Abstract: A press roll assembly having no substantial circumferential stress at operating temperature due to differential thermal expansion of the head and roller material is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly is formed from a granite roll having opposed parallel substantially planar ends compressed between steel heads; the steel heads are preferably heated to the maximum operating temperature of the press roll assembly prior to tensioning against the press roll held at ambient temperature. Preferably, there is a rectilinear interface between the heads and the roll, and preferably the heads are tensioned against the ends of the roll by tie-rods connected to the opposed heads through a plurality of longitudinal bore holes passing through the roll and heads, the bores being disposed radially outward and parallel to the axis. Upon cooling of the heads, radial compression is induced in the ends of the roll.

Abstract: The stone slab work support has its strength and resonant frequency increased by boring a long, small diameter hole along one or more longitudinal or transverse axes, inserting a tendon of high-strength steel in the hole such that threaded ends of the tendon protrude from the hole, and placing stress on the tendon through elongation and tightening threaded nuts engaging pressure washers to tension the tendon. The stone plate is thus compressed by the tension exerted by the fastener-tendon assembly and its resonant frequency increased above the frequency generated by equipment supported on the stone. Compressive stress is exerted on the stone plate, closing micro-cracks to increase the modulus of elasticity and increase the resonant frequency of the stone. The tendon may be inserted along an axis offset from the stone slab center of gravity by any desired eccentric value, enabling stress and deflection control of the slab for a wide variety of load cases.