New market for established bolt
Following its success in the United Kingdom, the Spider Bolt Company decided to expand its marketing to the United States. The Spider Bolt simplifies connections where access to both sides is either difficult or impossible. The Spider Bolt eliminates the need for welding on nuts or brackets and in many cases allows the use of thinner-wall hollow sections where drilling and tapping would normally be the solution. Connection time is dramatically reduced as it is only necessary to drill a hole in the parts to be connected, insert the bolt, and tighten up from one side. The Spider Bolt can easily be installed using conventional spanners and sockets, but rapid installation tools are available for applications where large numbers of bolts are used, or where access is limited. Apart from the standard and countersunk bolts in zinc-plated carbon steel, the Spider Bolt Company can supply stainless steel varieties for more demanding environments. Additionally they can provide customized designs where necessary.
Spider Bolt Company, www.spider-bolt.com
ANSI / SDI Steel deck standards available for free
Since 1939, the Steel Deck Institute has provided uniform industry standards for the engineering, design, manufacture, and field usage of steel decks. The SDI announced that its new American National Standards (ANSI)/SDI standards for Steel Roof Deck (RD1.0), Composite Steel Floor Deck (C1.0), and Non-Composite Steel Floor Deck (NC1.0) are now available for free download from its website. These standards are suitable for reference use in project specifications by the design community.
Steel Deck Institute, www.sdi.org
Green AAC
MHE-International LLC is a manufacturer representative and consultant for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). AAC is a 100-percent green building material with high thermal properties. It is fireproof; mold, mildew, and pest resistant; seismically rated for all zones; and lighter and easier to install than traditional concrete. AAC also qualifies for most LEED credits as well as insurance benefits, and overall reduction in the construction and utility costs of a building. AAC has been used in Germany and Europe for more than 80 years, and is now being used in the “passive homes” and “net-zero-energy homes” movement there.
MHE-International LLC, www.mhe-international.com
Rapid hardening hydraulic cements
Rapid hardening hydraulic cements are used in a variety of applications in which reduced cementitious contents are desired or early service is needed. Included among these applications are paving, construction, stucco, mortar, and block. A newly approved ASTM International standard covering these cements, ASTM C1600/C1600M, Specification for Rapid Hardening Hydraulic Cement, was developed by Subcommittee C01.13 on Special Cements, part of ASTM International Committee C01 on Cement. According to James K. Hicks, CERATECH Inc., and chair of C01.13, four types of cement are covered by ASTM C1600/C1600M: Type URH — ultra rapid hardening, for use where ultra high early strength is desired; Type VRH — very rapid hardening, for use where very high early strength is desired; Type MRH — medium rapid hardening, for use where mid-range rapid hardening, high early strength is desired; and Type GRH — general rapid hardening, for use when the higher strength properties of Type VRH or a Type MRH cement is not required.
ASTM International, www.astm.org
Wood framing connections
Earthbound Corporation has recently received a new evaluation report ESR-2848 on the SlackJack Device used to compensate for shrinkage in wood framed buildings. The device may be used in systems involving threaded steel rod or bolts and maintains a tight connection where the potential for wood shrinkage or settlement occurs. The evaluation report describes installation requirements, allowable lead capacities, and range of permitted movement.
International Code Council Evaluation Services, www.icc-es.org
