GB has been offering solutions for anchoring HSB (timber frame) elements for years. Due to changes in construction methods and the feedback we receive from end users, we continue to develop our products so that they can be used even smarter. A good example is the anchoring for attaching HSB cavity walls to a concrete floor. We are happy to take you through its evolution.
The first solution for attaching HSB cavity walls to a concrete floor was the J-anchor. This is a heavy metal strip with a short bend into - you guessed it - a J-shape and a slot hole. It was specifically designed for the lower-side installation (in the recess) of HSB cavity walls on a concrete floor. The J-anchor is set to the correct height on-site using pressure plates, attached to the concrete floor, and fitted with a matching element rubber.
Over the years, insulation packages became thicker, and consequently, so did the HSB elements. Additionally, sliding doors became increasingly popular, positioning the glass line or load line on the exterior side of an element. In practice, it was found that the J-anchor did not provide enough support in these situations. As a solution, a Floor element strip with a separate angle bracket was used. This was a good solution but labor-intensive since two products had to be placed side by side. Therefore, a smarter solution was sought.
This solution was found in the Floor HSB strip with a welded lip. The main advantage of this is that you no longer need to use two separate products. Additionally, the HSB elements can be easily set to the correct height using GB pressure plates. The Floor HSB strip was very well received by our customers. Installation is done from the inside, making scaffold-free construction possible. However, the production of this product is less efficient because the lip needs to be welded onto the strip separately and then galvanized. We explored possibilities to further automate the production process.
Soon after, the Floor HSB strip with lip was developed, stamped from a single piece, ensuring dimensional accuracy and stability. By using S350 steel, the Floor HSB strip is lightweight yet strong in force absorption. The hole pattern is thoughtfully designed concerning edge distances. There are now seven variants available with a material thickness of 3 mm. Additionally, there is a 4 mm model for situations involving heavier elements, further cantilevered elements, or higher wind loads. In short, there is a suitable Floor HSB strip available for every type of HSB element.
The evolution of anchoring for HSB floors demonstrates that GB is always looking for smarter solutions. To achieve this, we observe construction practices and listen to the professionals who use our products. The fact that we manufacture almost all products ourselves at our production facility in Nieuwkoop and have our own tool shop enables us to keep product development in-house.