NEW: HELKA® Column Shoe – Robust and Optimized Bolted Column Connections
For over 30 years, Peikko’s innovative bolted column connections have defined the game for faster and safer column installation to high-quality precast beams. In 2024, we are excited to expand the bolted connection product family with the HELKA® Column Shoe.
Bolted connections keep going strong
The worldwide turbulence of the 2020s has posed many challenges for the construction industry. At Peikko, this has meant keeping an even keener focus on what is needed and what is next. For bolted connections, however, the market changes have not been very drastic.
“Precast construction is on the rise as the megatrend of urbanization continues. Construction needs to be quick and efficient. The demand for safe and high-quality connections made in a monitored factory setting is increasing globally, replacing the pre-existing idea of cast-in-situ being the more cost-efficient option. This change in thinking can be seen both within and outside of Europe. Peikko’s bolted connections are well established in the industry and we have a strong presence in the global market. We have been able to continue business as usual,” explains Vesa Miettinen, Product Manager for bolted connections.
Say hello to the all-new HELKA® Column Shoe
New product launches for bolted connections continue this autumn with the introduction of CE marked and ETA assessed HELKA® Column Shoe. HELKA® replaces HPKM® Column Shoe in sizes 24, 30, and 39 and is suitable for all types of construction: offices, residential buildings, infrastructure projects, and more. HELKA® offers lightness that doesn’t compromise on strength.
“We say that HELKA is light to design, light to handle, and light for the environment. Essentially, this means easiness on the designer’s desktop, less aches and pains at precasting and the construction site, and a smaller environmental footprint,” says Vesa Miettinen.
Indeed, smaller cross-sections and a smaller amount of steel mean that less concrete is used, and bigger CO2 reductions are achieved. Moreover, having more products fit in one delivery impacts costs and emissions positively.
New cloud-based software develops the design process
One of the most exciting Peikko projects this year is the development of Peikko Designer® software. Peikko Designer® BOLTED CONNECTION now offers a user-friendly web interface and a powerful and flexible cloud calculation engine. Only an internet connection is needed for its use – no installations or downloads are needed. The software is free to use, and existing users can log in using the credentials they already have.
“HELKA® Column Shoe will be added to the new, cloud-based Peikko Designer® BOLTED CONNECTION, which will eventually replace the desktop version. Short bolts and rebars are already available cloud-based. Long bolts and fire scenarios design will be added by the end of the year. Our hope is that designers can quickly make the switch to the new, cloud-based version. This is the way forward, and we will continue developing the cloud-based software for other Peikko solutions as well,” says Vesa Miettinen.
Find out more about HELKA® now
Try Peikko Designer® BOLTED CONNECTION software
