Fixing Expansion Joints and Crack Stitch Repairs. Helitec were called in to fix inadequate movement joints at the north elevation wall of Block G at the Shellharbour TAFE. Themal and moisture movement had damaged the wall. The brick wall also had vertical cracks at the NW corner resulting from inadequate provision made to accomodate thermal and moisture movement. There were also vertical cracks appearing adjacent to the failed movement joint. Thermal and moisture movement (brick growth) was expected to continue to occur along the approximate 60m total length of the wall.
Helitec inserted Helifix Movement Joints to permanently solve the effects of thermal and moisture (brick growth).
Movement Joints were inserted every 4th course. These movement joints allow sufficient brick wall growth to prevent cracking or damage to the wall.
Helifix movement joints details can be found Here.
Repairing Cracked Walls
Once the movement joints were inserted Helitec undertook the chasing out of mortar at every 4th course where there was cracking in the wall. Helifix Stainless Steel Helical bars were inserted and grouted into place using Helifix Helibond.
HeliBond is an injectable, non-shrink, thixotropic, cementitious grout that rapidly develops high compressive bond strength. It has been specifically formulated by Helifix to achieve the highest standards required that are necessary to ensure effectiveness and structural safety of the repair being undertaken using Helifix product.
The vertical cracks were injected with Crackbond TE. Helifix Crackbond TE is a non-shrink, medium viscosity, thixotropic epoxy. Once the epoxy is cured Helitec then matched the original mortar colour and made all joints good.
Repairing cracks and strengthening corner
Thermal and moisture expansion resulted in cracked bricks at the upper parts of the northern walls corner. Helitec stitched the wall corner by wrapping helibars around the end of the wall. This method strengthened the end of the wall ensuring a permanent fix to the wall cracking.
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Helitec are experts in remediations and restorations of heritage buildings. Our innovative, proven & tested methods ensure permanent low cost solutions for home owners, strata plans, institutions and builders.
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