Glossary T Terms
T6
Trent multi-storey beam and column frames using T6 connectors, which were patented in 1967. The T6 connector has a column unit, a beam unit and a seating cleat to form a fully structural steel to steel connection.
Temporary Restraint
Push-pull props are sometimes used to stabilise wall panels until they are tied into the permanent structure. May also refer to temporary bracing to stabilise a framed structure until bracing walls are installed.
Tender
A formal offer to undertake a contract, usually in a competitive environment.
Terracotta
Red/orange fine clay formed into tiles, which are cast onto precast panels. The appearance of terracotta can be reproduced in a reconstructed stone type concrete.
Testing
Testing takes several forms, from simple tests to establish concrete strengths and pull out strengths of sockets to large scale tests of full scale assemblies of a section of a wall at a test house.
Thermal Capacity
Dense concrete has high thermal capacity. Precasting produces consistently high quality surface finishes, which can be left exposed to facilitate heat transfer from the air into the concrete and vice versa (see FES).
Thickness
The thickness of precast cladding panels is determined by the distance they span. Panel thicknesses are typically 150mm to 200mm.
Throat
A rebate in the soffits of a panel to prevent water running back across the surface and causing staining. The throat (drip) should be minimum 50mm from the face of the panel.
Tiles
An applied finish to cladding panels. The tiles are a proprietary product, extruded with dovetail bonding on the back face, onto which the concrete is poured.
Timber
The timber used by Trent for mould manufacture is obtained from sustainable sources.
Tolerances
The permitted dimensional variation from the intended position. Tolerances are generally specified by British Standards. BS8110 covers structural concrete, BS8297:2000 covers cladding.
Top Hung
Panels that are supported at or near their top. Top hung panels are permanently in tension which is best avoided where possible.
Torque
The tightening force applied to nuts and bolts, measured in Nm.
Transport
Trent manages the transport of units to site on a just in time sequence (see Haulage).
Trent
Founded in 1917, Trent Concrete is a specialist bespoke precast concrete contractor.