Permaban’s BetaPlus armoured joint for concrete floors has been rebranded Permaban Eclipse, the new name being revealed for the first time at the IMHX materials handling exhibition.
Eclipse has been designed specifically for hard-working concrete floors in warehouses, distribution centres and industrial buildings. Its robust design is engineered to withstand the frequent impact of small, hard forklift truck wheels passing over the joint.
Construction joints are gaps created in large-scale concrete floors which permit the floor’s natural movement as it cures. Yet without protection, the exposed concrete edges (arrises) will quickly disintegrate from the impact of materials handling vehicles. Armoured joints protect these exposed arrises, preventing costly repairs to both the floor and vehicles.
Permaban’s Managing Director, Andrew Keen, explained the rationale for the rebrand. “The product was originally launched as BetaPlus, because it incorporates many of the features of our BetaJoint range. However, in terms of performance it is entirely different, and is for use in quite different applications. The more we’ve worked with the product, and received feedback following successful installations, the more we’ve realised this heavy-duty joint is truly in a class of its own. The rebranding is to help make its applications and benefits clearer to understand.”
Eclipse’s performance has been proven through an arduous R&D testing process at Permaban, including intensive cycling on a test rig, with impressive results. Several successful installations of the product have also taken place since its initial launch in October 2012 – including the flagship Cannock logistics hub for APC, the UK’s largest independent parcel network.
Eclipse uses much thinner steel than traditional armoured joints, which is shaped to completely envelope the concrete arris. A solid triangular reinforcing section provides support beneath the top corners, ensuring the top edges hold their shape under impact. Thanks to this clever design Eclipse uses less steel, yet offers even greater protection than traditional-style heavy-duty armoured joints.
Other Eclipse features help ensure a superior and trouble-free installation for flooring contractors – which means clients can enjoy a swifter handover, with fewer snagging issues.
Continuous ‘grid-cut’ concrete ties along the length of the joint ensure the joint is anchored securely into the concrete, speeding installation and eliminating the time-consuming remedial work sometimes experienced with traditional-style joints.
The product also incorporates twin full-height central divider plates which add strength and rigidity, particularly helpful to ensure it stands firm against the weight of the concrete during the pour.
Eclipse also offers added benefits to building owners and operators once the building is brought into use. Should any surface damage (“spalling”) occur behind the joint, the grid-cut concrete ties ensure it is contained, preventing the problem extending along the joint and thus limiting the cost and inconvenience of floor repairs.
