BeamClamp^® Connections

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Are BeamClamp fixings better than my fabricated clamps?
    While BeamClamp fixings will perform the same function as a fabricated fixing, we feel we can offer several distinct advantages. BeamClamp fixings are available off the shelf verses having to be made, this can often save time. BeamClamp products all come with a published safe working load that is backed by a rigorous testing program. Finally, BeamClamp offers a free engineering service to accompany the products that can help you in selecting, rather than designing from scratch, a clamp suitable for your specific application.
  • Can the BeamClamp products be used in extreme temperatures?
    Yes, ductile iron offers the good properties for use in extreme cold or extreme high temperature ranges. Please contact Kee Safety LLC for further information.
  • Could you define the term “Safe Working Load with a Factor of Safety of 5:1”?
    The safe working load of the BeamClamp components is derived from physical testing. Some manufacturers use theoretical testing done by computer programs, we feel that testing should reflect actual on-site conditions. For each product a series of tests are undertaken, we then assume the main value to be two standard deviations below the actual main, and then divide by 5 to determine our published safe working load.
  • Do I need an Engineers approval to use BeamClamp products?
    No, but we recommend a Licensed Structural Engineer be consulted to determine the integrity of the steel members being connected. While we offer safe working loads as high as 32kN it is always best to ensue the steel being connected can carry such a load.
  • Do I need to do any routine maintenance on the BeamClamps?
    You should treat the connection in a similar manner to that of a bolted connection. We suggest that the bolt torque is checked periodically and a visual inspection be performed on the clamps.
  • How do the BeamClamp differ from other products on the market?
    BeamClamp products have been designed to offer a higher safe working load than other products on the market as well as having a better product finish.
  • How long does it take to get the clamps once I have placed an order?
    BeamClamp components are stock items at our Dubai warehouse. Parts can be shipped same day to meet your shipping needs. If you require location plates and hardware for BeamClamp assemblies please allow an extra few days, or alternatively we are please to offer advice on how to size bolts and design location plates if you choose to source these items yourself.
  • How strong are BeamClamp connections compared to welding?
    A better question would be how strong is a weld compared to a BeamClamp connection. BeamClamp products come with an easy to read safe working load table. Dependent upon the bolt size used we offer a guaranteed safe working load per connection backed by a factor of safety of 5:1. Calculating the strength of a weld requires structural calculations and ultimately is dependent upon the skill of the welder.
  • Is BeamClamp a permanent connection or intended as only temporary?
    BeamClamp is intended as a permanent connection, although it is very effective as a temporary connection to avoid welding to or drilling holes in existing steelwork.
  • Is using BeamClamp a better alternative to welding or drilling?
    We think so. On-site welding brings with it so many additional concerns such as the need for highly skilled personnel, the need for permits, the risk of fire resulting from a stray spark, and the fact that once welded the connection instantly becomes permanent. Drilling has similar disadvantages, it also requires skilled labor, it is often difficult positioning a portable drill in exactly the right location, and any errors can only be rectified by drilling new holes. BeamClamp eliminates these problems, workers can install BeamClamp connections using only simple hand tools, there is no risk of stray sparks causing a fire hazard and re-positioning and re-aligning the steel is as easy as loosening and re-tightening a nut and bolt. These factors often result in a quick turn around saving time and money.
  • Should I be concerned about corrosion?
    Any responsible Engineer should always be concerned about corrosion. If your application is inside in a sealed environment then less concern is needed whereas an outside application in a highly corrosive environment, such as close to a body of water, should raise greater corrosion concern. With this in mind BeamClamp choose as standard a Hot Dip Galvanised finish for their products. Some products are also available in stainless steel. If required, we can also provide a product finish to your requirements, such as powder coating. Please contact Kee Safety for further information.
• • Can BeamClamp products be used with the tapered flanges of S-Beams and C-Channels?
    Yes, in fact we have two products specifically designed for this purpose. The Type BT and Type BW have a sloped nose to ensure correct contact is made with these sections. Please contact our technical team for help with selecting the appropriate product to suit a given size of tapered flange S-Beam or C-Channel. We also have an adjustable BeamClamp, the Type BK1, which will suit any style or thickness of steel, including both parallel and tapered flanges.
  • Can the BeamClamp products be used for combined loading conditions
    Yes. We publish both tension and frictional load values. If the connection is subjected to both load conditions we recommend standard combined loading calculations be completed to ensure the safe working loads are not exceeded.
  • Can the BeamClamp products be used when vibration conditions occur?
    All BeamClamp products, including all types of mechanical fastening devices, can work loose over time if extreme vibration conditions are present. If your application is subject to normal everyday vibrations the standard products will work fine without the need for additional concern. If extreme vibration is going to be present then treat the connection as a standard bolted connection and if you feel a locking device is required then please do so.
  • How do I specify BeamClamp products?
    We have print and electronic copies of CSI format specifications for each of the BeamClamp product groups. For individual BeamClamp connections we are also able to offer a unique part number specific to your exact application, this can be included directly on your prints to ensure the correct parts are specified and subsequently ordered. We also offer a free engineering service whereby we can product a CAD detail of your application that can be e-mailed to you in either DWG or DXF format to allow easy insertion directly into your plans. Contact the Kee Safety LLC Technical Team for assistance.
  • Should I be concerned about vibration and the possibility of the nut working loose?
    Our advice is to treat the BeamClamp connection in the same manner you would treat a bolt and a nut. If you feel a bolted connection would benefit from a locking device such a nylon insert nut then we suggest it be used with the BeamClamp connection. BeamClamp connections have been tested under vibration conditions and have passed some of the most rigorous testing requirements.
  • What is the standard finish?
    The standard finish is Hot Dip Galvanised. While a plain electro galvanised finish may be sufficient for some application we felt that we should offer the best possible finish as standard. The material finish specification is Hot Dip Galvanise to ASTM A153.
  • What material are the BeamClamps manufactured from?
    BeamClamp products are manufactured from ductile iron which is ideally suited for a clamp of this nature as against more malleable form of cast iron that have a tendency to deform. We feel that ductile iron is a stronger and safer material. The material specification used for the manufacture of BeamClamp products is SG Iron to ASTM A536: Grade 65-45-12.
  • Will the BeamClamp product damage my protective coating?
    No. One of the main advantages of BeamClamp over traditional connection methods is that protective finishes such as paint or hot dip galvanising are not damaged. Drilling a hole in a section of steel will leave bare metal inside the hole while welding will require that the finish be removed to ensure adequate weld penetration. Once a hot dip galvanised finish has been damaged in this way it can never be fully re-applied unless the hot dipping process is re-done. Paint is not damaged as the clamps compress down on the steel as against digging into it.
• • Can I re-use the BeamClamp components over and over?
    No, while it is fine to re-use on several occasion for re-positioning or for alignment purposes, we do not recommend that they be re-used an infinite number of times. If you do intend to re-use the BeamClamp fixing, we do insist that a new bolt is used once it has been fully tightened to our recommended torque value.
  • How do I ensure correct installation?
    Clear instructions are shown on all BeamClamp packaging. In addition, we have separate installation instructions available in both print and electronic format. For BeamClamp assemblies we are pleased to offer a CAD drawing of the application clearly listing the location of the BeamClamp components and the recommended torque value. At the conclusion of an installation we recommend that the bolts and nuts have been tightened to our recommended torque values.
  • Will the cast section work loose if the screw is un-tightened too far?
    If our standard installation instructions are followed the chances of the cast section working loose are extremely remote. If required, we can supply a longer screw and a locking device that will ensure the cast section will never work loose.