The Helka column shoe – Rethinking bolted connections for precast reinforced concrete columns

HPKM column shoes were developed more than 30 years ago, and Peikko is playing a pioneering role in this segment of bolted column connections. Bolted connections including HPKM column shoes and HPM anchor bolts were the first on the market to be granted a European Technical Assessment (ETA) – an innovative solution for decades. Now it is time to launch an even more efficient solution: the Helka column shoe.

Its basic function remains unchanged; it allows for installing a bolted column connection including anchor bolts and column shoes by tightening the nuts at the bolting points. This counter-bolt connection allows loads to be transferred during assembly, construction, and in the final installed condition. As with its predecessor, no bracing is required during assembly.

The shape of the column shoe has been optimized to create a lighter version that still provides the same structural performance as its predecessors. This optimization makes the entire solution more efficient.

Helka is easy to handle and easy to design aided by the free-to-use, cloud-based software; it is also environmentally friendly because it consumes less steel. Helka makes it possible to design even more slender column sections to drive down concrete consumption, which also helps reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry.

Helka is available in the Revit, AutoCAD, and Tekla design tools.

Peikko’s experienced engineers and specialists are always available to provide customized solutions and expert technical support to fully meet project requirements.

Learn more about the new generation of column shoes.