Current site: Peikko Ireland. Do you want to change country or language?
Current site: Peikko Ireland. Do you want to change country or language?
As a follow-up to his thesis entitled 'Investigation into modern cast metals for structures,' the architect and engineer Dr. Anton-Peter Betschart established the 'Development Institute for Casting and Construction Technology' (Entwicklungsinstitut für Giesserei- und Bautechnik; EGB) as a private initiative in Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart, Germany.
In his own design and development workshop, he continues to lay the scientific groundwork for the application of cast materials in construction. Dr. Betschart performs mechanical tests on building components and conducts research investigations into load-carrying capacity. Alongside the development and realization of cast structures that embody a new formal language for forward-looking architecture and bridge engineering, he also leads various research projects.
Driven by the same pioneering spirit and innovative energy, Dr.-Ing. Anton-Peter Betschart has transformed his company, BESISTA International GmbH, into a significant global player in the manufacture of high-quality tension and compression rod systems.
The '1984 GIFA Special Prize' was awarded by Germany's metal casting associations at the International Foundry Trade Fair in Düsseldorf for cast-metal 'connecting components for buildings.'
The first textbook on the basics of designing with cast metals, titled 'New Cast Structures in Architecture,' is published in German and English under the label 'Giessen und Bauen.' The publication is a collaborative effort between EGB and Stehn Buchhandlung, located in Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart.
A traveling exhibition named 'New Cast Structures in Architecture,' developed by EGB and sponsored by the German Federal State of Baden-Württemberg and the Baden-Württemberg Chamber of Architects (Architektenkammer Baden-Württemberg), opens at the design centers in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe.
Betschart advances the world's first tension rod system with left- and right-handed threads, which was invented the previous year, to the series production stage. Reflecting their purpose, the castings that connect the tension rod and plate are designated as 'rod anchors'.
The first utility model for rod anchors is introduced.
The initial application of tension rod systems is in the construction project for the new Biberach University of Applied Sciences.
Completion of the research project: 'Use and connection of cast structures in timberwork,' funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Economy and the German Society for Timber Research (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Holzforschung).
Completion of the development project: 'Modular support system with castings,' funded through the innovation promotion scheme of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Betschart receives the world's first patent for a rod anchor designed for tension and compression rod systems with left- and right-handed threads. The first type stress analysis is conducted for the BESISTA® 355 tension rod system. Additionally, the Cast Metal Information Service for Architecture, Design, and Art (Informationsdienst Guss für Architektur, Design und Kunst) is established. This service provides a free loose-leaf compilation of resources to over 18,000 designers and construction professionals in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints in 1991, the highly successful project is brought to a halt after the publication of 31 pages featuring example applications.
Development work experiences a temporary interruption of several months due to family reasons. Consequently, the marketing campaign for BESISTA® tension rod systems loses its temporary head start.
Relocation to Bad Boll takes place, with the establishment of a facility in Heckenweg to accommodate the administration and development workshop. The series production plant for the BESISTA® 355 tension rod system is situated in Seilerstrasse.
Following thorough testing, BESISTA® achieves success in manufacturing products with hot-dip galvanized rod threads.
The company Gussbau-Betschart is founded.
The name 'BESISTA®', derived from 'BEtschart-SIcherheits-STAbsystem' (Betschart safety rod systems), is registered as a trademark.
The first type stress analysis, along with a type test, is conducted for the BESISTA® 355 tension rod system by the structural engineering control authority (Prüfamt für Baustatik) in Stuttgart.
In 1991, BESISTA® receives the German Galvanizers' Award from the German Industrial Association for Hot-Dip Galvanizing (Industrieverband Feuerverzinken). This award recognizes BESISTA®'s achievements in providing a high-performance coating to all system components, including rod threads.
In 1992, the German Steel Design Award is received for the conception, design, and fabrication of models for castings used in 'branch columns' at the new Stuttgart Airport.
The research project 'Drilling through timber and cast metal in a single operation' is successfully completed, funded by the German Society for Timber Research (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Holzforschung).
The research project 'Refinement of cast plate and stud connections' is also completed, funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Economy and the German Timber Development Association (Entwicklungsgemeinschaft Holz).
The castings for the BESISTA® tension rod system are awarded in the 'Design with Cast Materials' competition organized by Germany's metal casting associations.
The German Steel Innovation Award is presented to BESISTA® in 1994 by the German Steel Information Centre (Stahl-Informations-Zentrum).
The German Galvanizers' Award is presented to BESISTA® in 1995 by the German Industrial Association for Hot-Dip Galvanizing (Industrieverband Feuerverzinken) in recognition of the exceptional quality of corrosion protection provided to castings through hot-dip galvanizing.
Gussbau-Betschart GmbH is founded. Production is relocated to a new factory in Reuteweg, Bad Boll. The administrative and development workshop facility in Heckenweg is expanded. The 'express fabrication' for tension rod systems is initiated.
BESISTA® introduces the first series-produced tension rod system made from S460N fine-grained structural steel to the international market.
The BESISTA® 460 tension and compression rod system achieves a significant milestone by becoming the first system of its kind to receive national technical approval from the German Institute for Construction Technology (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik; DIBt) in Berlin.
BESISTA® makes history as the first tension rod manufacturer to introduce BESISTA®-modified S460N steel, a specially optimized fine-grained structural steel with a yield strength of 540 N/mm². As a result, the BESISTA® 540 tension and compression rod system not only sets a precedent but also receives the distinction of being the first system of its kind to be granted national technical approval.
In 2001, the Business Promotion Society of the District of Göppingen (Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Landkreis Göppingen) in Germany presents BESISTA® with the Innovation Award for the new BESISTA® 540 tension and compression rod system.
The BESISTA® pretensioning system for tension rod systems is developed, featuring the patented BESISTA® BVS-230 and BVS-500 pretensioning systems. These innovative systems enable easy, fast, and controlled pretensioning of the rods.
Gussbau-Betschart GmbH undergoes a renaming and becomes BESISTA-Betschart GmbH.
Continuous refinement of tension and compression rod systems leads to the development of the BESISTA® 540 designer rod system, which includes additional patents.
The development of BESISTA® cross discs for X-braces with extremely flat angles is achieved, providing utility model and design protection.
Additionally, BESISTA® compression rod connections for steel compression rods with higher-strength threaded pins are developed, also receiving utility model and design protection.
BESISTA® receives a European Technical Approval (ETA) from the German Institute for Construction Technology in Berlin for both the BESISTA 460 and BESISTA 540 tension and compression rod systems.
CE certification is obtained from the Materials Testing Institute at the University of Stuttgart (MPA Stuttgart). Manufacturing equipment undergoes periodic external surveillance, and internal control and documentation of quality assurance procedures are conducted by MPA Stuttgart.
Additionally, BESISTA® develops a suspension system that includes special patented 'suspension rings.' These rings enable the turning and tensioning of installed rods.
The BESISTA® cross anchors are developed specifically for X-braces with extremely flat angles, and the design is protected.
BESISTA® successfully develops compression rod connections specifically designed for timber compression rods, featuring higher-strength threaded pins. These developments are protected by utility models and design rights.
Furthermore, BESISTA® introduces angle anchors, as well as cross plates for X-braces with extremely flat angles, both of which are protected by design rights.
BESISTA-Betschart GmbH undergoes a renaming and becomes BESISTA® International GmbH.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, BESISTA® launches a new website that has been designed and developed by BESISTA® itself. The company aims to optimize user-friendliness and pave the way for new innovations.
Various projects featuring BESISTA® rod systems have received prestigious awards. One notable example is the Skywalk Scheidegg (treetop walkway) project in the Allgäu region of southern Germany, which earned Biedenkapp Stahlbau GmbH the 2011 M&T Metalwork Prize.
Peikko Group Corporation, the leading global supplier of connection technology for precast and cast-in-situ construction, has made an agreement to acquire the company BESISTA® International GmbH.
The acquisition by Peikko Group Corporation marks a significant milestone for both companies, as they join forces to enhance their capabilities and better serve their customers worldwide.
