Frameless lightweight post-tensioning jack and method for using same

A frameless lightweight jack comprising:

• a pressure cylinder body, the pressure cylinder body being a block through which a pressure cylinder body passage is formed;
• a first and a second hydraulic actuator, the first and the second hydraulic actuator each coupled to the pressure cylinder body on a proximal end, wherein the first and the second hydraulic actuator are in hydraulic communication through a cylinder loop hose connected to a port in a distal end of each of the first and second hydraulic actuator;
• an extending body, the extending body coupled to the first and the second hydraulic actuator, the extending body being a block through which an extending body passage is formed, wherein the pressure cylinder body passage and the extending body passage are aligned to form a tension member channel;
• and
• a strand grabber assembly, the strand grabber assembly mechanically coupled to the extending body;
• wherein the pressure cylinder body is configured to not touch the extending body when the frameless lightweight jack is in a retracted position.

A method of using a frameless lightweight jack comprising:

• positioning the frameless lightweight jack in a retracted position so as to abut a concrete structure with a tensioning member, the lightweight jack including:
• a pressure cylinder body, the pressure cylinder body being a block through which a pressure cylinder body passage is formed;
• a first and a second hydraulic actuator, the first and the second hydraulic actuator each coupled to the pressure cylinder body on a proximal end, wherein the first and the second hydraulic actuator are in hydraulic communication through a cylinder loop hose connected to a port in a distal end of each of the first and second hydraulic actuator;
• an extending body, the extending body coupled to the first and the second hydraulic actuator, the extending body being a block through which an extending body passage is formed, wherein the pressure cylinder body passage and the extending body passage are aligned to form a tension member channel;
• and
• a strand grabber assembly, the strand grabber assembly mechanically coupled to the extending body;
• wherein the pressure cylinder body is configured to not touch the extending body when the frameless lightweight jack is in a retracted position;
• engaging the tensioning member with the strand grabber assembly;
• moving the frameless lightweight jack from a retracted position to an extended position so as to tension the tension member;
• moving the frameless lightweight jack from the extended position to the retracted position, such movement resulting in a gap between the pressure cylinder body and the extending body.