Ancon recognised for innovative thinking

Ancon has been recognised in the 2010 CONSTRUCT Award for innovation and best practice.

CONSTRUCT, an association of concrete specialists dedicated to improving the efficiency of building in-situ concrete frames and associated structures, highly commended Ancon for its pioneering Lockable Dowel System.

The Lockable Dowel is a new product designed to transfer shear load at temporary movement joints in post-tensioned concrete frames. It allows movement at the joint to accommodate initial shrinkage of the concrete and is then locked in position with a metal plate and epoxy resin. Use of the Ancon dowel accelerates build times by replacing the need for one metre wide ‘pour strips’ to be left in the concrete, which require the incomplete frame to be propped until work at the joint is finalised.

The system is designed to facilitate more efficient, less wasteful construction processes by optimising the use of materials and reducing on-site man hours. It was developed initially for the Australian market but is now proving popular in Europe and the United States.

As well as winning this award, the Lockable Dowel was also highlighted in the CPA’s ‘Construction Products Innovation and Achievement’ book under the category for ‘Improvements in Site Efficiency’.

The panel of experts judging the CONSTRUCT award included representatives of John Doyle Group, Arup and the Concrete Centre. Entries were assessed on practicality, suitability for replication, simplicity and value for money.

Stuart Maxwell, managing director of Ancon said:

We are committed to continuously developing (and creating) new products that will make a positive impact on construction processes. The Lockable Dowel is truly unique and we are delighted to have CONSTRUCT recognise this and give it their seal of approval.

Ancon employs 350 staff in the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Australia. The company’s head office and largest site is located in Sheffield in the traditional home of the steel industry. The company was recently recognised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in its ‘Celebrating Success’ awards for achieving over 100 years in business.