general Archives - ConSpec Associates, Inc

ConSpec Associates, Inc

Tradition, Technology, Innovation

general

HeliFix PatchPin- Its Uses and Misconceptions

by


The HeliFix PatchPin is based on the HeliFix DryFix technology which has been used for well over 20 years. It is further based on a spiral Stainless Steel twisted element being driven into a smaller hole in a substrate to obtain anchorage. For the purpose of a Wall Tie Pullout values are extremely important. Why the PatchPin works so well for concrete patching pins is that it is Stainless Steel and the twist provides maximum grip to the new patching material, the pin can be bent so Stainless Steel wire can be attached but Pullout not so much. If you look at the diagram you will see that when the PatchPin is installed at “alternate” angles they form an impediment which holds the patch in place as the pins are fixed by the substrate and the patch and cannot move. The only need for Pullout is to hold the PatchPin in for installation and attachment of the wire, after that no pullout is needed, only the geometry to hold it, and the concrete patch, in place. This is the misconception that most engineers have, that the performance of the PatchPin is based on Pullout, which of course, being in concrete always exceeds 400 pounds anyway.

Installation of Socked Cement Based Anchors – Nothing Easier

by

Socked based cement anchors, whether HeliFix or Cintec, are easier to install than resin anchors with almost no waste compared to resin anchors and are fireproof. Installation shown is using plastics inserts for a battery operated bulk cement gun but can be used with just a regular battery or even air operated gun using no sleeves and just filling the tube itself. For high volume projects or long anchors, a pressure pot can be used to facilitate the larger volumes and for the greatest efficiency a peristaltic, continuous feed pump is ideal.

PORTABLE CEMENT BULK GUN

PRESSURE POT

PERISTALTIC PUMP

Penetrations For Archaic Floor Systems

by

THE PROBLEM – Hotel need to provide 200 pipe penetrations through the Speedtile arch which was a major concern as it would cause distress to the stability of the individual tiles and the arch.

RUREGOLD SOLUTION – Place a 2 foot by 2 foot Ruregold “Patch” at each penetration to strengthen the face of the Speedtile prior to diamond drilling the penetrations from the bottom, which would allow for ease of penetration by drilling without damage to the tile.

Window Surround Fixing in Rubble Wall – Speedtile or CMU

by

When fixing a window in a rubble wall which has inconsistent infill many time mechanical and even resin anchors will nor perform well or consistently. It is in these conditions where a cement based socked anchor provides the ideal solution to cover any voids or cavities. Even in Speedtile or CMU walls this system provides maximum anchorage in a fire rated anchor and is easily installed.

CastCotta – Terracotta Replacement – New Construction or Both

by

First we had stone, then we had Terracotta with over 100 plants in the US alone, now there are only three, two in the US and one in the UK suppling primarily replacement units.
Consider the next transition is CastCotta, a cast unit, that has the decorative capabilities of Terracotta but is as easy to use as a CMU, with all the textures, shapes and glazes we have come to know, with similar ease of installation. CastCotta is identical in Form and Function to Terracotta, is 40% lighter than Terracotta and 80% lighter than precast. Architects, please consider the possibilities not only for replacement but primarily New Construction accent pieces. Other items including Brownstone, Limestone Granite and others are possible with CastCotta. CastCotta can provide this transition.
Contractors, with a 6 week delivery get your project back on schedule and consider CastCotta for your current or future projects.

LL 37 Retaining Walls Compliance with SIP vs ROAR added

by

Considering there are typically two owners involved in every LL37 Retaining Wall project simplicity is key.

LL 37 Retaining Wall

The philosophy of SIP vs ROAR starts with removing or repairing as little as possible, continues with all operations being performed from the “OWNER’S” side and involves turning an unreinforced masonry structure into a reinforced masonry structure with a series of socked anchors, including post-tensioned, and involving the backfill as necessary but all contained within the fabric of the structure itself. The detail above is but one solution provided in a complete manual designed by Cintec available from ConSpec by placing the words “Cintec Retaining Wall Manual” in the subject line of the contact sheet on this web site ( https://www.conspec-rep.com/contact-us/ ).

ConSpec works with both NYC Licensed Engineers and Specialty Contractors that provide both the designs and construction services necessary to keep your costs and time to an absolute minimum. Again please reach out to us for;

  • Inspection
  • Design
  • Construction

SIDEWALKS – Better, Faster, Cheaper – More Durable

by

SIDEWALKS – Better, Faster, Cheaper, also more durable and longer lasting. Eliminating rebar or any metal mesh in sidewalks will accomplish all of the above, If the major portion of the commercial SOG (Slab-On-Grade) community is moving in that direction with non metallic Structural Fiber for major warehousing and manufacturing floors, use for sidewalks just makes sense. Let your Ready Mix provider provide your reinforcing and eliminate all the hassle of rebar placement. Available through your local concrete supplier.

 

Ruredil PBO (Carbon Fiber) considered for repair of second Prestress Plank Parking Structure in NYC – Storm Damaged Areas also under Consideration

by


After being specified for a Prestress Plank Parking Structure in CT which also employed spray applied Zinc based upon the breath-ability of the Ruredil Cement Based System, a second application is now being considered for a New York Project. A Class A Fire Rating, ease or application, ability to be applied in damp or wet conditions as well as a ductile failure mode make it the preferred system over its resin alternative systems.

Another parking garage repair was also started in Jerusalem and an application on a 3 hr fire rated mechanical room concrete slab in Seattle will be done this month.

Attributes not available with resin systems make Ruredil the preferred product. While Ruredil’s Carbon Fiber is used primarily for masonry strengthening and repair , which makes it a primary consideration for distressed masonry structures in storm damage areas, its Class A Fire Rating and ease of application have it gaining ground for concrete applications. Storm ravaged areas considering their “saturated” condition will allow Ruredil to be immediately applied to all distressed concrete and masonry applications, unlike their resin alternatives. The fact that any qualified mason who can handle a trowel, can apply Ruredil, is also a major consideration. Basically if you can install a stucco or a EIFS system you can install Ruredil.

What makes a Structural Engineer a Restoration Engineer?

by

“MATERIAL(S)”

It is the structural engineer who has a true understanding of the materials within the Built Environment when approaching a restoration project and can cause the least insult to those materials that is the true Restoration Engineer.

Consider the Acronym “SIP vs ROAR” (Stabilize-In-Place vs Rip-Out-And-Replace) as it relates to;

  • Cost to the material of the structure
  • Cost to the environment with removal rather than stabilization
  • Cost to the owner
  • Time extension for completion
  • Inconvenience to occupants
  • Aesthetics
  • Encroachment on adjacent properties
  • Additional support structures during restoration
  • And the list goes on!

Before our BOMA members pick their Engineer for the next LL11 Cycle think about asking the following two questions to you prospective engineer.

  1. Do flexible wall ties need to be replaced with more flexible wall ties during a restoration where they are found deficient and ask for reasoning for either response? Are rigid ties acceptable?
  2. Your building is in Manhattan and your parapet shows signs of distress. Which one, two, three or all of the following typically face the most distress; 78th Street side, 77th Street side, Madison Avenue side or Park Avenue side?

Europe has been training restoration engineers both in school and on the job for more years than our country has existed. While there are currently several efforts underway by engineers like Michael Drerup to establish graduate programs here in the United States we are only recently beginning that effort so most restoration engineers trained here in the US are validated by their time in the field. If your potential engineering firm does less than 50 percent of their work in restoration you may want to reconsider. It is not the building’s they have built, rather the buildings they have saved.