For your convenience, you can download these instructions as a printable PDF.
HK panel ties are specifically designed for use in tilt-up, and precast panels.
Each sheet of insulation should be marked on one side with dots on 400mm to 435mm (16 to 17-inch) centers, indicating where ties would normally be inserted into the foam.
The HK ties are designed to keep a 76mm (3″) fascia layer of concrete affixed to the panel without the benefit of solid sections of concrete.
Applications
The HK ties may be used in most tilt-up and precast applications where:
- The fascia is 100mm (4″) thick or less
- The panels do not extend beyond 12.5m (50′) above grade
- The concrete compressive strength at the time of lifting is at least 17.2Mpa (2,500 psi)
- If the fascia is suspended, the rigid foam insulation has a density of 27.23 kg/m3 (1.7 lb/ft3) or greater and fascia is 75mm thick or less.
Installation
- Place foam insulation board on freshly poured concrete immediately after screeding (within 15-30 minutes). The concrete should be level enough to contact the entire surface of the insulation board.
- Insert the HK ties immediately after placing the insulation board on the wet concrete. Push the pointed end of the tie through the insulation board into the fresh concrete until the embedment stop is even with the top surface of the insulation board. Optionally, ties may be pushed through insulation board before placing it on the concrete, while it is stacked on top of other insulation boards. Place ties on 400mm (16-inch) centers.
To promote concrete consolidation around the tie, apply repetitive foot pressure on the insulation board near each tie, or otherwise vibrate the tie or the area around the tie. Do not use this system while it is raining or if rain is imminent when panels will be exposed to rainfall.
Around Openings / At Panel Edges
Ties should be no closer than 100mm (4″) and no further than 250mm (10″) from the edge of the foam. In these cases, you may need to either shift ties away from the panel edges or openings or add extra ties so this spacing is maintained.
Disclaimer of Liability
It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to install the HK ties in accordance with these published instructions. The presence of an HK Composites representative at the job site does not relieve contractor from the responsibility to follow these published installation instructions. HK COMPOSITES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LIABILITY RESULTING FROM A FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Our recommendations should not be taken as inducements to infringe on any patent or violate any law, safety code or insurance regulation.
Contact Us
Toll Free:
(800) 430-6316
International: +1 801-763-0907
Frequently Asked Questions
How do HK Ties work?
View the "How it Works" page to see a demonstration video.
Are HK Ties Tested?
Yes. Our patented low-conductivity polymer systems excel in tests for tensile strength, shearing, concrete pull-out, long term alkaline resistance, fire, cyclic fatigue, and many building code certifications. See HK testing reports here.
Do I save money using HK Ties?
Yes. Our simple manufacturing process used to make HK Ties, called thermoforming, reduces our output costs which increases your “bang for your buck”. Not only that, HK Ties reduce the R-value of the wall by less than 1% compared to as much as 75% reduction with steel and/or typical solid concrete section ties. This results in maximum energy savings!
Also, because HK Ties are manufactured using a simple process, they cost less to produce and we can pass along that savings to our users.
Does HK use fiberglass to make Ties?
Being the best means being different; we don’t use fiberglass in our HK Standard Ties. HK Standard Ties are made from an engineered reinforced thermoplastic, enabling our standard ties to be more durable than competitor ties. In contrast, HK Vertical Pour/ Modular Precast Ties and Composite Action Ties are made from a fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic.
Regardless of the engineered make-up, all HK Ties are designed to resist impact and shock loads during precast panel transportation and erection. The resin retains its strength at high temperature and provides maximum long-term chemical resistance.
Construction jobs come in many different shapes and sizes. Different jobs require different ties. Our HK Tie experts are here to help you find the best tie for your project. Contact us today!
Is plastic as strong as fiberglass?
Fiberglass is plastic—reinforced with glass fiber. Strength-wise, it is true that some types of fiberglass have a higher material tensile strength than HK Tie resins. However, high material tensile strength is only one factor responsible for the tensile capacity of a tie. The minimum cross-sectional area and manufacturing processes together with inherent material properties ultimately determine tie strength. The actual delivered tensile and shear strengths of HK Ties are many times higher than required.
The plastic used for the HK Standard Ties is a high-impact, high-temperature, chemical resistant engineered thermoplastic. The plastic used for the HK VP (Vertical Pour) and Modular Precast Ties is glass fiber reinforced.
Every job is another dragon to slay. We will help you get the job done cost-effectively, safely and as quickly as possible. Contact us today!
Can my project receive LEED points for using the HK Building system?
Yes. With the HK building system, you can go green and save green. HK Green Building Insulation Systems are designed to meet green building standards for better thermal protection and energy performance from longer-lasting, environmentally benign building materials.
The system is created using extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) insulation in-between two concrete wythes. Highly durable HK Ties, inserted into the XPS, have been proven to reduce the insulation R-value by less than 1% Compare that to as much as 75% reduction with steel and/or typical solid concrete sections! This small change can make a big difference! Start saving and contact us today.
Does HK offer a turnkey solution?
Yes. Our turnkey foam fabrication solution is one of many reasons why we are the concrete sandwich construction industry leader. We specialize in and have extensive experience with foam fabrication processes.
When the foam is fabricated, boards are pre-cut to fit architectural drawings. We make it easy for you as we provide specific foam layout drawings and pre-drill the XPS energy-efficient insulation board to accommodate HK Tie insertion. HK insulation foam boards come to the job site, placement ready. Bye, bye head scratching and complicated puzzles, hello revenue.