Initial data for the object:
- Housewares store:
- Year of construction: 2000;
- Location: Ivano-Frankivsk.
Structural elements:
- Foundations — strip footings;
- External walls — brick;
- Floor/ceiling structure — monolithic slab.
In the very heart of Ivano-Frankivsk, amidst picturesque streets and historic architecture, lies a housewares shop—an ordinary retail space that welcomes customers every day. Over time, however, the owners began to notice troubling changes: small cracks started to appear on the walls.
Initially, these seemed like nothing more than minor cosmetic flaws. Gradually, however, the cracks became more pronounced, raising concerns not only about the shop’s appearance but also about the structural integrity of the building.
Recognizing the importance of timely intervention, the owners reached out to our specialists. Our team was tasked with identifying the causes of the deformation, developing an effective technical solution, and reinforcing the damaged structures—all while ensuring minimal disruption to the shop’s operations.
Engineering survey
Based on the results of the engineering survey, it was determined that:
- Uneven settlement of specific sections of the building’s foundation has been identified;
- Localized weakening and deformation of the soil base, caused by soil erosion (scouring), have been detected;
- Cracks of various orientations and types have been observed on the building’s walls.
One of the primary causes of the deformations was the undermining of the soil beneath the building’s foundation. As a result, the soil base gradually lost its load-bearing capacity, leading to uneven settlement of the structures and the appearance of cracks in the walls.
To address this issue, a comprehensive technical solution was developed, aimed at stabilizing the soil base and reinforcing the damaged brickwork using the Stati-Bar system. This approach enhances the structural strength and reduces the risk of further deformation.
Strengthening of masonry using helical ties Stati-Bar
The use of this technology makes it possible to strengthen damaged sections of walls, ensure effective load redistribution, reduce stress concentrations, and minimize the risk of further crack development.
How does Stati-Bar technology work?
Special grooves are cut into the horizontal mortar joints of the masonry, into which Stati-Bar helical reinforcement rods are installed using a thixotropic repair mortar.
Once installed, these rods integrate the damaged sections of the masonry into a unified system, helping to redistribute loads and reduce stress concentrations at the locations where cracks have formed.
Thanks to their helical shape, the reinforcement elements ensure a strong bond with the repair mortar and facilitate the efficient transfer of forces between different parts of the wall.
The primary advantage is that the strengthening occurs from within the structure itself. Upon completion of the work, the reinforcement elements remain concealed, while the walls gain increased strength and greater resistance to deformation.
Stages of work execution
Each stage of the work was carried out in accordance with a previously developed technical solution and in compliance with technical requirements.
- Marking of reinforcement areas. Specialists identified the locations for installing reinforcing elements in accordance with the design scheme.
- Preparation of grooves. Grooves of the required depth were cut into the horizontal mortar joints of the masonry to accommodate the installation of helical bars.
- Cleaning of prepared areas. The grooves were thoroughly cleared of dust and construction debris.
- Application of specialized mortar. The prepared grooves were filled with a thixotropic repair mortar to ensure the secure fixation of the reinforcing elements.
- Installation of Stati-Bar. The helical bars were installed, with their positioning carefully verified.
- Final operations. The grooves were sealed, and the masonry surface was restored.
And all this in just 2 calendar days!
That is exactly how long it took our team to complete the full scope of planned work to reinforce the damaged masonry.
Result
As part of the project implementation:
- an engineering assessment of the building was conducted;
- a technical solution was developed and approved by the client;
- the masonry was reinforced using Stati-Bar helical ties.
The masonry reinforcement work has strengthened damaged sections of the walls, reduced stress concentrations, and ensured a more uniform distribution of loads across the building’s structural elements. As a result, the strength and reliability of the walls have been enhanced, the risk of further crack propagation has been minimized, and conditions have been established for the long-term, safe operation of the building.
This project serves as an example of how timely engineering diagnostics, the selection of appropriate technology, and professional execution can help resolve complex structural issues without requiring large-scale intervention in the building.
