Dextra Groutec Coupler - A Unique Solution for Reliable Joints in Precast

Bhargav Jog, Business Development - Dextra India

Dextra has added yet another customer-centric, innovative, and custom engineered product - the Groutec Coupler - an efficient product that has been qualified and tested successfully on several major infrastructure projects in the recent past.

With the Precast industry in India gathering momentum, we are seeing numerous applications of the precast construction method in residential and commercial buildings, in data centers, process plant pipe racks, mass housing projects, etc. An important factor contributing to the success of Precast construction are the connection joints, such as the Dextra Groutec Coupler - a mechanical splicing system specially designed to connect two precast elements with no requirement for in-situ wet concrete joints.

Features

• It is designed and manufactured in compliance with Eurocode 2, BS 8110, ACI 318, IBC and AASHTO.
• It is available in 3 different varieties:
  - Groutec L: High Tolerance meaning allowing larger axial misalignment
  - Groutec S: Slim Body meaning facilitating slim columns and panels
  - Groutec F: Fully grouted which means that no threading is required on the rebars.
• It can be used with non-shrink grout which is easily available from major manufacturers.
• All couplers are marked with code to trace information on material certificate, inspection and test reports, mould number, etc.
• The design files are compatible with CAD & BIM tools.

Pipe Rack Application
The Pipe Rack is a convenient way of routing overhead piping. It is a very popular solution in the oil and gas industry to support the pipes carrying various gases and liquids. Owing to the high cost of steel construction, and the additional cost of fireproofing systems and increased time, precast concrete pipe rack has become a popular choice in process plants. The superstructure of a pipe rack is mainly composed by columns and traverse beams, making prefabrication the ideal solution for fast and inexpensive construction and installation.

Case Study: RIL Jamnagar Refinery


Execution Methodology
In this project, Groutec couplers were specifically used to connect precast elements vertically composing the H frames of the pipe racks. The couplers were installed on the reinforcement bars in the precast yard itself.

Couplers were then cast in concrete after the formwork was closed.

The precast elements were then carried to the project site where further erection took place. The top element was positioned over the bottom one.

The next step was to pour the grout (Sika grout in this case) in the couplers. When we started lowering the top element, its protruding bars got inserted into the cavities of the coupler, making the grout to overflow.

This assembly was then temporarily maintained with bracings until the grout was dry.

The couplers were certified by IAPMO (a mandatory specification in this project).

Benefits of Groutec

• 3x faster construction cycle compared to cast in place.
• Reduced grout consumption results in less man-hours
• Safe as only short protruding bars are used
• Engineered shape for optimal concrete bond
• Can cope with bar misalignment.