RICON S Concealed Beam Connectors for Mass Timber 61

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RICON S beam connectors are high capacity concealed hangers engineered for mass timber and heavy timber construction. Designed for post to beam and beam to beam connections in glulam, CLT, and engineered timber systems, RICON S provides fast installation, precise alignment, and reliable load transfer in demanding structural applications.

The RICON S family uses two identical galvanized steel plates that interlock through a dovetail style engagement with only 35 mm of insertion travel. Connections can be installed fully concealed in a routed recess for clean architectural detailing and fire performance, or mounted visibly on the member surface when required.

RICON S Connection System Overview

RICON S connectors install using structural screws driven perpendicular to the plate. This installation method supports high prefabrication and repeatable on site assembly while maintaining tight tolerances. Once engaged, the connection becomes load bearing immediately.

RICON S is suitable for timber to timber, timber to steel, and timber to concrete interfaces. Design values and load capacities are valid only when installed with original KNAPP SK or CS screws according to published ETA design tables and applicable approvals.

RICON S Variants

RICON S is available in multiple collar bolt configurations to match project requirements for capacity, cost efficiency, and installation flexibility. This category includes the RICON S VK and RICON S VS variants, with additional versions expanding over time.

VS Welded Collar Bolt

RICON S VS connectors use a welded collar bolt configuration to deliver the highest load capacity in the RICON S family. These connectors are optimized for high demand structural applications and prefabrication workflows where maximum performance is required.

Select RICON S VS connectors are evaluated under ICC ESR-4300 for North American mass timber applications. This supports code aligned specification for structural engineers and design teams working under IBC and IRC requirements.

VK Screwed Collar Bolt

RICON S VK connectors use a screwed collar bolt configuration that provides reliable mechanical engagement with strong capacity at a cost efficient profile. VK connectors are well suited for structural framing where high performance is required with straightforward installation and moderate tolerance adjustment.

VK connectors support concealed or visible mounting and are commonly used in main to secondary beam connections, purlin to girder details, and hybrid timber structures.

Key Performance Features

  • Concealed mass timber beam connector system for structural framing
  • 35 mm engagement travel for fast drop in assembly
  • High capacity galvanized steel plates with interlocking engagement
  • Structural screws driven perpendicular to the plate, no pre drilling required
  • Self tightening behavior helps reduce long term joint movement
  • Fully concealed or visible installation options
  • Timber to timber, timber to steel, and timber to concrete compatibility
  • Designed for prefabrication and efficient on site erection
  • Optional locking clip available for additional security against slide out forces

Approvals and Structural Design

RICON S connectors are designed and dimensioned using published ETA design values, with capacities dependent on connector size, timber density, screw configuration, and installation geometry. Original KNAPP fasteners must be used to achieve published design performance.

For North American projects, select RICON S VS models are evaluated under ICC ESR-4300. Engineering verification should be performed using the KNAPP dimensioning tool and applicable design tables to confirm performance for the specific project condition.

Applications

RICON S concealed beam connectors are commonly used for:

  • Post to beam and beam to beam connections in mass timber structures
  • Glulam and CLT framing in commercial and institutional buildings
  • Heavy timber frames, long span assemblies, and mezzanine systems
  • Purlin to girder and main to secondary beam connections