Common Installation Problems and Preventive Measures for Explosion-Relief Fasteners and Traction Ropes

Common Installation Issues and Preventive Measures for Explosion-Relief Fasteners and Tethering Cables

[Technical points] Common installation issues and preventive measures for explosion-relief fasteners and tethering cables In an explosion-relief wall system, the explosion-relief fasteners and tethering cables are key components that determine safety performance:

Explosion-relief fasteners determine whether the wall can accurately release at the set explosion pressure; tethering cables ensure that the wall panels do not fly out after relief, preventing secondary injuries.

However, in actual construction, common installation problems often seriously affect system performance. The following summarizes the most typical hazards and corresponding preventive measures.

• Common installation issues of explosion-relief fasteners

1. Over-tightening of screws

• Risk: The washer fails prematurely, the relief pressure point is destroyed, and the wall cannot open at the set value.
• Preventive measures:

Perform visual inspection after installation to confirm the washers are evenly compressed and not excessively deformed.

2. Missing or improperly installed key components

• Risk: Missing washers, holes not sufficiently enlarged, or improper assembly can lead to relief failure or premature damage.
• Preventive measures:

Drill and ream holes and remove burrs according to drawings; enforce strict self-inspection/ re-inspection to prevent omissions.

3. Positioning sleeve not installed or used incorrectly

• Function: The positioning sleeve ensures the screw and explosion-relief washer remain correctly positioned within the hole diameter, allowing the washer to deform and detach smoothly under explosion pressure.

• Risk:

No sleeve installed → uneven fastening force and inaccurate relief value; incorrect sleeve depth/position → washer cannot release smoothly within the hole.

• Special note:

Sandwich panels (e.g., with insulation layers) must have positioning sleeves installed; single-layer panel structures may omit sleeves but must ensure hole dimensional accuracy.

• Preventive measures:

Install the sleeve promptly after drilling, and ensure it is flush with the panel surface; check the perpendicularity of the sleeve relative to the screw to avoid tilting.

4. Missing waterproofing design

• Risk: Exposed parts of the fastener become water ingress points, causing leaks and corrosion.
• Preventive measures:

Exposed screws and fasteners must be fitted with rain caps or waterproof gaskets; conduct regular inspections for water ingress risks and maintain as needed.

• Common installation issues of tethering cables

1. Insecure fixing or incorrect location

• Risk: After relief opens, panels may fly out or fall, causing secondary injuries.
• Preventive measures:

Use M12 stainless steel bolts + locking washers to ensure both ends are secure; anchor points should be close to the fastener end and connected to purlins/steel beams or other structural members.

2. Non-compliant specifications

• Risk: Insufficient breaking strength, losing restraint function.
• Preventive measures:

Must select products that meet the design breaking strength (e.g., >20 kN); do not use ordinary steel cables that have not been tested.

3. Water ingress and corrosion at exposed parts

• Risk: Cable terminations often become leakage points and are prone to rust over long-term use.
• Preventive measures:

Exposed terminations must be fitted with rain caps or waterproof constructions; regularly check for looseness or signs of corrosion.

• Long-term assurance mechanisms
• Regular inspections: tightening torque, waterproof condition, integrity of sleeves and cables;
• Replacement after relief: all fasteners and cables must be replaced;
• Full records: installation, rectification and inspections must have complete documentation to ensure traceability.

Conclusion Explosion-relief fasteners and tethering cables are small but are the critical nodes for an explosion-relief wall to function. Correct installation, attention to details (especially positioning sleeves and rain caps), and regular maintenance are required to ensure the relief system is truly reliable. Shanghai Tengxi Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. (TKC) focuses on R&D and application of FM-certified explosion-relief fasteners and tethering cables.

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