Certified T-head bars and reinforcement couplers.

Since 1979, HRC has delivered millions of solutions to a wide range of construction projects in Europe, North America and beyond. HRC is known not only for manufacturing products of high consistent quality at competitive prices, but also for its active role in the development of industry standards and building codes.

Product development at HRC is a continuous process aimed at maintaining a leading position in the field of product documentation. As an industry pioneer, HRC was the first to introduce a European Technical Assessment (ETA) for T-head bars in 2018. The most recent revision of this ETA includes:

• T-head reinforcement with a diameter of 28 mm.
• Stainless steel products. T-head bars in stainless steel material facilitate effective rebar detailing even when corrosion resistance is required.
• Comprehensive statement of fatigue performance.
• Added HRC200 series T-head rebar. Developed in the 1990s with improved fatigue properties. Although the HRC100 series is often sufficient, HRC200 provides a solution for structures exposed to intense fatigue loads.

What are ETA, EAD and CE markings?

A relevant question is the meaning and function of an ETA (European Technical Assessment). This development started almost twenty years ago, when the increasing use of reinforcement products such as couplers and T-head bars generated the need for product standards. Not to standardize the products themselves, but to establish essential minimum performance requirements for these reinforcement products.

Two relevant ISO standards have been developed:

• ISO 15835: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete - Reinforcement couplers for mechanical splices of bars.
• ISO 15698: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete - Headed bars.

Both ISO standards define performance categories for different load situations: category B with requirements for strength and ductility, category F (fatigue) and S (seismic) for scenarios with fatigue and earthquake loads. To harmonize technical specifications in Europe, EOTA developed the European Assessment Documents (EAD) within the framework of the European Construction Products Regulation. The above two ISO standards are recognized in 2 EADs, for example by using the same performance levels: B, F and S.

An EAD is valid for a "family" of similar products and is the basis for a European Technical Assessment (ETA). An ETA is developed for a specific product and explains its performance. The product is CE marked on the basis of the ETA.

Advice on CE marking: when products are CE marked on the basis of an ETA, the CE marking is the visible sign that this product has been checked for the performance declared by the manufacturer. This means that similar products, but with different performance, can carry the CE mark. The idea behind this is that the manufacturer can describe the performance of his products. However, it is up to the users to confirm that this declared performance matches the requirements of their specific project. Thus, it is essential to examine the performance statements underlying the CE mark itself.

Performance of HRC products

HRC Europe's manufacturing processes are certified under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. In addition, HRC T-head bars and the HRC400 series of reinforcement couplings are fully certified under the relevant ISO standards. Specifically, HRC T-head reinforcements are covered by ETA-08/0035, a version updated in December 2024. The stated performance of these products includes strength and ductility, which amounts to anchoring the actual strength of the rebar, as well as excellent performance under seismic and fatigue loads.

In 2022, ETA-22/00573 was published, covering HRC400 reinforcement joints. This technical assessment provides evidence of the high strength of HRC400 joints under both static/quasi-static and dynamic loads simulating an earthquake. In both load scenarios, the HRC400 joints exceed the required reinforcement strength, with tests resulting in ductile bar failure combined with very low slip. 

The technical performance of HRC400 is only one of its advantages. For practical use on the construction site, fast and reliable installation is just as important. HRC's specially designed coarse and tapered threads ensure easy installation on the construction site.

Manufacturing in Flevoland

Since 2015, HRC has set up production in Flevoland, ensuring fast, reliable and flexible deliveries. This local production facility allows HRC to more closely match the needs of its customers. Regardless of whether it is T-head bars, reinforcement couplers, steel-concrete anchors or combined products, HRC's Dutch production facility is known for its excellent service and reliable deliveries. The products are now an essential component in many Dutch infra and hydraulic engineering projects, high-rise buildings, parking garages and other structural applications.

Following the latest product certification update, HRC offers a wide range of products with specific features. This allows users to easily find certified HRC products that not only solve their specific problems, but also contribute to innovation within the industry.