Reinforcement & Anchoring The System
The Cintec™ reinforcement and anchoring system offers a remarkably versatile, proven approach to internally strengthen masonry buildings and structures.
The system works by pre-drilling an oversized hole in the structure and inserting an anchor body surrounded by a fabric sock. A cementitious grout is injected through the middle of the anchor under low pressure. It passes through a series of grout flood holes into the fabric sock, inflating the entire assembly like a balloon.
The Anchor
The fire resistant structural anchor is designed specifically for the loads and configuration of each application. Cintec™ designs generally use anchors that are non-corrosive metal, typically stainless steel in various grades.
The Grout
Cintec™’s Presstec™ grout is a proprietary pure mineral grout tested in accordance with the strict German DIN standards* and does not contain any resin binders. The grout is specially formulated to have a very high viscosity prior to setting. Its non-absorptive properties provide durability and freeze-thaw resistance.
The Sock
The sock is a specially woven polyester-based fabric sleeve with expansion properties to suit the diameter of the bore hole and particular substrate. It retains the grout in such a way that the cured grout bulb conforms to the cavities in the substrate, providing a strong mechanical lock to the connected elements. The grout milk that seeps through the sock also forms a cementitious bond with the parent material.
Perpendicular or In-plane Strengthening
Internal strengthening can be perpendicular to or in the plane of the face of the masonry units, components or systems. Perpendicular strengthening involves tying together the deteriorated masonry or tying the wythes of composite or cavity systems. In-plane internal reinforcement can be in any direction in the plane of the wall. In-plane reinforcement can increase in-plane compressive, shear and tensile strength and out-of-plane shear and bending strength.
Strengthening of the Interconnection of Different Structural Materials
Cintec™ reinforcement and anchor systems can be very effective and often are the only means available to strengthen the tying of vertical and horizontal elements of a building. Typical examples would be the tying of poured gypsum, cast-in-place concrete or hollow core precast roof and floor diaphragms to masonry walls. This method of tying is especially effective in reducing earthquake risks in unenforced masonry structures
Post-tensioned Strengthening
Internal and interconnection strengthening can be post-tensioned. Post-tensioning is advantageous as a strengthening method as it induces compressive stresses in the masonry. This reduces the risk of tensile stresses developing in the structure, which results in cracking.
* German DIN standards for Presstec Grout. DIN German National standard DINEN European standard with German Provenience.