Screw connection
Ancon coupling system
Mechanical couplings for rebar with and without threads
Ancon by Leviat offers two coupling systems for the force-fit connection of reinforcing bars with tapered threads: the thread-based TT system and the screw-in MBT couplings, which do not require thread cutting. Instead of long lap joints, short bar segments are mechanically coupled, allowing long reinforcement lengths to be constructed from manageable individual bars. The load-bearing capacity of the connection is not based on the concrete strength at the joint, but on the reinforcing steel itself – the couplers are designed to achieve at least the tensile strength or yield strength of the corresponding bars.
Typical applications
Applications – space-saving and reliable
Ancon rebar couplers are used when lap joints are too complex, take up too much space or are structurally unsuitable. Typical applications include column extensions, wall-to-slab and wall-to-beam connections, joints between in-situ concrete and precast columns, as well as diaphragm wall and pile cage reinforcement.
Other typical applications:
- Connecting precast concrete elements with defined joint gaps.
- Repairing and replacing damaged or corroded reinforcing bars where only short overlap lengths are available.
Portfolio
Standard range
The Ancon range covers all standard applications with two product families: TT threaded couplers and MBT threadless couplers. TT comprises standard, positioning and reduction couplings, connections to steel structures (TTA), welded sockets (TTW) and compact end anchors (TTH) for reinforcing bars from 12 to 40 mm. MBT, also known as the repair sleeve, offers bolted standard and reduction couplings as well as end anchors that do not require pre-tapped threads and are particularly suitable for renovation, existing connections and confined spaces.
Advantages
The key benefits at a glance
- High load-bearing capacity: Connection at bar level, independent of local concrete strength.
- Space-saving: Minimal contact area, no overlapping joints, reduced reinforcement congestion at joints and at the edges.
- Easy inspection: Torque or shear bolt checks quickly reveal installation errors.
- Versatility: Solutions for standard joints, reductions, positioning, steel connections and end anchors in a single system.
On-site installation
TT couplings are pre-assembled onto the bars during the bending process and secured to the formwork using nail plates; on site, the connecting bar is simply screwed in and tightened to a specified torque. MBT couplings require no preparation of the bar ends: the connection is made via toothed strips and shear bolts, the heads of which shear off when the required torque is reached, thus enabling a simple installation check. A suitable electric screwdriver is available for larger diameters; impact wrenches are expressly not permitted.
Cost-effectiveness
Avoiding long lap joints reduces the amount of steel required and the reinforcement density in the joint area. At the same time, this reduces the workload on site: less manual placement, clearly structured reinforcement joints and shorter cycle times for precast elements and in-situ concrete.
Standards and approvals
Ancon TT couplers (e.g. TTS, TTP, TTT, TTA, TTW, TTH) have DIBt approval (Z-1.5-179) for various diameters, as well as international certifications such as CARES TA1-B, KOMO and test reports from EMPA. MBT couplers are covered by, amongst other things, DIBt approval Z-1.5-10, BBA reports and other European approvals; production is based on a quality management system in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001. In practice, this enables compliance with both national and international standard requirements for mechanical reinforcement joints.