Glossary B Terms
Baffle
A narrow sheet of neoprene, which is fitted in the recesses in the edge of adjacent panels where they join vertically to form an open drained joint. This form of joint is seldom used.
Bar Schedules
A cutting and bending list for reinforcement in a precast unit. The bar schedule is often written on the shop drawing of the unit to which it relates.
Batching
The process of weighing the concrete constituent aggregates cement and water in computer controlled conditions to mix concrete. Trent has two large computer managed batching plants.
Bath Stone
Natural Bath Stone is cast onto precast panels in a 50mm thick veneer. The stone slabs are secured with 6mm Ø stainless steel pins (see BS8297:2000).
BCA
British Cement Association is the trade association for the cement industry.
Beams
Structural beam units are cast in reinforced concrete, in either grey cement concrete or special coloured mixes.
Bearing (minimum)
The minimum bearing on suitable supports for both beams and cladding supports, after all tolerances have been accommodated, is 100mm.
Bench Mark
To compare performance efficiency.
Bolts
Fixing bolts are normally stainless steel class 70.
Bond
Bond length is the length of embedment of a reinforcing bar to transfer full stress.
Bond Breaker
A chemical debonder is used at the interface of natural stone veneer and concrete backing. Neoprene sleeves on the tie pins allow movement which prevents the veneer from being overstressed by thermal movement.
Bottom Support
We prefer panels to be bottom supported because the panels stand in compression – concrete is happy in this state.
BPCF
British Precast Concrete Federation – also refer to ACA
Brackets
Support and restraint angle brackets are designed and specified by Trent in-house engineers.
Brick
Precast prefabricated brickwork has been extensively employed to dramatically increase site productivity. Refer to processes and case history.
British Standards
The key British Standards for precast concrete are BS8110 for structural concrete and BS8297:2000 for cladding.
Buildability
The process of design and specification employed to reduce waste, cost and time. Also termed 'value engineering'. Trent has extensive experience to delivery efficiency, quality and value for money. The key to maximising the benefit is to appoint us at the earliest possible design development stage.
Butt Joint
A joint formed by right angle faces both vertically and horizontally.