Flat Fix Spacer

Plastic Spacers

Flat Fix Spacer

عددی

The Flat Fix Spacer is a critical tool for rebar placement on soft and compressible surfaces, such as slab systems covered with polystyrene foam (EPS). These surfaces are prone to indentation due to site activities, including worker movement, material handling, and concrete pouring. Under such conditions, conventional spacers fail to provide a uniform concrete cover beneath the rebar mesh. They tend to sink into the substrate, resulting in inconsistent spacing and reduced structural reliability. The Flat Fix Spacer overcomes this challenge by distributing the load across its wide, flat base, maintaining stability and ensuring consistent rebar elevation throughout the slab.

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🧱 Flat Fix Spacer – Technical Description and Application Guidelines

Design and Functionality The Flat Fix Spacer solves a common issue encountered on soft or compressible surfaces. Its upper part resembles the Mini Fix Spacer, but its key distinction lies in the flat horizontal base beneath the spacer, which prevents it from sinking into soft substrates. This design ensures sufficient resistance and stability on yielding surfaces such as polystyrene foam or soft concrete formwork. Rebar Compatibility and Load Capacity

Accommodates rebar diameters up to 16 mm within its side clips
Depending on height, it can withstand point loads of 25–35 kg
Specifically designed for horizontal applications with lightweight rebar meshes, such as soft slab systems
Not recommended for other lightweight surfaces, as the flat base may introduce sectional weaknesses in the structure

⚠️ Usage Guidelines for Flat Fix Spacer

Rebar Insertion Technique Avoid twisting or lateral rotation when placing rebar into the plastic spacer. Such movement may cause the side clips of the Flat Fix Spacer to break. Surface Suitability Flat Fix is optimized for horizontal surfaces with lightweight rebar grids, especially soft or compressible substrates. Use on other lightweight surfaces is discouraged due to potential structural weakening caused by the flat base. Recommended Rebar Diameter

Ideal for rebar up to 14 mm in diameter
For larger diameters, use stronger alternatives such as Max Fix Spacer

Load-Bearing Considerations Although Flat Fix can technically hold rebar from 6 to 18 mm, it is not suitable for medium-weight meshes with rebar above 14 mm. In cases where no stronger spacer is available for soft surfaces, calculate the total rebar weight and applied forces per square meter. Then determine the required number of spacers per square meter based on the point load capacity of Flat Fix.

📏 Consumption Guidelines

On Soft and Compressible Surfaces

4 spacers per square meter
Ensures mesh stability and prevents sinking

On Polystyrene Foam (EPS)

2 spacers per foam width
Install at 50 cm intervals along the foam length
Prevents mesh displacement and maintains structural integrity

🧊 Storage and Handling

Store away from frost, excessive heat, and direct sunlight
Recommended temperature range: +10°C to +30°C

🧱 Flat Fix Spacer – Material, Structure, and Environmental Properties

Material and Structure The Flat Fix Spacer is a stable, flat plastic component made from polypropylene (PP) or similar engineered compounds. Its structure is typically disc-shaped or base-supported, featuring a wider surface area compared to standard spacers. This broad base ensures firm placement on ground surfaces, foam panels, or horizontal formwork without sinking or displacement. The design allows for even pressure distribution of fresh concrete, preventing penetration beneath the rebar.

Physical Characteristics

Lightweight yet mechanically robust
Available in various heights depending on required concrete cover (typically 2 to 5 cm)
Wide contact surface makes it ideal for horizontal rebar grids and slab reinforcement
Capable of supporting medium to heavy loads from rebar and concrete

Chemical Resistance The plastic used in Flat Fix production is resistant to:

Moisture
Alkaline environments
Mild acids
Corrosive ions present in concrete

To enhance durability in outdoor or construction site conditions, additives such as UV stabilizers and antioxidants are commonly incorporated. The spacer remains stable under ambient temperatures and only begins to soften or degrade at elevated temperatures of approximately 130–150°C.

Environmental Considerations Like most plastics, Flat Fix is non-biodegradable, but it is considered safe and non-toxic when in contact with concrete.

🛠️ How to Use the Flat Fix Spacer

The Flat Fix Spacer features a specialized design with two serrated clips that securely lock and hold the rebar in place. To ensure proper installation, follow these steps:

1. Rebar Placement in Clips Insert the rebar between the serrated side clips of the spacer. These clips are engineered to grip the rebar firmly and prevent movement during concrete pouring.

2. Rebar Seating Once the rebar is positioned within the clips, ensure it rests properly on the spacer’s seating platform. This platform maintains the correct distance between the rebar and the formwork or substrate.

3. Concrete Cover Determination The vertical distance from the rebar seating to the bottom surface of the spacer defines the concrete cover. This spacing must be carefully selected to meet structural and durability requirements.

4. Positioning the Flat Base The Flat Fix Spacer includes a horizontal flat base at the bottom. This base must be placed flush against the surface, ensuring full contact. Its purpose is to prevent the spacer from sinking into soft or compressible substrates.

By following these steps, you can achieve optimal performance from the Flat Fix Spacer when placing rebar on soft or yielding surfaces such as polystyrene foam or lightweight slab systems.