EM-BOLT is developing a series of innovative steel-to-concrete connections to solve many structural steel construction problems.
The construction industry is facing a well-known and unprecedented skilled labor shortage. Construction PMs have to allocate skilled resources carefully in order to meet construction project cost and timeline goals.
While this is occurring, not only are all companies in the construction industry under intense cost pressure to compete, but they have to deliver buildings that can meet increasingly stringent energy codes.
EM-BOLT is founded by seasoned structural engineers. Based upon our experience ‘in the trenches’ so to speak, delivering building structural steel designs and working through on-site construction challenges, we’ve seen up close many of the challenges that the construction industry faces.
A consistent issue faced by structural engineers and structural steel firms is reliably making the steel-to-concrete connections cost-effectively while meeting the new stringent energy codes.
Below is an overview of the innovative steel-to-concrete connections that EM-BOLT has developed to address these issues.
The first product is the EM-BOLT boltable embed plate. Traditional embed plates are designed for a welded connection to the steel beam. This form of steel-to-concrete foundation connection (welded) is reliable. However, by making this connection bolted, significant on-site welding resources are freed up to focus on welding projects that are more valuable or more time-critical.
The New EM-BOLT Boltable Embed Plate - Steel to Concrete Connections Technology
Making the embed plate steel-to-concrete connection bolted is proven to save significant construction project costs and time.
EM-BOLT Embed Plate with Weathershield Thermoplastic Powder Coating (Plascoat - PPA - 571)
While lowering construction project costs and reducing construction timelines, making the embed plate steel-to-concrete connection boltable also enables the integration of thermal break material at this connection. This aids significantly in helping structural steel buildings to meet new stringent energy codes.
EM-BOLT Boltable Embed Plate Steel-to-Concrete Connection with Thermal Break Technology
The EM-BOLT TSS (Thermal Slab Shelf) system provides a thermally broken slab-on-deck connection to the concrete foundation. As noted in our New Thermal Break Concrete Slab Solution Reduces Construction and Energy Costs article, this innovation enables the insertion of a thermal break material into a critical joint.
The EM-BOLT TSS System for Concrete Slab-on-Deck Applications
As structural engineers, we’re excited to be able to bring these innovative steel-to-concrete connection solutions to the construction industry. We know the challenges that many of our peers face and we enjoy supporting them as they strive to deliver buildings that are more energy efficient, healthier for the occupants and more cost-effective to build.
Here are more resources about these new steel-to-concrete connections:
Learn how these new products are installed here
Learn about the impact on field welding costs here
Learn about what inspired us to create a boltable embed plate here
See a cost comparison of traditional embed plates to boltable embed plates here
See a complete overview of our innovative embed plate technology here
Take a deep dive into our thermal break systems here
