Universal tension system
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Fig. 1 Concrete elements connected with BT-Spann:...
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Fig. 2 Two which stay together: tensioned angle...
B.T. innovation is presently introducing a new turnbuckle that extraordinarily simplifies mounting of precast concrete components. The new product development promises high accuracy in the course of construction and considerable saving of time on the building site.
That there is still potential to be released in precast construction with the aid of good ideas, B.T. innovation has already been able to demonstrate with numerous solutions. Now, the Magdeburg-based company presents an elaborate tension system for precast concrete components that makes the structural connection of precast concrete components much easier.
The tension system consists of a turnbuckle and sleeve anchors being integrated in the precast component. The system is available in two versions capable to bear tensile forces of up to 50 kN and/or 100 kN, as the material testing conducted by the MPA Braunschweig (Materials Testing Institute) certifies.
For the preparation of the tie points the manufacturer includes in the delivery appropriate anchor sleeves as well as recess units made of plastics which can be fixed magnetically to the pallet for exact positioning with effortless ease. On the building site, the concrete elements are jointed together, the turnbuckle is inserted and the elements are anchored with two bolts. In this way, the precast components are structurally connected.
The new turnbuckle has been used for the first time when mounting angle brackets which are applied in a wide range of applications in the field of road construction and civil engineering but also in garden and landscape construction. In collaboration with Westerwelle GmbH & Co. KG, as being specialist in manufacturing of angle brackets, extensive field tests have been carried out with this tension system during the development phase, which impressively confirm the capability of this innovation. Anchored angle brackets, which can be mounted in an easy way, allow more rigid constructions and thus ensure a higher quality of the building.
Apart from this application the turnbuckle is suitable in a universal range of possible applications, for example for the connection of wall, floor and structural slabs as well as many other building components.
Furthermore, the product is also most appealing for the construction of waterproof structures built with precast concrete components. In this case, the well-proven sealing tape RubberNEK® of B.T. innovation gets involved. At first, the sealing tape is pressed on in the joint area of a component, whereupon the next element is placed and both components are anchored by means of the turnbuckle. Mounting and sealing are reduced to just one working process, because the contact pressure glues RubberNEK together with the precast concrete components in a permanent and elastic way, meaning that the joint is pressurized water-impermeable immediately after mounting. ■
