Dextra Group | Reliable Connections

San’ao Nuclear Power Plant 1&2, China

 

San’ao Nuclear Power Plant 1&2, China

 
 

Dextra has successfully supplied 340,000 Griptec couplers for the aircraft impact-resistant shell construction of the San’ao Nuclear Power Plant units 1 and 2, featuring the advanced HPR1000 Hualong reactors.

Griptec, recognized as the only 100% proof-tested splicing system, has gained the trust of over ten nuclear reactors globally, cementing its reputation for reliability and safety in high-stakes environments. The system’s stringent quality assurance processes ensure that each coupler meets the demanding standards required for nuclear applications, providing unparalleled performance and durability.

One of the standout features of Griptec is its high-productivity bar end preparation equipment. This state-of-the-art machinery boasts an impressive processing speed of 30 to 45 seconds per bar end, significantly enhancing construction efficiency. Additionally, the equipment is designed for operation by a single operator, optimizing workforce utilization.

Moreover, Dextra is the first manufacturer of civil construction products with an ISO19443 certified quality management system for nuclear safety. This certification underscores Dextra‘s commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality in the nuclear industry, demonstrating the company’s commitment to excellence and reliability.

The San’ao Nuclear Power Plant project is a key component of China’s strategic initiative to expand its nuclear power capacity, which is vital for meeting the country’s growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. By supplying Griptec couplers, Dextra is playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of this project.

Flamanville EPR

Flamanville EPR

Flamanville is the first reactor built after the new generation EPR design (European Pressurized Reactor), after a 100% Chinese design. It will have a capacity of 1.3GWe when entering service in 2019.

Dextra has been present on site since the beginning of the construction works in 2008 and until 2015.

For this challenging project, Dextra has been supplying its Griptec rebar splicing solution through its local fabricator partners. The rebar preparation was supported by an additional machine placed on site.

Griptec is the preferred rebar splicing solution of the nuclear industry thanks to its unique performance level and an automatic testing process which systematically tests all the connections produced as part of its standard cycle: a guarantee that 100% of the connections perform above project requirement.

More than 800,000 Griptec connections have been used on the project, including 400,000 position assemblies, allowing the connection of large diameter rebar without rotating them. The Griptec connections have been installed on the reactor building and APC shell, as well as auxiliary buildings.

In particular, Griptec has been used for the connections of large prefabricated panels.

Four sided panels with Griptec female sleeves and bridging studs

Four-sided panels with Griptec female sleeves and bridging studs

Thanks to its Bridging Assemblies, square panels could be reconnected on four-sided panels while coping for possible misalignment that occurs when lifting the cage.

Olympic Velodrome

Olympic Velodrome

The Olympic Velodrome, now renamed Lee Valley VeloPark, is a multipurpose sports facility located in East London. The facility was initially built to host the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. It still features road courses and BMX tracks and hosts international cycling competitions.

For this project, Dextra Europe delivered the Griptec rebar splicing solution to contractors Sir Robert McAlpine and Byrne Construction.

The Griptec splices were mostly used to provide vertical rebar connections in the velodrome columns.

Our Griptec solution was supported by Dextra’s local distributor in London, which houses the Dextra Griptec equipment required for the extrusion of the Griptec sleeves onto the rebar.

Griptec is a CARES TA1-A, TA1-B, and TA1-C approved solution, making it suitable for even the most advanced rebar splicing applications and stringent project requirements.

Brisbane Airport Link

Brisbane Airport Link

The Brisbane Airport Link is a motorway connecting Brisbane’s business district to the northeast of the city, towards the airport. The construction of the line has been done in segments, with parts of the route already operational. Full completion is planned for 2024.

Dextra has been involved in the design, engineering, and supply of large FRP Soft Eyes for Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) entry/exit points between 2009 and 2011.

Before the construction of the D-Wall, Dextra engineers designed the FRP cage, considering factors such as the size of the TBM, margin for error, soil forces, and other design parameters.

Thanks to the properties of FRP material, Tunnel Boring Machines can cut through the D-Wall in minimal time, saving schedule time and ensuring the TBM’s head remains in perfect condition.

For this project, Dextra also supplied Griptec couplers, which were used as vertical connections in the D-Walls, barrette piles, and tunnel superstructures. More than 80,000 Griptec couplers have been supplied for the tunnels of the Brisbane Airport Link.