Introduction
The Alligator Coupler is a splicing coupler designed to meet the requirements of BS8110 and EC2 for mechanical couplers used to form butt joints in reinforcement steel. They are supplied in a range of sizes to suit the reinforcement steel range 10mm to 40mm inclusive. The system is ideally suited to minimising steel congestion in heavily reinforced structures, providing simple connections for prefabricated reinforcement steel and facilitating the removal and replacement of damaged reinforcement steel in repair contracts.
The mechanical connection is made by inserting the rebar into each end of the coupler and tightening the lock shear bolts by hand, once satisfied that the joint is suitably assembled and aligned, the lock shear bolts are tightened up with suitable impact driver. The bolt heads shear off at the desired torque setting, giving a clear indication that installation is complete and satisfactory.
Advantages
- Reduced steel congestion at joints.
- Compatible with smooth round and ribbed reinforcement steel.
- Accommodates any variations in the nominal diameter of the bars being joined.
- No rotation of the reinforcement steel required.
- Tapered profile makes bar insertion easier.
- No welded parts or joints used in the manufacturing process.
- No threading of the rebar required.
- No additional bar preparation required.
- Works with conventionally cropped reinforcement steel.
- No specialist training or skills required.
- Provides the characteristics of a continuous length of reinforcement steel.
- Gives a clear indication of correct installation.
- Available from stock in the range 10mm to 40mm diameter.
- Backed up by CARES Technical Approval TA1-A up to 32mm.
