Anchor clamp: Load-tested reliability
There is no such thing as a small detail in the production of reinforced concrete structures. Even a small detail can play a decisive role in the strength and durability of a product. That is why the choice of components should be approached particularly carefully. One such component that directly influences the efficiency of the prestressing process is the wedge for anchor clamps.
If you work with reinforced concrete products and are looking for a stable, technologically advanced and safe solution for fixing reinforcement, you should definitely pay attention to this element.
What wedges are and why they are important
A wedge and anchor grips is a clamping element that is part of an anchor grip. It secures the steel strands, rebar or wire inside the gripper and prevents it from slipping out during tensioning. The operating principle of the wedge is based on mechanical clamping: as the strand is tensioned, the wedges compress the strand more and more, thus ensuring a firm and stable hold.
wedges for anchor clamps are made of special hardened steel, galvanized and heat-treated. This guarantees their wear resistance, corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme loads over many cycles of use. This is especially important in reinforced concrete production, where hundreds of tons of tension are involved.
Design features
Modern anchoring systems offer several types of grips, each with a suitable wedge:
- Open anchor grips (type A). The advantage of this variant is easy visual inspection and cleaning. These grippers are usually installed on the side where the strand is under tension.
- Closed grippers (type F). Ideal for the non-tensioned side. The design features bayonet or screw-on caps that protect the wedges and simplify assembly.
- Connecting Couplings (Type K). These elements allow strands to be joined together. This is especially useful when it is necessary to increase the reinforcement or to reduce cuttings – the wedges hold both ends of the strands to be joined securely.
What do all these options have in common? Of course, the use of wedge – the key components that ensure the reliability of the entire system.
Advantages of wedges in prestressing systems
- Maximum retention. wedges for anchor clamps provide a secure hold even under sudden load surges. This is particularly important in prestressed structures, where any looseness can lead to product failure.
- Multiple use. Thanks to high-quality heat treatment and precise geometry, wedges can withstand multiple cycles of installation and removal without loss of performance.
- loss minimization. When properly installed, wedges significantly reduce wire or strand slippage. This avoids material overruns and saves on steel.
- Versatility. Modern wedge models are suitable for a variety of rebar diameters and wire types. This makes them a universal solution for most industries.
Production control and standards
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the wedges themselves. For example, the products of the German company PAUL, represented in the Ukrainian market by TDM Engineering Oy, undergo strict quality control at every stage. As a result, you get components that work reliably even in the most stressful conditions. This is not just a consumable – it is a tool on which depends the final quality of reinforced concrete products.
Why choose TDM Engineering Oy
There are many suppliers on the market, but not all of them provide the proper level of quality and engineering support. TDM Engineering Oy is the official distributor of PAUL equipment in Ukraine and CIS countries. This means that you get not only original wedges for anchor clamps, but also consultations from engineers, selection of components for your project and fast delivery.
What’s more, our specialists help you calculate the configuration of the equipment, taking into account the type of strands, tensioning conditions, bed features and the technological process at your plant.
wedges for anchor grippers are the basis for stable and safe operation in the prestressing system. Their quality directly affects how securely the reinforcement is fixed, how many cycles the equipment can withstand and how accurate the tensioning is. If you value results, minimize risks and want to work professionally, choose reliable solutions from proven manufacturers. PAUL wedge s, supplied by TDM Engineering Oy, are the choice that gives you confidence in every stage of concrete production.
What are wedges for anchor clamps?
wedges are wedge-shaped clamping elements inside the anchor clamp that fix steel strands or rebar. When tensioned, they clamp the material securely and prevent it from slipping out.
What material are wedges made of?
wedges are made of high-strength steel, heat-treated and galvanized. This provides resistance to wear, corrosion and mechanical stress.
Can wedges be reused?
Yes, quality wedges, such as PAUL products, are designed to be used repeatedly without loss of geometry or clamping force – provided that the operating instructions are followed.
How do I choose the right wedges for my type of rebar?
The choice depends on the diameter of the rebar, the type of grip and the tensioning task. TDM Engineering Oy specialists will help you choose the best wedges for your specific equipment and working conditions.
What is the difference between open and closed anchor clamps with wedges?
Open models allow easier control and cleaning of wedges. Closed versions protect the wedges from contamination and are equipped with convenient caps (bayonet or screw-on) for quick replacement.
Can wedges be used when joining strands?
Yes, there are couplings for this purpose, which also use wedges. They allow the strands to be securely connected to each other without loss of strength and tension.