Masonry veneers may require maintenance and repair to restore performance lost as a result of age, corrosion of existing reinforcement resulting in spalling, cracking and de-bonding, or to correct damage following a seismic event. With more rigorous standards being imposed on building owners, masonry may require upgrading to attain modern performance requirements.

Various methods are available but they are generally designed for new construction only and are disruptive when applied to existing masonry. For upgrades or maintenance the masonry has to be partially dismantled to permit installation, making it extremely difficult to re-build the masonry without severe disfigurement.

The Helifix Solution

The Helifix method combines the well-proven DryFix system with a special connector fitted to the tie end through which a wire is threaded. DryFix ties are installed through the ‘T’ joints in the outer wythe mortar and into the back-up. Seismic connectors are secured over the tie ends and the stainless steel or galvanised plain 9 swg wire is threaded through the connectors along the cut out mortar joint. (For extra performance use HeliBar 45 with its unique Hi-Fin profile and enhanced strength). The wire is grouted in place with an injectable cementitious, no-shrink grout, such as HeliBond MM2. The joint is then finished with matching tuck-pointing to leave the masonry visually unimpaired.

  • Simple and straightforward to install.
  • Non-disruptive - requires no taking down and rebuilding.
  • Strong, stress-free connection with back-up material.
  • Additional strength created in outer leaf.
  • Positive lock with easy overlap for long runs.
  • Fully concealed and visually sympathetic
  LOAD TESTING

Using a Helifix Load Test Unit, which has been designed for the purpose, tests can easily be carried out to check the pull-out capacity of the ties from the back-up substrate.

 



The Seismic connector system is equally suitable for new build constructions to meet current seismic requirements and is simply installed into the masonry as the outer wythe is constructed.

  METHOD STATEMENT
  1. Select the points where 8mm DryFix ties are to be installed. At the 'T' junction of the mortar bed and vertical joints reduces damage to the brickwork.
  2. Drill a pilot hole, suitable for the back-up material, through the veneer and into the back-up substrate.
  3. Enlarge the hole through the outer wythe only, to 7/16" (11mm), to accept the seismic connector.
  4. Cut out the bed joint to a depth of 11/4" - 11/2", preferably using a diamond bladed masonry cutter with vacuum attachment (e.g. Hilti DC-SE 20)
  5. Make sure NO mortar is left attached to the exposed brick surfaces to ensure a good mortar bond
  6. Remove all dust and mortar from the slot and horoughly flush with clean, fresh water. (The bricks should be left damp or primed with Helifix WB Primer)
  7. Using the insertion tool, drive the DryFix ties into the back-up substrate, leaving the tie end near the centre of the outer wythe brick.
  8. Fit the connector, ensuring that it is fully engaged with the tie and the holes are left horizontal.
  9. Thread the wire through the adjacent connectors. (Long continuous runs are made by overlapping adjacent wires, at a connector, by a minimum of 6" (150mm)
  10. Mix the grout and load into the injector.
  11. Inject the grout over the wire to the back of the slot and fill the slot, ensuring that the wire is completely embedded, and leave 1/2" to 5/8" (12-15mm) for matching tuck-pointing to be applied.
  12. Tuck-point the joints with matching mortar.