The Helibeam System
System of structural masonry reinforcement, stabilisation and repair
The unique Helibeam System of structural reinforcement and stabilisation lies at the heart of the Helifix approach to masonry repair.
The Helibeam System 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. Used in combination with other Helifix ties and fixings, it provides a comprehensive, reliable and economic system of repair and stabilisation that may be used to address a wide range of commonly occurring structural faults.
How it works
The Helibeam System comprises the installation of horizontal bed-joint reinforcement into masonry that has cracked and failed due to ground movement, component failure, weathering or increased loads and stresses. It works by tying the masonry together to create deep masonry beams which distribute structural loads. The installation of wall ties and vertical pinning ties completes the system by providing lateral and vertical restraint.
Typical situations
Subsidence - Superstructure repairs. In most situations the Helibeam System can be used to secure stressed masonry by creating masonry beams that reinforce the existing masonry and redistribute loads away from the problem area. Combined with tying, pinning and crack stitiching, the use of 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, will minimise the need for expensive and disruptive mass underpinning.
Unstable and weathered masonry. Masonry may deteriorate and become unstable over time due to weathering and changing structural loads. Similarly, renders and stone facades may crack and delaminate over time as a result of masonry instability. HeliBars installed horizontally into the bed joints of existing walls will restore structural integrity to unstable and weathered masonry and help prevent further deterioration and cracking. DryFix wall ties retrofitted to replace corroded wall ties and to reconnect delaminated render and thin wall panelling will reinstate lateral stability to cavity and rendered/panelled wall systems.
Bowed and separated walls. Where internal and party walls have separated from the external elevation, and depending on the individual situation, the Helibeam System can be used to provide horizontal restraint in the external wall while BowTies can be used to provide lateral restraint and grouted CemTies to reconnect the internal and external walls.
Cracked masonry walls. Depending on the cause of the cracking, HeliBars grouted into channelled-out slots cut across the crack and, typically, into the mortar joint will provide simple, permanent and non-disruptive stabilisation of the masonry.
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 experienced 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, concealed and non-disruptive means of repair.
MATERIALS AND BONDING AGENTS
- HeliBar reinforcement rods, PatchPins, CemTies, BowTies, ResiTies, RetroTies and DryFix ties.
- HeliBond cementitious, thixotropic, injectable non-shrink grout, for fixing HeliBars and CemTies.
- EpoxyPlus TE2 thixotropic resin for fixing HeliBars, ResiTies, RetroTies and BowTies, and CrackBond TE2 for filling cracks.
