Local Authority Tower Blocks, London
Approved Installer: CAN London
Client: London Local Authority		  

  PROBLEM

On the Edward Woods Estate in West London, high winds caused part of the external brick panel on one of the tower blocks to become detached and fall due to failed wall ties. To prevent further dangerous masonry collapse the outer leaf brickwork had to be securely fixed to the inner leaf blocks and concrete frame.
  SOLUTION

After Helifix had conducted successful pull-out tests, the Approved Installer used abseil techniques to install some 18,000 DryFix remedial wall ties. The work was carried out on three tower blocks, all over 20 storeys high with the ties being installed in the top 16 storeys on each of the end walls.

The cavity width for each tie had to be established prior to installation, as this varied between 20mm -100mm. This ensured a minimum 50mm penetration in the inner leaf, for security of fixing, and a maximum of 70mm to avoid damage to internal finishes and services.

Works also included installing some 200 mild steel retention straps on each block to secure the sides of the outer brick panels to the concrete frame. The contract was completed safely and successfully and to ensure there is no future deterioration, the blocks will be inspected every two months.