Citation
Adell Argilés, Josep María and García Santos, Alfonso and Lauret Aguirregabiria, Benito and López, C. and Martín, H. and Peña, J. and Pol, M. and Timperman, P. and Vega, S.
(2008).
6m Span Lintels Tests on a New Wall Pi-brackets Type.
In: "14th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference. Incorporating the 8th Australasian Masonry Conference", 17/02/2008-20/02/2008, Sydney, Australia. ISBN 9781920701925.
Abstract
Reinforced masonry has been subject to research and investigation in Spain for over 20 years now. This paper presents a new contribution within the AllWall System, referred to as the Halfen-Allwall support (Pi-Bracket). This support being regularly spaced every 6m to form a "braced arch" effect and provide reinforced masonry. This line of investigation has been made possible through the industrial development of a new patented invention under the trade name Halfen-AllWall Pi-Brackets in combination with Murfor brickwork reinforcement. This combination provides a new way of supporting external walls at fixed points coinciding with the verticals of the structural supports. The system prevents the loading of slabs which, in addition to providing great economy in construction, inhibits cracking due to structural deformation at the support base of the wall and also allows the continuation of insulation and ventilation throughout the cavity. Three tests of the Pi-Brackets have been made in Germany and other three 6m span walls on the Pi-Brackets, have been tested in Instituto Eduardo Torroja (Madrid). The results of this research opens a new solutions for the enclosure masonry walls, that is wide use in the Spanish building for its economy and easy construction.