Solution: AWT designed stainless steel supports angles, dowels & fixing

Structurally Unstable Period Property

Structurally Unstable Period Property

Victorian / Edwardian property in Harrow, Greater London, saved from partial demolition and rebuild.

case study 58dd0a549b8da4.65274980 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

This period property in North West London was saved from partial demolition and rebuild by our specialist structural repair techniques and solutions.

The Structural Problems

Slender brick columns between the front windows were severely bowing outwards.

The masonry above the windows was dropping and sagging. The gable wall above was leaning inwards and had started to collapse.

Bowing brick columns 4 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

There was evidence of previous attempts at repairs by traditional builders.

The building had been deemed structurally unstable and was unoccupied. Standard building contractors has proposed demolishing the affected areas and rebuilding. This process would be lengthy and costly.

Demolition and rebuilding would have destroyed much of the ornate brickwork and altered the character of the property. A partial rebuild of the property would also have entailed removing all the internal finishings from the affected areas which would add to the costs.

Click on the gallery below to see how far out of alignment the brick columns were.

The brick columns around the windows of this Victorian / Edwardian property had rusting metal fixings within the brickwork. This is a common cause of cracking and bowing in brickwork.

The slender support columns were visibly bowing causing structural instability in the brickwork above.

The brickwork of the gable above was leaning in and was only being held in place by the internal roof rafter. Some of the brickwork had collapsed inwards leaving a hole in the wall.

Apex 4 - Structurally Unstable Period Property
After

Structural Repair Solution

Specialist equipment designed by Action Wall Ties was employed to firstly retain the columns to allow the removal of the corroded fixings and debris then realign the columns back to inline before installing new stainless steel fixings to reinstate the structural integrity of the masonry.

Specialist hydraulic rams developed by Action Wall Ties were used to gradually realign the thin brickwork columns. Custom made stainless steel fixings were then installed to strengthen and stabilise the masonry.

Replacement bricks, where necessary, were colour matched to the existing bricks. In areas where the mortar was disturbed repointing was carried out using colour matched mortar.

Long Lasting Structural Repairs

The precisely targeted repairs carried out by Action Wall Ties preserved the decorative brickwork of this Victorian / Edwardian property. The repair works were substantially cheaper and faster than the proposed rebuild. In contrast with rebuilding, the precision techniques used by Action Wall Ties left the internal finishings of the property virtually unscathed.

Action Wall Ties offer structural repair services to period properties for clients in the South East – in London & in Surrey, Kent, Sussex & Essex.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in repairs to period properties with bespoke solutions avoiding the need to demolish and rebuild. We also offer professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Large Panel System Remedial Works

Large Panel System Remedial Works

Action Wall Ties has a long history of working with many Large Panel System high rise blocks (LPS blocks). Working closely with structural engineers, AWT can install differing options of upper floor reinforcing / tying together as well as tying of the sandwich panels with AWT designed incline pins and mullions fixings for LPS panels.

case study 5b62ed5e948159.52637073 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

LPS Structural Problem

Brodick House is a 22 floor large panel system high rise block in Tower Hamlets, East London. As with many tower blocks built using the large panel system, the structure required remedial work to ensure its structural integrity.

LPS Remedial Work

Remedial works included:

  • Cintec Cementitious Sock Anchors
  • Remedial Corridor Reinforcing Angles
  • Remedial Spandrel Panel Tie Back Fixing

Action Wall Ties have extensive experience in defects commonly associated with LPS buildings. Working closely with main contractors and structural engineers, repair strategies have been developed that include strengthening ties, internal steel work and fixings, external stainless steel plates, brackets, and panel ties.

Brodick guauge - Large Panel System Remedial Works

We have also developed tying methods for the sandwich panels. This work is always undertaken with care and attention to detail by highly skilled operatives using specially designed equipment.

Action Wall Ties used purpose manufactured dollies to transport and position the corridor reinforcing steel angles. AWT designed lifting cradles were used to lift the angles and fixed them in place.

Two coats of water based intumescent paint were also applied to provide one hour fire protection.

Long Lasting Structural Repairs

The remedial work was designed to be cost effective and long lasting. The photos below show the block 15 years after completion of the works. This illustrates the quality and permanence of AWT’s structural repair techniques.

Councils and housing associations can rely on AWT to provide efficient, cost effective, high quality structural repairs. AWT ensure all repairs are carried out following the guidelines provided by the British Standards Institution and the Building Research Establishment Specification Digest.

Greater London, Essex, Sussex and Kent are all covered by the professional services of Action Wall Ties.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in LPS remediation, reinforcement and repair of tower blocks. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems encountered with high rise buildings. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

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