Designed and manufactured in the UK, our patented Shutter Clip instantly seals the joints between two precast hollowcore floor end units. Building Regulation compliant, this solution is easily and quickly fitted without the need for power tools, timber shuttering or screws. It’s made from recycled Polypropylene plastic, increasing its sustainability. Lightweight but strong, it was developed and tested in-house and trialled on Bison Concrete Products Ltd sites.
‘The Shutter Clip is much easier for our installers to use – it’s a quick process because you don’t have to wait for the concrete to stiffen up to put into the ends of the units, making it a cost-effective solution. Using the Shutter Clip means we’re compliant with Building Regs – we’re not using products that we shouldn’t be to create a shutter at the ends of the precast.
It also allows us to follow the design of the homogenous floor and that the shear key concrete works as it should. The Clip actually improves the quality of workmanship which benefits the follow-on trades as it’s easier to build walls off and that the correct loads can be applied. It definitely speeds up the process because we don’t have to send someone to clean concrete from around and in the cavities – so secondary works aren’t needed.
One of our housebuilder clients stipulates that we use the Shutter Clip as this gives them a greater standard of finish. It’s a great product’.
John Calvert, Senior Contracts Manager, Treanor Pujol Ltd
Shutter Clips: £0.35 each (exc VAT)
Based on full boxes of 75 number and excludes delivery
To find out more about Shutter Clips call the Brilliant Ideas team on 01335 345111 or email enquiries@brilliantideasltd.co.uk
It stops concrete between the joints running out and into the wall cavity, which would then fail routine site inspections. The joints between hollowcore units should be properly sealed with in-situ structural concrete – our shutter clips ensure this happens. These pre-formed shaped boards come with integrated flexible wings, providing a quick, easy and robust way to shutter joints.
The infill material between hollowcore floor units, serves two purposes – structural and regulatory – relating to noise, fire and air tightness. Some leading developers in construction specify Brilliant Ideas Shutter Clips, where traditional methods of construction are applied.
On many sites, it’s standard practice to ‘site mix’ infill material and short fill the end location between hollowcore floors. This is poor practice because it isn’t properly regulated on site and results in a multitude of non-compliance, for example:
The Shutter Clip is a very simple product and solves all of these problems.
Certified ready-mix concrete would also provide a compliant solution. But many sites don’t do this, thinking they’re saving costs. This is a false economy which may save money on a small works package, but the wider consequences for noncompliance would be immeasurable.
Using the Clip is safer when compared to placing temporary formwork – effectively temporary works – which the Construction Design Management Regulation (CDM), recommends should be mitigated where possible.
The joint between hollowcore units, works as a shear key. In most cases the infill material is specified as a minimum 25N/mm² structural concrete, as it’s designed to transfer lateral loads (diaphragm action) and spread vertical loads between units. Site mixed material doesn’t fulfil this requirement; and cube tests would not be available.
Robust Details – E-FC-4
When building in accordance with Robust Details, it states that the minimum density of the precast floor should be a minimum 300kg/m² and the joint should be fully grouted between hollowcore units. This is also stated on their site checklist, which should be completed by the Site Manager or Supervisor.
Approved Document B | Fire Safety
Section 8: Compartmentation/Sprinklers and Provision of Compartmentation
All Purpose Groups
8.4 Effective compartmentation relies on both of the following:
a. Fire resistance should be continuous at the join between elements forming a compartment.
Approved Document E | Resistance to the Passage of Sound
Section 2
Separating Floors and Associated Flanking Constructions for New Buildings
3.30 Floor Type 1.2B Concrete Planks (solid or hollow) and 3.68 Floor Type 2.2B (solid or hollow)
All floor joints fully grouted to ensure air tightness
Approved Document L | Conservation of Fuel and Power
Party Walls and Other Thermal Bypass
3.4 Heat loss can be reduced by restricting air movement through the cavity, which can be achieved by fully filling the cavity and/or by effective sealing around the perimeter. Further guidance is available at www.buildingcontrolalliance.org
