How to Choose the Best Custom Moulded Plastic Spacers for Your Concrete Structure

14 July 2022

Concrete is perhaps one of the most utilised materials in the construction industry today.

One of the reasons industries maximises concrete is it is durable. With the correct elements, the concrete structure can easily resist water, heat, and external forces. They also use concrete as it is eco-friendly. It is even energy-efficient, which helps properties retain their temperatures optimally.

To attain its benefits, a structure should possess the correct spacers. Spacers retain the position of rebars in concrete structures and maintain their distance to the concrete surface. For your project to be beneficial, here are some things you need to consider when choosing your spacers.

Height

One of the things you need to consider in choosing the spacers for your concrete structure is their height. The nominal height of the spacers should be equal to the dimensions of spacers that can generate the exact concrete cover for the concrete rebar. Single spacers utilise simple shapes like cubes and cylinders, which often have fixed spacer heights. Multi-dimensional spacers, alternatively, have varying heights depending on their installation position. The latter is recommended for your concrete structure if it utilises a wide array of concrete cover thicknesses.

Subgrade

The weight of steel, rebars, equipment pieces and workers can affect the quality of spacers placed under the rebar mesh. If the contact areas of the spacers with the subgrade of soil or stone are mismatched, they will settle during the construction, reducing the concrete cover thickness. So, if the subgrade is not firm, one should utilise spacers with sufficient contact areas. Additional plates may likewise be needed to spread the surface load from the spacers.

Material

Another thing to consider when picking the correct spacers for your concrete project is the material. Moulded plastic is one of the materials used for spacers since it can be serviced effectively. It may be slightly weaker than steel and concrete, but it can effectively generate spacers with complex part designs. The strength of plastic moulded spacers is likewise enhanced nowadays, making them beneficial for project owners like you. Through plastic moulded spacers, you can expect your concrete structure to be stable and long-lasting.

Connection

One more thing to consider in choosing the right spacers for your concrete structure is the connection between the spacer and the rebar. To date, there are three options for the connection between them.

For one, spacers can be placed on a horizontal surface to support the steel rebars above. With the weight and fixation of the steel mesh, the spacers can be placed without the binding connection, which serves them as the blocks to generate the correct cover thickness.

Spacers with holes at their centres, alternatively, can be installed on the rebar itself. Even if the rebars are removed, the spacers do not have to be disassembled anymore.

Ultimately, spacers with tie-wire or plastic/steel hooks can be connected with rebars. Through the hooks or tied wires, they can be installed in the right positions without falling out. Installing them correctly is crucial, especially once the rebar cages are lifted or the concrete structures vibrate.

If you need help with custom moulded plastic spacers, you can call us at Sandabe Industries.

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