VSL Sitemap | Contact us | VSL on the Web | Download HOME | THE COMPANY | CONSTRUCTION PARTNER | BUSINESS LINES | VSL BIM LIBRARY | CAREERS HOME THE COMPANY HISTORY HISTORY Landmarks of more than fifty years of activity Shatin to Central Link contract 1106 Diaphragm wall and barrette construction for the extension of Diamond Hill Station. Hong Kong - 2014 read more .... THE COMPANY Company profile Network and Offices VSL brands VSL Academy R&D Values Safety Quality History Have you read it ? MORE+ Video Creating solutions together VSL's corporate movie → WATCH MORE + Download PDF version The Pioneering Years VSL managers at the time of development of the VSL Systems. From left to right: Hans Dietrich, inventor/developer of the strand system; Hans Elsässer, Manager Special Construction Methods; Giovanni Crivelli, Deputy manager. More than fifty years of activity have brought with them marked changes to VSL's specialist areas of expertise as well as to the company's organisation. These have been influenced by economics, changes in the business sectors where VSL exercises its skills and by a host of breakthroughs in techniques, technology, methods and the types and details of the structures themselves. From construction to prestressing The VSL of today and its reputation worldwide can be traced back to the time of European turmoil in 1943 when the major Swiss builder Losinger saw potential applications for the innovative technique of prestressing. The company acquired non-exclusive rights to use the process throughout Switzerland as a means of increasing production capacity and introducing new solutions to the Swiss market. Losinger founded the company Précontrainte SA in Lausanne in 1954 with the aim of developing and applying the licensed system across Switzerland. Advent of the VSL wire prestressing system MORE+ Reaching Maturity Following these pioneering years, VSL's mission was to satisfy ever-increasing demands in terms of quality, durability and structural integrity on its projects, with the constant aim of meeting client expectations to an even greater degree. This drive led to successive major breakthroughs that served to bolster the Group's leading position. Enhanced access and durability The VSL external prestressing system not only addresses cost considerations - it is also highly effective. It was fundamental in responding to the concerns of structural designers using prefabricated elements by giving them the ability to manage the prestressing throughout a structure's life. Development of external prestressing allowed for greater control of forces and the adjustment or adaptation of the system to accommodate new service loads. Furthermore, all or part of a cable could be replaced at any time should the need arise. PT plus no vent The "PT PLUS" duct was developed in 1988. It is made of plastic and, with its accessories for prestressing cables, provides a completely waterproof system as well as reducing friction coefficients considerably. Introduction of Composite Systems The Composite System (CS) made its debut in 1992 and built on recent developments in high-performance concretes and mortars. The Group devised an anchorage with characteristics that reduced both weight and size for ease of application, while improving fatigue and corrosion resistance. The CS Plus and "VSL SUPER" systems were also introduced in 1992 to provide the definitive solution to a demand for full protection against corrosion for cables composed of tensioned strands, including complete electrical isolation from the surrounding environment. Integrating increased levels of complexity The past decade has confirmed a growing trend for project designers to promote technically-sophisticated bridges, with ever-increasing span lengths on projects that showcase the latest technologies while carrying large loads. VSL Group has responded to these challenges by initiating an intensive ongoing programme of research and development into stay cables - a process it has championed since the system first took shape. The work led to the launch of the VSL SSI 2000 (Single-Strand Installation) stay cable system. This marked a major evolution in the technology and responded to the latest requirements in balancing the unit loads per strand as well as enabling control, adjustment and replacement if required. The system is now implemented the world over and is recognised as a market leader in the prestressing industry. It has also led today to the development of a new generation of stay cable saddles combining the advantage of grouted saddles with full strand-by-strand installation and strand-by strand replacement. Developing the Network It would be impossible to provide an exhaustive review of the wealth of techniques developed and applied locally, regionally and worldwide over VSL's 50 years of life. Over this period, VSL has helped to solve many commonly-encountered problems. Any project requires unfailing commitment from all parties if their diverse needs are to be met. This demands professionalism, materials knowledge and mastery of the technologies, standards and certifications. VSL has always endeavoured since its inception to uphold these high principles in its role as a valued partner. Networked skills VSL, as a Swiss-based firm, initially relied on a network of licensees in other countries to develop applications for its system elsewhere. This mode of operation soon gave way to an organisational structure that was made up of specialist companies, set up in an increasing number of countries to ensure high-quality results. MORE+ Turnkey solutions VSL has continued to maintain close contact with its clients, to be attentive to their needs and to extend its range of services. The prestressing company of 50 years ago has gradually evolved into a multi-services group specialising in the design and construction of complex turnkey projects. The schemes adopt VSL techniques and processes and often include bespoke building and erection methods such as tailor-made launching gantries for the rapid construction of precast segmental structures. This is especially true in Asia where VSL has, with the support of a versatile technical resources centre, established its position as a specialist capable of devising, manufacturing and operating sophisticated tools to help build civil engineering structures. The Group's companies can augment their local capabilities by drawing on the high-calibre assistance of experienced engineers working in its technical centres, certified for work on large-scale projects. This benefits VSL and its clients alike. From new construction to renovation The VSL Group has continued to evolve its organisation over the past half-century, adapting its systems, technologies and methods to new market requirements in order to satisfy updated regulations, meet client expectations or solve problems created by modern large-scale construction. Development has been accelerated through the application of VSL's techniques on structures as diverse as viaducts, railways, nuclear power plants, offshore drilling platforms, reservoirs, LNG tanks and all kinds of extraordinary buildings. Recent years have seen the emergence of new applications for the techniques already mastered by VSL, in particular relating to the management of post-World War II facilities. Sizeable investments are being made in the maintenance, repair, strengthening and rehabilitation of existing structures. VSL continues to adapt to ensure that it is positioned to provide well-adapted, customised technical solutions for the specific demands of such markets. Over 50 years of achievements The VSL Group has for more than 50 years been recognised as a world leader in prestressing and other related industries. Its structure allows it to respond to and satisfy the most stringent of requirements to guarantee project quality, safety and durability. The Group has chosen to direct effort towards the development of technical turnkey proposals to generate optimal solutions. The Company provides skilled and trained staff with a core of 100 bridge specialists, two experienced technical centres and the ability to develop new methods, equipment and materials. Today, VSL also offers an innovative contractual approach that enables the company and the contractor to focus on what is "best for project". VSL is also involved in sustainable construction and many of its innovations help achieve this. Specialist equipment is designed to be as modular as possible to allow reuse in different configurations. Post-tensioned structures consume less energy and the use of post-tensioning allows structures to be reinforced with minimal invasiveness. Structural durability is a critical issue for project owners and the use of external post-tensioning for structural repairs extends the lifespan of structures. The ultra-high-performance material Ductal® provides both fire and explosion protection. The opening of the VSL Academy, a unique post-tensioning training centre to ensure the high level of VSL staff know-how in all countries, will provide ongoing development of both individual and corporate knowledge and skills. Local knowledge is also important: all VSL managers are entrepreneurs with in-depth knowledge of their own markets and are committed to providing creative and safe solutions together with top-quality services. All VSL companies benefit from the exchange of expertise throughout the international network. VSL continues to focus on the search for methods and technologies that will maintain its competitiveness and ensure its enduring market success. SEND TO A FRIEND Top of page Project references MORE+ Related brochures View: Download: View: Download: View: Download: View: Download: MORE+ Press releases | VSL News magazine | Project references | Brochures | Videos THE COMPANY | CONSTRUCTION PARTNER | BUSINESS LINES | SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | CAREERS | CONTACT US | DOWNLOAD Press releases VSL News magazine Project references Brochures Videos © 2013 Welcome to VSL International Ltd. / CH-053.3.001.465-2 | Disclaimer | Accessibility