Spacers

Distance tubes
Sealing cones & Plugs
U-Korb®
Edition International

www.maxfrank.com
Spacers
Distance tubes, Sealing cones & Plugs, U-Korb®

Contents
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Product overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Spacers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Standards and dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Block spacers extruded fibre concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Bar spacers extruded fibre concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Special spacers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Distance tubes extruded fibre concrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Sealing options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
U-Korb® continuous high chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
 Applications

Combined
Type “Snake“ Triangular Square Round Type “Rail“ spacers U-Korb®

Round kicker

Square kicker

Distance tube

Cone

Sealing cones

Fibre concrete
plug

with arched with steel clip with transverse with flat with shut- with shut- with embed-
support surface clip support surface tlecock clip tlecock clip ded wire

4 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Product overview

Block spacers

with flat with arched with steel clip with transverse

support surface support surface clip

with shuttle- with shuttle- with embed- Plastic ring

cock clip cock clip ded wire spacer

Bar spacers

Type “Snake“ Triangular Triangular concave Triangular concave Combined

with hook with tying wire spacers

Square Round Type “Rail“

Formwork kickers

Round kicker Square kicker

Special spacers

Reinforcement Tunnel Spacer for Diaphragm wall Support profile

end support spacer fire protection spacers
reinforcement

Distance tubes

Distance tube Distance tube Combined

with coupling shutter tie
Plugs / Sealing cones

Cone Sealing cap Sealing cones Fibre concrete

plug

U-Korb®

Continuous
high chairs

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 5
 Spacers

Fibre-reinforced concrete spacers

Spacers made of extruded fibre-reinforced concrete are dimensionally accurate and have a constant high quality and out-
standing chemical and physical resistance. The good bond with the structural concrete prevents the formation of hairline
cracks. Spacers made of fibre-reinforced concrete fulfil the requirements of all exposure classes. All concrete mixes used
have been tested by independent testing institutes with regard to the required properties.
■ Tested according to DBV-Merkblatt “Spacer - version ■ KOMO certificate– our fibre concrete spacers are
from January 2011“ of the German Concrete Association certified according to the Dutch assessment directive
BRL2817

Block Spacers
■ High compressive strength, no deformation in heat or ■ Ideal for impermeable concrete, no hairline cracks
cold, concrete cover accurately maintained. between the spacer and the concrete
■ Spacers remain in position during formwork erection and
concreting
Bar Spacers
■ High compressive strength, no deformation in heat or ■ Fire resistant to the highest requirements specified in
cold, concrete cover accurately maintained. EN13501-1:2002 - Class A1 (non combustible)
■ Ideal for impermeable concrete, no hairline cracks ■ All bar spacers over 330 mm long have increased
between the spacer and the concrete resistance to breakage due to a reinforcing thread.
■ Large support area- reduced pressure on the formwork
■ Substantial labour cost savings due to rapid and simple
laying

The following points must be considered when selecting spacers:

■ Notes for the selection of the spacer in relation to the ■ Diameter and location of the reinforcement – wall/ceiling
exposure class according to EN 1992-1-1:2011-01 ■ Type of reinforcement – single bar or mats
(Eurocode 2) ■ Simple, fast and economical installation
■ The selection of spacer types and properties depends ■ Type of fastening – without wire, with wire, with steel or
upon the structural element and application, always refer plastic clips
to local concrete standards for advice. ■ Influences acting on the concrete from outside, e.g.
■ Required concrete cover according to EN 1992-1- pressure, temperature, chemical attacks, moisture
1:2011-01, section 4.4.1 Nominal dimension of the variations, fire and corrosion
concrete cover cnom ■ Treatment of the concrete surface (stucco work)
■ Load on the spacer due to the weight of the reinforce- ■ Exposed concrete – imprint of the spacers in the
ment and additional loads, e.g. during concreting and concrete surface (see DBV data sheet "Exposed con-
when installing the reinforcement or other built-in parts. crete")

6 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Spacers

Required quantities and positioning

Thin rebar can bend during concreting.
If the reinforcement is very heavy, check the spacer loading capacity!

The fixing interval is based primarily on the accepted deflection at maximum loading, e.g. when the reinforcement is walked
on, especially during concreting. When placing bar spacers in the tension zone of the component to be concreted, use
spacers of reduced length and arrange them with overlaps.

Recommendations for spacing and number of spacers

Structural element: slabs

Spacer fixing distance S

cv
Supported max. Pcs. required per m²
bars S Bar spacers
Block spacers
Ø L = 18 cm L = 33 cm L = 100 cm S

cv
up to 6.5 mm 0.50 m 4 3.0 2.5 1.33 point-supporting
spacer
from 6.5 mm 0.70 m 2 1.6 1.4 0.84

Structural component: beams and columns

Spacer fixing distances max. S1 in longitudinal direction cv cv
cv cv
longitudinal bars Ø columns beams
up to 10 mm 0.50 m 0.25 m
12 to 20 mm 1.00 m 0.50 m

S2
S1

h
over 20 mm 1.25 m 0.75 m

Spacer fixing distances max. S2 in transverse direction point-supporting

spacer S2
b
Quantitiy, distances
b or h columns beams
bis 1.00 m 2 Stück 2 Stück
über 1.00 m ≥ 3 Stück ≥ 3 Stück
max. S2 0.75 m 0.50 m

Structural element: walls vibrator

channel
Spacer fixing distances S1 and quantity

supporting max. Pcs. required per m² wall*

bars S1 Bar spacers
Block spacers
Ø L = 18 cm L = 33 cm
S1

bis 8 mm 0.70 m 4 1.6 1.4

über 10 mm 1.00 m 2 1.0 0.8
*and per wall side
cv cv S1

point-supporting
Note: Above recommendations are in accordance with the DBV data sheet for spacer

spacers issued by the German Concrete Association. Refer to local standards

where applicable.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 7
 Standards and dimensioning

Spacer Standards
Reinforced concrete durability is only achieved by protecting Eurocode 2 and the BS, DIN and AS/NZS standards have
the steel reinforcement from environmental attack. clearly specified spacer strengths and dimensional tolerances
The level of that protection depends not only upon the quality and their adoption improves concrete performance. Reflecting
of the cover concrete but also upon the type and quality of the recognition of how spacers can affect concrete durability,
the spacers that are used. The focus of standards/specifi- standards/specifications are now also including spacer dura-
cations on improving concrete quality and durability has not bility properties that require them to match or exceed those
been matched by improved spacer requirements. of the host concrete.

Specification BS7973 AS/NZS2425 EN206/

DIN1045
UK Australia & New Zealand European & German
spacer standard spacer standard standard

Compressive Strength
kg 50 MPa 60 MPa 50 N/mm2

Dimensional Tolerances
± heights ≤ 75 mm ±1 mm -1 mm to +2 mm ≤40 mm ±1 mm
h
heights > 75 mm ±2 mm ±2 mm >40 mm ±2 mm

Point Load
kg Heavy (H) 3.00 kN 300kg 2.0kN

Deflection under load

n/a ±3 mm 2 mm

Permanent deflection
≤ 1.00 mm < 2.00 mm n/a

RCP Test
V
(ASTM C1202) n/a < 1,000 Coulomb*/*** n/a

Chloride Diffusion
(Nordtest NT Build 443) n/a Type Testing** n/a
* higher coulomb values are acceptable for some applications
** NT Build Test to be used as a calibration for the RCP Test
*** Non-stock item, delivery time on request

8 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Standards and dimensioning

Additional characteristics
Due to environmental factors and application requirements, spacers may need to meet quality requirements that exceed
current spacer standards. To ensure that you always have the correct spacer, we can create special spacers to meet your
requirements. These spacers are usually not stock items.

TW Drinking Water Applications

In many countries any products that come in contact with potable/drinking water require inde-
pendent certification of their suitability for use. Essentially materials in contact with the water
must not deteriorate the microbiological condition of the water. MAX FRANK produce a range
of approved spacers for such applications.

Fire Resistance
Fire resistance of structures and all structural elements is considered of primary importance.
Although small in size any burn-out of a spacer during a fire event is to be avoided. All MAX
FRANK extruded fibre reinforced concrete and cast concrete spacers are fire resistant to the
highest requirements specified in EN13501-1:2002 – Class A1.

Water Absorption
In most applications the water absorption of the concrete has a significant impact on the life
and performance of the structure, particularly for those in contact with water. Spacers in such
structures also need to be resistant to water absorption. MAX FRANK can produce spacers
with varying resistance to water absorption to meet your project needs.

NaCl Chloride Resistance

Chloride attack is very prevalent in marine environments and also in the presence of de-icing
salts. Reinforcement not protected by spacers of a suitable quality will cause premature struc-
tural failure. MAX FRANK produces spacers with chloride ingress values to match or surpass
those of the host concrete, thus ensuring maximum structural durability.

[SO4]2- Sulfate Resistance

Structures exposed to chemical attack from sulfates, require special highly sulfate resisting
spacers. In accordance with EN206-1 these spacers may be used for Exposure Classes XA2
and XA3. MAX FRANK produces spacers made from special mixes that fulfil the requirements
of these exposure classes.

Fair-faced concrete applications

Fair faced concrete to the specified standard can be hard to achieve and can be negatively
influenced by the use of the wrong spacer and sealing cones. The range of spacers includes
different shapes and colours to help minimize visibility of the spacer on the finished surface.
Sealing cones for sealing tie-bar holes are also available in different colours and finishes to help
ensure that you get quality exposed concrete to the highest standards.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 9
 Block spacers

Block spacers – extruded fibre concrete and cast concrete

Spacers are used to ensure that the specified cover to the reinforcement in concrete structures and structural elements is
maintained both before and during concreting.

We offer you the ideal spacer for every application:

with flat with arched with transverse with shuttlecock with embedded
with steel clip
support surface support surface clip clip wire

Type series AO / AD AO / AD AK AK-Q AB AB

Drawing

1)
horizontal reinforcement
1) 1) 1) 1)
vertical reinforcement

Exposed concrete2)

type group3) B1 / B2 B1 / B2 B2 B2 B2 B2

suitable 1)
if tilting or displacement is not possible
2)
Check suitability of spacer on a test surface before use with exposed concrete or self-
conditionally suitable compacting concrete (SSV).
3)
Type group according to DBV data sheet "Spacers"
not suitable B1 = point-supporting, not fixed B2 = point-supporting, fixed
C1 = linear-supporting, not fixed C2 = linear-supporting, not fixed

10 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Block spacers

Spacers with flat support surface

For horizontal and vertical structural elements

■ Available without wire/with black wire/with galvanized wire/with stainless

steel wire
■ Suitable for high load distribution
■ Available covers from 15 mm to 100 mm
■ Available in various cut widths

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Spacers with arched support surface

For horizontal and vertical structural elements

■ Available without wire/with black wire/with galvanized wire/with stainless

steel wire
■ Suitable for fair faced and aesthetic concrete

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Spacers with steel clips

For vertical structural elements

Spacers with two steel clips and a groove to seat the reinforcement. The size
of clip and groove can be varied to suit your reinforcement. Very high stability
is achieved by fixing the spacer at the crossing point of reinforcement layers.

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Spacers with a transverse clip

For vertical structural elements

Spacers with a single transverse steel clip and a groove to seat the reinforce-
ment. The size of clip and groove can be varied to suit your reinforcement.
■ No steel within the cover zone
■ Covers from 30 mm to 50 mm

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 11
 Block spacers

RONDO spacers
Simplify the fitting of formwork

■ Used for inserting prefabricated cages into formwork

■ Helps prevent damage to spirally wound cardboard column formers
(Tubbox®)

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Spacers made of cast concrete with shuttlecock clip

For vertical and horizontal structural elements

Spacers with shuttlecock clips enable simple and fast fixing to the reinforce-
ment. Suitable for use with reinforcements that are not walked on, e.g. in the
precast plant.
■ Available in covers from 20 mm to 60 mm
■ Minimal surface contact

DBV NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

Spacers made of cast concrete with shuttlecock clip

For vertical and horizontal structural elements

Spacers with shuttlecock clips and four-point support enable simple and quick
fixing to the reinforcement. Suitable for use with reinforcements that are not
walked on, e.g. in the precast plant.
■ Available in covers from 20 mm to 60 mm
■ Spreads load whilst minimizing surface contact

DBV NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

Spacers made of cast concrete with embedded wire

For vertical and horizontal reinforcement

Large contact surface and stable fixing for use on the building site and in the
precast plant.
■ Available in covers from 20 mm to 100 mm
■ Available with galvanised (stock) or stainless (non-stock) steel tying wire
■ Also available in other profiles

DBV NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

12 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Block spacers

Plastic ring spacers

For vertical structural elements

Fast and simple fixing to the reinforcement with max. diameter 10 mm.

Formwork kicker made of fibre-reinforced concrete

Serves as a stop spacer between formwork and reinforcement for fixing the
formwork in the right place on the inside.

Versions: without nail insert / with nail insert

Formwork kicker made of fibre-reinforced concrete

Serves to ensure the wall thickness and is nailed to the floor slab.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 13
 Bar spacers

Bar spacers extruded fibre concrete

Bar spacers are used to ensure that the specified cover for concrete structures and structural elements is maintained, both
before and during concreting. Bar spacers are supplied in cover depths from 20 mm to 100 mm and lengths of 180 mm,
250 mm, 330 mm, 800 mm and 1,000 mm depending upon spacer type and application.

We offer the ideal spacer for every application:

Snake, Triangular
Rail Triangular
Snake N4) Triangular concave Combined
+ Triangular concave Square Round
+ concave with tying spacers
Rail B with hook
Banana N4) wire
FAHKS FAHSS KOMBI
Type series FAHD FAHK FAHDH FAHKZD FAHV FAHR
FAHKBN FAHSB KOMBST

Drawing
N
1) 1) 1) 1) 1) 1)
horizontal rein-
forcement
1)
vertical
reinforcement
Exposed con-
crete2)
type group3) C1 C1 C1 C1 C2 C2 C1 C1 B1/C1

suitable 1)
When installed transversely to the tension direction of the main reinforcement spacer length
should be limited to: 350 mm or ≤ 2 x h or ≤ 0,25 x b,
conditionally suitable whereby h = structural element thickness and b = structural element width.
When installed longitudinally to the tension direction of the main reinforcement:
not suitable - spacer length is not limited
- concrete spacers to be used
2)
Check suitability of spacer on a test surface before use with exposed concrete or self-com-
pacting concrete (SSV).
3)
Type group according to DBV data sheet “Spacers”
B1 = point-supporting, not fixed B2 = point-supporting, fixed
C1 = linear-supporting, not fixed C2 = linear-supporting, fixed
4)
“N” notched

14 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Bar spacers

Bar spacer type "Snake"

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Suitable for the fast and economic installation of mats and single bar
reinforcements
■ Stable, non-tipping – simple to install

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Bar spacer type "Snake N"

With notches for horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Suitable for the fast and economic installation of mats and single bar
reinforcements
■ Stable, non-tipping – simple to install
■ Designed for use with exposed / architectural concrete due to reduced
interface with formwork
DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Bar spacer type "Banana N"

With notches for horizontal applications
Use with mesh reinforcement

■ Manufacturing length 33 cm specially for R-mats and manufacturing length

25 cm specially for Q-mats
■ Stable, non-tipping – simple to install
■ Designed for use with exposed / architectural concrete due to reduced
interface with formwork
DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Bar spacer type "Rail"

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Suitable for the fast and economic installation of mats and single bar
reinforcements
■ Stable, non-tipping – simple to install
■ High load-bearing capacity

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 15
 Bar spacers

Bar spacer type "Rail B"

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh reinforcement

■ Suitable for the fast and economic installation of mats and single bar
reinforcements
■ Stable, non-tipping – simple to install
■ High load-bearing capacity

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Triangular bar spacers

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Application safety – triangular bar spacers always have the same concrete
cover in every position
■ Large support surface reduces compressive loads with insulated floor slabs

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Triangular concave bar spacers

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Suitable for the fast and economic installation of mats and single bar
reinforcements
■ Triangular concave bar spacers do not have the same concrete cover in
every installation position. Triangular bar spacers should be used if there is
a danger of tipping over.
DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Triangular concave bar spacers

with hook clip
For vertical applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Fixed to vertical reinforcement by simply hooking on

■ The length must be selected according to the reinforcement spacing

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

16 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Bar spacers

Triangular concave bar spacers

with two wires, equilateral shape
For vertical and curved applications
For safe fixing in every installation position

■ Safe fixing in every position, including overhanging reinforcement

■ Non-tipping thanks to large support width
■ The length must be selected according to the reinforcement spacing

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Square bar spacers

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Very high load-bearing capacity, also suitable for particularly heavy rein-
forcement and non-tipping due to large support are.
■ Large support surface reduces compressive loads with insulated floor slabs

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Round bar spacers

For horizontal applications
Use with mesh and loose bar reinforcement

■ Used in both precast and in-situ applications

■ High load bearing capacity
■ Generally suitable for exposed concrete due to almost invisible linear
contact

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 17
 Bar spacers

Combined spacers
For horizontal applications

■ Consists of a reinforcing bar and spacers made of fibre-reinforced concrete

■ Designed for a low load and therefore suitable for reinforcement that is not
walked on
■ Used mainly in precast applications
■ Suitable for exposed concrete

DBV NaCl [SO4]2-

L2

Combined spacers
For horizontal applications

■ Consists of a plastic profile and spacers made of fibre-reinforced concrete

■ Designed for a low load and therefore suitable for reinforcement that is not
walked on
■ Used mainly in precast applications
■ Suitable for exposed concrete

DBV NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

U-Pro "with"
For horizontal applications
With lateral cut-outs

■ Made of plastic
■ Designed for low loads

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

U-Pro "without"
For horizontal applications

■ Pressing into the insulation is prevented by the wide support surface.

■ Designed for low loads

DBV TW NaCl [SO4]2-

L1

18 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Special spacers

Special spacers
Special spacers are manufactured quickly and efficiently to meet your demands. We offer you numerous
technically accurate and inexpensive possibilities from supporting profiles for internal formwork in bridge building up to
filigreed spacers.
Spacers according to your technical requirements ■ Mixtures with
■ We manufacture custom sizes and custom shapes - special cements (HS, white cement)
according to your specifications – quickly and economi- - colour pigments
cally - increased strength
■ Production in fibre-reinforced concrete is possible even in - see page 9 for further properties
small batches with low tool costs

Diaphragm wall Pyramid with

spacers hook clip

Spacer for Pyramid with

fire protection side clip
reinforcement

Tunnel spacers Reinforcement

end support

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 19
 Special spacers

Support profile
Block spacers that can be used as supports for internal formwork, reinforce-
ment sleeves for prestressing elements and to support upper and lower
reinforcement layers.

These spacers are made exactly to meet the needs of each individual project
including dimensional and durability requirements.

These spacers can be produced with a square or rectangular cross-section

to different dimensions. Grooves and various cross holes for the support of
reinforcement are matched to the site reinforcement..

Diaphragm wall spacers

Diaphragm wall spacers are used for lowering prefabricated reinforcement
cages into cast-in-situ concrete diaphragm walls. Thanks to the large support
surface and the tapered lateral surfaces of the diaphragm wall spacer, the
reinforcement cages slide centrally into the prepared slot.

Spacer for fire protection reinforcement

Guideline from the German Highway Research Institute (BAST) for road tun-
nels, the ZTV-ING Part 5, Section 1 and 2 provide for the arrangement of an
additional fire protection reinforcement. This fire protection reinforcement is in-
tended to prevent excessive heating of the load-bearing reinforcement beyond
the critical temperature of 300 degree Celsius. This added protection helps to
prevent the spalling of large areas of concrete during a fire event.

The purpose of these spacers is to maintain the concrete cover of both the fire
protection reinforcement and the load-bearing reinforcement. To do this the
fire protection reinforcement is laid on the formwork, the spacers are placed
above it, the load-bearing reinforcement is laid and finally the fire protection
reinforcement is pulled up by tying.

20 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Special spacers

Reinforcement end support

The reinforcement end support consists of a cylinder made of fibre-reinforced
concrete and a plastic dowel for the vertical fixing of the reinforcement. The
plastic dowel automatically clamps the reinforcing bar when it is inserted.

Tunnel spacers
Tunnel spacers are used in contact with waterproofing membranes. To reduce
any potential for damage these spacers have a larger rounded support sur-
face. The geometry and fixing method for this spacer ensure that the spacer
remains in position during concreting.

Sorp 10® – Sound absorbing spacer

for thermally activated structural elements.
Sorp 10® has a dual function of acting as a spacer to provide the requisite
cover to the reinforcement plus a sound absorbing capability. The fibre con-
crete shell provides durable protection to the reinforcement, whilst the sound
absorbing core damps down noise levels in office and administration build-
ings.

Sorp 10® is laid in rows at regular intervals and the reinforcement and cool-
ing systems are then installed. These spacers have minimal influence on the
thermal efficiency of the completed installation. dB

Development for your requirements

Based on our many years of experience, we'll be glad to develop solutions to
suit your particular problem.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 21
 Distance tubes

Fibre concrete distance tubes

Distance tubes are used to guarantee concrete wall thickness using reusable tie bars.
Distance tubes are the perfect technical solution for shutter ties.
■ High compressive strength ■ Fire resistance - helps to prevent the spread of fire and
■ Large contact area, therefore reduced pressure on the smoke in a fire event due to the use of tubes and sealing
formwork stoppers of fire resistance classes F30-F180, which are
■ Conforms to EN 1992-1-1:2011-01 (Eurocode 2) and DIN suitable for fire walls to F90 according to EN13501-
18216 (formwork anchors for concrete formwork) 1:2002
■ Water resistant – the combination of various distance tube ■ Sound Proofing - helps to prevent noise transfer by the
options with sealing stoppers and cones gives an imperme- use of the tubes and appropriate stoppers
able shutter tie system that has been tested and certified
according to EN 12390-8 (3 days at 5 bar water pressure)

Cut distance Sealing cap

tube

Distance tube Cone

with coupling

Combined Cone with flat

shutter tie sealing

Closing cone Cone pulling

with plug device

Fibre concrete Repoxal® glue Sealing stop- Special mortar Hand pump Cleaning brush
plug pers

22 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Distance tubes

Material advantages
■ Distance tubes made of fibre-reinforced concrete bond monolithically with the
concrete, thus preventing the penetration of water. Distance tubes and cones
made of fibre-reinforced concrete have a very high compressive strength.

■ The stoppers and cones are glued using the tried-and-tested Repoxal®.
This systems meets the requirements for noise insulation, fire protection
and pressing water loads.

■ Sealing cones provide for homogeneous, durable and aesthetically

appealing concrete surfaces.

Different combinations of distance tubes are used, depending on the wall thickness. For maintenance of the specified wall
thickness, the length of the selected cone or sealing cap must be included in the calculation together with the length of the
distance tube. Dimensions can be found in the current MAX FRANK Product List to enable the correct choice of type; cus-
tom productions are also possible on enquiry.

Distance tube, single section

d ≤ 400 mm

Distance tube, two sections with coupler

d 400 00 mm

Composite distance tube of two lengths of fibre

d 00 mm
concrete tube with intermediate steel tube

Selection table tie bar

Nominal dimension

Distance tube Ø Tie bar Ø nominal dimension

Distance tube Ø
Tie bar Ø

22 12.5
22 15.0
27 20.0
32 22.0

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 23
 Distance tubes

Assembly procedure
The use of distance tubes, installed with plastic sealing For architects and planners, who focus increasingly on ex-
caps and cones and after formwork stripping sealed with posed concrete, the large selection of sealing cones offers
fibre-reinforced concrete stoppers and cones, results in a a wide variety of design possibilities.
tried and tested system that is suitable for the most diverse Described below are the work steps required to ensure the
physical and chemical environments. optimum sealing of distance tubes.

Formwork ties are located in a grid pattern to suit the layout

1
and loading conditions of the formwork. At each location a
fibre-reinforced concrete distance tube in combination with
plastic sealing caps or cones is used to form a sleeve to
ensure an exact wall thickness and to protect the reuseable
threaded anchor steel.

The fibre-concrete material of the distance tubes can ab-

sorb high compressive loads and the large contact area re-
duces pressure on the formwork face.

The use of a plastic sealing cap or cone compensates for

2
any unevenness of the formwork surface and prevents the
ingress of any cement slurry. Following demoulding, the
plastic sealing cones are removed with the aid of a cone
pull-out device. The installation depth of the distance tubes
is increased if sealing cones are used, a permanent trun-
cated cone-like recess remains.

MAX FRANK offers a wide range of concrete sealing cones

3
with different shapes, textures and colours. Apart from the
fibre-reinforced concrete versions, cones are also available
in a cast concrete version.

The cones are glued with a precise fit on both sides using
the Repoxal® two-component glue. The tried-and-tested
Repoxal® TW is the ideal solution for the fast, clean sealing
of tie holes in the drinking water sector.

24 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Sealing caps and cones

Plastic sealing cap

The plastic sealing cap helps to distribute any pres-
sure from the formwork evenly, accommodates small
glued
misalignments and seals the end of the distance tube
to prevent the ingress of cement slurry. The distance
tubes can be sealed with stoppers made of fibre-re-
inforced concrete, FB-Kombistop, FB-Aktivstop and plugged
FB-Easystop for the respective requirement. Con-
crete sealing caps complete the system.

Plastic cone 1 cm
This cone can be used for the same applications as
the sealing cap, but enables higher pressures to be glued

absorbed and can compensate for larger weak points

in the formwork such as unevenness or damage.
Sealing with the various types of stoppers and cones
plugged
complete the system.

Plastic cone 3 cm
This cone can be used for the same applications as
the 3 cm cone but can also be used where tensioning glued

is not at right angles to the formwork. The cone can

be cut on site to suit the required angles. Sealing with
the various types of stoppers and cones complete
plugged
the system.

Plastic cone 5 cm
This cone can be used for the same applications as
the 3 cm cone. Sealing with the various types of stop- glued

pers and cones complete the system. However, just

one flush-fitting cone glued on both sides is sufficient
to achieve a waterproof seal up to 5 bars.

Flat gaskets
All our plastic sealing cones are delivered with a flat gasket made of an absorbent
plastic. The porous seal between the face of the formwork and the sealing cap
ensures a balanced water content at the surface. Surplus concreting water and
air bubbles are drained away and the formation of concrete honeycombs is pre-
vented.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 25
 Sealing options

Sealing options
There are various options available for the sealing of fibre concrete distance tubes, depending upon structural requirements
with regard to appearance, weathering and function. The sealing method should be agreed by the building owner and other
interested parties at an early stage, since each sealing option requires a different hole shape.

Gluing of fibre-reinforced concrete stoppers and cones

The watertight sealing of tie-bar holes is created using MAX FRANK distance tubes is
accomplished using glued-in fibre reinforced concrete stoppers. Gluing using the tried-
and-tested Repoxal® glue produces a flush closure. In combination with MAX FRANK
sealing cones, the tie-bar hole can be used as an element in exposed concrete sur-
faces. Flush versions or versions with shadow gaps are ideally suited to this.

Fibre-reinforced concrete sealing stoppers

In addition to the glued sealing stopper, MAX FRANK also offers the following for the
sealing of tie-bar hole:
■ FB-Kombistop with integrated rubber seal,
■ FB-Easystop with integrated sealing rings and
■ FB-Aktivstop with integrated expanding seal.

The various sealing stoppers cover the different requirements for the sealing of distance
tubes with regard to building physics and conditions of use (see page 28/29). The sim-
ple sealing can be carried out in all weathers, enabling work to continue immediately.

Grouting with expanding mortar

The special non-shrink mortar 3/25 can also be used to completely fill distance tubes.
With the aid of the manual grouting gun, the special mortar is quickly injected into the
tie-bar hole and, after trowelling with a float, a closed surface appearance is obtained.

26 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Fibre-reinforced concrete sealing stoppers

FB-Kombistop with integrated rubber seal

The FB-Kombistop is a fibre-reinforced concrete sealing stopper enclosed in
silicone rubber. This material combination enables the waterproof sealing of
distance tubes by simply tapping in the stopper with a rubber mallet. The sim-
ple sealing of the distance tubes can be carried out at any time and enables
work such as backfilling and water filling to commence immediately.

TW

FB-Aktivstop with integrated expanding seal

The FB-Aktivstop is a fibre-reinforced concrete sealing stopper enclosed in an
expanding material. This material combination enables the waterproof sealing
of distance tubes by simply tapping in the stopper with a rubber mallet. As a
custom version, the Aktivstop Platinum 100 can be used to seal the conical
anchor opening of the Platinum 100 formwork from the Hünnebeck company.
It is tapped in from the inside on the side facing away from the water. The prop-
erties correspond to those of the standard version of the Aktivstop.

FB-Easystop with integrated sealing rings

This material combination enables the sealing of distance tubes for rising struc-
tural elements above the basement level. They are simply screwed in by hand.
The simple sealing of the distance tubes can be carried out at any time and en-
ables work such as backfilling and water filling to commence immediately. The
simple sealing of the distance tubes are also suitable for exposed concrete.

Fibre-reinforced concrete sealing stopper

with Repoxal®
The gluing of the stopper with Repoxal® glue satisfies the requirements
for noise insulation, fire protection and pressing water loads.
Use is possible in the drinking water sector with Repoxal® TW glue.
After installation, backfilling and water filling should be delayed until the glue
has hardened

TW

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 27
 Properties with regard to building physics

Stoppers in standard formats

1 2 FB- FB- FB- Expanding

stopper stoppers Aktivstop Easystop Kombi- mortar
with with stop +2
Repoxal® Repoxal® stoppers
with
Repoxal®

Properties:

Pressing water not tested 5 bar 5 bar 5 bar not tested

Fire protection F30 F30 - F180 not tested not tested not tested F90
Fire wall 1)

Noise insulation not tested yes not tested not tested not tested yes

Installation in frosty weather

Drinking water

Appearance

Stress:

Salt water

Acids/alkalis

Liquid manure

Hydrocarbons

Crude oil/mineral oil

suitable conditionally suitable not suitable

Remarks Appearance
Optically very high quality execution
1) For a through-seal without hollow space, in combination with two stoppers
(sampling is recommended).
Sampling with the building owner is recommended with regard to appearance and Optically high quality execution with standard cones
dimensions
Optically normal execution
Not optically suitable as "exposed concrete"

28 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
Properties with regard to building physics

Cone Custom formats

1 cm cone 3 cm cone 3 cm cone 5 cm cone Custom Custom Custom

with bung with bung without without cone cone + cone +
+1 +1 bung bung through- expanding
stopper stopper +1 stopper1) mortar
stopper

Properties:

Appear-
Pressing water 5 bar 5 bar not tested 5 bar
ance

Fire protection F30 - F180 F30 - F180 F30 - F180 F30 - F180

Noise insulation yes yes yes yes

Installation in
frosty weather

Drinking water

Appearance

Stress:

Salt water

Acids/alkalis

Liquid manure

Hydrocarbons

Crude oil/mineral oil

suitable conditionally suitable not suitable

Custom colours
Cones are available in the standard colours anthracite, grey, sienna red and white.
Colour accuracy cannot be guaranteed on account of fluctuations in the natural raw materials.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 29
 U-Korb ® support cage

U-Korb®
Continuous high chairs are used as spacers between the lower and upper reinforcement layers in bases, slabs and walls.
They fix the distance between both reinforcement layers and hold them in the correct structural position.
■ Tested according to DBV fact sheet “Supports” according ■ Strong – able to support foot traffic
to Eurocode 2 ■ Especially suitable for mesh and individual bar reinforce-
■ Saves time and material through fast laying and a support ment
width of 20 cm ■ The weight of the steel in the high chairs can calculated
■ Non-tipping due to a stable contact surface with the as part of the reinforcement based on VOB (German
lower reinforcement contract procedure for building works), part C DIN 18331,
■ No contact with the formwork, therefore no damage to section 5.3.1.1.
the formwork skin and no rust stain formation on the
concrete surface

30 w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m
U-Korb ® support cage

Determination of the necessary U-Korb® size:

Determination of the necessary U-Korb® size, taking into account the required
concrete cover and the desired ceiling thickness:

Example:

b2
a2
1. Concrete cover of the lower reinforcement a1 30 mm

d
h
b1
a1
2. Concrete cover of the upper reinforcement a2 20 mm
3. Overall height of the lower reinforcement* b1 15 mm
4. Overall height of the upper reinforcement* b2 15 mm continuous high chair
Total x 80 mm triangular bar spacer

Desired ceiling thickness "d" minus total "x" = necessary U-Korb® height "h".
In our example for a desired ceiling thickness of 200 mm: 200 - 80 = 120 mm.
U-Korb® height corresponds to UKS12.
*please take into account the mat overlapping joints

Required information when ordering continuous high chairs:

The following number of continuous high chairs are required for normal con-
struction loadings:

Bar diameters Placing interval s Approx usage/m²

Ø ≤ 6.5 mm 500 mm 1.0

S
Ø > 6.5 mm 700 mm 0.7

This table can only be used as a guideline for determining requirements. The
load-bearing capacity corresponds to the load of a normal reinforcement. Ad-
ditional loads, above all point loads, cannot be transmitted.
The exact installation spacing must always be adapted to the requirements of
the reinforcement and the concrete cover and must be checked on site. De-
cisive above all are the acceptable deflections when walking on the reinforce-
ment (concreting).
In the case of reinforcement structures that are not walked on, e.g. when us-
ing the U-cage in wall structures, the determined requirement can be reduced
by 10 to 20%.

w w w. m a x f r a n k . c o m 31
Max Frank GmbH & Co. KG
Mitterweg 1
94339 Leiblfing
Germany
005BR01/06 – INT – 06/17

Tel. +49 9427 189-0

Fax +49 9427 1588

[email protected]
www.maxfrank.com