HeliBar is a helical stainless steel reinforcing bar, with substantial tensile properties, used for strengthening and stabilizing masonry in both new build and remedial situations.
HeliBars, of differing lengths depending upon the application, are the principal components of the Helibeam System.
Bonded into cut slots at pre-determined levels in the masonry using HeliBond thixotropic cementitious grout, it is the composite action between the HeliBars and HeliBond that provides the core element of the Helibeam System, making it such a versatile, reliable and successful masonry repair system.
In long lengths, normally in pairs, they are used to form masonry beams that secure large areas of masonry, distributing the structural loads and overcoming various problems caused by foundation movement. They are also installed in the existing masonry to unobtrusively create or reinstate failed lintels. In shorter 1m lengths, HeliBars are used individually to perform reliable and permanent crack stitching
HeliBar starts as round stainless steel wire with a typical 0.2% proof stress of 500N/mm² but after the cold forming manufacturing process that creates the helical hi-fin design, this more than doubles to around 1100N/mm². This means that HeliBar, with its relatively small diameter, provides substantial tensile properties to the masonry, particularly when combined with HeliBond grout which locks between the fins and bonds to the masonry. Consequently, the well proven Helibeam System has a variety of remedial and new build applications.
- Crack stiching
- Lintel repair and creation
- Forming deep masonry beams
- Horizontal structural restraint
- Creating new opening in existing masonry
- For reinforcing new build masonry
Creating or repairing flat arch lintels
Crack stitching in a corner of a stone wall
Creating movement joints
Using 400mm long bars, installation is very similar to crack stitching. The bar is installed across the joint, as with cracks, but is only bonded at one end. The other end is allowed to move freely by inserting it into a sleeve which is bonded into the masonry.
- Austenitic stainless steel helical reinforcing bars
- Great axial strength yet creates no additional stresses
- Accommodates differential building movement
- Generates high tensile strength with mortar and HeliBond grout
- Extremely economical compared with alternative methods
- Fully concealed once installed
- Avoids expensive and disruptive taking down and rebuilding
- Minimal disruption to the building’s fabric or occupants
- Spreads loads to avoid secondary cracking
- Mitigates the potential for cracking in shrinkable materials
