TECHNICAL BULLETIN CR3

CRACKS IN
STONEWORK/BRICKWORK/BLOCKWORK

SUMMARY OF FEATURES

solvent free products,

safer to handle and apply
elimination of the normal
risk of separation and
cracking-out through the
use of special glass
reinforced flexible rods
and a compatible low
modulus epoxy adhesive
single diameter, slim,
non-metallic flexible rod,
easily cut to length on
site, fits even narrow
mortar joints
tough, flexible, gap filling
adhesive with a long open
time allowing all day
working without waste of
mixed material

Rotafix Ltd.
Rotafix House, Abercraf
Swansea, SA9 1UR U.K.
Tel: +44 (0)1639 730481 Fax: +44 (0)1639 730858
website: www.rotafix.co.uk
e-mail: [email protected]

ROTAFIX is a registered trade mark

SKETCH 1

SCHEMATIC OF CRACKED JOINT AND BRICK

N.T.S.

*
4-5 Course Centres

*
4-5 Course Centres

Crack line

Length of CB10T/
Rotafix Structural Adhesive /
Rotafix Rod or
Spirotie

Min brick
either side
of crack

Minimum length of Spiro/CB10T/Rotafix Structural Adhesive = 300 mm

SKETCH 2

REPAIR SEQUENCE SECTION THROUGH BRICK/JOINT

Stage 1

FACE

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Rotaflex
ROD

CAVITY

Rotafix Structural
Adhesive

CRACKED MORTAR JOINT

DISC CUT TO 50% BRICK DEPTH

BEAD OF
Rotafix Structural Adhesive
WITH ROTAFLEX
ROD

SCHEMATIC ONLY N.T.S.

ROTAFLEX ROD
WITH BOTH
BEADS OF
Rotafix Structural
Adhesive

SKETCH 3

REPAIR SEQUENCE SECTION THROUGH BRICK/JOINT

Stage 1

FACE

Stage 2

Stage 3

CAVITY

Stage 4

SPIROTIE

Rotafix Structural
Adhesive

CRACKED MORTAR JOINT

DISC CUT TO 50% BRICK DEPTH

BEAD OF
Rotafix Structural
Adhesive WITH
SPIROTIES

SCHEMATIC ONLY N.T.S.

SPIROTIE WITH BOTH

BEADS OF Rotafix
Structural Adhesive

ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE (LM)

EPOXY BONDING ADHESIVE
PRODUCT CODE:

3552 - 400cc

DESCRIPTION:

Rotafix STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE is a unique 2-part thixotropic epoxy gap filling

adhesive (thickness 2mm-12mm*). STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE is formulated for
bonding GFRP and CFRP fibre rods and plates in particular to timber components

SPECIFIC USES:

1) As a gap filling adhesive for use with stainless steel, glass fibre anchors and fixings.
2) As a thick film adhesive for greenheart timber to metal construction as well as glass.
3) In conjunction with Rotaflex Pultrusions for the repair and upgrading of glulaminated
components.
4) With masonry stitching components such as Rotaflex Rod and Spirotie.
5) Crack injection of stone, masonry or timber
Please contact Rotafix Ltd for individual specifications

PACKAGING:

STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE is supplied in two screw cap containers, base resin and
curing agent. Included is a follower plate and empty cartridge assembly.

PREPARATION OF
SUBSTRATE:
MIXING:

**All surfaces should be sound, fully abraded, clean, and free from contaminants.
** Please contact Rotafix Ltd for specification
Add the total contents of the smaller container (hardener) to the contents of the larger
container (base). Mix the pastes thoroughly using a flat end pallet knife, reference:
3642. Place the follower-plate onto the surface of the mixed material ensuring it fits
parallel in the tub with the outer and central lip pointing upwards. Cut the seal from the
front end of the cartridge sleeve. Place the rear end of the cartridge vertically and
centrally over the hole in the follower-plate. Press the cartridge firmly and continuously
down on to the follower-plate until the follower-plate bottoms on the mixing tub base.
Carefully remove and invert the now full cartridge. Screw on the front injection nozzle
plus any chosen injection tube assembly . Finally, insert the rear plunger.

APPLICATION AND
EQUIPMENT:

Where applicable, install the full cartridge of STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE into the
injection gun, reference:3667.
Alternatively, for spreader application as an adhesive, dispense directly from the
cartridge without the aid of the front nozzle or injection tube.
Mixing knife Ref:3642. 400cc injection gun Ref:3667. Available from Rotafix.

CURE SCHEDULE:

*** According to CEN Standard N20

Workability:
12 hrs at +10C
6 hrs at + 20C
6 hrs at + 30C

MATERIAL USAGE /
COVERAGE:
FULL CURE
PROPERTIES:
(+5 Days @ 20DegC)

Gel Point
3 Days at + 10C
2 Days at + 20C
1 Day at + 30C

***Peak Exotherm
uninsulated
Insulated
15C
20C
30C
35C
40C
80C

Depends on specific application. As a guide, 400cc of mixed material would represent

a filled crack size of 10mm x 10mm x 4 linear metres or 0.4m area @ 1mm thick.
Compressive
Strength
N/mm2
68

Tensile
Strength
N/mm2
38

Tensile
Modulus
GPa
2.4

Flexural
Strength
N/mm2
70

****Bond
Strength
N/mm2
~6-10

CTE
(-60 +40oC)
Deg C-1
9.2-5

**** Bond strength is dependant on quality of the prepared surface and adherend type
CLEANING OF
TOOLS:

Uncured STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE may be readily removed from tools and equipment
with disposable tissue. Rotafix do not recommend the use on site of Solvent cleaners.
Mechanical methods are required to remove cured material.

The site conditions and equipment required when using individual Rotafix products are specific for each project. Only
advice given by Rotafix in writing will be considered as part of our contractual liability.
Epoxy resins and their associated curing agents can cause irritation to some people. Please take the
necessary precautions indicated in the COSHH details available from our offices.
Please read our Users Safety Guide on the Handling of Resin and Polymer products.
The information in this document is based on practical tests, but given without guarantee insomuch as methods of use by others is beyond our control. Due to continuing
development and improvements, it may be necessary to change without notice the material specification. All goods are sold subject to our Standard Conditions of Sale.

ROTAFIX, ROTAFIX HOUSE, ABERCRAF, SWANSEA SA9 1UR. U.K.

TEL: +44 (0)1639 730481
FAX: +44 (0)1639 730858
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.rotafix.co.uk
SOUTHERN AREA CONTACT:
TEL: +44 (0)1442 243169 FAX: +44 (0)1442 234901
PD3552/3

RESIWOOD SYSTEM
ROTAFLEX ROD GFRP
3643
3704
3712

PRODUCT CODE:

5 mm x 0.5m long
8 mm
3705
14 mm
3707

3710
3706
3711

10 mm
16 mm

5 mm
12 mm
20 mm

DESCRIPTION:

ROTAFLEX ROD is supplied as a polyester, vinyl ester or epoxy matrix containing

unidirectional glass.

PACKAGING

Supplied in a range of diameters and as standard 3m long.

PREPARATION:

Surface preparation is of paramount importance. The rod should be mechanically abraded

followed by a solvent wipe. For specific information consult our technical department.

CHARACTERISTICS:

High strength and rigidity, good flexural stress behaviour, excellent static and dynamic load
bearing capacity. Excellent corrosion resistance unaffected by wood tannin and both solvent
and aqueous based timber preservatives and treatment. ROTAFLEX ROD may be cut with
standard 18 or 24 TPI hacksaw blades or ideally with a diamond bladed mechanical saw.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES:

Heat Deflection Temp under load

Density.
Tensile Strength
Water Absorption
Flexural Strength
E-modulus (Tensile)

SPECIFIC USES:

ROTAFLEX ROD may be used as a shear connector and reinforcement for timber to timber
splice joints. It is also used for timber to TG6 TIMBER GROUT connections, the upgrading
of timber beams containing shakes, cracks or fissures, and reinforcement in masonry
stitching/tying. The number of rods and the angle of insertion being separately determined
for individual applications. ROTAFLEX ROD may be used solely as in the repair of glue
laminated structures of in multiple bundles as required in various hole diameters and
configurations. In all cases the bonding medium is one of the RESIWOOD range of
adhesives or injection grouts.

200 deg C Martens

2.0 gm/dm2
1000 MPa DS EN 61-78
< 0.1%
1000 MPa DS EN 63
40000 MPa

MATERIAL ESTIMATE (example for 5mm rods only)

Preferred Auger
in mm

No. of
ROTAFLEX RODS

Vol.cc

Optimum Grout
Tube Size
1D mm OD mm

12
10
24
30
49

5x8
8 x 11
12 x 15
16 x 19
16 x 19

TIMBERSET required

Wt.Gm.

5 mm
10
12
16
20
25

1
2 or 3
4
7 or 8
11 or 12

19
16
37
47
76

Figures for 200mm long drilling

N.B. No allowance for waste.
Increase amount required per
hole for extra depth.
E.g. 16mm x 400mm drilling
requires 48cc TIMBERSET with
4 rods.

ROTAFLEX ROD does not present any particular hazard. When the ROD is being cut or sawn there is a
possibility of fibrous particles becoming airborne. Use wet cutting methods whenever possible.
Always use appropriate protective clothing including safety goggles and suitable particulate face mask.
The information in this document is based on practical tests, but given without guarantee insomuch as methods of use by others
is beyond our control. Due to continuing development and improvements, it may be necessary to change without notice the
material specification. All goods are sold subject to our Standard Conditions of Sale.

The requirements for a Rotafix product(s) may be specific for an individual project.
Advice given by Rotafix can only be considered as part of the contract if it is provided in writing.
RESIWOOD is a Registered Trade Marks of Rotafix (Northern) Ltd.
ROTAFIX, ROTAFIX HOUSE, ABERCRAF, SWANSEA SA9 1UR. U.K.
TEL: +44 (0)1639 730481 FAX: +44 (0)1639 730858
e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rotafix.co.uk
SOUTHERN AREA CONTACT: TEL: +44 (0)1442 243169 FAX: +44 (0)1442 234901
PD3703-3712/15

CEMBOND GROUT
PRODUCT CODE:

3160 3 litre

DESCRIPTION:

Cembond Grout is a high performance, non-shrink, non-gassing, thixotropic, cement based grout,
suitable for injection with a hand or power applicator.
Cembond Grout has a low liquid to powder ratio providing a thixotropic grout which completely fills
all voids into which it is injected and which develops its compressive strength rapidly. Cembond
Grout is suitable for bonding metal components into most common masonry-type substrates
including concrete, brick, stone, blocks etc.

PACKAGING:

Cembond Grout is supplied in 3 and 6 litre pack sizes. Packed in a 16 litre pail containing the dry
powder and liquid individually packed to make 3 or 6 litres of injectable mixture.
Cembond Grout should be stored in dry conditions and in a temperature range of +5C to + 35C
max. Pails may be stacked but not more than 4 high.

PREPARATION:

It is important to make the correct size of hole to ensure a good bond. For 6mm Spiro/Rotaflex Rod
CRP or FRP a 10mm slot or hole is required and for 8mm Spiro/Rotaflex Rod CRP or FRP 12mm
slot or hole is required. For other parts a minimum clearance of 2mm all round should be allowed,
with a greater clearance being required with more absorbent materials. If there is any doubt, then
site tests should be carried out to determine pull-out loads.
After slotting or drilling, gthe hole should be flushed out with clean water to obtain maximum bond
strength.

MIXING:

ONLY THE FULL PACKAGE SHOULD BE MIXED

Mix the Cembond Grout by adding half of the powder to all of the liquid in the bucket provided.
Mix until blended. Add the remaining powder and mix thoroughly, using a powered mixing paddle,
for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Pour the mixture into the cartridge of the injection tool and inject tool and inject into the hole or slot
in a continuous operation.

APPLICATION:

Form the hole or slot into which the Cembond Grout, rebar or anchor is to be bonded, ensuring
the appropriate clearance is allowed, together with an adequate depth for good fixing.

COVERAGE:

12mm hole x 1 metre long, using an 8mm bar/rod, requires 60cc of grout to fully encapsulate the
rod.

CURE SCHEDULE:

Typical working life of the mixture is up to 20 minutes but this can be extended with re-agitation.
Ideally, exposed areas of Cembond grout should be properly cured for at least three days under
damp conditions to gain full advantage of the shrinkage compensation elements in the formulation.
A masonry primer may be applied to the masonry to minimize liquid absorption. In common with all
Portland Cement products, Cembond Grout should not be used at temperatures below 50C (410F)
or if there is a danger of frost.

CURED
PROPERTIES:

Typical compressive strength development at 20C, 100mm cubes cast under restraint, wet cured,
at 0.31 wsr.
1 day
20N/mm2

3161 6 litre

3 days
2
25N/mm

7 days
2
30N/mm

28 days
2
40N/mm

YOUNGS MODULUS 26.5 Gpa (at 28 days)

SPECIFIC USES:

Injection grout for voids/dowels in masonry, concrete and brickwork.

CLEANING OF
TOOLS:

After use clean all tools mixers and containers with clean water.

The requirements for a Rotafix product(s) may be specific for an individual project.
Advice given by Rotafix can only be considered as part of the contract if it is provided in writing.
Cembond Grout contains Portland Cements and is therefore alkaline when wet. Unnecessary skin contact should be avoided.
In case of eye contact, the eye must be irrigated with gently running water and medical attention sought.
Please read our Users Safety Guide on the Handling of Resin and Polymer products.
The information in this document is based on practical tests, but given without guarantee insomuch as methods of use
by others is beyond our control. Due to continuing development and improvements, it may be necessary to change
without notice the material specification. All goods are sold subject to our Standard Conditions of Sale.
ROTAFIX, ROTAFIX HOUSE, ABERCRAF, SWANSEA SA9 1UR. U.K.
TEL: (44) 01639 730481
FAX: (44) 01639 730858

e.mail: [email protected]

Website: www.rotafix.co.uk

SOUTHERN AREA CONTACT: TEL: (44) 01442 243169 FAX: (44) 01442 234901
PD3160-1/4

SPIROTIE
PRODUCT CODE:

3080 6mm x 7m (35m pack)

30816mm x 2m

3802 7.5mm x 2.5m

DESCRIPTION:

Spirotie is a versatile masonry fixing product manufactured from stainless steel

twisted to form a continuous helix, that provides excellent mortar and grout
bonding characteristics. Available in lengths (as shown above), its main
advantage is its versatility and ease of use.

AVAILABILITY:

Spirotie is manufactured from 7.5mm x 2mm Grade 304 stainless steel strip as
standard. The strip is twisted during manufacture to form a continuous helix with
25mm pitch, imparting rigidity and increased mortar and resin bonding
characteristics

APPLICATION:

1. BED JOINT REINFORCEMENT:

Spirotie is widely used in full 3 metre lengths as bed joint reinforcement and
can be readily bent on site to form internal or external corners.
2. WALL STARTER SYSTEM:
Cut lengths bent into a U shape are suitable for use as a wall starter system
with British Board of Agrment approval for walls abutting new or existing
structures.
3. WALL TIES:
Short lengths, supplied pre-cut or cut on site to meet requirements, provide
cavity wall ties which meet DD140 performance requirements for Type 2 ties
in walls with up to 75mm cavities, and Type 3 ties in walls with cavities in the
range 75mm to 100mm
4. SHEAR CONNECTORS:
For stabalisation and connection of concrete repair mortars and grouts

INSTALLATION:

Depends on the various applications described above.

For applications 1 and 2, spiro tie is used either in a conventional mortar bed or in
certain cases with Rotafix Cembond code: 3160.
Applications 3 and 4 involve the drilling of appropriate diameter holes, eg 12mm
for short anchors, and the installation is carried out in conjunction with Rotafix
ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE and/or ROTASET TC4. Alternatively, for
larger diameter, longer length holes upto 2m, Spirotie is used in conjunction with
Rotafix Cembond pumpable mortar code 3160.

TYPICAL
PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTIC
S

Spirotie nominal 7.5mm wide x 2mm thick u.t.s. 140N/mm2

The requirements for a Rotafix product(s) may be specific for an individual project.
Advice given by Rotafix can only be considered as part of the contract if it is provided in writing.
The information in this document is based on practical tests, but given without guarantee insomuch as methods of use by
others is beyond our control. Due to continuing development and improvements, it may be necessary to change without
notice the material specification. All goods are sold subject to our Standard Conditions of Sale.

ROTAFIX, ROTAFIX HOUSE, ABERCRAF, SWANSEA SA9 1UR. U.K.

TEL: +44 (0)1639 730481
FAX: +44 (0)1639 730858
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.rotafix.co.uk
SOUTHERN AREA CONTACT: TEL: +44 (0)1442 243169 FAX: +44 (0)1442 234901
PD3802/Dec 07 issue 5

TABLE A Tie selection

Remedial wall tie system with a resin fixing

of the inner and outer leaf

Inner Leaf Embedment

Cavity Range

50mm

70mm

90mm

25mm to 50mm

170mm

195mm

210mm

50mm to 75mm

195mm

220mm

235mm

75mm to 100mm

220mm

245mm

260mm

Performance data
Cavity
Width
mm
50
75
100

Tie
Length
mm
195
220
245

Tie
classification
To DD140
Type2
Type2
Type3

Characteristic strength (Kn)

Tension
2.20
1.98
1.50

Compression
3.85
3.69
2.69

Spiroties are manufactured from 304 stainless

steel strip as standard (7.5mm x 2mm). The strip
is twisted during manufacture to form a
continuous helix with 25mm pitch, imparting
rigidity and increased mortar and resin bonding
characteristics.
The Spirotie can be cut to a suitable length on
site to meet most requirements. The Spirotie
will meet DD140 performance requirements for
Type 2 ties in walls with up to 75mm cavities,
and Type3 ties in walls with cavities in the range
75mm to 100mm. Spirotie gives multi water
drips stopping water transfer across cavities.

TABLE B pilot drill & depth selection

Material (Ultimate Loads and a suitable
safety factor should be applied)

Tie size

Air Crete block

3.0 N/mm

8mm

90mm

N/A

70mm

12mm

Concrete block

7.0 N/mm

8mm

70mm

4.5mm

70mm

12mm

< 5.0 N/mm

8mm

70mm

4.5mm

70mm

12mm

20.0 N/mm

8mm

70mm

4.5mm

70mm

12mm

Old soft brick

Most modern bricks

Inner leaf
Minimum
Embedment
Depth

Pilot hole
diameter

Outer leaf
Minimum
Embedment
Depth in Resin

Clearance hole
diameter

1. Drill clearance hole through outer leaf and 70mm into

inner leaf.

2. Clear both holes of any dust or debries.

3. Fill inner hole with TC4 or Rotafix Structural Adhesive

resin.

4. Insert Spirotie

5. Load test Spirotie.

6. Fill clearance hole with TC4 or Rotafix Structural

Adhesive to bond tie to outer leaf.

1. RECONNECTING PARTY WALLS WITH EXTERNAL

WALLS
BONDED PARTY WALL
A 12mm diameter hole drilled to the required
length through the external wall and into the
party wall.
Normally 2 no. 5mm diameter
Rotaflex rods per hole fixed with ROTAFIX
STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE adhesive.
Material guide, 100cc per linear metre per 12mm
diameter hole.
2. RECONNECTING INTERNAL WALLS WITH EXTERNAL
WALLS
SINGLE SKIN INTERNAL WALL
Pre-determined slots on the internal wall are
channelled out to specified heights and lengths,
extending into the corner. 12mm diameter holes
are drilled from the corner and angled into the
external wall. Spiroties are bent to shape and
anchored
with
ROTAFIX
STRUCTURAL
ADHESIVE along the channel and into the 12mm
diameter angled hole.
Material guide, per linear metre of Spirotie,
would be 100cc for each 10mm x 10mm bead
and 100cc per linear metre for each 12mm
diameter hole.
3. REPAIRING SEPARATED MASONRY
Rotaflex rods are installed, usually into 12mm
diameter holes, horizontally through the near
section of the separation and at least 75mm into
the far separation normally every 2 to 3
courses. Each project should be considered
individually before deciding on hole diameters
and coursing.

4. CREATING MASONRY BEAMS/CRACK STITCHING

Create a masonry beam using parallel lengths of
Rotaflex
rod
bonded
with
ROTAFIX
STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE set into chases cut
in the horizontal mortar beds all in order to
simulate a masonry beam in order to form a
UDL.
Material
guide,
100cc
of
ROTAFIX
STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE per linear metre of
5mm diameter Rotaflex rod.
In certain
situations, Cembond cementitious/polymer grout
may be the chosen adhesive.
Crack stitching suitable lengths of 5mm
diameter Rotaflex rod extend either side of
vertical cracking. For full details, see Rotafix
Page 1 of 3

Masonry Stitching sheet MS1297/3.

5. REPAIRING BRICK ARCH LINTELS
Parallel lengths of Rotaflex rods extending
500mm each side of the lintel are bonded
directly into the bedding joint above the lintel.
Subsequent horizontal lengths of rod are
introduced every three or four courses above.

6. REPAIRING CRACKS NEAR CORNERS AND OPENINGS

Where cracks are less than 500mm from an
external corner or an opening, a minimum length
of 100mm of Spirotie should be bent and fixed
into the reveal, avoiding puncturing any DPC
membrane or bent and bonded into the return
wall.
ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE
should be the adhesive.

7. REPAIRING FAILED LINTELS

Reinforced masonry beams may be created by
bonding parallel lengths of Spirotie or Rotaflex
rod into horizontal bedding joints. These should
extend 500mm beyond each side of the opening.
The first course should be directly above the
opening and the second, three or four courses
higher, depending on the masonry profile.

Note:
50mm deep is the preferred dimension for the installation of any horizontal bedding joints referred to in the
above examples.

Page 2 of 3

Installation of ties between flank wall and timber floor

A

Drill M12 hole through brick/masonry

and then 150mm into sound end grain
timber.
Air flush.
Inject Rotafix ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL
ADHESIVE into the drilled hole using
the Rotafix extension tube.
Install Rotaflex pultruded 8mm diameter
rod, to finish 10mm below external brick
masonry.
Flush point.
Drill M12 hole through masonry.
Wood auger (M12) through first and
second joist.
Remove floorboard, air flush hole in
masonry.
Install 8mm threaded stainless steel bar
Fix nut and washer.
Backfill masonry hole with ROTAFIX
STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE

Remove floorboard, drill at 45o through

joists at 120mm into masonry/brick.
Air flush.
Inject ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL
ADHESIVE.
Install 8mm diameter threaded stainless
steel bar
Allow to cure.
Tension nut and washer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONSULT THE FOLLOWING ROTAFIX DATA SHEETS

CB10T
TC4
ROTAFIX STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE

CEMBOND
ROTAFLEX ROD

SPIROTIE

DEVELOPERS, MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS OF RESIN AND POLYMER PRODUCTS

Advice and assistance provided without charge is given in good faith but without responsibility.
Recommendations regarding the methods, use of materials and construction details are given as a service to designers, contractors and
end users. Any drawings are intended only to illustrate various possible applications and should NOT be taken as the basis of design.

Page 3 of 3