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Insulated Concrete Sandwich Panel Wall Ties

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Double Prong (DP) Tie Pull Tester Instructions

To ensure proper concrete anchorage consolidation around the tips of the HK Double Prong (DP) tie, we suggest using the HK pull tester tool.

Please request a field pull tester from the HK team and follow the instructions below for testing.

For your convenience, you can download these instructions as a printable PDF.

When to test

The concrete in the exterior wythe must reach at least 25 percent of its 28-day strength before using the pull tester. Primary factors affecting concrete strength gain include time and ambient temperature. Typically a wall panel reaches necessary strength for testing after 24-48 hours.

Refer to DP Tie Installation Instructions (Step 7) for more guidance.

How to operate the pull tester

Step 1 – While holding the handle of the pull tester, place the square base down flat against the rigid insulation next to the tie to be tested. The tool is designed to fit into tied reinforcement to allow for tie testing.

Slide the base and pronged attachment gently but firmly through the head of the tie.

Step 2 – The tool is operated just like a torque wrench. With the base firmly planted and hooked through the head of a connector tie, pull back on the handle until you hear a clicking sound.

The pull tester comes pre-calibrated to test the tie at 260 lbs.

dp double prong tie tester

Testing pattern

We recommend testing a minimum of 25% of all ties on each panel.

Focus on these testing locations:

  1. Panel Perimeter
  2. Panel Openings (doors, windows, etc.)
  3. Panel Field

One easy testing pattern to follow is to test the bottom row of the panel then proceed to test every 4th row as you move up the panel.

Test the top 2 rows of the panel. As a panel is raised to a vertical position, the top of the panel receives more stress than the rest of the panel.

See Figure 1 for suggested test locations.

Figure 1 – Sample panel diagram demonstrating recommended pull tester locations to test installed ties to check for proper consolidation with the concrete.

pull tester pattern

Epoxy holes

If testing a tie that was installed using epoxy as instructed in the DP Alternate Tie Installation instructions, wait to test the tie until epoxy has properly cured as per the epoxy manufacturer recommendations (typically 24 hours).

Pull test results

If the tie is loose when using the pull tester but doesn’t pull out completely, leave the tie in place (even if tie is raised or skewed). But request a copy of the DP Tie Alternate Installation instructions to determine proper alternate tie installation location.

If the tie pulls out, do NOT re-use the same hole location. Follow the DP Alternate Tie Installation instructions to determine alternate tie installation location.

If no ties pull out after testing the full panel, continue testing on the next panel.

Additional Questions

We understand what it means to gain client trust, which is why we develop durable, sustainable concrete construction products.

In addition to providing top of the line products, our customer support team and engineering team work hard to ensure our clients are satisfied. If you have any questions about the HK Composites products, please contact us. We’d be happy to assist.

Disclaimer of Liability

It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to install the HK ties in accordance with the published instructions. It is also the responsibility of the owner to confirm proper industry standards and methods are used by contractors, engineers, suppliers, and all others hired by the owner. The presence of an HK Composites representative at the job site does not relieve the contractor from the responsibility to follow 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 a construction specification nor 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.

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HK Composites creates several types of HK Ties for use in insulated concrete sandwich panels. Our unique patented ties (also known as “spikes” or “connectors”) are manufactured from high-performance, heat and alkaline resistant, engineered polymers.

(800) 430-6316

926 Auto Mall Dr #4
American Fork, UT 84003

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