CI/SfB (21) Hh

January 2006

Reinforcing
Bar Couplers
for the Construction Industry
2
Ancon designs and manufactures high integrity steel products for For many years the use of mechanical
couplers to join reinforcing bars has been
the construction industry. Through continuous programmes of regarded as a means of reducing the use of
new product development, inward investment and employee long bars. Engineers and contractors now
recognise the benefits of using couplers to
advancement, the company is committed to maintaining the accelerate the speed of construction, increase
highest level of customer service within a dynamic and productivity and simplify design details.

challenging industry.
Masonry Support Systems Coupler Selection 4-5
Bartec Series 6-8
Windposts and Lintels Ancon Anchors 9
MBT ET Series 10-11
Wall Ties and Restraint Fixings MBT Transition Series 12-13
MBT Headed Anchors 14
Channel and Bolt Fixings MBT Electric Wrench 15
Epoxy Coated Couplers 15
Tension Systems Other Ancon Products 15

Special Fabrications

Flooring and Formed Sections

Shear Load Connectors

Stainless Steel Reinforcement

Reinforcing Bar Couplers

Reinforcement Continuity Systems

Punching Shear Reinforcement

3
 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

REINFORCING BAR COUPLERS COUPLER SELECTION

Lapped joints are not always an appropriate Ancon couplers are designed to exceed
means of connecting reinforcing bars. the tensile strength for reinforcing bars to
The use of laps can be time consuming in AS4671: 2001.
terms of design and installation and can lead
The two types of Ancon reinforcing bar
to greater congestion within the concrete
couplers require different fixing methods. This,
because of the increased amount of rebar
together with the quantity to be fixed and the
used.
location, will determine which is the most
Ancon couplers can simplify the design and appropriate coupler for a particular situation.
construction of reinforced concrete and reduce
Availability of Couplers
the amount of reinforcement required.
Bar Diameter 10 12 16 20 22 25 28 32 36 40 50 57
Lapped joints are dependent upon the Bartec ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
concrete for load transfer. For this reason any Ancon Anchor ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
degradation in the integrity of the concrete MBT ET ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
MBT Transition ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
could significantly affect the performance of
MBT Anchor ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
the joint. The strength of a mechanical splice is
independent of the concrete in which it is Bartec
located and will retain its strength despite loss The Bartec system is one of the smallest and
of cover as a result of impact damage or the most cost-effective coupler systems in our
seismic event. range, when used on large scale, high coupler
The Ancon range of reinforcing bar couplers is volume projects. The ends of the bars are
the most comprehensive available and enlarged and a parallel thread is cut onto the
includes parallel threaded and mechanically ends to suit the threaded coupler. The coupler
bolted couplers. is assembled using a pipe or chain wrench.
Calibrated wrenches are not necessary.
Ancon reinforcing bar couplers are available
through major rebar stockists and approved
distributors.

Characteristic Strengths of High Yield

Reinforcing Bar
Diameter Area Fy(kN)
(mm) (mm2) 500MPa
12 113 56.5
16 201 100.5
20 314 157.0
25 491 245.5
28 616 307.9
32 804 402.1
MBT
36 1018 509
MBT couplers are suitable where it is not
40 1,256 628.3
50 1,963 981.7 convenient to have the bar ends prepared. The
bars are supported within the coupler on two
The information in this literature is given as a serrated saddles and are locked in place by a
guide only. Please refer to Ancon installation series of special lockshear bolts.
procedures, instructions and operating manuals
for more specific details on these products.

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 Tel: +61 (0) 2 9675 1000 Web: www.anconbp.com.au

Range Bartec Ancon Anchor MBT

Type Type A Type B Type C BTHA ET Transition HA
Bar Dia. (mm) 12-57 12-57 12-57 12-40 10-50 10-40 10-40
Bar End Prep Threaded Threaded Threaded Threaded No No No
Bar Rotation Yes Limited No N/A No No No
Installation Method Wrench Wrench Wrench or Nut Runner
Capacity Full Strength up to 650MPa Full Strength up to 650MPa Full Strength up to 529MPa
Approvals BS8110 BS8110
ACI 349 BS5400
ASME III DIV 2 (ACI 359) BBA 98/R102
ACI 318 {
ET10,12,16,20,25,32,40 }
CSA CAN 3 - N2872 ACI 318
BNFL Specification E45 DIN 1045 German Code
BNF. ES. 0039_I_A Category A BBK 94 Vol 22 Swedish Code

{ DIBt Approval No Z-1.5-10

ET 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 28}
BNF. ES. 0039_I_B Category B

Coupler Specification
Ancon Couplers can be specified using
the part numbers which are included in the
tabulated data in each section of this brochure.
The following examples show how each type Typical Coupler Application Guide
of coupler should be specified when using The following table provides a guide when
20mm bar. selecting the most appropriate couplers for
Type of Coupler Reference specific applications. Recommendations are
based upon typical usage. For further
Bartec Type A BT20/A
assistance with coupler suitability and
Bartec Type B BT20/B
specification, please contact Ancon Building
Bartec Type C BT20/C Products.
Ancon Anchor BTAA20
MBT ET Series ET20 Application Bartec MBT
Wall to slab connection ✓
MBT Transition Series ET20/16
Wall to pre-cast beam connection ✓
MBT ET Headed Anchor ETHA20 Column construction ✓ ✓
Extension / repairs to existing structures ✓
CAD drawings of Ancon couplers are available. Pre-cast element to pre-cast element connection ✓ ✓
Contact Ancon Building Products for further Closing of access openings ✓ ✓
information. Rebar cage pre-fabrication ✓ ✓
Hook bars to pile connection ✓
Fatigue applications ✓ ✓
Bar end terminations ✓ ✓

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 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

BARTEC The threaded ends of the bars are protected by

Bartec couplers produce a full strength joint an external plastic sheath. Couplers, which are
yet they are among the smallest in our range, usually supplied attached to the bar, have their
best suited to large scale projects requiring a internal threads protected by an internal plastic
high volume of couplers. end cap. For certain applications, especially
where Bartec is being used in deep pours, the
The end of each bar to be joined is cut square
coupler end caps may not prevent the ingress
and enlarged by cold forging. This increases
of concrete fines. For these applications, further
the core diameter of the bar to ensure that the
protection may be required.
joint is stronger than the bar.
Bartec Dimensions l

Parallel metric threads are cut onto the

enlarged ends. The threaded end can be proof
tested to a force equal to the characteristic
yield strength of the bar. A nominal allowance Bartec couplers are also available to join bars of
of +50mm per threaded bar end should be different diameters. For further information
made for cutting square and cold forging. please contact Ancon Building Products.

Bar Diameter 12 16 20 25 28 32 36 40 50 57
External Dia. d 21 26 32 40 45 50 57 62 77 87
Coupler Length l 32 40 48 60 66 72 84 90 112 126
Thread Size M16 M20 M24 M30 M33 M36 M42 M45 M56 M63
Thread Pitch 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.5 5.5
Weight (kg) 0.04 0.09 0.16 0.32 0.43 0.58 0.87 1.13 2.17 3.09
Part No Type A BT12/A BT16/A BT20/A BT25/A BT28/A BT32/A BT36/A BT40/A BT50/A BT57/A
Part No Type B BT12/B BT16/B BT20/B BT25/B BT28/B BT32/B BT36/B BT40/B BT50/B BT57/B
Part No Type C N/A BT16/C BT20/C BT25/C BT28/C BT32/C BT36/C BT40/C BT50/C BT57/C

Bartec Type A
t
The Bartec Type A system utilises internally 2t
threaded couplers with a single right hand t
thread and is suitable for applications where
the continuation bar can be rotated. The ends
of the bars are upset and threaded for half the
length of the coupler.

Bartec Type B t
The Bartec Type B uses the same coupler as 2t
the Type A system, but one bar is threaded for 2t
a full coupler length. It is used for applications
where it is difficult but not impossible to rotate
the continuation bar.

Bartec Type C t
The Bartec Type C system has an additional 2t
2/
locknut and is used where the continuation bar 3 t
2 2/3 t
cannot be rotated. The continuation bar is
threaded for the full coupler length plus the
length of the locknut.

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 Tel: +61 (0) 2 9675 1000 Web: www.anconbp.com.au

Two Stage Construction

In two stage construction utilising Types B and
C couplers, it is essential to form a pocket in
the face of the first stage concrete. This will
create the space for the coupler to run onto the
thread of the fixed reinforcing bar.
A pocket former can be screwed onto the end
of the bar and cast flush with the face of the
concrete.

Mobile Bar End Preparation Facility

Bartec threading equipment is located within
Ancon’s premises. Ancon liaises with rebar
suppliers to achieve scheduled, on-time
deliveries. Couplers are usually supplied
pre-fixed to the threaded bar ends.
On large contracts where bar end preparation
can be carried out on site, equipment can be
made available for hire. It should be noted
that the hirer will need to provide sufficient
power, air, rebar support tressles and crane
handling facilities.

Testing & Approvals

Bartec couplers are designed and
manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO
9001 and comply in all respects to AS 3600
when used with reinforcing bar to AS 4671.
Full destructive tests have been carried out to
show compliance with the following codes:
ACI 349; ASME III DIV 2 (ACI 359); ACI 318;
CSA CAN 3 - N2872.

Typical Test Results

Nominal Yield Ultimate Elongation Failure
Bar Size Stress Stress % Mode
Dia. mm (MPa) (MPa)
16 531 587 18 Bar Break
20 518 596 20 Bar Break
25 522 625 18 Bar Break
32 484 604 20 Bar Break
40 512 629 18 Bar Break
50 510 669 17 Bar Break

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 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

INSTALLATION
The Bartec Type A System
1 2 3
Screw the coupler to the rear of the thread on
the fixed bar and lock tight. The bar end
should be central within the coupler.

Remove the plastic cap from the coupler. Tighten the joint using a wrench on the
Position and rotate the continuation bar in continuation bar. After tightening there should
the coupler. be no more than 2-4mm of thread exposed,
depending on the diameter of the rebar.

The Bartec Type B System

1 2 3

Screw the coupler to the rear of the thread on Position the continuation bar with the coupler Rotate the coupler from the continuation bar to
the continuation bar. against the end of the first bar. engage against the rear of the thread on the
opposing bar and lock tight.
4 Using a wrench, rotate the continuation bar to
lock the two bar ends against each other
within the coupler. After tightening, the length
of exposed thread should be no more than half
of the coupler length plus 2-4mm depending
on the diameter of the rebar.

The Bartec Type C System

1 2 3

Screw the locknut followed by the coupler to Position the continuation bar with the coupler Rotate the coupler from the continuation bar to
the rear of the thread on the continuation bar. against the end of the first bar. engage against the rear of the thread on the
opposing bar and lock tight.

4 5

Rotate the locknut along the continuation bar Hold the rebar in its required orientation and
to abut the coupler. with a wrench tighten the locknut against the
coupler.

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ANCON ANCHORS
Ancon Anchors create an anchorage in the
concrete, replacing the need for cogged or
hooked bar ends. They can simplify scheduling
and bar placement, and reduce congestion in
the concrete.
Designed for use on 12mm to 50mm
reinforcing bars, Ancon Anchors are internally
threaded with metric threads to suit the Bartec
coupler system. They create a full strength
joint, the mode of failure being bar break.

Ancon Anchors are fully compliant with

AS 3600: 2001 that states the anchor’s cross
sectional area is to be at least ten times the
cross sectional area of the bar for it to be
considered fully anchored.

l
d

Bar Diameter 12 16 20 25 28 32 36 40
Anchor Length l 16 20 24 30 33 36 42 45
External Dia. d 38 50 64 76 89 102 114 127
Thread Size M16 X 2.0 M20 X 2.5 M24 X 3.0 M30 X 3.5 M33 X 3.5 M36 X 4.0 M42 X 4.5 M45 X 4.5
Part No. BTAA12 BTAA16 BTAA20 BTAA25 BTAA28 BTAA32 BTAA36 BTAA40

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 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

MBT Testing & Approvals

The MBT range of couplers provides a cost- Full destructive
effective method of joining reinforcing bars, tests are carried
particularly when the fixed bar is already in out on selected No. 98/R102

place and there is insufficient space for a couplers from our stocks. MBT couplers are
hydraulic swaging press. They are easy to designed and manufactured in accordance
install and achieve failure loads higher than with BS EN ISO 9001. The most common
110% of the characteristic yield strength of sizes of ET series couplers are approved by
grade 500 reinforcing bar. Neither bar end the BBA and are covered by the Roads and
preparation to form threads, nor bar rotation Bridges Agrément Certificate No. 98/R102.
are required. MBT couplers can also be used Sizes ET10 - ET28 have been tested and
to join imperial, plain round or deformed approved by the DIBt and are covered by
reinforcing bars. Approval No Z-1.5-10. In addition the coupler
The bar ends are supported within the coupler has been tested to show compliance with the
by two serrated saddles, and as the lockshear following international design codes:- BS5400,
bolts are tightened, the conical ends embed BS8110, ACI 318, DIN 1045 German code
themselves into the bar. As this happens the and BBK 94 Volume 22 Swedish code.
serrated saddles bite into both the bar and the
shell of the coupler. The lockshear bolts of
couplers up to and including the ET20 can be
tightened using a ratchet wrench. For larger Lockshear bolt
couplers a nut runner is recommended. Reduced diameter
shear plane
In all cases heavy duty sockets should be used.
When the pre-determined tightening torque for
the bolts is reached, the heads shear off leaving
the top of the installed bolt slightly proud of the
coupler. This provides an instant visual check of
Serrated saddle
correct installation.
Note: Impact tools must not be used to tighten
lockshear bolts.
Section showing the embedment of the
MBT ET SERIES lockshear bolts and saddles into the
The MBT ET series of couplers is used to bar and the shell of the coupler.
connect reinforcing bars of the same size.

MBT ET Series Dimensions

Bar Diameter 10 12 16 20 25 28 32 36 40
External Diameter d 33.4 33.4 42.2 48.3 54.0 66.7 71.0 75.0 81.0
Total Length l 100 140 160 204 258 312 312 420 484
Socket Size A/F (ins) 1
/2 1
/2 1
/2 1
/2 5
/8 5
/8 5
/8 3
/4 3
/4
No. of Bolts 4 6 6 8 8 10 10 12 14
Approx Weight (kg) 0.52 0.72 1.25 1.96 3.00 5.80 6.50 8.59 11.30
Part No ET10 ET12 ET16 ET20 ET25 ET28 ET32 ET36 ET40
Note: MBT ET50 couplers can be manufactured. For details contact Ancon Building Products.

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 Tel: +61 (0) 2 9675 1000 Web: www.anconbp.com.au

INSTALLATION
MBT ET Series
1 2 3

Place the coupler over the end of the bar to half Place the other bar end into the coupler until it Fully tighten the lockshear bolts using either a
the coupler length +/- 6mm and finger tighten pushes up against the first bar and finger ratchet wrench or a nut runner as appropriate.
the lockshear bolts onto the bar. Check the tighten the remaining lockshear bolts. Check Do not use impact tools. Tighten all bolts in a
alignment and make any necessary adjustments. alignment and make any adjustments. random alternating pattern until all the heads of
all the bolts shear off.

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 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

Repair and Remedial Work

For applications involving replacement of
corroded or damaged bars, the
replacement bar is cut approximately 5mm
shorter to allow clearance for insertion
between the sound ends of the original
bars. MBT couplers are pushed fully over
both ends of the replacement bar and
temporarily held in position.
The replacement bar is then correctly
positioned and the couplers moved to a
previously marked position on the existing
bars indicating half the length of the
coupler. The lockshear bolts are tightened
to complete the installation.

MBT TRANSITION SERIES MBT Transition Series Dimensions

The MBT Transition series of couplers provides
an effective solution for connecting bars l
of different diameters. Transition couplers have d
all of the benefits of the ET series and are
designed to achieve failure loads higher than
110% of the characteristic yield strength of
grade 500 reinforcing bar.
They can be installed without any preparation
to the bar ends and without any need to rotate a
bars. The coupler can be rotated to allow b
access to the bolts for tightening with either
a ratchet wrench or a nut runner. In all cases
heavy duty sockets should be used. Transition Bar Diameter 20/12 20/16 25/16 25/20 32/20 32/25 40/32
couplers are non-standard and are made External Diameter d 48.3 48.3 54 54 71 71 81
to order. Total Length l 150 160 155 180 177 231 335
Individual Lengths a:b 80:70 80:80 75:80 90:90 75:102 102:129 178:157
Note: Impact tools should not be used to Socket Size A/F (ins) a:b 1
/2:1/2 1
/2:1/2 5
/8:1/2 5
/8:1/2 5
/8:1/2 5
/8:5/8 3
/4:5/8
tighten lockshear bolts. No. of Bolts a:b 3:3 3:3 2:3 3:3 2:4 3:4 5:5
Approx Weight (kg) 1.13 1.56 1.51 2.23 2.55 3.70 7.47
Part No ET20/12 ET20/16 ET25/16 ET25/20 ET32/20 ET32/25 ET40/32

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 Tel: +61 (0) 2 9675 1000 Web: www.anconbp.com.au

INSTALLATION
MBT Transition Series
1 2

Place the coupler over the end of the bar to the Place the other bar end into the coupler until it
appropriate depth +/- 6mm and finger tighten pushes up against the first bar and finger
the lockshear bolts onto the bar. Check the tighten the remaining lockshear bolts. Check
alignment and make any necessary adjustments. alignment and make any adjustments.

Fully tighten the lockshear bolts using either a ratchet wrench or a nut runner as appropriate. Do
not use impact tools. Tighten all bolts in a random alternating pattern until all the heads of all the
bolts shear off.

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 Reinforcing Bar Couplers

MBT HEADED ANCHORS

MBT Headed Anchors are designed to provide
dead end embedment for bars in concrete.
This helps to reduce congestion and simplify
the placement of rebars by removing the
need for hooked ends. The anchor comprises
half an MBT coupler with a plate welded to
one end which carries the full tension load
of the bar when it is bearing against the
concrete. The MBT Headed Anchor also has
the added advantage of requiring no special
bar end preparation.
lo
MBT Headed Anchors are made to order. t

Bar Diameter 10 12 14 16 20 25 28 32 36 40
External Diameter d 33.4 33.4 42.2 42.2 48.3 54.0 66.7 71.0 75.0 81.0
Coupler Length l 55 75 82 82 104 129 156 156 215 247
Total Length lo 65 85 92 92 114 139 168 171 230 262
Plate Thickness t 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 15 15 15
Plate w x h p 70 70 70 80 90 100 110 130 150 150
Socket Size A/F (ins) 1
/2 1
/2 1
/2 1
/2 1
/2 5
/8 5
/8 5
/8 3
/4 3
/4
No of Bolts 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7
Approx Weight (kg) 0.64 0.74 1.01 1.07 1.58 2.29 4.14 4.72 5.83 8.30
Part No. ETHA10 ETHA12 ETHA14 ETHA16 ETHA20 ETHA25 ETHA28 ETHA32 ETHA36 ETHA40

Note: Minimum compressive strength of concrete 25MPa.

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OTHER ANCON PRODUCTS

Reinforcement Continuity Systems
Reinforcement Continuity Systems are an
increasingly popular means of maintaining
continuity of reinforcement at construction
joints in concrete. The system eliminates the
need to drill shuttering and can simplify
formwork design, thereby accelerating the
construction process. The Ancon Keybox is
available in both standard units and special
configurations.

Shear Load Connectors

Ancon DSD and ESD Shear Load Connectors
are used to transfer shear across expansion
and contraction joints in concrete. They are
ELECTRIC WRENCH
more effective at transferring load and allowing
To facilitate the installation of MBT couplers
movement to take place than standard dowels,
Ancon Electric Wrenches are available for
and can be used to eliminate double columns
purchase or hire. The smooth continuous
at structural movement joints in buildings.
action of the wrench prevents the early
shearing of the lockshear bolts and damage to Punching Shear Reinforcement
threads. The wrench is supplied with specially Used within a slab to provide additional
hardened heavy duty sockets. For details reinforcement around columns, Ancon Shearfix
please contact the Sales Department. is the ideal solution to the design and
construction problems associated with
punching shear. The system consists of
double-headed studs welded to flat rails,
positioned in a symmetrical pattern around the
column head. The shear load from the slab is
transferred through the studs into the column.

Masonry Support Systems

Masonry cladding on concrete or steel frames
is normally supported from stainless steel
Note: Impact tools should not be used to support systems. Ancon MDC Systems create
tighten lockshear bolts. In all cases heavy duty a continuous angle to support the outer leaf of
sockets should be used. masonry. Ancon Individual Brackets support
masonry features such as curves and arches.
EPOXY COATED COUPLERS
For applications in areas which are prone to Channel and Bolt Fixings
corrosive attack couplers can be supplied with Ancon offers a wide range of channels and
an epoxy coating for increased protection bolts in order to fix stainless steel masonry
against corrosion. These are particularly support, restraints and windposts to structural
suitable for use in marine environments and frames. Cast-in channels and expansion bolts
industrial applications, and in areas where the are used for fixing to the edges of concrete
amount of cover is reduced. floors and beams. A range of stainless steel
set screws and self-drill self-tap screws are
designed to fix to steel frames.

Special Fabrications
Ancon has a wealth of experience of working
with stainless steel and can produce special
fabrications to suit individual customer
requirements. Ancon supplies industries such
as civil and marine engineering, water,
petrochemical, mining and food handling and
maintains large stocks of stainless steel in
order to meet urgent delivery requirements.

15
Ancon Building Products Ancon Building Products Ancon Building Products
114 Kurrajong Avenue 567 Somerville Road 240 Lavarack Avenue
Mount Druitt Sunshine Eagle Farm
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane
NSW 2770 Vic 3020 Qld 4009
Australia Australia Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 2 9675 1000 Tel: +61 (0) 3 9311 3786 Tel: +61 (0) 7 3621 1007
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Email: pac.ancon@anconbp.com.au
Visit: www.anconbp.com.au

Ancon Building Products Ancon Building Products GesmbH

President Way, President Park Gerspergasse 9/3 Top 1
Sheffield S4 7UR A-1210 Vienna
United Kingdom Austria
Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 Tel: +43 (0) 1 259 58 62-0
Fax: +44 (0) 114 276 8543 Fax: +43 (0) 1 259 58 62-40
Email: info@ancon.co.uk Email: info@ancon.at
Visit: www.ancon.co.uk Visit: www.ancon.at

Ancon Building Products GmbH Ancon (Middle East) FZE

Bartholomäusstrasse 26 PO Box 17225
90489 Nuremberg Jebel Ali
Germany Dubai
Tel: 0800 262 6627 United Arab Emirates
Fax: 0800 262 6628 Tel: +971 (0) 4 883 4346
Email: info@anconbp.de Fax: +971 (0) 4 883 4347
Visit: www.anconbp.de Email: anconccl@emirates.net.ae

Ancon (Schweiz) AG
Gewerbezone Widalmi 10
3216 Ried bei Kerzers
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) 31 750 3030
Fax: +41 (0) 31 750 3033
Email: info@ancon.ch
Visit: www.ancon.ch

The construction applications and details provided in

These products are available from: this literature are indicative only. In every case, project
working details should be entrusted to appropriately
qualified and experienced persons.
Whilst every care has been exercised in the preparation
of this document to ensure that any advice,
recommendations or information is accurate, no liability
or responsibility of any kind is accepted in respect of
Ancon Building Products.
With a policy of continuous product development
Ancon Building Products reserves the right to modify
product design and specification without due notice.
© Ancon Building Products 2005

BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000

FM12226