The Helibeam System
At the heart of Helifix remedial strategies is the unique
Helibeam System of structural reinforcement and repair
It provides a rapid, cost-effective means of restoring structural integrity to buildings and structures where the masonry has failed and lost its load bearing capabilities. In combination with other Helifix ties and fixings it provides a comprehensive, reliable and economic system of repair and stabilisation for many commonly occuring structural faults.
How it works
Where masonry has cracked and failed, as a result of ground movement, component failure, weathering or increased loads and stresses, the Helibeam System comprises the installation of horizontal bed-joint reinforcement by tying the masonry together and creating deep masonry beams which distribute the structural loads. Other ties and fixings provide appropriate lateral and vertical restraint to complete the System which has been proven in all types of masonry structures.
Typical situations
Subsidence: Superstructure repairs
For most situations the Helibeam System is able to secure the building by creating masonry beams that reinforce the existing masonry and redistribute the loads away from the problem area. Combined with tying, pinning and crack stitching, the Helibeam System will restore full structural integrity.
Subsidence: Substructure repairs
In some cases, use of the Helibeam System in conjunction with concrete pads under the building corners, or at selected points, minimises the need for expensive and extremely disruptive mass underpinning.
Failed lintels/window replacement programmes
If lintels have lost their load bearing capabilities the traditional solution is to cut out the brickwork, mechanically support the masonry above and install a new concrete lintel - all very disruptive, time consuming and expensive. The Helibeam System utilises the existing masonry to create a masonry beam above the window to provide the required structural support, often in conjunction with vertical pinning using DryFix or CemTies. For window replacement programmes where the window frame has been used to support the masonry, the Helibeam System provides a rapid and economical means of creating a lintel within the existing masonry.
Bowed and separated walls
Where internal and party walls have seperated from the external elevation, and depending on the individual situation, the Helibeam System gives horizontal restraint in the external wall while BowTies provide lateral restraint and grouted CemTies are used to reconnect the internal and external walls.
Cracked masonry
Depending on the cause of the cracking, HeliBars are grouted into channelled-out slots (normally the mortar beds) across the crack to provide simple, permanent and non-disruptive stabilisation of the masonry.
Correctly diagnosing the problem
Whatever the visible structural faults, it is critical that the cause of the problem is correctly diagnosed so that appropriate repairs can be carried out. Advice should be sought from a suitably qualified professional - structural engineer, surveyor or Approved Installer - who understands building movement and stresses and can devise the most effective Helibeam repair strategy with the solution tailored to suit the specific needs of the project. Whenever possible, measures to address the cause of the problem should be completed satisfactorily to mitigate the risk of on-going movement.
Benefits
• Quick and easy to install
• Effectively restores structural stability at reduced cost
• Deep masonry beams support and distribute structural loads
• No further stresses introduced
• Flexibility accommodates normal structural movement
• Economical alternative to underpinning / rebuilding
• Greatly simplifies lintel and window replacement
• Avoids expensive and disruptive taking down and rebuilding
• Sympathetic and non-disruptive means of repair
• Equally effective on all masonry structures
Technical Specifications
HeliBar reinforcement bar: austenitic stainless steel. Supplied in nominal 4.5, 6.0, 8.0 or 10.0mm diameters in lengths up to 2m.
Bonding Agents
HeliBond cementitious, thixotropic, injectable non-shrink grout
PolyPlus polyester resin - for fast curing
CrackBond TE thixotropic epoxy - for ultimate performance