Bartec/Fortec Bridging Coupler is now available on AutoCAD, Revit, and Tekla for all your construction design and detailing needs!
Ideal for connecting bars that can’t be brought butt-to-butt—perfect for complex prefabricated cages—our Bridging Coupler simplifies rebar connections, helping you streamline your projects.
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Dextra played a pivotal role in the construction of the Central Kowloon Route (CKR) – Central Tunnel project in Hong Kong by supplying over 60,000 Fortec+ couplers. These mechanical rebar couplers were integral in ensuring strong and reliable connections within the road tunnel structure, meeting the stringent requirements for safety and durability.
The CKR, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving traffic flow across Kowloon, required advanced construction techniques, and Dextra’s Fortec+ couplers contributed significantly to the project’s structural integrity and long-term performance. The couplers were used to connect rebars in various locations, such as precast panels, tunnel access points, and driveways.
Fortec+ is a system that includes an additional rebar preparation process, in which the threaded bar end is proof tested by applying a tensile load. This is a non-destructive test, as the load level remains within the elastic zone of the reinforcing bar.
Image credit: Central Kowloon Route – Highways Department
Dextra has proudly contributed to the construction of the new Pattullo Bridge in Canada, a vital infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity between Surrey and New Westminster. As part of this ambitious endeavor, Dextra supplied 100,000 Bartec couplers, ensuring robust and reliable rebar connections from the bridge’s foundations to its towering pylons.
The Bartec couplers, known for their high performance and ease of installation, were integral in providing the necessary strength and durability required for this long-term infrastructure. Dextra’s involvement in the Pattullo Bridge project underscores the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support large-scale construction efforts worldwide. As the new bridge takes shape, it stands as a testament to the importance of reliable engineering components in building the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Dextra is excited to announce the launch of its new FibreCraft Insights video series, featuring Pierre Hofmann, General Manager of Geotec, alongside Bhargav Jog, Business Development Manager. This series aims to provide valuable insights into Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and its applications.
Stay tuned for more episodes of FibreCraft Insights, which will continue to uncover the advantages and applications of GFRP. You can watch the series on our website, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn.
The San Shek Wan Sewage Treatment Works (STW) project in Hong Kong marks a significant step towards addressing the sewage disposal needs of the South Lantau region. As the population of South Lantau is projected to grow, with an ultimate population reaching approximately 12,600 by 2039, the sewage flow is anticipated to increase to 5,800 m³/day. To accommodate this, a comprehensive sewerage system is being constructed, which includes a trunk sewerage system for Pui O area, a secondary STW at San Shek Wan, and a village sewerage system for Lo Uk.
A critical component of this ambitious infrastructure project is the use of advanced materials and technologies to ensure its successful and sustainable completion. Dextra, a global leader in engineered construction products, has played a pivotal role by supplying Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) soil nails for the excavation and lateral support (ELS) works.
The Role of GFRP Soil Nails in ELS Works
The excavation and lateral support works are essential to the project’s foundation and stability. The challenging geotechnical conditions in Hong Kong, characterized by complex soil and rock formations, necessitate the use of robust and reliable reinforcement solutions. GFRP soil nails, provided by Dextra, are ideal for such conditions due to their high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight nature.
GFRP soil nails are used to stabilize slopes and excavations, preventing landslides and soil erosion. Their corrosion resistance is particularly beneficial in environments exposed to moisture and chemicals, such as sewage treatment works. This ensures a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional steel reinforcement.
Benefits of Dextra’s GFRP Solutions
Impact on the San Shek Wan STW Project
Dextra’s involvement and the implementation of GFRP soil nails have significantly enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of the San Shek Wan STW project. The advanced materials have ensured that the excavation and lateral support works are not only robust and reliable but also cost-effective over the long term.
Upon completion, the sewage from South Lantau will be conveyed to the newly constructed STW for proper treatment. The treated effluent will then be safely discharged into the sea about 1.4 km off the South Lantau coast, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This project represents a crucial infrastructure upgrade that will support the region’s growth and development while maintaining high environmental and operational standards.
The Cairo Monorail Bowstring Bridge project, a pivotal part of Egypt’s expanding urban infrastructure, has significantly benefited from the expertise and quality products supplied by Dextra. Known for their innovative engineering solutions, Dextra provided critical materials to support the construction of this state-of-the-art transportation link.
In particular, Dextra supplied tension rods in two distinct specifications for the project:
These tension rods were specifically used as hangers for the bowstring bridge, ensuring a high level of strength and durability, which is crucial for the safety and longevity of the bridge, to maintain structural integrity and withstand the stresses of daily monorail operations.
Dextra’s tension rods, known for their high tensile strength and resistance to environmental factors while providing architectural pleasure, played a critical role in meeting these demands. This involvement underscores the importance of reliable and advanced engineering solutions in modern infrastructure projects, highlighting Dextra’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of civil engineering.
Dextra has successfully supplied 340,000 Griptec couplers for the anti-aircraft impact 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% proofed 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 products for civil works construction whose quality management system is ISO 19443 certified for nuclear safety. This certification underscores Dextra‘s commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality in the nuclear industry, reflecting the company’s dedication 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.
The A66 Salzbachtal Bridge, located in Wiesbaden, Hesse, is a 304-meter-long, four-lane motorway bridge on the A66. Originally constructed in the mid-20th century, the bridge has been subject to wear and tear due to increasing traffic loads and aging infrastructure.
Foundation piles are fundamental to the stability and longevity of bridge structures. Ensuring their integrity is crucial to preventing potential structural failures. Dextra played a pivotal role by supplying approximately 10,000 linear meters of Sonitec CSL (Cross Sonic Logging) tubes.
Sonic tubes are essential components in the CSL testing method, which is widely regarded as one of the most reliable techniques for assessing deep foundation integrity. Sonitec, designed for easy installation within the reinforcement cage, facilitates accurate cross-hole sonic logging, allowing engineers to precisely detect and locate defects within the piles.
(Image credit: PORR Deutschland, Wilhelm Schütz)
Dextra has played a pivotal role in the construction of Singapore’s Cross Island Line (CRL) MRT project, supplying Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) soft-eyes, Bartec couplers and Headed Bars for several crucial packages. Dextra continues to support the ongoing packages of this extensive project.
The CRL is set to become Singapore’s eighth MRT line and its longest fully underground line, stretching over 50 kilometers. The project is being executed in three phases, with the first phase anticipated to be operational by 2030.
To minimize the environmental impact on the forested areas of the nature reserve, engineering solutions were meticulously chosen to further mitigate environmental disruption. These solutions include digging deeper into the ground and employing a large diameter boring machine, capable of accommodating two train tracks within a single tunnel. This approach not only reduces the surface footprint but also enhances the efficiency of the tunneling process.
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are a staple in Singapore’s subterranean infrastructure projects, adept at operating under a variety of ground conditions. The use of GFRP soft-eyes supplied by Dextra is integral to these operations. Soft-eyes are essential components in TBM tunneling, acting as temporary openings that allow the TBM to break through concrete walls without compromising structural integrity. The GFRP material is preferred for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, ensuring safe and efficient tunneling operations.
Dextra‘s expertise and reliable supply of GFRP soft-eyes, Bartec couplers and headed bars have significantly contributed to the progress of the CRL project, aligning with Singapore’s commitment to sustainable and innovative infrastructure development. As the CRL project advances, Dextra remains a key partner, supporting the construction of this monumental MRT line that will eventually enhance the daily commute for millions of Singaporeans.
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