The buttons on the setting rod connectors
indicated the orientation of the wedge/ platen assembly, e.g., for taking measurements in a
vertical direction, keep the buttons to the top of the rod.
As the 3/4” positioning rod is pushed into the hole, add new sections of both 3/4” and 1/4” rod
until the desired depth has been reached
. It is advisable to wear gloves during this procedure
to protect the thumb while depressing the buttons on the 3/4 inch rods.
Slide the slide-hammer over the last section of 1/4” rod and then thread the anvil block onto the
outer end of the 1/4” rod. Connect the readout box to the lead wires and take initial readings.
(See Section 3 for readout instructions.)
Figure 2 - Vibrating Wire Stressmeter Installation Tool Assembly
