Diamond drilling for and installing Cintec anchors Archives

Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

gable repair plans 2 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

listed building stone repairs - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

ornate gable repairs - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

Grade II Listed Dutch Gable Repairs

Ornate Stone Dutch Gable Repairs

Structural Repairs for Grade II Gable

Structural Repairs for Victorian Dutch Gable

Victorian Gable Wall Repairs

Repairs to Failing Grade II Dutch Gables

Kingsway Square in Battersea, South West London is a Grade II listed building, formerly known as Mountfield Mansions, it formed part of Westminster College. Designed by E. W. Mountford in the late 1800s, it is an impressive building packed with architectural details.

The Victorian era Dutch gables, composed of red brick and ornate stonework were structurally unsafe and at risk of collapse. A sympathetic structural repair solution was required that could restore structural integrity without compromising the beauty of the facade.

Dutch gable leaning 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

Dutch gable SW London 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

Dutch gable London 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

The Structural Problem

Inspection of the Dutch gables walls that feature in this grade 2 listed building revealed that they had failed structurally. The masonry could be manually rocked and was leaning and at risk of collapse. Cracks were evident in the gable masonry and stonework. The masonry of the gable walls required urgent realignment and strengthening.

Traditional building methods would require deconstruction and rebuilding each gable wall. This would obviously have entailed substantial inconvenience to the residents as well as additional costs for internal redecoration. A cost-effective, long-term structural repair was required.

Due to internal concerns, one of the residents also required a tailor-made solution that used exterior steel fixings.

As with many buildings that AWT is called in to repair, there was evidence of previous structural repairs. Patress/anchor plates were visible on the brickwork but they had failed to address the root causes of the unstable gable masonry.

The Structural Repair Solution

gable repair plans 1 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Dutch Gable Repair Plan

Custom drilling rig 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Custom Drilling Rig

Gable repairs drilling 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Precision Drilling

Gable lateral restraints 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Lateral Restraints

AWT provided a bespoke structural repair solution to reinforce the gable walls. AWT’s unique skill set and proven experience were invaluable on such a delicate project.

The consulting structural engineers recommended the most appropriate remedial solution would be to install Cintec anchors vertically through the top of the stone and extending at least as far below the rafter line as the stonework extends above it.

A custom diamond drilling rig was required to allow precision drilling through over 3m of stone and brickwork at the apex of the gables. The Cintec sock anchors were then installed.

Cintech sock anchors consist of a stainless steel rod in a mesh sleeve. The anchor is installed deep into the masonry by the use of precision drilling techniques. The sleeve is then filled with a specially designed cementitious grout. This provides a mechanical and chemical bond between the masonry and the anchor that restores structural strength. The small diameter drill holes required for Cintech sock anchors are filled with color-matched mortar to provide a virtually invisible repair.

In contrast to long, drawn-out rebuilding work, Cintech sock anchors provide a highly efficient repair method. This technology also removes the need to use visible fixings such as pattress/anchor plates.

Four lateral restraints were also installed on each side of the gables to restore structural integrity and restrain the masonry. These stainless steel lateral restraints screw directly into the timber rafters and are resin bonded to the masonry to provide a long-lasting structural reinforcement of the gable walls.

Special Request Alternative Repair Solution

For the resident that requested exterior steel fixings a bespoke, Y-shaped frame was fabricated. This was fitted out of sight, to the rear of the gable masonry, ensuring it did not interfere with the lightning conductors on the gable.

Unstable Victorian gable 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Unstable Victorian Gable Wall

Reinforcement Victorian gable wall 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Bespoke Gable Reinforcement

Listed Victorian gable strengthening 225x300 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London — Gable Reinforcement Bracket

The AWT team carefully cut away the protruding moulding at the rear of the gable to provide a flat surface. The bracket was then fixed in place with stainless steel resin bonded fixings. The finished repair provided a long-term structural repair without compromising the beauty of the Victorian gable masonry.

AWT provides cost-effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural issues. Our specialist repair techniques make us the ideal choice for projects involving listed and heritage buildings.

We work together with structural engineers, architects and project managers to find economical and effective solutions. We operate not only in London but across the whole of the South East of England.

To book a time for one of our surveyors to visit your property or to discuss your requirements, call us today on 01227 721255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.

Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

Structural Repairs for Ornate Victorian Window Columns

l SW4 windows gaps - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

l after SW4 column repaired - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

l SW4 bay cracked 1 - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

l after SW4 bay repairs - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

l SW4 bay cracks - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

l after SW4 bay repaired - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

Structural Repairs for Ornate Period Windows

Before Window Structural Repairs

After Window Structural Repairs

Before Bay Window Structural Repairs

After Bay Window Structural Repairs

Before Bay Window Structural Repairs

After Bay Window Structural Repairs

The exterior of this 4 storey property in the London Borough of Lambeth, SW4, is packed with beautiful period features. As well as stone columns with ornate capitals, it also has decorative brick pillars and arched windows.

Sadly, a combination of ageing and ineffective restraining of the stone and brickwork columns was allowing the columns to bow out and the brick arches to drop and spread. This was cracking the surrounding brickwork. If the window columns, pillars and arches were not restrained and reinforced it would result in the failure of the window supports and the collapse of the structure above.

The Structural Problem

This period home in South West London, like many properties with serious structural defects, showed signs of previous attempts at repair by standard building methods. Repointing in areas where the brickwork columns had bowed failed to prevent the columns bowing further. Without specialist structural repairs the columns and arches would fail and cause the structure above to collapse.

As shown in the gallery below, AWT designed a programme of repairs that target the root cause of the structural failings. Due to AWT’s specialist equipment and know how, demolishing and rebuilding the affected areas was not required. AWT used precision drilling equipment to install fixings within the masonry, restoring structural integrity without damage to the period features.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

p bowing columns lambeth - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

p SW4 window column repairs - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

p column gaps lambeth - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

p SW4 column repairs - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

Before Window Column Realignment

Window Column Structural Repair

Gaps Around Windows

Realignment & Repair of Window Columns

The property had 3 areas that required structural repairs:

The 2 Storey Bay Window

Visible rotational bulging
Signs of distortion and distress with rotational movement
Dropping of brickwork arches
Leaning of the supporting columns
Cracks

Front 1st Floor Window

Significant outward movement to the first floor right hand stone column and capital
Unrestrained column had moved outwards allowing the attached brickwork to lean outward and drop
Resultant gaps between the timber window box frame and the column

Rear 2nd Floor Window

Significant outward bowing movement to the two brickwork columns
Unrestrained brick columns moved outwards leaving a bow shaped space between the timber window box frame and the column
Attached brickwork leaning outward

The Structural Repair Solution

p structural repairs lambeth 225x300 - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

SW4 structural repairs 225x300 - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

p SW4 structural repairs 225x300 - Repairs to Ornate Window Columns

AWT’s specialist repairs were designed to alleviate the masonry defects, add tensile strength and restore the integrity of the masonry without compromising the beauty of the period features.

Installation of custom fixings within the masonry redistributes the upper storey loads to those parts of the supporting structure below which are best able to carry them. This also restrains diagonal cracking and bulging of the brickwork.

Install temporary supports
Deploy AWT designed realigning cramping equipment
Use specialist hydraulic powered jacks to realign the columns and brickwork arches
Install steel corded bed joint reinforcement embedded within the masonry
Reconnect and reinforce the masonry by precision drilling and installation of Cintec sock anchors
Reconnect the bay window’s brickwork and masonry using grouted 8mm helical bars
Repair damaged stonework with Flexacrete
Replace cracked bricks and mortar ensuring suitable colour match

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills required to reinforce and realign window support columns on modern, period and heritage properties. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.

AWT are available in Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. To arrange a survey or to discuss project details, please use our contact form, email us or call us on 01227 721 255.

Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

Listed Building with Bulging & Cracking Masonry

This Grade II listed building in Thanet, Kent, was built in the 1840’s. The owners of this period property were facing the prospect of demolition and rebuilding of the facade of the property due to serious structural defects. Previous repairs using standard building techniques had failed to solve the structural problems. The property is currently in use as a nursery school. The business would have been forced to close for several months during traditional building works. AWT were able to repair the severe structural problems in a couple of weeks and preserve the period features without disrupting the running of the business.

The Structural Problem

The structural issues with this Victorian, Grade 2 listed property in Ramsgate, Kent were becoming hazardous due to the risk of falling masonry. Traditional building methods would have required several months of expensive and messy deconstruction and rebuilding work. The business would have been forced to close during the building works and the subsequent re-plastering and redecoration.

The front of the building had clearly visible bulging and cracking to the head of all the first floor windows. There were also cracks in the brickwork and stucco works each side and to the underside soffit of the window opening heads. There were clear signs of previous attempts at repairs that had failed to get to the root cause of the problems.

grade 2 listed structural defect - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Buckling Brickwork

As shown in the photo below, the mild steel embedded within the masonry had corroded and the rust caused it to expand to several times the thickness of the original metal. The heavily corroded wrought iron arch bars were lifting and cracking the brickwork and the decorative stucco around the windows. The stucco stringer course frieze and cornice of the parapet wall was also cracking and distorting. Previous attempts at repairs had provided a temporary, cosmetic repair but had failed to solve the underlying structural defects.

The continued expansive corrosion of the wrought iron arch bars would, without remedial works, lead to the failure of the masonry and the risk of detached masonry falling from the building. Urgent structural repairs were required.

Rusting wall bars 300x225 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

Rusted metal grade2 listed 300x225 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

The Structural Repair Solution

Structural repairs to listed buildings need to be handled carefully to preserve the period features of the building. AWT have many years of experience working on listed properties. AWT can help the owners of listed buildings to navigate through the process of obtaining permission for repair works.

The specialist tools and techniques that AWT employ allow structural repairs to be made without the need for visible fixings. Using custom designed drilling and cutting tools, AWT can remove corroded metal fixings and embed new stainless steel fixings within the masonry.

In order to allow the business to remain open during the structural repair works, AWT arranged for the scaffolding to be erected at the weekend while the nursery was closed. The scaffolding was then double boarded and netted for safety. The AWT crew accessed the scaffolding from the side of the building allowing parents, children and staff to access the building as usual through the main entrance.

vertical wall ties 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Preparing Vertical Wall Ties

grade 2 listed structural works 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Drilling for Vertical Wall Ties

The AWT team used their specialist techniques to form composite beams within the existing brickwork and then remove and replace the corroded wrought iron arch bars. The team then reconnected and reinforced the brickwork above the windows and the parapet wall. They also repaired the cracked decorative stucco.

Before metal grade2 listed 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Before – Cracks & Broken Bricks

replacement lintel Thanet Kent 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — During – Lintel Replaced

After metal grade2 listed 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — After – Ready to Paint

This project required a combination of:

Bed joint reinforcement beaming
Grout tie injection
Resin bonded ties
Cintec sock anchors
Removal of corroded mild steel arch bars
Replacement arch bars
Brickwork repairs

The team at AWT strive to make all works as sympathetic as possible with the existing masonry. Not only do they try to match replacement bricks and pointing for colour and style they even match the mortar mixture texture.

The high quality fixings used by AWT combined with their thorough knowledge of structural defects ensures a long term solution to structural issues.

Action Wall Ties are structural repair contractors with the specialist skills required for listed buildings. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities to preserve historic buildings.

AWT are available for large and small projects in Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. To arrange a survey or to discuss project details, please use our contact form, email us or call us on 01227 721 255.

Anchors into the upper floor slabs

Cintec Anchors into Upper Floor Slabs

Two LPS Blocks, Bow London (Pre-Ronan Point) – AWT remedial panel ties and anchors into the floor beams to the upper floors.

DSCN9442 225x300 - Anchors into the upper floor slabs

DSCN9445 225x300 - Anchors into the upper floor slabs

DSCN9446 225x300 - Anchors into the upper floor slabs

Long Lasting Structural Repairs

AWT completed structural repairs to these two LPS blocks in East London. The work that involved the installation of a remedial panel tie system to the external large sandwich panels and anchors into the floor slab to the upper floors.

The photos above show the buildings 12 years later. The structural repair techniques used by AWT are designed to last.

Some structural repair contractors may offer cheaper quotes because they fail to follow the guidelines provided by the British Standards Institution and the Building Research Establishment Specification Digest. This can seriously impact the structural integrity of a building, especially mid and high rise blocks. Local councils, housing associations and landlords can rely on AWT to provide safe structural repair solutions.

AWT’s team of skilled structural repair specialists are available across London and the South East of England. Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Terracotta Facade Bowing Out

East Ham Town Hall in East London. Main terracotta facade bowing out – precise drilling deep into the building and installation of Cintec anchors

East Ham Town Hall, in the E6 area of London, is an important landmark building, and its hundred year old brick and ornate terracotta construction requires specialised care when remedial works are called for.

LB Newham engaged Action Wall Ties to undertake reinforcing works to stabilise the important facade of the town hall. External cracking was spreading across the entablature frieze cornice above the left side entrance.

Problem – cracking and debonding brickwork

1. The main entrance – Above the staircase and to the left side of the entrance cracking was noted between the internal junction of the external brickwork, the dividing wall and the corner of the ceiling above.

2. The floor slab and ceiling – Cracking was noted on the 150mm floor slab that was found to be of a clinker rich material.

3. Brickwork – There were no signs of significant cracking to brickwork, although the movement noted was considered likely to be progressive. It was apparent that the outer brickwork was bowing outward, de-bonding from the dividing walls, and had become unconnected, cracking the dividing walls and floor slab – all reducing the restraining to the facade.

Proposed Cintec Anchor solution

Action Wall Ties completed a remedial scheme providing a viable repair by the introduction of Cintec anchors.

1. AWT entered the terracotta by diamond drilling with a narrow wall diamond core drill and retained the core to be replaced.

2. AWT then diamond drilled a 38mm × 4 metre hole through the external wall into the floor slab and the dividing wall as indicated with red crosses on the accompanying image.

3. AWT supplied and installed Cintec 40mm sock anchors with 18mm stainless steel bar, in accordance with the manufacture’s recommendations by certificated operatives.

4. The entrance hole in the terracotta was made good by the replacement of extracted core together with replacement bricks and coloured sand and cement pointing, all in accordance with AWT specifications.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, including specialised mediums such as Terracotta, providing professional structural repair solutions with Cintec anchors to a wide variety of structural problems in London, Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Please contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us to discuss your structural repair issues.

Grade I listed country house with detached bay window

Madingley Hall, a 15th Century Oriel large bay window became detached – complicated diamond drilling pattern and installing Cintec sock anchors

Madingley Hall is an elegant Grade I listed country house built by Sir John Hynde in 1543 and set in its own expansive gardens.

The hall is now owned by Cambridge University, and Action Wall Ties were engaged to undertake reinforcement works to stabilise the front bay of the building.

Over the years the Oriel bay had become detached from the main building. The internal walls of the bay were finished with oak panelling along with ornate plaster works, all of which were protected by listing in their own right.

Repairing The Detached Bay Window

A complicated cross stitch anchor was proposed to stabilise the bay and preserve the integrity of this historic building.

Cintec Sock anchors

Action Wall Ties’ operatives diamond drilled 30mm diameter holes approximately 3.8 metres in depth and a second hole, angled off approximately 1 metre, into the masonry to meet and form cross ties to each side of the bay window at five levels.

They then prepared for, supplied and inflated the Cintec sock anchors in accordance with the specifications and manufacture’s recommendations.

This work was completed by AWT Cintec certified operatives.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems using leading edge structural repair techniques and Cintec sock anchors. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

The Smithery, Historic Dockyard Chatham

Historic dockyard Chatham The Smithery – long 3500mm diamond drill for and installing grout ties and Cintec ties

The Smithery at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II* listed building.

The Smithery, built in 1808 and the last building within the walls of The Historic Dockyard Chatham on the English Heritage ‘at risk’ register has been saved.

This important historic building fell out of use in 1974 and is in a very poor condition, funding has enabled emergency stabilisation works to commence.

Action Wall Ties diamond drilled a pattern of 50mm diameter holes horizontally, 3500mm in depth through mass brickwork, prepared for the supply of Cintec sock anchors M16 x 3500mm anchors and inflated in accordance with the specification and manufacturers recommendations by certified operatives.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Stabilising Victorian gable wall stone corbels

Stabilising Victorian gable wall stone corbels, pediment and copings – diamond drilling for, and installing, grouted and Cintec ties

The subject building is a substantial Victorian traditionally-built house featuring a gable embellished with substantial supporting stone corbels, coping stones and pediment in North London.

This property required work to remedy the rotation of the supporting stone corbels and dislodged copings without detracting from the look of the property.

Action Wall Ties have highly trained staff with a wealth of experience in dealing with period properties. We used our own design of diamond drilling equipment to drill for, and install, ties strengthening the structure.

Detailed Case Study

Problem: Stone Corbel Movement

The gable wall had a substantial stone corbel supporting the stone coping stones. Rotating and outward movement was noted to the stone corbel together with cracking to surrounding brickwork as well as dislodged coping stones and pediment.

Discussion

Action Wall Ties’ remediation works were designed to assist in restraining the masonry to return the integrity to the structure.

Stone Corbel Repair Solution

Remedial work by Action Wall Ties provided a cost effective long-term solution. The existing appearance of the building was maintained. Work was carried out with the minimal amount of disruption to residents and the environment.

The remediation works involved diamond drilling 38mm X 2000mm holes into stone corbels, and others into the pediment and stone coping, to accommodate installation of remedial Cintec 40mm sock anchors.

Cintec anchors installed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation and by Action Wall Ties’ trained certificated operatives.

Action Wall Ties serve customers throughout the South East i.e. in Kent, Greater London, Sussex and in Essex.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems including issues with stone corbels, pediment and copings in Victorian properties. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

King’s Cross Station Cintec Sock Anchors

One of London’s King’s Cross station’s main entrance brick arches was sagging and losing structural integrity. AWT was contracted by Network Rail to drill for and install Cintec sock anchors to repair the structural defect.

The subject building was central London’s King’s Cross station. This Grade I listed building’s eastern large spanning brickwork entrance arch was found to be de-bonding.

Action Wall Ties was contracted to drill for, and install, Cintec cementitious grouted sock anchors to reconnect the brickwork.

This entailed drilling 75mm holes into the 225mm arched timber frame and drilling into the brickwork with a 38mm diamond drill vertically to a depth of 1200mm. We then prepared for, supplied and installed cementitious grouted sock anchors with grade 304 stainless steel M12 threaded bar washer and nut.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are experienced structural repair contractors with the capacity to work on both large and small public sector and infrastructure projects. We can assist with a wide range of structural repairs including the installation of Cintec cementitious grouted sock anchors.

AWT are available for contracts in London, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. Please contact us via our contact form, by email or call 01227 721 255.

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.

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

IMG 0021 225x300 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

Brodick dolly 225x300 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

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.

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.

DSCN9432 225x300 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

DSCN9435 225x300 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

DSCN9438 225x300 - Large Panel System Remedial Works

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.