BeamClamp® is an innovative and alternative solution to making steel connections.
In situations where you might usually resort to welding, drilling or bolting to make connections, we believe BeamClamp® could be easier, cheaper and more efficient.
BeamClamp® v welding
Welding might be the go to method when making steel connections, but is it the best? Though it may be economical in some situations, such as if the connection can be made off site, it comes with many flaws and drawbacks.
Welding requires expensive equipment and skilled labour, and the quality of the weld can be entirely down to the skill of the welder. Once made, the connection is permanent, and there is no room for on-site adjustment or temporary works.
If the steel has a protective coating, for example if it is hot-dip galvanised like many Kee products, this coating will need to be removed and then replaced afterwards, which could affect the integrity of the coating.
Finally, welding creates heat and sparks that can be hazardous, meaning a hot works permit will be required, accompanied by fire-watches after the completion of the work.
BeamClamp® avoids all of these issues: the solution is simple and straightforward, meaning there’s no need for specialist labour, and the system will not affect existing protective coatings.
BeamClamp® can be temporary or permanent, and the lack of required permits or fire-watches can save time and money.
BeamClamp® v drilling and bolting
Another common solution for steel connections is drilling and bolting. Where the design allows for off-site fabrication, this can be a quick and simple way to make connections.
However, drilling steel on-site can be expensive and complicated, requiring heavy drilling equipment and skilled labour. As with welding, drilling can damage the integrity of any existing coating, and perhaps even the integrity of the structure itself.
Drilling through thick steel sections can be costly and time-consuming, as standard drilling speeds must be adhered to, and drill bits can wear out quickly and be costly to replace.
BeamClamp® once again comes out the clear winner in terms of ease of installation, time and cost saving.
Comparisons
To illustrate just how BeamClamp® can save you time and money, we have compared the costs in both money and time for a very common connection, pictured opposite, when you choose a welded solution, a drilled/bolted solution and, finally, BeamClamp®.
Drilled and Bolted solution (M20 High tensile bolts)
| Connection Requirements | Rate p/h (£) | Time (hrs) | Step Cost (£) | Details of each step |
| Engineering | 45 | 0.5 | 22.5 | Detailing the positions and checking the integrity of the exiting steel after adding holes |
| Drilling time of new steel off site | 45 | 1 | 45 | Based on a flange thickness of 12.5mm and 1/4 hr per hole (see cutting speed rates) |
| Marking of steel | 26 | 0.5 | 13 | The time required to mark the steel on site to ensure alignment with secondary member |
| Site set up | 26 | 0.25 | 6.5 | The time required to access power, get the drilling machine into position |
| Drilling time on site | 45 | 1 | 45 | Based on a flange thickness of 12.5mm and 1/4 hr per hole (see cutting speed rates) |
| Positioning and alignment | 45 | 0.25 | 11.25 | Alignment of primary and secondary steel holes on site |
| Assembly time | 26 | 1 | 3.9 | Very quick to assemble with only four bolts and nuts once steel is aligned |
| Tightening of bolts | 26 | 0.25 | 5.2 | High torques required so allowing for 5 mins per bolt and nut |
| Drill bits | NA | 0.15 | 10 | 1 drill bit allowed for |
| Material costs (bolts) | NA | 0.2 | 10 | Four bolts, butts and washers @ £2.5 each |
| Totals | 3.7 | £172.35 |
Welded solution (fully fillet welded connection)
| Connection Requirements | Rate p/h (£) | Time (hrs) | Step cost (£) | Details of each step |
| Engineering | 45 | 0.25 | 11.25 | Little design work required apart from highlighting the position and penetration of weld |
| Apply for hot work permit | 26 | 0.5 | 12.5 | The issue time is set at 30 mins, however this can be much longer |
| Marking of steel | 26 | 0.25 | 10 | The marking of the steel is minimal for a welded connection |
| Site set up | 26 | 0.5 | 20 | Time to move equipment, power cords and get machinery ready |
| Removal of corrosion protection | 45 | 1.0 | 45 | The whole area for the weld needs to be removed by grinding and is time consuming |
| Performing of weld (inc equip) | 45 | 1.0 | 45 | Alignment of primary and secondary steel holes on site |
| Fire watch during and post welding process | 26 | 2.0 | 52 | Fire watches can last for long periods of time but this is based on 1 hour post welding |
| Touch up of galv/paint | 45 | 0.33 | 14.85 | Replacement of the galv/paint will not be as good as the original finish |
| Totals | 5.83 | £210.60 |
BeamClamp® Solution (M20 BeamClamp® connection)
| Connection Requirements | Rate p/h (£) | Time (hrs) | Step Cost (£) | Details of each step |
| Engineering | 45 | 0.25 | 11.25 | The design time is reduced by BeamClamp® connection software and engineers |
| Marking of steel | 26 | 0.125 | 3.25 | The marking is reduced as the connection is adjustable |
| Site set up | 26 | 0.25 | 6.5 | The same as a bolted connection |
| Assembly time | 26 | 0.25 | 6.5 | The assembly will be slightly longer than a standard bolted connection |
| Tightening of bolts | 26 | 0.2 | 5.2 | High torques required as with standard bolting so allowing for 5 mins per bolt and nut |
| Material cost | 85 | The cost of the total materials for a BeamClamp® assembly | ||
| Totals | 1.1 | £117.70 |
Whichever way you look at it, BeamClamp® is the clear winner, and can save you serious time and money over the traditional methods.
For more information, call us on 0208 874 6566, or use our online contact form.
Tue, 10/23/2018 – 11:18
BeamClamp® is an innovative and alternative solution to making steel connections.
In situations where you might usually resort to welding, drilling or bolting to make connections, we believe BeamClamp could be easier, cheaper and more efficient.
