Structural Repair – Oxford

This block of garages in Oxford, owned by Oxford City Council, had lost all structural integrity to the flank elevation causing immediate concern for the safety of the garage owner and passers-by who had noticed severe cracking and distortion to the brickwork at high level.

A fast response was required by Newman’s in order to design and implement a Structural Repair solution that would prevent further cracking to the brickwork without major disruption. As well as preventing disruption it was essential that the Structural Repair solution was to be cost effective also.

Surveyors from our offices in Oxford attended site as soon as the enquiry had come to us and we quickly diagnosed the cause of cracking to the structure and were then able to design a suitable scheme of Structural Repair.

Being a Twistfix approved designer and installer our Structural Solution utilised their innovative range of products to reinforce masonry without the need for re-building brickwork. In this instance we specified the use of their 7mm helical wires installed within the bed joint to reinforce and reconnect the separated masonry.

In order to reinforce the brickwork and connect the separated masonry our technicians chase slots into the mortar between the brickwork to a depth of approximately 40mm, the bed joint is then flushed with water to ensure all dust is removed from the joint. Twistfix’s WHO-60 high strength grout is then pressure injected into the slot and the helical wires are inserted into the grout. A final layer of grout is then pressure injected leaving a 15mm recess for re-pointing of the mortar.

This method of Masonry Repair is called Bed Joint Reinforcement and is a fast and effective way of restoring the structural integrity of the masonry. Using this method of repair saves the need for the removal and re-building of the failed masonry, which in this instance would have been extremely costly for the client who would have had to partially remove the roof in order to carry out rebuilding of the supporting wall.

Our repairs can be guaranteed for up to 20 years by a genuine insurance backed guarantee ensuring that a modern approach of repair is also a lasting approach.

Newman’s can help to diagnose structural defects, cracking and movement by arranging a free Structural Survey, contact London and the south East’s leading structural repair specialists for Help, Advice and peace of mind Call 0333 444 0154 or Email info@newmans.com