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Introduction.
This manual has been prepared to assist both new and experienced users in assessing the
feasibility of using the Cintec Anchor System for the repair, stabilization and strengthening of
masonry and concrete structures. It has generally been written in the first person, to stress
the cooperative team approach Cintec to provide an effective solution to the myriad of
problems associated with distressed structures.
The words: client, installer, specifier, contractor, designer architect, conservator and
engineer and any variations of these can be substituted where appropriate.

*****
Edited by:
John C Brooks
FCIOB, C Build E MCABE
Chartered Building Engineer
Chartered Construction Manager
Cintec International Ltd
Newport, South Wales
June 2015

Table of Contents
Section

Title

Introduction to Masonry Strengthening and Reinforcement

General; Definitions; Components; Methods of Strengthening; Mortar;
Repointing Failure; Evaporation Failure; Oxide Jacking

Methods and Materials

Traditional Methods; Individual Unit Strengthening; Joint
Reinforcement; Externally Bonded Reinforcement; Section
Enlargement; Internal Strengthening; In Plane Reinforcement;
Modern Developments; Virtual Strengthening; Durability; Fire
Considerations; Field Applications; Benefits and Limitations

Cintec Anchor System

Anchor Components; Anchor Function; Anchor Body; The Sock;
Grout Injection Tube; The Grout; Anchor Material Principles
Engineering Principles
Design Procedure and Standard Checks; Typical Masonry
Properties; Anchor Body Strength; Bond Pull-out Resistance;
Masonry Tensile Failure; Mortar Joint Check; Hollow Core Units;
Masonry Shear Resistance; Bearing Failure; Design Information;
Design Calculations; Design Checks; Groups of Anchors; Post
Tensioned Anchors

Page

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Common Solutions
Bulging and Fractures; Parapet Corner Cracking; Wall Plates,
Brackets and Fixings; Arch Stabilization; Tower Strengthening

Special Applications
Historic Masonry; Civil Engineering Structures; Seismic Upgrading;
Blast Protection;

Cintec Reference Data

Testing; Web-site

Properties of Drilled Holes

Bond Area and Anchor Length; Bearing Area and Anchor Length;
Section Modulus and Anchor Length; Pull-out Strength of Grout Core

18

26

24

26

Introduction to Masonry Strengthening and Reinforcement

1.1.
General. When we speak of the repair, stabilization and strengthening of masonry or
concrete structures, there is an assumption that the masonry (or concrete) exists and that it is
deficient in some way. This deficiency can take two forms. In the first case, the masonry or
concrete may have deteriorated to the point where it can no longer perform the functions for
which it was intended or safety is compromised. In the second case, it may need to be
reinforced to take new loads. Prior to the relatively recent development of the retrofitted
strengthening methods, the standard practice was to dismantle and rebuild deficient masonry.
This is a very disruptive and costly process, hence the impetus to find alternative methods.
1.2.
Definitions. A Skin or Leaf is a wall with a thickness of half a brick. Masonry can be
built in a number of configurations, including:

Solid (single skin)

Composite (multiple skins bonded together structurally)
Cavity (multi skins tied together)
Rubble (two skins with rubble fill)

1.3.
Components. The main components of masonry are the individual masonry units,
mortar and reinforcement. Some of the more common masonry units are brick, terra cotta,
CMU, adobe, stone, or precast concrete. These units are usually bedded in and separated
from each other by a mortar joint. In some cases the masonry is laid up without mortar, such as
dry stone walls. Reinforcement can take the form of reinforced concrete elements built into the
wall, embedded metal members, external reinforcement applied to the face of the wall, or
external structural elements.
1.4.
Methods of Strengthening. The structural strengthening methods covered in the
other chapters of this manual can generally be applied to masonry. These include section
enlargement, externally bonded systems, post-tensioning, and virtual strengthening. Generally
speaking, masonry is not strong in tension, shear or bending - its main value as a structural
material lies in its ability to withstand compression. However, all these characteristics can be
improved through strengthening.
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1.5.
Mortar. The weakest component of a masonry system is typically the mortar - this is
intentional. Mortar is intended to be the component that wears out. The mortar is there to
allow moisture to exit the wall through evaporation. In so doing, the mortar (particularly in
temperate climates) is exposed to many more cycles of freeze-thaw than the masonry units. If
the mortar fails to allow the moisture evaporate out of the wall, then the moisture is forced out
through the masonry units themselves. This leads to freeze-thaw damage at both the interior
(cavity) face and the exterior face and the surface of the unit eventually falls away. This type of
damage can only be effectively remedied by complete replacement of the unit and it is much
easier to repair the deteriorated mortar on a regular basis than it is to replace the actual
masonry units. The mortar, when well designed, should act as a series of springs in the plane
of the masonry wall and because it is more ductile and weaker than the masonry will absorb
uneven stress distributions. These uneven stress distributions may be due to impact,
settlement, thermal movements and overload.
1.6.
Repointing Failure. The most common cause of masonry failure is the replacement of
weak mortar with a much stronger mortar in a well intentioned but misguided attempt to
strengthen the masonry elements. This is common where soft, permeable lime-based
heritage mortar is repointed with a very strong and dense Portland cement mortar. The new,
impermeable mortar acts as a dam and prevents the moisture in the wall from evaporating from
the surface of the wall. Salts found in Portland cement are often deposited on the face of the
masonry in the process. This is the unsightly efflorescence we see on the surface of the
masonry units and leads to additional costs for surface cleaning. The accumulation of salts
also clogs the pore structure of the masonry units and accelerates the deterioration process
when exposed to freeze-thaw conditions. In addition, the insertion of a very hard, inflexible
element at the front edge of the masonry units causes the face of the masonry to be subjected
to a very high local compressive and shearing stresses. This combination of freeze-thaw
damage and knife-edge stress loading can cause localized cracking leading to very rapid failure
of the face of the masonry units.

Figure 1.1. Masonry failure due to repointing with hard mortar.

1.7.
Evaporation Failure. If the evaporation takes place from the inner surface of the
exterior masonry units, (i.e. that surface next to the cavity) then the debris falling from the units
accumulates in the cavity at a lower level. This eventually leads to a wedging action caused by

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the accumulation of the debris in a confined space. This is the most common cause of bulging
at lines of horizontal support.
1.8.
Oxide or rust expansion. Corrosion of ferrous metals embedded in the masonry also
contributes to masonry failure. Iron and steel frames are employed for fireproofing and
aesthetic reasons (particularly prevalent in structures from the 1920s and 1930s).
Unprotected steel angles are also used as shelf angles at regular interval in structures to
support masonry veneers. Galvanized steel is also used as brick ties for anchoring or
stabilizing individual skins of brickwork. As the masonry deteriorates water eventually comes
into contact with the ferrous material. This moisture promotes corrosion of the iron leading to
rusting where the products of corrosion can be 3 to 4 times the volume of the parent material,
creating very high lateral and bursting forces. These forces open up cracks and joints in the
masonry, leading to more water ingress and a vicious cycle of ever accelerating deterioration.

*****

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2. Methods and Materials

2.1

Traditional Methods. Traditional methods of strengthening masonry include:

Replacement of mortar (repointing)

Replacement or repair of individual units
Rebuilding of sections of a wall

Whilst these methods may appear to be repair methods rather than strengthening methods, a
weak structure will benefit from their employment.
2.2 Section Enlargement. While section enlargement is feasible, it is not often used in
historic or landmark structures. As masonry structures are usually quite bulky by their nature
the addition of extra volume can create appearance, space and clearance problems. However,
sprayed concrete is one method of section enlargement that can be used where the above
limitations do not apply but is not necessarily long lasting.
2.3 Internal Strengthening. Internal strengthening can be perpendicular to or in the plane
of the face of the masonry. Perpendicular strengthening involves tying together the
deteriorated masonry or tying the skins of composite or cavity systems. This type of
strengthening can be achieved with Cintec socked and grouted anchors installed in holes
drilled perpendicular or parallel to the wall face. Fire resistance and freeze-thaw resistance
criteria are properties to be considered in the selecting this method of reinforcement.
2.4 In-Plane Reinforcement. In-plane reinforcement can be installed in any direction within
the plane of the wall. Most applications involve drilling of holes and insertion of a Cintec anchor
which is grouted. In some cases the existing void or core that forms part of the masonry unit,
such as occurs in CMU and terracotta, can be used to accept a portion of the anchor. The air
space in a cavity wall system may also be used to accommodate in-plane reinforcement.
However, this is not usually an ideal practice as the introduction of reinforcement in the cavity
may defeat the original design requirement for the cavity as an integral part of the building
envelope. Care must be taken in this type of application, particularly in seismic zones, to
ensure that the overall mass of the masonry is not overly increased and the load paths are
changed. In-plane reinforcement can increase in-plane compressive, shear and tensile
strength as well as out-of-plane shear and bending strength and can also be post-tensioned.
Post-tensioning is advantageous as a strengthening method as it induces compressive
stresses in the masonry whilst reducing the occurrence of tensile cracks in the system. The
Cintec system lends itself to post-tensioning. As with other systems, fire resistance and
resistance to freeze-thaw damage should be considered in selecting an internal reinforcement
system making the Cintec anchor the ideal solution.

2.5 Virtual Strengthening. Many masonry structures were designed under

empirical design rules, or even by traditional rules of thumb. There is much scope for
the use of virtual strengthening in assessing such structures. Recent developments in
codes for existing structures are now allowing greater latitude in allowable stresses for
structures that have stood the test of time. Most masonry structures also benefit from
the simple fact that the condition of mortar, being the weakest and most easily
repairable element in the masonry system, is a good indicator of the structural integrity
of the entire system. Advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as flat
jacks and shove tests are a great help in assessing this condition. Details and
discussions on these tests and many others can be found in reference websites and

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texts on non-destructive testing. Finally, full scale load testing can also be used to
confirm the actual capacity of masonry systems.
2.6 Durability. Some elements of the masonry system are intended to be capable
of repair; in other words they will wear out. The repair of these elements is expected
to be an on-going preventative maintenance task. Ferrous metals must be protected
from corrosion and synthetic materials must be protected from ultraviolet rays. The
durability of any repair or strengthening will be very dependent on the successful
elimination of the root cause of the deterioration or deficiency. We must treat the
cause not the symptom. A good case in point is oxide jacking of encased steel
members. Elimination of water ingress through effective repairs to joints and
waterproofing helps this situation. However, there is still potential for the corrosion to
continue, causing reoccurrence of the problem. Developments in cathodic protection
provide a means to mitigate this problem.
2.7 Fire Considerations. Internal reinforcement systems are normally provided
with fire resistance by the original masonry system. Where there is exposed steel,
composites or adhesives, fire resistance is provided by encapsulation with a fireproof
material. The Cintec cement based grouting system is inherently fire resistant.
2.8 Field Applications. The masonry strengthening methods discussed here have
been used for some time in Europe. The more innovative and cost effective
strengthening methods are gradually replacing the traditional demolish and replace
approach to masonry repair and strengthening.
2.9 Benefits and Limitations. The main benefits of strengthening versus the
traditional demolish and replace approach are:

Benefits

Limitations

Time saving

The cost of masonry repairs and

strengthening can be expensive and approach
the ARV. The cost effectiveness of the Cintec
system often reduces the current Asset
Replacement Value (ARV).

Cost effectiveness

The biggest cost element in strengthening

is usually the access (scaffold) regardless of
the method of strengthening selected.
However the Cintec system may be installed
by rope access where appropriate thereby
reducing these costs.

Reduction in disruption to the facility

Surface fixed or chased / recessed

methods will substantially deface the structure
where there are surface decorations or
mouldings. However the Cintec anchor system
is a highly suitable method to strengthen
masonry as it affords an unblemished
appearance to surfaces which are decorative,
rough cut stone or it is protected by heritage
designation.

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3 Cintec Anchor System

3.1 Anchor Components. The Cintec Anchor consists of four main components the anchor body, the sock, the grout injection tube and the grout. Typically, holes are
drilled into the masonry (or concrete) structure using diamond tipped coring drills to
facilitate the anchor placement. The action of the diamond core drill is non-percussive
and therefore has significantly less impact of the integrity of the structure particularly
where fragile masonry exists . The engineer determines the locations of the holes.
3.2 Anchor Function. Each anchor body is surrounded by a grout annulus. The
external diameter of the annulus is calculated to ensure that the relatively high tensile
and shear loads in the anchor body are distributed over as large a surface area as
necessary so that they remain compatible with the relatively weak capacities of the
substrate.
3.3 Anchor Body. The anchor body is designed to safely transfer the load from
one part of the masonry structure to another. Normally made from stainless steel
sections to resist the effects of water corrosion inherent in many structures, the anchor
body can also be made from a variety of materials depending on the function and the
load to be carried.

Figure 3.1. Types of anchor body material.

3.4 The Sock. The sock is made from a specially woven polyester fabric that can
expand radially to fill the anchor hole and yet is unable to expand linearly. The
purpose of the sock is to keep the grout in contact with the anchor body during the
curing process and not permit it to flow to other parts of the structure where it may
cause undesirable damage. Since the anchor length and hole diameter are known
beforehand, it is easily to calculate the exact amount of grout required for each anchor,
minimizing waste and ensuring rapid anchor inflation. The sock also permits excess
grout milk to seep through to the substrate forming a chemical bond with the
substrate and optimizing the water-cement ratio in the grout annulus.

Figure 3.2. Various sizes of Cintec anchor sock.

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3.5 Grout Injection Tube. The grout injection tube is a small diameter plastic tube
that enables the grout to be pumped from the mixing pot into the anchor. Usually, the
tube runs to the blind end of the anchor ensuring that as the grout is pumped into the
anchor, it fills the anchor uniformly from the back to the front, flushing all the air voids
to the surface. For longer anchors two or more grout delivery tubes may be required.
Tests have shown that the embedded plastic tube has little or no effect on the final
strength of the grout annulus. For anchors with anchor bodies formed of hollow
sections, the anchor body acts as its own delivery tube.

Figure 3.3. A typical heavy duty Cintec Multibar anchor

showing the grout delivery tube and partially removed sock.
The Grout. Cintecs Presstec Grout is manufactured to very high specifications to
ensure that it does not shrink on curing. Like many cementitious products, it will
achieve 95% of its final strength in 7 days and full strength in 28 days. A rapid set
version is also available. The grout has been age tested for 40 years and provides
high levels of fire resistance.

Figure 3.4. Preparing the grout in preparation for anchor inflation.

Presstec grout is manufactured to DIN 18555 standards.

*****

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ANCHOR MATERIAL PRINCIPLES

The Principle of the CINTEC anchor system is illustrated below. The stainless steel anchor
section has been inserted into in-situ materials in the diamond core drilled holes. The grout has
been injected under pressure, inflating the sock throughout, but noticeably in the voids it is
retained by the sock and ensures full inflation of the anchor.
Grout milk has passed through the expanded sock mesh to provide a chemical and
mechanical bond to the in-situ materials.

Design Parameters
The Grout
Presstec is a one component mix of Portland cement, graded aggregate and additives which
when mixed with water produces a pumpable grout which exhibits good strength development
and minimal shrinkage.
Mixing
25kg of Presstec requires a maximum of 6 litres of water. Mixing can be carried out either in
a bucket using a conventional hand held plaster mixer for small quantities or in a drum mixer
for larger quantities. The mix time should be sufficient to break down any lumps and give a
free flowing grout. Presstec should be added to water on mixing.
Pot Life
45-60 minutes dependent on ambient temperature.
Physical Performance
All tests carried out at 20 deg. C, 65% RH
Initial set - 160 mins.
Final set - 180 mins.
The grout is specially made to CINTEC's requirements. It has flow and anti-shrink additives
which meet the requirements of the German DIN Standards. The grout also has been
successfully tested using accelerated shrinkage tests. The grout bonds to the parent material
through the sock as it is inflated. The strength of the in-situ construction to resist the anchor
loads depends on the anchor body section utilized. If solid bar is used, the anchor body is
deformed. If the anchor is circular the section is crimped. For square section material a plate
slightly smaller than the bore hole is welded to the anchor at both ends to ensure that the grout
strength is mobilized.

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Typical Presstec Grout Strength with time for CINTEC Anchors

Time after injection
5 hours
1 day
28 days

Compression
1.4 MPa
23.0 MPa
40.0 MPa

Tension
0.4 MPa
2.9 MPa
3.3 MPa

Modulus at Elasticity, E= 28 kN/sq. mm @ 28 days

The following commented extract is about the two main kinds of PRESSTEC, Standard and
2000 based on the lab-report list of the producer with test results between 29.01.2012 and
05.07.2013.
Last supply, tested 05.07.2013:
Kind

Time

Standard

2000

1d
7d
28d

30,13
45,78
54,00

36,80
55,37
64,70

1d
7d
28d

4,72
8,72
9,58

4,03
7,49
8,26

Water need (Litres/Kg dry mass)

0,215

0,215

Weight of Fresh grout (g/cm)

2,0

2,04

Swell of volume in 24 hours (%)

4,1

2,8

Compressive Strength (N/mm)

Bending tensile (N/mm)

Supplies tested between 29.01.12 10.05.13

Compressive Strength (N/mm)
Average
Lowest
Highest

28d
28d
28d

58,34
52,80
73,95

61,83
53,08
70,13

The Steel
The steel section capacity can be determined by standard engineering calculations based on the steel
strength. Typical values given below relate to North American Standards.

Characteristic Tension/Compression Strength of Standard Anchors Based on

Steel Capacity
Installed anchor strength is dependent on the strength of parent material and the embedment length.

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Anchor Type
8mm dia. x 1 mm wall

Minimum Embedment
50 mm.

Minimum Value
4.0 kN.

10mm dia. x 1 mm wall

50 mm.

6.0 kN.

15 x 15 mm x 1.5 mm wall SHS

100 mm.

17.0 kN.

20 x 20mm x 2mm wall SHS

100 mm.

30.0 kN.

30 x 30 mm. x 3 mm, wall WSA

100 mm.

66.0 kN.

Characteristic Shear Strength of Standard Anchors Based on Steel Capacity

Installed anchor strength is dependent on the strength of parent material and the embedment length.
Anchor Type
8 mm. dia. x 1 mm. wall
10 mm. dia. x 1 mm. wall
15 x 15 mm. x 1.5 mm. wall SHS
20 x 20 mm. x 2 mm. wall SHS
30 x 30 mm. x 3 mm. wall WSA

Minimum Value
2.4 kN.
3.0 kN.
4.8 kN.
10.0 kN.
22.5 kN.

Characteristic Moment Capacity of Standard Anchors Based on Steel Capacity

Installed anchor strength is dependent on the strength of parent material and the embedment length.
Anchor Type
8 mm. dia. x 1 mm. wall
10 mm dia x 1 mm. wall
15 x 15 mm. x 1.5 mm. wall SHS
20 x 20mm. x 2mm. wall SHS
30 x 30 mm. x 3 mm. wall WSA

Minimum Value
9 N-M.
14N-M.
74 N-M.
175 N-M.
590 N-M.

Structural Stainless Steels

Type
Austinitic Stainless Steel

Grade
304S11
304S15

Proof Stress
180 MPa.
195 MPa.

Tensile Strength
480 MPa.
500 MPa.

Elongation
40%
40%

304S16

195 MPa.

500 MPa.

40%

316S11

190 MPa.

490 MPa.

40%

316S13

190 MPa.

490 MPa.

40%

316S31

210 MPa.

510 MPa.

40%

316S33

210 MPa.

510 MPa.

40%

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4 Engineering Principles
4.1 This manual adopts the principle of Limit State Design (LSD) or the Load Factored
Resistance Method (LFRD). Design procedures are based on the publications of the British
Standards (BSI) and related Eurocodes as well as masonry industry sources. A critical step
in the process is the assessment of the strength of the parent material (substrate). As this can
often only be undertaken by visual inspection of the materials, the designer must make an
educated estimate of the strengths of the material in-situ. Sources for data can be derived
from historic engineering and builders textbooks and suppliers catalogues.
4.2 Design Procedure and Standard Checks. The design procedure for Cintec Grout
Anchors for use in stone, brick and terra cotta masonry is shown in the tables below.
Providing the grout installation has been performed in accordance with Cintec requirements,
the grout element will not fail in crushing shear or tension. As the anchor system tends to fail
in the substrate, leaving the anchor body intact the design procedure should concentrate
primarily on determining the properties of the substrate. For alternate substrates, for example
concrete, advice should be sort from Cintec International Ltd.

4.3 Typical Masonry Properties. A critical step in the design process is the
assessment of the strength of the parent material (substrate). As this can often only be
done by visual inspection of the materials, the design engineer must make an educated
estimate of the strengths of the material in-situ. Typical masonry properties are shown
in the table below. Where there is any doubt, the true value must be obtained by an
on-site test.

Substrate

Compressive
Strength

Allowable
bearing

Allowable
shear

Remarks

Values in N/mm2

Brick masonry

13-20

0.2

Stone

35-70

0.2

5-7

0.7

0.1

8-14

0.2

21-48

0.4

Clay terra cotta tile

CMU concrete
block
Concrete

Very little test

data available

4.4 Anchor Body Strength. We check the strength of the steel anchor body to ensure that
failure does not occur in the anchor body. The steel we use is usually stainless steel produced
to BS 6744. The reason for using stainless steel is that it exhibits an enhanced performance
which taken over the life of the structure can offer savings when costs and maintenance are
taken into account. BS 6744 provides for two strength levels in the commonly used size
ranges.

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Plain bars:
250N/mm2 characteristic strength, 8-16mm diameter (preferred bar sizes)
Ribbed bars: 460N/mm2 characteristic strength, 8-40mm diameter (preferred bar sizes)
In other words, no design or detailing changes are necessarily required when replacing carbon
steel with stainless steel. However, BS 6744 has been recently revised (BS6744:2001) and
account has been taken of recent developments allowing for bar diameter, method of
manufacture and chemical composition as indicated in Table 3.11.
Steel Designation
BS EN
100881:1995
1.4301
1.4436

Corresponding
to:
BS6744:1986
304S31
BS6744:1986
316S33

Proof stress Rp0.2 or characteristic strength (N/mm 2)

Ribbed bar diameter (mm)
Plain bar
3-5

6-16

20-40

250

650

500

500

250

650

500

500

1.4429

High proof

650

650

650

1.4462

Duplex

650

650

500

1.4529

Super austenitic

650

650

650

Table 3.1: Characteristic strengths of austenitic and duplex stainless steels.

Notes to Table 3.1:
1. Steel designation 1.4462 is a duplex stainless steel; the remainders are austenitic stainless
steels.
2. Steel designations 1.4429, 1.4462 and 1.4529 (shaded) are not covered by BS 6744.
3. Steel designations 1.4301 and 1.4436 will be the most commonly specified for use as
reinforcement; the remaining three steels (shaded) are for more specialized use.
4.5
Bond Pull-Out Resistance. We check the bond pull-out
resistance to ensure that the bond between the grout-sock interface
and the substrate does not fail in pull-out. The bond pull out strength
is typically 0.2N/mm2 measured at the circumference of the drilled
hole. This figure is based on a 100 - 200% safety factor over actual
full-scale load tests. We often reduce the bond pull-out strength to as
low as 0.1N/mm2 in very dense, smooth substrates like granite or
where the substrate material is known to be weak or friable.

4.6 Masonry Tensile Failure. We undertake a failure cone

pull-out resistance check to ensure that the parent material
has sufficient capacity to resist the tensile loads generated in
the anchor body. Pull-out and bearing strength of the
substrate is based on the BSI standard procedure using an
appropriate tensile stress. Pull-out strength in terra cotta
units is based on a very conservative value and load tests
have always proven that failure load is much higher than we
calculate. To do this we assume that the failure surface is
that generated by the frustum2 of a 45 cone as shown in the

Taken from Concrete Society Technical Report No. 51 dated 1998.

The correct spelling is frustum not frustrum

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formula below. The value of the masonry tensile capacity is typically assumed to be
0.2N/mm2.

d
Anet l
2

d
2
l

Where: Anet = area of frustum

d = anchor hole diameter
l = sock length

4.7 Mortar Joint Check. We check the mortar joints to ensure that the mortar has
sufficient strength to transmit the loads from individual anchors into the global masonry
substrate. The failure path can be complex and engineering judgment is required to
identify which of the several potential options is the most likely. Further advice is
available from Cintec International Ltd if required.

4.8 Hollow Core Units. In the case of hollow

units (CMU or terracotta) the grout bulb will expand
into the void between the webs of the hollow block
to approximately twice the diameter of the anchor
hole. This creates a stopper at every web/anchor
intersection and is particularly effective at resisting
tensile loads. We check the load from the enlarged
grout bulb bearing against web acting in shear. The
key to this very effective form of anchorage is to
calculate the resistance required based on the total
number webs resisting the load. Shear or bearing
loads are resisted by the total cross section area of
web in accordance with the following formula:

Vc n td v

Where: Vc = total shear resistance

n = number of webs
t = web thickness measured parallel to
anchor
d = anchor hole diameter
v = masonry shear stress

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4.9 Bearing Resistance of the Substrate. We undertake a bearing resistance

check of the substrate to ensure that the parent material does not fail in crushing in the
vicinity of the anchor. The safe bearing strength for shear loads and/or bending
stresses from eccentric loads on sound brick masonry is 2N/mm2. We calculate the
bearing area on one-half the circumference of the hole, not the projection of the holes
diameter as shown in the formula below. The sum of the interaction formula for
combined stresses should not exceed 1.0.

Vb

dl b
2

Where: Vb = total bearing resistance

d = anchor hole diameter
l = sock length
v = masonry bearing stress

4.10 Masonry Shear Resistance. This is a primary mode of

failure and can occur in both the horizontal and vertical planes. We
check the shear resistance toward the free edge of the parent
material to ensure that the parent material does not fail in shear due
to anchor loads near and perpendicular to a free edge. We assume
that the forces are distributed through the masonry at 45 as shown
in the illustration opposite and in the formula below. If the shear
load in the anchor body exceeds the tensile capacity of the
substrate then placing the anchors deeper (further away) from the
rear face of the masonry can help alleviate the problem.

Vs 0.56dl c

Where: Vs = total tensile resistance

d = anchor hole diameter
l = length of sock
c = masonry characteristic strength

4.11 Design for Moment. The design of Cintec SHS anchors to resist moments
principally relies on the bearing capacity of the masonry where the stress is
concentrated at either end of the embedded anchor. The moment capacity of the steel
section also needs to be checked in accordance with normal structural principles, but
this will rarely be the governing factor and the grout outside and inside (if applicable)
the anchor will enhance the calculated capacity giving a larger factor of safety. There
are two stages to the process:
4.11.1 Stage 1 - Evaluate Bearing Failure Moment. This is a potential failure mode for weak
or friable substrates in both the horizontal and vertical planes, where the shear load in the
anchor body is too great for the bearing capacity of the masonry and the substrate fails in
crushing. To calculate the bearing capacity of the masonry we assume that the perpendicular
force at the end of the anchor generates a moment within the anchor body accompanied by a
linear stress distribution about the mid point of the anchor. This is illustrated below and in the
formula below. Using bending theory we can then determine the bearing stress by dividing the
internal anchor moment by the section modulus generated by the bearing area.

Mb

bl 2 d
3

Where: Mb = anchor resisting moment

d = anchor hole diameter
b = masonry compressive
stress (concentrated load)
l = anchor embedment length

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4.11.2 Stage 2 - Evaluate the Moment Generated. The moment generated is due to the
perpendicular force on the anchor and the eccentricity of loading from the masonry face as
shown in the formula below:

M b Fe
2

Where: F = perpendicular force

E = eccentricity
4.12 Design Information. The following information shown in Table 4.2 must be
obtained in order to complete the anchor design process.

Design Information
Factor

Symbol

Remarks

Hole diameter

Assume dmin = 2 + 8mm where is the

maximum anchor body cross section
dimension

Hole length

Socked length of anchor

Thread factor

tf

For SRT3 only; usually 0.75

Characteristic masonry
strength
Factored tensile load on
anchor
Factored shear load on
anchor

f c'

If applicable

If applicable

Table 4.2 - Design Information

SRT solid threaded bar

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4.13 Design Calculations. The following factors shown in Table 4.3 must be calculated in
order to check the anchor design.

Design Calculations
Factor

Symbol

Bond area

Acyl

Bond pull-out resistance

Pr

Anchor body tensile capacity

Tb

Anchor body shear capacity4

Sb

Bearing Area

Ab

Shear resistance at free

edge

Pve

Bearing moment

Mb

Remarks
Acyl dl

f'
Pr Acyl c
10

For threaded bar:

b2
Tb t f
fy
4
Where b is the nominal bar diameter and fy
the 0.2% steel stress.
For threaded bar:
b2
Sb t f
fy
8
Where b is the nominal bar diameter and fy
the 0.2% steel stress.
Ab

dl
2
Where the anchor is within 3 hole
diameters of the free surface
Pve 0.34dl c
l

Mb F e
2

Where F is the perpendicular force on the

anchor and e the eccentricity of loading

Table 4.3 Design Calculations

Using Mohrs circle, the maximum shear capacity is 50% of the maximum tensile capacity

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4.14 Design Checks.

The following checks shown in Table 4.4 must be undertaken in order

to prove the anchor design.

Design Checks
Check
Combined load check
Masonry shear check
Masonry tensile check
Masonry joint check

Edge shear check

Bearing stress check

Calculation
Ensure that the sum of the ratios for applied shear and
allowable shear; applied tension and allowable tension do
not exceed unity.
Ensure that the masonry shear resistance is adequate
(paragraph 4.9).
Ensure that the bond pull-out resistance (paragraph 4.4) and
the masonry tensile capacity (paragraph 4.5) are adequate.
Conduct a study to determine whether the masonry panel
will fail in a global manner once the anchors are inserted
(paragraph 4.6).
If the anchors are placed within 3 hole diameters of an edge,
or where the assumed 45 failure cone intersects a free
edge, recalculate the strength of the anchorage using a
reduced (60%) masonry capacity.
Ensure that the local bearing stress due to eccentric loading
does not exceed the masonry characteristic strength
(paragraph 4.10) particularly in weak and friable substrates.
Table 4.4 Design Checks

4.15 Groups of Anchors. Multiple anchors (a group) may be required to attach structural
members such as shelf angles, beam brackets and pipe supports. Anchor spacing within in a
group is dependent on the ability of the substrate to transfer the loads within the anchor group.
For attaching structural members, anchor holes are typically twice the diameter of the anchor
body plus the diameter of the grout delivery tube (typically 8mm) and as an initial design
assumption we use an minimum anchor spacing of twice the drilled hole diameter measured
from center to center of the holes. At the detailed design stage, this distance should be
checked to ensure that it conforms to the minimum edge distance calculation if practicable.
4.16 Post-Tensioned Anchors. Cintec anchors can be post-tensioned by tightening the
attachment nut to a specified torque. Such anchors will normally have two grout delivery tubes;
one to deliver grout to the far end of the anchor to provide a key to resist the torque load and a
second to grout up the anchor once the torque load has been applied.

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5 Common Solutions
5.1 Bulging and Fractures. Bulging frequently occurs due to the lack of bond between
brick skins or straight joints at wall junctions when the loadings are altered. Fracturing is often
caused by local subsidence or the failure of timber lintels and bond timbers or alterations and
additions to the original structure. Stitching the masonry prevents further movement taking
place that would threaten the stability of the structure.
5.1.1
Solution. To control bulging and fracturing, Cintec anchors can be employed
in two distinct ways; either by replacing the bond between the brick skins or by tying the
structure back to another structural element. In the latter case the second structural
element could be an internal transverse wall, RC floor slab, wooden floor joist, or
convenient structural steel member.

5.1.2
Design Theory. Calculate the wind loading on the wall section (pressure or
suction) using appropriate standards and apply this load to a unit area of masonry
surface. Assume a nominal anchor distribution (typically 900mm x 450mm centers,
horizontally and vertically) and calculate the area of wall that each anchor supports.
Assume that force in each anchor is equal to the loading on the wall. Design the anchor
body to resist this load and calculate the sock diameter within each layer of wall to carry
the load into the masonry. Compare the vertical load in the wall at the point the anchor is
required allowing for partial safety factors in respect of dead and live loads as necessary.
Apply 5% of the vertical load as a tying force to each anchor, calculating anchor body
size and sock diameter as above, adopting the highest load (wind or vertical) for final
design.

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5.2 Parapet Corner Cracking.

The freeze-thaw action experienced by parapet walls,
particularly at the roof level of older masonry buildings, often leads to the build-up of internal
stresses. The stresses are greatest at the corners or other similar changes of direction and
lead to tensile cracks forming in the masonry. Similar cracks develop where masonry has
been built without a proper bond between a faade wall and cross walls. Sand and other
masonry debris falls into the crack, preventing the broken masonry from moving back together
again. Water then enters the crack, expands on freezing forcing the crack wider allowing more
debris to enter at the end of the freeze-thaw cycle. If left untreated the crack is jacked apart in
a progressive manner until the wall eventually fails. Similar failures also occur where the
chimney breast meets the gable wall of domestic dwellings.

5.2.1
Solution. Cintec anchors can be installed orthogonally into both wythes of wall
in order to prevent any further movement of the corner. Cintec anchors also offer the
potential for post-tensioning thereby increasing the potential to close the cracks.

5.2.2
Design Theory. Calculate to force necessary to cause the wall to fail in
tension at the corner joint by evaluating the area of the masonry in the vertical plane and
multiplying by the appropriate tensile capacity for the brickwork (for example 0.1f c1/2).
Calculate the numbers of Cintec anchors required to resist this tensile load per unit area.
In very weak substrates, consider increasing the anchor hole size to reduce the effective
bond stress.

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5.3 Wall Plates, Brackets and Fixings. Often the engineer is required to design a system
to transfer an external load into a masonry wall. Subject to the wall being capable of
withstanding the proposed loading, Cintec anchors are particularly suitable for attaching
brackets, wall plates and related fixings whenever the parent substrate is weak or where the
loadings are would create high local stresses.
5.3.1
Solution. Cintec anchors are usually installed in pairs to a depth where the
imposed loads on the masonry are matched to the masonry strength. Anchors may be
installed horizontally or vertically, into voids or solid material.

Design Theory. Assume that the top group of anchors acts in tension, whilst the remainder
takes the shear load. Calculate the moment arm for the tension anchors assuming that the
anchor plate remains stiff and rotates about the toe. Calculate dead and live loads in the usual
way and determine embedment and bearing lengths as appropriate.

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5.3.2

Arch Stabilization. May require use of the Cintec software for Finite Element Analysis
Please contact Cintec International Ltd (+44 (0) 1633 246614

5.3.3

Tower Strengthening. May require use of the Cintec software for Finite Element
Analysis.
Please contact Cintec International Ltd (+44 (0) 1633 246614

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Special Applications

6.1. Historic Masonry. Appearance and compatibility are important considerations in selecting
masonry strengthening methods for historic structures. External systems tend to disrupt the
appearance of the structure, whilst internal systems are concealed. As much as possible, historical
preservationists prefer using materials that are compatible with the original materials. They also
prefer systems that are reversible. Natural, cement based products are historically compatible with
older structures; polymers and resins are contemporary materials and whilst efficient, are not. Work
on historic structures must conform to the standards of the ICOMOS Charter of Venice and many
preservation offices around the world have adopted this or similar standards. The Cintec system is
widely approved by many heritage and conservation authorities around the world and has been
employed on many World Heritage sites. Additionally Cintec are an active participant of NIKER
The New Integrated Knowledge Based Approach to the Protection of Cultural Heritage from
Earthquake Induced Risk.

6.2. Civil Engineering Structures. Cintec anchors have been used of many years for the repair
and reinforcement of a number of civil engineering structures. The ARCHTEC system for
reinforcement of masonry arch bridges has been proven by full-scale testing both in the field and the
laboratory to increase the load-carrying capacity of masonry arch bridges. Cintec ground and rock
anchors have been used to reinforce retaining walls, seawalls and railway embankments, and are
particularly useful in the repair of hydraulic structures such as dams. The sock retains the grout, thus
preventing pollution of the watercourse.

Design of repair and upgrading of civil structures is a complex process. The applications are many
and varied. We recommend that the designer of such projects wishing to assess the feasibility of a
given application contact us at an early stage in the project. We retain structural engineers
experienced in retrofit and upgrading of civil structures to provide assistance to project engineers at
all levels.
6.3. Parapet Strengthening. Over the years the high concentrations of road salts used for
deicing operations on many of our older bridges has caused the bond between the masonry
elements in the parapet wall to be severely weakened. In some cases the mortar is no longer
present at all, particularly at the point where the road surface runs into the parapet. Masonry
parapets are vulnerable to accidental damage from vehicle impact and there is a high risk of the
parapet being displaced completely if the impact is great enough. If this occurs where the masonry
bridge passes over another road or railway line, the results could be catastrophic. Cintec anchors
are ideally suited for retrofitted strengthening of masonry bridge parapets combining ease of
installation with strength and preservation of the historic architectural appearance. Typically the
anchors are inserted longitudinally along the length of the parapet and vertically to secure the
parapet to the spandrel walls. The spandrels are then connected together by inserting anchors
transversely through the body of the bridge. For further details please contact Cintec International
Ltd (+44 (0) 1633 246614.
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6.4. Seismic Upgrading. Increasingly, masonry is being strengthened both internally and
externally to resist seismic forces. In addition to increasing the shear, axial and bending
strengths, retrofitted reinforcement also increases the ductility of the masonry, significantly
improving the out-of-plane resistance to seismic loads. The perfect choice for this is Cintec
being an active participant of NIKER The New Integrated Knowledge Based Approach to
the Protection of Cultural Heritage from Earthquake Induced Risk. Cintec seismic upgrade
and retrofitted projects are to be found across several continents of the world.
Further details are available from Cintec International Ltd (+44 (0) 1633 246614.
6.5. Blast Protection. Many of the proposed strengthening methods can also contribute to the
resistance of the structure to blast loads, either intentional or accidental. The loads on masonry
structures due to blast loads have a similar effect to seismic loads and damage levels can be
comparable. Internal skins made from either steel or cast in-situ reinforced concrete probably offer
the best protection and have the added benefit of providing spall protection, however they are costly
and reduce significantly the amount of available space inside the building and increase the vertical
loads on the foundations. External reinforcement has the advantage easier application but has
limited applicability where appearance is a consideration. Layers of geotextile or elastic membranes
can also be applied to the interior surface of the wall, however care must be taken not to impair the
movement of moisture through the wall and of course all internal finishes must be replaced.
Alternatively the wall can be fitted internally with reinforcing bars passing through either the masonry
units or the cavity between the inner and outer skins. Such an arrangement not only increases the
ductility of load-bearing walls, but also improves the performance of masonry infill panels to out of
plane loading. Further details are available from Cintec International Ltd (+44 (0) 1633 246614.

*****

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Cintec Reference Data

7.1
Testing. Cintecs approach to testing is to test at full scale, replicating as close as
possible the intended application. Major tests have been witnessed and certified by
Licensed Professional Engineers and/or Certified Testing Agencies. Some tests are
undertaken under controlled laboratory conditions while others are field tests of actual
applications. Examples include full-scale arch bridge tests to failure, tensile and shear tests,
freeze-thaw durability and fire resistance testing in a variety of substrates. Hardcopy test
data selected for relevance to a specific application is available on request or through the
Cintec website:
7.2

Cintecs Website - www.cintec.com

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