|
Frequently Asked Questions about BOLT-A-BLOK Questions that have been asked and questions that you may have wondered about. |
|
|
Simply put, post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing concrete and masonry structural elements. In a way, it is a method of ‘squeezing’ concrete such that it increases its strength and makes the concrete stronger in useful ways. Unitized post-tensioning is where we post-tension a single unit. We then bolt the individual post-tensioned units together to create combined strength from each unit. 2. Why is Bolt-A-Blok construction better than block and mortar? Bolt-A-Blok construction is stronger, faster and more economical to build. There is little waste of materials and there is no messy, muddy construction site to work in. Bolt-a-Blok uses no water or mortar. 3. Mortar-less block construction is not new. What makes BOLT-A-BLOK different from everything else available? In place of mortar (glue) the BOLT-A-BLOK system uses continuously connected steel to compress the blocks and bolt them together. With this system, BOLT-A-BLOK is extremely strong. 4. What tools do you need to put a BOLT-A-BLOK wall together? A small hand wrench. For faster assembly, a small battery operated impact wrench works well. This will allow you to put together one block in about 30 seconds. 5. Does BOLT-A-BLOK require a certain high torque to tighten the bolts? No, the torque requirements are very low for all general uses of BOLT-A-BLOK. 6. Does Bolt-A-Blok require skilled masons? BOLT-A-BLOK can be put together very easily by both the unskilled and skilled. A block is lined up with the block below. The bolt and bar are then put in place and tightened. 7. Does BOLT-A-BLOK work with all sizes of block and does it work with brick? Yes. BOLT-A-BLOK works with all, including brick. 8. Can BOLT-A-BLOK be put together in different ways and shapes? Using the BOLT-A-BLOK Universal Pattern System, BOLT-A-BLOK can be assembled in almost any shape or configuration 9. Does BOLT-A-BLOK meet the building codes? According Independent Testing, BOLT-A-BLOK meets most of the major building codes in the United States. 10. Concrete provides better sound-proofing than wood buildings. Is this also true with BOLT-A-BLOK? Yes. BOLT-A-BLOK is made from concrete. BOLT-A-BLOK works extremely well for sound proofing. 11. I am a builder. When I put in a concrete floor, I need to leave out a section of the wall in order to get bobcats and trucks inside the building. Can I do this with BOLT-A-BLOK? Yes. You can do this very easily. Simply leave out or take out a few blocks. When the work inside is finished, simply bolt the blocks back into place, and they are immediately at full strength. 12. In cold weather, I see blocks being covered up with plastic. Will BOLT-A-BLOK require this? No. BOLT-A-BLOK has no mortar to freeze, break or have strength reduced. With a BOLT-A-BLOK wall there is never a need to apply heat overnight in cold weather as is often required with a mortar wall. 13. With ordinary block and mortar walls, I have seen builders use a lot of expensive hardened fasteners that must be put in predrilled holes in the concrete. What do you do differently with BOLT-A-BLOK? The new Bolt-A-Blok wall uses door and window anchors. These economical anchors can strongly attach siding, drywall, doors, and windows, all by using conventional dry wall screws. Also, by using the Bolt-A-Blok LedgrBloks, we can economically and strongly attach floor and ceilings. 14. When you use steel and concrete together, is there a problem with expansion and contraction? No. The steel and concrete expand and contract at exactly the same rate. An engineer describes it as “concrete and steel having identical coefficients of expansion.” |
|