Case Studies
HeliBar— Historic Chimneys, Holroyd Park, NSW
Problem. The old Goodlet and Smith Brickworks, a thriving and well-known brick manufacturing operation during the late 1800's, was to be restored and converted to become the centrepiece of a modern residential development comprising over 300 new mixed residential dwellings. However, the tall brick chimney stacks were unstable and potentially dangerous due to extensive vertical cracking, the likely result of past lightning strikes.
Solution. With minimal disturbance to the original building fabric, HeliBar stainless steel reinforcing bars were installed to stitch the cracked masonry. After chasing out the appropriate mortar beds the HeliBars were bonded into position to provide a secure and reliable solution, stabilize the stacks and spread structural loads to help prevent any future cracking.
DryFix— Department of Housing Residences, Coogee
Problem. During a refurbishment programme, over 20 residential blocks of three and four storeys, belonging to the Department of Housing, were discovered to be suffering from wall tie failure due to the corrosion of the original galvanized wire ties.
Solution. DryFix remedial wall ties were the obvious replacement ties to be used. They not only provided an economical solution to the problem of the failed ties but as they could be rapidly and efficiently installed during a short contract period the contractor was able to utilize the same scaffolding as the window replacement company to provide further overall savings.
DryFix and RetroTie— Sydney Aircraft Noise Insulation Project
Problem. As part of the Sydney Aircraft Noise Insulation Project (S.A.N.I.P.), a large number of buildings, including schools, churches, nursing homes and private houses, have been furnished with sound reducing insulation in their roofs and walls. During the installation of these materials many of the buildings were also found to be suffering from wall tie corrosion.
Solution. In order to secure the masonry of buildings at risk and to ensure that the new additional loads did not aggravate the problem, a number of the buildings underwent wall tie replacement programmes using either DryFix or RetroTie remedial wall ties depending on the construction materials.
DryFix—Office Tower Block, Sydney
Problem. A heritage listed hi-rise office tower in Sydney was in danger of losing some of its marble facade cladding due to the failure of the original fixing system.
Solution. The DryFix system was used to secure the 25mm thick marble panels to the substrate. Outside office hours, to minimize noise to the building occupants, small (6.5mm diameter) pilot holes were drilled, at an angle, through the marble and into the substrate. Due to their rapid and quiet installation, the DryFix pins themselves were able to be power-driven into position during normal work hours and were automatically countersunk below the face of the marble. After sealing and making good there was virtually no sign of the work that had been carried out.
