Architectural Tension Rods

Tension rods, also known in the market as tie rods or tie bars, consist of two basic components; high strength round bar and its connecting fittings.

Bars are of high strength steel ranging in diameters from 12mm to 100mm which are available up to 12m in a single length (longer lengths achievable by connecting bars with couplers or turnbuckles) and have cold rolled metric threads which increase strength allowing for smaller diameter bars subsequently saving in material cost.

According to the loading capacity, different bar qualities might be offered and it can be offered as carbon, galvanized and the stainless steel as per the requirement. Typical applications include hangers and supports, cross bracing and truss stiffening elements.

For areas of higher corrosion exposure bright polished stainless-steel tendons are recommended.

Fittings & Accessories

Shown below are the standard range of fittings. Special fittings can be made and supplied upon request.

Turnbuckles

Turnbuckles are used to increase the lengths of tension rods where 6-12m lengths are not enough and/or to pretension tension rods and adjust lengths at site.  Turnbuckles are pipe-type machined components that can be manufactured with different shapes to suit application requirements.

End Connections

Having two standard types (fork, plate), end connections are designed and manufactured based on payload of the tension system.

Pins

Pins are components that connect the tension system to the structure.  Together with their end caps, pins are described and used as “pin barrel”.  The end caps are secured with countersunk socket set screws to provide a flush finish.

Lockcovers

The locking thread cover (lockcover) is a machined fitting which tapers the fork to the diameter of the bar. For the complete architectural look, they also hide exposed threads and when tightened against the fork lock the tendon at the set length. Where visual composition is not important and thread covers are not required standard hexagonal nuts can be used.

Advantages of Architectural Tension Rods

• It is adjustable and allows for site anomalies and easy for installation
• It is assembled at the factory according to required pin to pin length. So, no additional assembly work required on site
• Long tendons can be provided by adding joints.
• Turnbuckles might be used for additional adjustment and pre-tensioning
• Cold rolled thread for optimum strength and cost-reduction
• Custom engineering solutions available
• Variety of finishes available aesthetics and corrosion resistance
• Various stainless grades available including Duplex
• Wide choice of thread diameter
• Fatigue systems are available
• Functional, simple & robust

Application Area Samples

• Exhibition and trade fair halls
• Bus stations and airport buildings
• Bridge construction and pedestrian bridges
• Galleries and department store arcades
• Glass roofs and facades
• Industrial buildings
• Indoor sports facilities
• Tower constructions
• Shelters
• Roofing
• Canopies
• Tent constructions

For more information on Architectural Tension Rods, please follow the related link on the left, download our Architectural Tension Systems Brochure or contact us.