Post-tension 7 wire strand at turning point

[Spritediet]

So I've been working on these 1940-1950 heavy timber trusses for a couple of months to plan for some repair.
We now are at the construction phase of the project and the GC recently asked if he could remove the teflon (or PEHD?) pads from under the post tensioning cables at the turning points:

It seems obvious to me that these pads have an important influance on the load distribution a the interface between the cables and the supports. The issue is the GC says these pads allow the cables to slip sideways while retensionning the cables, whitch presents a safety hazard.

I was wondering what was the outcome of this older thread (thread507-456196) or if anyone might have an opinion on the matter.

Thanks guys!

 

[KootK]

It seems obvious to me that these pads have an important influance on the load distribution a the interface between the cables and the supports.

Agreed. If the cables don't slip along the length of the beam, you'll develop a bunch of unintended stresses in the deviators.

The issue is the GC says these pads allow the cables to slip sideways while retensionning the cables, which presents a safety hazard.

I feel as though I'm seeing guard / lip elements at the sides of the deviators that would address such a concern.