Tension Control Bolts Ltd

Stand C01

Tension Control Bolts Ltd is at the forefront of innovation in the bridge sector providing the highest quality pc10.9 preloaded calibrated bolting assemblies. Our expertise over several decades has enabled us to provide effective solutions in the steel construction of bridges. Tension Control Bolts Ltd has been operating for some fifty years although it was originally involved in the manufacture of standard bolting. TCB’s were a British concept but found popularity first in the Far East and then the USA. The bolt has now established a firm foothold in the construction Industry globally and has virtually replaced the original standard high strength friction grip bolts due to its quality, technical and installation advantages. When Tension Control Bolts Ltd pioneered the Greenkote® coating system it was probably the most significant moment in the company’s history. With anticorrosion being high on the engineers list of priorities, Greenkote, with its natural advantages, instantly revolutionised the coating of threaded fasteners and more importantly, guaranteed the complete absence of any form of Hydrogen embrittlement in high strength bolts. Today, tension control bolts are used almost exclusively around the world in the construction of Steel Bridges, High Rise Building Structures and Stadia, and are the first choice for engineers who demand the highest standards of bolting integrity.

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Documents

TCB Brochure (4.56 MiB)

Products

TCB Standard

Tension Control Bolts and the innovative shear wrench system are the lowest cost method of properly installing high strength preloaded bolting assemblies. The standard TCB is recognisable due to the distinctive dome shaped head. All Standard TCBs from Tension Control Bolts Ltd are: High strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading, System HRC Property class 10.9/10 Manufactured in accordance with EN 14399-10 CE marked in accordance with EN 14399-1 Supplied with superior corrosion protection Greenkote®. Available in M12, M16, M20, M22, M24, M27, M30 & M36 diameters & multiple lengths. TCBs as they are commonly known throughout the world, are replacing conventional high strength friction grip (HSFG) bolts and swaged collar rivets simply because they are quick and easy to install using lightweight electric shear wrenches. standard picture Guaranteed tension together with visual inspection removes the likelihood of operator error and ensures engineers that connections are tightened in accordance with specifications. High strength TCBs are used in a wide range of applications from bridge splice plates to beam-to-column connections, from stadia roof trusses to rail switches and crossings. Wherever preloaded bolts are specified a TCB can be deployed to enjoy its many performance and installation advantages. System HRC TCBs can replace any hexagon preloaded bolting assemblies - whether the HR or HV bolting system. The combination of superior tensile strength together with phenomenal ductility result in a universal bolt that can be employed in almost all steelwork connections. Efficient, safe, and easy install, TCBs are corrosion resistant and eco-friendly fasteners.

TCB Countersunk

Countersunk (CSK) TCBs can be used for any application where space is restricted. The use of our countersunk bolts is also aesthetically pleasing from an architectural perspective. All countersunk TCBs from Tension Control Bolts Ltd are: High strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading, System HRC Property class 10.9/10 Manufactured in accordance with EN 14399-10 CE marked in accordance with EN 14399-1 Supplied with superior corrosion protection Greenkote® Available primarily in M16, M20, M22, M24 & M30 diameters in specific lengths Countersunk TCBs from Tension Control Bolts Ltd return the same preload values as our standard TCB assembly. Countersunk TCB assemblies are available in limited diameters and lengths, and the length of a CSK TCB is measured from the top of the bolt, rather than the underside of the head. Please contact us to check stock availability. Typical applications for CSK TCBs include: High Rise Countersunk TCBs are increasingly being specified for high rise commercial offices. Particularly in city centre buildings where rental rates are charged at a premium. The use of a countersunk bolt will generate extra floor space per bolt per connection per floor, cumulatively generating substantial additional revenue for landlords. Designed with the high rise market in mind, our new GSUL corner shear wrench is designed specifically for use in narrow splice joints.

TCB Stud

The TCB Stud is used where access is restricted and returns the same preload values as standard a TCB. The left-hand threaded nut replaces the conventional bolt head; this allows the stud to be inserted into a clearance hole first and the LH nut is screwed onto the stud afterwards. All TCB Studs from Tension Control Bolts Ltd are: High strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading, System HRC Property class 10.9/10 Manufactured in accordance with EN 14399-10 CE marked under European Technical Approval ETA-13/0244 Supplied with superior corrosion protection Greenkote® Supplied as a TCB Stud assembly, comprised of 1x stud, 1x right-hand threaded Nut, 1x left-hand threaded nut and 1x washer Available in M20, M22, M24, M27, M30 & M36 diameters TCB Studs can be used wherever access is restricted. The stud is simply inserted through the steel and then the left-hand threaded nut (denoted with an embossed arrow on the nut) is threaded onto the left–hand threaded section of the stud. Further, there were space limitations; angling a dome headed bolt through a hole requires several more clearance in the web whereas TCB Studs can be inserted from above or below to suit access and facilitate installation.

TCB Weathering Steel

Tension Control Bolts Ltd are the largest stockist of property class 10.9 weathering steel TCBs globally. All Weathering Steel TCBs from Tension Control Bolts Ltd are: Weather resistant assemblies in accordance with EN 1090-2:2018 section 5.6.6 High strength structural bolting assemblies for preloading, System HRC Property class 10.9/10 Manufactured in accordance with EN 14399-10 CE marked in accordance with EN 14399-1 Available in M24 and M30 diameters in multiple lengths Weathering refers to the chemical composition of these steels (also referred to as COR-TEN steels) allowing them to exhibit increased resistance to atmospheric corrosion. This is because the steel forms a sacrificial protective layer on its surface when exposed to the elements and therefore the requirement for maintenance is reduced. In other words, the steel surface is allowed to rust in order to form the protective coating. Though occasionally used in high rise buildings and sculptures, our Weathering Steel TCBs are most commonly specified in the bridge market. If you are at the design stage of connections please align to M24 and M30, as these bolt diameters are carried as stock items.

TCB Tubolt

The TCB TuBolt™ is a non-preloaded blind fixing with all the simplicity, speed and QA of a standard TCB. TuBolts from Tension Control Bolts Ltd are: Property class 10.9/10 25mm diameter sleeve suitable for a standard 26mm clearance hole Supplied as TCB TuBolt assembly, comprised of 1x bolt, 1x sleeve, 1x nut and 1x washer Quickly installated using an M16 TCB shear wrench Supplied with superior corrosion protection Greenkote® TuBolts are expansion bolts designed to be used with standard 26mm diameter clearance holes in hollow or blind sections where there is no access to the other side of the steel. They are installed using a TCB shear wrench with an M16 socket. The shear wrench turns the nut which pulls the bolt into the sleeve. The tabs of the sleeve splay out for an interference fit. As with standard TCBs, when the spline of the bolt shears off the TuBolt is fully installed. No calibrated torque tools are needed. Though conceptually equivalent to similar products, TuBolts deliver superior performance and can be installed from any angle; there are no alignment requirements.

TCB Shear Wrench

A highly versatile and compact shear wrench capable of installing tension control bolts. Features: Highly versatile shear wrench Lightweight Extension sockets available for restricted access applications Double Insulated (Class II) Available in 110/115v or 220/230v versions. Non-impacting tool with very low vibration levels No risk of HAVS CE marked

Videos

How a TC Bolt Works

Tension Control Bolt Installation Guide [EN]