Helix® ER-279 Accreditation as Alternative to Rebar Updated to 2022

19 July 2022

Helix Steel recently updated IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) Evaluation Report ER-279 on Helix 5-25 Micro-Rebar. This report accredits Helix Micro-Rebar 5-25 and its design method under ISO Guide 65 for use as an alternative to conventional rebar and wire mesh in concrete. Helix Micro-Rebar 5-25 is the only discontinuous concrete reinforcement product in the world that now has a ISO certified design manual that can be followed to design vertical applications (such as walls) with Helix as the primary concrete reinforcement.

ER-279 opens up more than 99 countries worldwide for the immediate use and design with Helix due to the MLA/MRA agreements in place under IAF (International Accreditation Forum). It recognizes Helix 5-25 Micro-Rebar under the 2009 and 2012 revisions of the International Building Code® (IBC), International Residential Code® (IRC) and 2011 ACI 318 concrete code. ER-279 documents the substantiating data provided as evidence that Helix 5-25 Micro-Rebar satisfies applicable code requirements. This allows for the specification of Helix 5-25 Micro-Rebar by architects, contractors, and designers, and approval of installations by code officials. It also provides code officials with a concise summary of the product’s attributes and documentation of code compliance.

“With ER-279, building code officials have peace of mind that Helix 5-25 has been fully reviewed as an acceptable alternative to traditional reinforcement in concrete design; this accreditation is great validation for Helix, and a significant advantage for the market,” said Luke Pinkerton, Helix president. “Helix is a cost-effective, durable and easy-to-use alternative to conventional rebar and wire mesh. Having ER-279 assures engineers, code officials and others that they can rely on Helix for their concrete structures.”

Click on image for the full Evaluation Report ER-279. which has been updated to 2022.