Connections in Reinforced Concrete Construction

To accommodate the natural movement of buildings, concrete structures incorporate expansion and contraction joints between slabs. These joints rely on steel dowels or keyed joints to transfer shear loads effectively. Our Max Frank Shear Load Connectors are designed with innovation in mind, providing optimal load transfer capabilities while accommodating structural movement. Expansion joints, essential for decoupling components and preventing stress cracks, can benefit from our Egcodorn® shear force dowel system, tailored for high static loads. For dynamic load-intensive scenarios, such as road surfaces, the Egcodorn® DND offers a robust solution. For cost-effective structural connections, the Egcodubel proves to be the most economical option.

Connecting reinforcing steel bars traditionally involved lapped joints, which are time-consuming to design and install and can increase congestion within the concrete structure due to the excessive use of rebar. SDG offers rebar couplers as a superior alternative, simplifying the design and construction of reinforced concrete structures while reducing the overall reinforcement required. Our Hy-Ten Standard Coupler is ideal for connecting two bars of the same diameter, with one bar capable of rotation. These couplers, pre-welded to the corresponding rebars, achieve joint formation by securely screwing the male and female sections together.

In situations where pull-out bar casting may be impractical due to size, weight, or insufficient strength, our Hy-Ten Conti-Rack system provides a reliable alternative to traditional continuity systems. The Conti-Rack system, incorporating Hy-Ten couplers, can accommodate bar diameters of up to 40mm. By eliminating double bending of the rebar, this system ensures robust connections without compromising strength or compromising design constraints.

When connecting concrete slabs to walls, columns, or floors, it is crucial to establish secure reinforcement continuity across joints. Our Starter Packs offer a simplified solution for concrete construction joints, enabling slab-to-wall connections with no limitations on bar length or diameter. These packs include pre-bent bars housed within a galvanized steel casing, protected by a cover. Once the cover is removed, the bars can be easily straightened and lapped onto the main reinforcement, streamlining the construction process.

Concrete slabs supported by columns experience significant shear stresses, posing the risk of column “punching” through the slab. Conventional solutions involve increasing the thickness of the slab above and below the columns, resulting in reduced headroom and increased concrete usage. At SDG, we offer the Shearail® Punching Shear system, an efficient and space-saving alternative. By reinforcing the slab above and below the columns, Shearail® strengthens the slab-to-column connections, effectively eliminating the risks associated with punching shear.