Nastable wind bracing favored among users, architects and structural engineers

"When I am at Schiphol Airport, I really only look up," Marcel van der Wielen says with a laugh. "After all, thousands of our wind bracing systems have been applied here." The commercial manager of Willems Boven-Leeuwen explains why the patented wind bracing system has become one of the most widely applied stability bracing systems. "This system, which we developed ourselves in 1985, gained great name recognition as constructors and architects started to prescribe it in their specifications. This applies to both the Dutch and Belgian markets. Thanks to the high degree of adjustability and the patented design, the certified system always fits. And the standardized bolt and nut connection, together with clear labeling, ensure a ready-to-use system that can be assembled very quickly."

The Willems Anchor is a steel stability brace. The product can be used worldwide because of the necessary certifications. The high degree of adjustability guarantees optimal assembly and offers the possibility of making simple corrections. With its CE certification and application up to execution class EXC4, Willems Anchor can also be used in demanding construction projects.

Broad application

The system ensures the stability of steel construction, concrete structures, timber frame and hybrid structures. From balcony suspension and stair mounting to bridge structures. "For the Lamgatsebrug bridge between Halderberge and Moerdijk, for example, we had the opportunity to produce M80 Willems Ankers," he says. But the examples are legion: Willems Anchors can be found in the new ABN AMRO offices in Amsterdam and Central Station Rotterdam, as well as in The Hague's Hoftoren and the Thialf Stadium in Heerenveen.

Great ease of installation

"We offer a customer-ready solution and yet customization. Customers give us the center-to-center dimensions of the bolted connection and we make sure the product is delivered ready to assemble. We label each unique position, which saves tremendously in search time. And thanks to the standard bolt and nut connection, the assembler does not need any special tools. The patent relates to the design of our clevis. The inside of the gaff is round in our case, whereas it is flat in alternative wind bracing systems. Due to the rounded shape, our system always fits, regardless of the angle in relation to the mounting plate."

Elegant

Its elegant appearance makes Willems Anchor very popular with architects. "We use only high-quality steel. As a result, less steel is needed and we can create a sleeker design. Aesthetically, this is more attractive. In addition, it offers the architect more design freedom, and when used in slim structures, little disruption occurs. After all, it is a system that may be seen. Another advantage is that less steel use also means lower environmental impact."

Online calculation tool

For some time now, Willems Anker customers have had access to an online calculation tool. "This allows them to calculate the price and place an order directly. We get a lot of appreciation for this, because previously people had to request this by phone or email. Now we see people on the construction site using an iPad to calculate the costs and once they have the customer's approval, they click 'order' and it's done. Through this channel, previous orders can also be viewed, so it really acts as an online platform."