Introducing HCW: Hilti's innovative solution for timber housebuilders
As timber construction continues to grow, the need for efficient and reliable structural connections has never been greater. Discover how Hilti's HCW solutions are helping engineers and construction professionals achieve faster installation, improved safety and enhanced efficiency when creating structural interconnections in timber buildings.
Faster, safer and easier wood connections with the unique Hilti HCW
Wood construction is growing in many different building types such as hall construction, offices, apartment buildings and commercial buildings. Finding new, efficient and safe methods for connecting load-bearing building parts is crucial for production to run smoothly.
Hilti strives to deliver solutions that enable optimisation in design, simplify workflows on the construction site and contribute to increased sustainability.
HCW: Quick-click solution for timber wall and ceiling connections
HCW is a system solution that streamlines connections between timber-to-concrete and timber-to-timber in timber frames, a product that both streamlines and simplifies production. By pre-installing HCW in prefabricated wall elements in the factory, the need for screws and dowels in the workplace is eliminated. The connection of the element on the jobsite is made quick and easy to the concrete slab either by pre-assembled cast-in threaded rods or retrofitted expanders.
The product family includes HCW/HCW-S for tensile and transverse forces, HCW-L for higher tensile loads and HCW-UP for positioning. HCW is tested in accordance with European standards and has an ETA approval. For dimensioning, our calculation software, IngTools, which is available in PROFIS is used, and the products are available in our BIM/CAD library.
1. Engineering & Design
HCW can be designed according to its ETA (ETA-21/0357), which refers to its capacity in various timber options. Hilti's design software, PROFIS Engineering, offers an avenue via IngTools to design HCW connections in a simple and pragmatic way. Drawings and three-dimensional visualisations provide a clear view of the calculation results, allowing designers to incorporate HCW easily into their workflow with the support of 3rd party CAD libraries.
2. HCW Preparation
Once timber frame models have been updated, HCW can easily be implemented into the timber frame production phase with an additional step to include the hole drilling and placement of HCW. Once completed, panels are then prepared for site installation.
3. Anchor Preparation
Using the PLT total station from Hilti offers the customer an easy and accurate method for installing the fixings into the base concrete or timber element. Support from your local Hilti Measuring Specialist can ensure a smooth onboarding process and bring confidence to contractors when installing for the first time. Additional nuts can also be adjusted to allow for accurate levelling of the panel.
4. Finish installing
With everything in place, contractors can simply lift their panel into place. Using the HCW's innovative clamping mechanism, automatic connection is made once the panel is placed over the pre-installed fixings, allowing the panel to be released and ready for the next panel installation.
Check out our HCW brochure to learn more.
Learn more about how Hilti is the best partner for timber construction
For further information or to chat to a Hilti expert, reach out to us at www.hilti.co.uk