Can location plates be made to any dimensions?

No. Details of the minimum sizes are shown in the catalogue or on the website.

Are Lindapter assemblies reusable?

If an assembly which has not been subjected to dynamic or fatigue loading is repositioned and reused, a visual inspection should be carried out to check the condition of the components and the protective coating. If any signs of physical damage or corrosion to the clamps or plates can be seen, the full assembly should be replaced.

Do tail length and packing combination calculations have to be exact?

The tables within the catalogue or on the website should be used for guidance on tail lengths and packing combinations; there is a tolerance which varies depending on the bolt diameter.

Is it possible to use Lindapter products with proprietary concrete anchors?

Yes, but it may be necessary to reduce Lindapter’s recommended bolt tightening torque to comply with the anchor bolt manufacturers figures; if so, this is likely to affect the connection capacity.

Will clamps damage my steel surface coating?

The material from which Lindapter clamps are manufactured should not damage the structure although removal marks might be visible on some surface coatings.

Can Lindapter connections be used in a combined tension and friction / slip resistance load?

Yes, although calculations are needed to determine the best size and Lindapter product to use.

Why do location and end plates have to be made to a certain minimum thickness?

As well as positioning all the components, the location plate supports the tail of the clamp.

On girder clamp assemblies the plate does not have to be as thick as it does for end plates; the reason for this is that the tail of the clamp on the bottom beam is trying to bend the plate but this is counteracted by the clamp’s tail on the top beam.

With end plates there is no counteracting clamp, hence the plate needs to be thicker to support the tail. Plate thicknesses may be able to be reduced by using higher grade/strength material.

Are Lindapter assemblies affected by vibration?

Although tested and approved for situations where they will be subject to vibration conditions, we would recommend that, in circumstances where this could be extreme, a proprietary locking device / anti-vibration washer can be used.

Can Lindapter Type F9 be used to connect beams together?

It is possible if the beams are running parallel to each other but they must be of the same type and width although a Lindapter Girder Clamp is a much better option; the Type F9 must never be used to connect beams together which are crossing at 90º to each other or have tapered flanges.

Can Lindapter assemblies be used as permanent connections or are they only for temporary use?

They can be used in temporary and permanent applications. Lindapter has details of applications that have been in situ for 50 years or more.

How long will Lindapter assemblies last in an exterior environment?

The best coating would be Hot Dip Galvanising. Longevity would depend on the background corrosion rate evident in the location it is intended they be used; guidance should be sought from the galvanisers association of the relevant country.

Why is there such a high Factor of Safety, typically 5:1, on Lindapter connections?

This recommended Factor of Safety is to ensure that the components are subject to loads well within their capacity range in normal working condition but in event of an unintentional overload of the component / assembly there is sufficient strength within the clamps to avoid damage and / or failure of the connection. A lower FOS must not be used without first seeking advice.

Do I need to use a torque wrench when assembling a Lindapter connection?

Yes, we always recommend the use of a calibrated torque wrench. It is important to tighten up the fasteners to our published torque figures to ensure it replicates test conditions so that the Safe Working Loads can be achieved.

Is it possible to use Lindapter products either sub-sea or within the splash zone?

Yes, although consideration has to be given to the proposed material or coating used; splash zones can be more aggressive than total submersion.

What should be considered when connecting a pre-drilled section to an existing beam?

Make sure the section is thick enough to counter the reaction from the tail of the clamp.

Is it possible to use stainless steel fasteners with Lindapter products?

It is not recommended as it is likely to create a mechanism for the onset of bi-metallic corrosion.

They can however be used with the Lindapter Type LS which is manufactured in stainless steel.

Why is the frictional Factor of Safety on Lindapter Type AF only 2:1 and not 5:1 as it is on the tensile Safe Working Loads?

The published safe working load and 2:1 factor of safety is a recognised method of determining slip and is defined according to the Eurocode as the load corresponding to 0.1mm of movement.

As the safe working load is based on movement of 0.1mm it is acceptable to use a reduced factor of safety of 2:1.

Can I use Lindapter clamps in slotted hole connections?

Yes, but it is important that the slot is ‘bridged’ to ensure that the tail of the clamp does not fit into it. This can be done by using a product with a full width tail such as Types AAF, AF, LR or LS.

NSSS 7th Edition Section 6.1.5 recommends that Plate Washers shall be used under the head of the bolt or nut when using slotted holes.

What is the recommended Lindapter safe working temperature range?

As a general rule -30ºC to +350ºC; however, this can increase or decrease in certain situations. For example, Type AAF clamp is tested to -60ºC. Surface coating may reduce the temperature range.