I WANT TO BUILD MY WALLS TO PREVENT CRACKING, HOW MUCH REINFORCEMENT SHOULD I PUT?

The Eurocode explicitly defines the minimum amount of reinforcement needed to give ductility to the masonry and prevent cracking. In this sense, it determines the vertical separation between reinforced rows will not surpass 60cm and the area of steel will not be less than 0.03% of the area of the wall. The measure is preventative, and given that it is explicitly stated in the Eurocode it can help deal with the civil responsibility derived from pathological processes produced by cracking in the walls. However this measure by itself does not guarantee 100% of the absence of fissures. What is really effective to avoid cracking is a good constructive design solution to avoid risk situations.

HOW TO EXECUTE A CORRECT OVERLAP?

1. Cut one of the longitudinal wires.

2. The length of overlap for masonry reinforcement should be at least 250 mm and the separation between longitudinal wires ≥ 20 mm

In accordance with the specifications of the current standards, a correct overlap between truss type masonry reinforcement should meet the following requirements: Length of overlap: 250 mm (0,6 the distance of the pitch of the cross-wires). Horizontal distance between overlapped wires: 20 mm.

Lateral coating of the wires that have been cut: 30 mm (except stainless steel wires).

The “plug structure” of the geofor® reinforcement ensures all these requirements without any need for manipulation by the operator.

 

 

IMPORTANT: At the ends of the reinforcement for structural use it must meet the tree requirements: ADHESION, MORTAR COATING and OVERLAP.

 

WHY IS IT IMPERATIVE TO HAVE THE CE MARKING?

Firstly because it is compulsory for the products that are incorporated in the construction of a building. Secondly because the CE marking, carried out within the existing legal framework along with the implementation of the Eurocode are the only quality assurance (of the State not the supplier). It is also the only way of checking that incorporated products in walls have the same benefits stated in calculations. There is no point calculating if there is no comparison value for gauging.