The CRSI reference manuals I have refer to black, soft-annealed wire, usually 16 or 16.5 gauge. Typical methods for tying can be found in the CRSI Manual of Standard Practice and companion handbooks such as Placing Reinforcing Bars.
Plastic or Epoxy coated wire is noted in later chapters for use with Epoxy coated rebar.
Quantities and spacings of ties are recommendations and usually become means and methods in arguments.
Thanks for your reply. Within Australia, engineers refer to Australian Standard AS 3600 - 2001. This standard simply states "shall be supported and maintained in position within the tolerances until the concrete has harden. Bar chairs, spacers and ties shall be made of concrete, steel or plastics as appropriate"
I have developed an alternative method of fixing rebar using a pneumatic tool and a pressed metal 'V' shaped clip, each cycle is completed within a half a second and the operator remains in an upright position.
I was researching if there are any impediments in the USA market as unfortunately I encountered some resistance to the concept in Australia. But this is not unusal as most Aussie inventions go overseas to be developed.
There is no minium requirement within the Australian to the number of ties used. Just as long the rebar maintains its shape and position, of course the supervising engineer has the final word on the matter but I have never had to many problems to date.
I have heard of a similar information regarding the supply of cheap labour within the U.S. but thought it was a bit of an urban myth, at the moment the Industry within Australia is in a boom cycle. Trades like steel fixing are in short supply and demanding top dollar.
Cheap is a very relative term. Skilled Rodbusters are hard to find and charge a premium rate - though the experience of the workers and their pay is not necessarily reflected by the current going rate of the contracts.
If you are able to prove your product provides a more secure, more reliable connection, you might find yourself in a nice position in a niche market. I have seen electric self feeding gadgets that use standard wire for ties.
If economically viable, and with the Engineer of Record for a project on board, you might have some luck.
I would think the World of Concrete would be an excellent place to shop your wares. I assume you are patented?
The process we have developed utilizes a press metal metal V shaped clip to clamp or clinch the bars together. We made a choice not to use wire as there are existing tools on the market, both electric and manual to compete against. Strength and reliability of the ties are not an issue, nor is there the annoying problem to blow down the deck to remove the offcuts of wire. As each tie is completed in approx half a second we confident we can establish a niche market
Our process is more expensive to operate than the traditional methods, the savings we can achieve by means of increased production, less injuries, both minor and serious , less workers compensation insurance premiums will more than offset the additional upfront costs.
Unfortunately it appears we will be unable to attend the World of Concrete Expo as our next prototype will be not be ready in time to exhibit
We have been granted patents in Australia, Japan, USA, Mexico, South Korea, China and Hong Kong. Our application for the European Union is still being processed.
Thanks for the interest, I will forward to any future questions you may pose.
