For structural engineers, architects, and asset managers, designing for seismic activity isn’t just a matter of regulatory compliance – it is a critical public safety responsibility. In seismic design, the primary goal of structural retrofitting isn’t necessarily to preserve a building indefinitely. Instead, it is to buy time. It is about preventing sudden, catastrophic failure so that occupants have those vital, life-saving minutes they need to safely evacuate.

To achieve this level of life safety, we must fundamentally rethink how traditional materials behave under lateral and dynamic forces.

The Fatal Flaw of Unreinforced Masonry

Historically, unreinforced masonry (URM) has been the default building material for decades across the globe. While brick and stone are exceptional at handling compression (vertical weight loads), they are notoriously poor at handling tension and shear forces.

URM is incredibly rigid. When the ground begins to move, seismic energy travels upward through the foundations and into the walls. Lacking internal elasticity, unreinforced masonry cannot absorb this energy. Instead, it cracks, shears, and collapses almost instantly.

The dangerous failure point often occurs out-of-plane. As the walls flex back and forth under the cyclic demands of an earthquake, they pull away from floor diaphragms and roof structures, resulting in total building collapse with little to no warning. True structural resilience relies on changing this brittle behavior into something ductile.

Understanding the Power of Ductility

Ductility is the ability of a structure to deform, bend, and safely absorb energy without experiencing total structural failure. It is the literal opposite of brittleness. If a building can bend without breaking, it can keep its structural integrity intact while the earth moves beneath it.

By retrofitting historically vulnerable masonry with flexible, high-tensile reinforcement, we can dramatically increase out-of-plane capacity, keeping walls integrated when it matters most. This is exactly where the engineering behind advanced helical systems shifts the paradigm.

How Bar Flex Transforms Masonry Behaviour

Target Fixings engineered Bar Flex specifically to bridge the gap between structural rigidity and necessary seismic flexibility. It isn’t a standard, rigid steel rebar; it is a specialized, helical-shaped reinforcement cold-rolled from high-grade 304 austenitic stainless steel wire.

During manufacturing, the bar undergoes a unique free-twisting process that work-hardens the external fins while leaving the internal core relatively soft. This creates a highly complex internal stress state: the outer fins are held in tension, while the soft core rests in compression. This process effectively doubles the tensile strength of the base material.

When embedded into a masonry wall using Bond Flex cementitious grout, Bar Flex completely changes how the wall handles seismic energy:

• Superior Mechanical Interlock: The distinct helical fins create a continuous, high-performance bond within the mortar joints, completely outperforming standard smooth or ribbed wire.

• The “Coiled Spring” Effect: When subjected to dynamic, cyclical stress within its elastic limit, Bar Flex acts similarly to a coiled spring. It allows the masonry to smoothly transition between the elastic stage and yielding without reaching a sudden failure point.

• Load Redistribution: Instead of allowing a single, massive crack to split a masonry pier, the continuous helical bar distributes the kinetic energy across the entire structural member, generating microscopic, non-fatal cracks instead of a singular macro-fissure.

Independent testing, including joint research with major UK universities, has subjected Bar Flex to rigorous cyclic displacement reversals designed to replicate real-world seismic environments. The data demonstrates substantial increases in ductility—with structural wall performance factors (q-factors) exceeding 4.0 – while keeping the visual aesthetics of historic facades completely intact.

Earthquake information

The table below shows the true extent that earthquakes destruction can cause. The needless loss of life makes for hard reading. Structural reinforcement to a property or structure may not stop it from collapsing as if the magnitude is high enough on the Richter Scale then as nature has shown countless times before, it will win. However, the time that reinforcement could allow in that terrible situation, time to escape, would be a major positive to the horrendous death tolls you see below.

Proactive Preservation Saves Lives

Disaster mitigation must start long before the ground moves. Relying on reactive repairs after an earthquake has already caused structural movement is a losing strategy. Safeguarding human life in seismic regions requires proactive, highly engineered solutions implemented today.

By introducing Bar Flex as a near-surface mounted reinforcement, structural engineers can structurally upgrade historical brickwork, stone arches, and solid masonry walls without altering the architectural heritage. We cannot control the unpredictable forces of nature, but with the right engineering, we can dictate how our buildings react to them.

Explore the complete engineering specifications, stress-strain limits, and academic testing data behind our seismic masonry reinforcement systems at the official Target Fixings Bar Flex Page.

The post How 1 Masonry Reinforcement Material & Seismic Design Can Vitally Save Time and Lives appeared first on Target Fixings.

The event brought together an expert crowd of building surveyors, structural engineers, and architects. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase how we design, manufacture, sell, and install cutting-edge structural repair systems all under one roof, providing a unique look at the lifecycle of modern masonry reinforcement.

Technical Insights and Legacy Project Spotlights

The morning commenced with an engaging presentation by our Director and Head of Technical Sales, Christian Hall. Christian led a deep-dive discussion into our specialised product ranges, outlining how our precision-engineered solutions resolve complex structural defects like subsidence, lintel failure, and masonry bowing.

Rather than just talking theory, Christian highlighted several high-profile previous works where Target Fixings materials preserved architectural heritage and stabilised critical infrastructure. For the visiting engineers and architects, this provided valuable context on how our systems maintain aesthetic integrity while dramatically upgrading structural performance.

From Raw Wire to Helical Steel: Touring the Manufacturing Hub

Following the presentation, guests were taken on a guided tour of our active manufacturing facility at head office. As a proud UK manufacturer, we wanted to show the meticulous engineering that goes into our signature lines, including Bar Flex and Dri Flex for our Structural repair systems.

[Raw Stainless Steel Wire] ➔ [Precision Cold Rolling] ➔ [Tensioned Free-Twisting Process] ➔ [Finished Helical Bar]

  

The visitors watched our production teams take raw round stainless steel wire, roll it flat, and pass it through our custom free-twisting machinery to form high-tensile helical reinforcement bars. Seeing this physical transformation helped our visitors appreciate why these products offer such superior mechanical interlocking and ductile performance within mortar beds.

Networking Over Lunch: Talking Restoration with the Technical Experts

After a busy morning on the factory floor, guests enjoyed a freshly prepared lunch. The break offered a fantastic space for collaborative networking.

Attendees sat down with our internal technical team alongside our specialist regional contractors, including Chris Knight (Regional Director of Target Structural Chiltern) and Robert Balanel (Regional Director of Target Structural Cotswolds). The discussions ranged from the nuances of historic conservation to tackling localised ground movement across the Home Counties and the Cotswolds. It highlighted the vital relationship between the engineers who specify our materials and the specialists who install them.

Seeing is Believing: Live Structural Stress Testing

The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the live demonstration zone, where our engineering team put our materials to the test.

1. The Pre-Built Wall Test

First, we conducted a structural stress test on a pre-built brick wall reinforced internally with our Bar Flex helical bars that we use for Subsidence remedial works. Using hydraulic rams, we applied severe out-of-plane forces to simulate extreme structural shifting. The surveyors and structural engineers watched closely as the wall held its integrity, beautifully illustrating how the helical design distributes loads smoothly between the elastic and yielding phases without triggering sudden masonry failure.

2. The Heli Pile Demonstration

Next, the team demonstrated our signature Heli Pile system. Guests got a front-row seat to the complete mechanical installation process. Our installers used compact, handheld drivers to show how easily these high-strength aluminium piles can be deployed in restricted-access areas – a game-changer for remedial subsidence work where heavy machinery is out of the question.

Looking Ahead

The feedback from the day was incredibly positive, with many attendees noting how valuable it was to see the manufacturing precision and physical testing behind the products they specify daily. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting such a passionate group of industry professionals and look forward to welcoming more of you to our next open event!

The post Crushing the Limits: Live Stress Testing Masonry Reinforcement Materials at Target Fixings Open Day (June 4th) appeared first on Target Fixings.

1. Why do Wall Ties fail?

In older properties, wall ties were typically made of galvanised steel. Over time, the protective zinc coating breaks down, allowing the steel to rust/corrode. As iron turns to rust (“oxidises”), it expands to several times its original thickness.

The Telltale Signs:

• Horizontal Cracking: This is the most common symptom. As the ties expand within the mortar joint, they physically lift the brickwork, causing horizontal cracks to appear, usually every 3-4 courses of bricks in the same courses where the wall ties were installed. This is known as “oxide jacking”. This is more noticeable at the top of a gable end wall where the weight of the brickwork is lighter.
• Roof Movement: A less obvious sign is the lifting of roof tiles on the ridge. If the brickwork has lifted significantly due to expansion, it can push the roof structure upwards, leading to a “lip” at the edge of the roof.
• Bulging Walls: In extreme cases, if the ties have snapped or thinned through corrosion, the outer leaf of the wall can pull away from the inner leaf, leading to a visible bulge.

2. The Survey Process: Peering into the Cavity

You cannot accurately diagnose wall tie failure from the outside alone. A professional surveyor will carry out an intrusive (but non-destructive) inspection.

The Borescope Inspection: The surveyor drills a small, discreet hole into the mortar joint. They then insert a borescope (also known as an endoscope) – essentially a high-definition camera on a flexible cable – to look inside the cavity.

A Note on Insulation: If your home has cavity wall insulation (like polystyrene beads), this process can be a bit of a headache. The beads tend to pour out of the hole or swarm the camera lens, blocking sightlines. It requires a bit more patience and effort to clear a view, but for a skilled surveyor it is still perfectly doable.

The survey allows the surveyor to check:

1. The physical condition and corrosion level of the existing ties.
2. The “density” (quantity per area) of the ties. Builders occasionally “forgot” to install enough of them… and even sometimes don’t install any!
3. The presence of debris or “snots” (mortar droppings) that might be bridging the cavity and causing damp.

Target Fixings’ technical team, and Target Structural installation teams are trained to carry out wall tie surveys, and can write a report on the condition of wall ties. If you are concerned, get in touch with our team and we can guide you through the process and provide you with a fully costed quote.

You are also more than welcome – in fact encouraged! – to have a look inside the cavity yourself.

3. The Solution: Remedial Wall Ties

If the survey confirms the ties are failing, don’t panic. This isn’t like subsidence which is often out of your control and linked to ground movement that can be unpredictable even after a repair is carried out. Wall tie replacement is an upgrade to your property’s structural integrity, and insurance is very unlikely to be affected.

The Replacement Process: We typically use Helical Wall Ties (such as our Retro Flex or Dri Flex systems). These are made from stainless steel and are designed to be retrofitted through the outer leaf of the brickwork.

• Installation: With Retro Flex, holes are drilled through the outer leaf and the tie is hammer driven through the hole, creating a mechanical connection in the inner leaf. Polyester resin, or cementitious grout is used to chemically bond it to the outer leaf. It is also possible to hammer the tie through both leaves, using a Dri Flex.
• The Old Ties: It isn’t enough to just add new ties; the old, corroding ones must also be dealt with. They are either physically removed or “isolated” (covered with a foam sleeve or similar) to prevent further expansion from damaging the masonry.
• Accessibility: Usually, this is all done from the outside. While it theoretically can be done from the inside if the exterior is inaccessible, it results in a lot of holes… hardly ideal if you’ve just finished decorating!

4. Materials and Longevity

Modern remedial ties are a “fit and forget” solution because they are manufactured from stainless steel, providing a vast upgrade on corrosion resistance from galvanised steel.

• Standard Grade: Grade 304 stainless steel is the industry standard for most inland properties.
• Coastal Grade: If you live near the coast, we always recommend Grade 316 stainless steel. This has a much higher resistance to the “salt air” and sea water breezes that can accelerate corrosion even in modern materials.

Target Fixings only produces helical wall ties in stainless steel.

Final Thoughts

Wall tie replacement is a standard, routine fix that shouldn’t impact your ability to get insurance – in fact, it’s often a requirement of the surveyor to ensure the building remains insurable.

If you’re concerned about your property, we are always happy to quote for a survey. We’ll even let you have a look through the borescope yourself so you can see exactly what’s going on inside your walls!

Have you noticed cracking in your brickwork, or has a homebuyer’s report flagged wall ties? Request a solution now.

The post What is Wall Tie Failure? Signs, Surveys, and How to Fix It appeared first on Target Fixings.

A February 2026 announcement from Stroma Building Control has sent shockwaves through the industry. In it, Stroma declared that they would “no longer accept applications for foundation designs that propose the use of metal ground screws”. A second technical update in April 2026 clarified the position, permitting ground screws only under certain rigorous criteria. By doing this, Stroma has addressed a long-standing issue – one we wholeheartedly agree with – regarding piles that are not adequately tested on site.

Heli Pile is not affected by this decision. While the confusion is understandable due to our helical profile, the technical reality is fundamentally different: Heli Pile is an impact-driven pile, not a screw pile or a ground screw. Further, there is no guesswork – our system is always fully tested on site in-situ.
 
Stroma’s Concern
Stroma’s update targets a specific failure in the ground screw market. Many ground screw installers rely on a correlation between installation torque and hypothetical axial capacity. Stroma has rightly noted that “site torque testing in itself is not a sufficient demonstration of adequacy”. These systems often rely on “lab” design tests that fail to reflect actual site conditions.

Why Heli Pile Is Unaffected
Heli Pile is not screwed into the ground under torque. It is a hammer-driven piling system.

• Installation: Driven via a high-frequency pneumatic hammer (900–1700 bpm).
• Mechanism: While it has a helical profile, it turns as it is driven, rather than driving as it is turned. This creates a secure mechanical interlock and compresses the surrounding substrate, increasing end-bearing pressure.
• Verification: We do not guess capacity. Heli Pile capacity is tested on-site, in situ.

How We Exceed Stroma’s Requirements
Stroma’s April update demands axial testing post-installation. For Heli Pile, this is our standard operating procedure.

If you have specified Heli Pile, your project is not under threat. We provide the evidence that Stroma is looking for because our system was built on the principle of verification, not estimation.

Don’t let the ground screw ban stall your project. Switch to a system that provides structural certainty.

The post The Stroma Ground Screw Update : Why “Ground Screws” Are Failing, and Why Heli Pile® Is the Solution appeared first on Target Fixings.

One of the most common concerns we come across on Reddit housing forums are stubborn cracks that keep coming back. You fill it, sand it, and paint over it, and it reappears six months later.

If it keeps reappearing, it must be structural, right?

No, not necessarily. It could be cyclical clay swell/shrinkage, the structure swaying in the wind, or it could even be something as simple as somebody slamming a door. If the crack reappears after closing, it indicates the structure is under a variable load, and the structures/finishes are too rigid/brittle to accommodate the strain without cracking.

Many masonry cracks (particularly in the UK) are seasonal. Your house lives in a dynamic environment. It sits on top of ground that breathes, experiences storms that buffet it, while rain and snow insist on trying to wash it away.

Meanwhile, many elements in your house are not flexible. Your house is likely to be constructed or faced with masonry that is designed for rigidity. The downside of this is that, when the environment causes variable loads (i.e. pushes and pulls your house), this will cause your home to crack if it moves too far.

So, it can be safely filled?

In most cases, yes. But… there’s a catch.

If you fill a crack while it’s at its widest point (summer), you’ve essentially shoved a wedge into the wall. When the masonry tries to close back up in winter, it hits that filler. If the filler is hard, this does one of two things:

Or, if the filler is softer than the wall it simply crushes and the cracking is visible again.

This continuous cycle of chasing seasonal cracks is why we quite often recommend crack stitching with helical bar (Bar Flex) to BF-01.

Isn’t crack stitching an admission of a structural problem?

Yes, and no. There are very, very few (zero?!) houses that have no structural quirks. That’s part of the fun of being a homeowner, right? But, of course, some structural problems are worse than others.

When it comes to seasonal cracking, this is primarily an aesthetic concern. You can’t stop the weather and you can’t stop the ground moving, so you can either put up with it, continue to fill the same crack every year, or stitch the crack.

By using a helical bar like our Bar Flex, you aren’t just “plugging the hole”, you’re reinforcing the structure. Bar Flex is a flexible reinforcement bar, and it both allows the masonry to move slightly, as well as restraining that movement.

In addition, it dissipates the movement along the length of the bar, so cracking is greatly – or completely – reduced.

Is crack stitching optional?

In a lot of cases, yes – but only in the same way that painting your walls is optional. If continuous cracking annoys you, then crack stitching greatly reduces the visual effects of these unavoidable movements while providing greater resilience. If it doesn’t bother you… then leave it!

Can crack stitching solve structural problems?

Usually, no. Not on its own, anyway. In full structural specifications, we often specify some crack stitching to prevent the reappearance of cracks but, on its own, it’s unlikely to resolve more severe structural problems.

The post What is Crack Stitching anyway? appeared first on Target Fixings.

If you work in the built environment—or if you simply own a property—you know that structural issues can be a source of immense stress and confusion. For homeowners, the need for wall crack repair represents a potential financial black hole. For structural engineers, architects, and surveyors, the challenge often lies in finding specific, reliable technical data on masonry reinforcement without having to wade through endless sales brochures.

At Target Fixings, we believe that the best way to solve structural problems is through clear communication and shared expertise. That is why we are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new community on Reddit: r/TargetFixings.

Why Reddit? Why Now?

We know that the construction industry is changing. The days of relying solely on phone calls and physical manuals are fading. Today, people want fast, accessible, and peer-reviewed information. Whether you are scrolling on your lunch break at a building site or researching late at night after spotting a defect in your living room, you need a hub where you can get honest structural repair advice.

We chose Reddit because it is the internet’s best engine for community discussion. It allows for high-quality photo uploads (essential for diagnosing defects), threaded conversations that keep technical debates organized, and a level of transparency that standard social media lacks.

A Hub for Every Stakeholder

We have designed r/TargetFixings to be a “broad church” for anyone interacting with masonry structures. Here is how we envision the community serving you:

For the Homeowner and Property Developer

Finding a structural defect is scary. The jargon—subsidence, lateral restraint, delamination—can be overwhelming. When you are facing issues like subsidence repair, you need clarity, not confusion.

Our subreddit is a safe space to post photos of your concerns. While an online forum can never replace a physical site survey, our experts can provide that crucial “first look.” We can tell you if a fissure looks like simple thermal movement or if it indicates deeper movement requiring professional intervention. We can guide you on what to ask your surveyor and demystify the process of wall crack repair.

For Structural Engineers and Architects

You need specs, load capacities, and honest data on material longevity. On r/TargetFixings, we can get into the weeds of technical detail regarding masonry reinforcement.

Want to discuss the tensile strength of our Bar Flex system? Need to know the specific installation torque for Heli Piles in different soil types? This is the place for peer-to-peer technical exchange. It is also a space to discuss the merits of modern repair techniques versus traditional “rip out and replace” methods, fostering a more sustainable approach to engineering.

For Building Surveyors

You are on the front lines, diagnosing defects daily. We want this community to be a repository of case studies. We will be sharing “before and after” deep dives from our own manufacturing and installation projects. You will see exactly how we tackle common issues like lintel failure and how our bespoke manufacturing process allows us to tackle unique, listed, and heritage buildings.

The Target Fixings Advantage: From Factory to Foundation

What makes r/TargetFixings different from a generic DIY forum? It is backed by the unique expertise of Target Fixings.

We are rare in this industry because we own the entire lifecycle of the product. We don’t just buy boxes of wall ties and sell them on. We manufacture them. We sell them. And, critically, our specialist teams install them.

This means the structural repair advice you get on the subreddit isn’t theoretical; it is born from decades of hands-on experience. When we discuss lintel failure or subsidence repair, we are drawing on thousands of successful projects.

Join the Conversation

We are building this community to be a helpful, noise-free zone for structural integrity. Whether you want to show off a neat repair job, ask a burning question about masonry reinforcement, or just lurk and learn about the physics of falling buildings, you are welcome.

Come say hello, introduce yourself, and let’s start fixing things together.

Visit us at: r/TargetFixings

The post Join the Discussion on Masonry Reinforcement appeared first on Target Fixings.

Arkadiusz Pękacz – Regional Director, Warsaw Poland

Masonry Reinforcement Materials for Historic Repair

The architectural landscape of Warsaw is a profound blend of resilience and innovation. Among its most storied sites is the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, an institution that has stood as a beacon of Polish engineering since 1926. However, maintaining the structural integrity of a century-old masonry building requires more than just traditional repair methods—it demands surgical precision and a deep respect for historical fabric.

We are proud to announce that our Warsaw team has successfully completed the structural reinforcement of this landmark office and laboratory building. Working as part of a comprehensive “Renovation and Reconstruction” project, we delivered a technical solution that satisfied the rigorous demands of both modern engineering standards and heritage conservation.

The Challenge: Balancing Strength and Aesthetics

For structural engineers and architects, the primary challenge of the Institute of Aviation project was the building’s status. As a site listed in the register of historic monuments and under the protection of the Monuments Conservator, any intervention had to be virtually invisible. Traditional “patch and repair” or heavy external bracing were non-viable options, as they would fundamentally alter the historic façade.

The masonry structure required a system capable of redistributing loads and stabilizing cracks without the need for invasive rebuilding. This is where masonry reinforcement materials specifically designed for “stitching” become indispensable.

The Solution: Bar Flex Masonry Stitching

After a thorough assessment by the Project Designer and the Conservator, our Bar Flex masonry stitching technology was selected as the only approved method for the reinforcement. The scope of work involved the installation of 300 metres of 6 mm Bar Flex stainless steel helical bar.

The technical superiority of the Bar Flex system lies in its design and application:

• Ductile Strength: The helical profile of the rods allows for a mechanical bond with Target Fixings Bond Flex grout that is far superior to standard rebar. It provides high tensile strength while allowing for natural thermal and moisture movement within the brickwork.

• Corrosion Resistance: Using high-grade stainless steel ensures that the reinforcement will not oxidize or cause “rust-bursting,” a common failure point in historic buildings where mild steel was used previously.

• Non-Invasive Installation: The Bar Flex is installed directly into the horizontal masonry joints (the bed joints). By raking out the mortar, inserting the Bar Flex, and repointing with a compatible lime or Bond Flex cementitious grout, the structural “stitch” is hidden entirely within the wall.

Why Structural Professionals Choose Bar Flex

For the building surveyors and property owners involved in the Institute of Aviation project, the primary concern was long-term stability without visual compromise. The Bar Flex masonry stitching system acts like a hidden skeleton. It effectively bridges cracks and distributes masonry loads across the wall, preventing further separation while remaining completely hidden from view once the joints are repointed.

The successful completion of this project proves that Target Fixings provides the optimal technical solution for brick masonry structures. Whether dealing with 1920s aviation hubs or contemporary residential blocks, the ability to reinforce a structure without a visible footprint is a game-changer for the Warsaw construction market.

Commitment to Heritage and Engineering Excellence

This project at the Institute of Aviation is a testament to why we are leaders in the field of masonry reinforcement materials. We ensured that a piece of Warsaw’s history is structurally sound for the next century.

For architects and engineers looking to specify a system that offers predictable performance in historic contexts, our spiral reinforcement remains the gold standard. We don’t just fix buildings; we preserve the aesthetic integrity of our city’s skyline.

Contact us today info@targetfixings.pl

The post The Best Masonry Reinforcement Materials for Historic Repair appeared first on Target Fixings.

Choosing the best Masonry Reinforcement Systems can be a large choice of options. Building maintenance often reveals hidden structural secrets. While many homeowners focus on aesthetic upgrades, the integrity of the building’s skeleton is what truly matters for long-term safety. Recently, our team was called to a project in Oxfordshire where a routine inspection uncovered a significant structural separation.

The Oxfordshire Challenge: Identifying Structural Instability

While a local contractor was performing unrelated works on a beautiful Oxfordshire property, they noticed a concerning symptom: the front elevation, constructed of traditional stone and brick, had begun to move away from the timber-frame based left elevation. This type of separation is a classic sign that the building’s original binding methods are failing, requiring immediate Structural Masonry Strengthening.

Left unaddressed, this gap could have led to moisture ingress, thermal loss, and eventual structural collapse. The homeowner was understandably worried about the potential for unsightly external plates or intrusive internal beams that traditional “S” or “X” ties often require.

Why Traditional Methods Weren’t the Answer

In the past, stabilising a bowing or separating wall meant bolting a large, visible metal plate to the exterior of the house and running a thick beam through the living space to provide tension. For a property in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside, this wasn’t an option. We needed a solution that offered the strength of industrial engineering with the subtlety of a conservation-grade repair.

As a leading Franchise Business specialising in these niche repairs, we recommended our proprietary Masonry Reinforcement Systems. Specifically, we opted for the Bow Flex Type 2 system.

The Science of the Bow Flex Type 2 System

The Bow Flex Type 2 is a specialised helical-shaped reinforcement designed to provide a “hidden fix.” Unlike standard wall ties, this system uses the existing structural members of the house to provide stability.

Technical Specifications:

• Material: Bow Flex 12mm high-grade Stainless Steel Wall Ties.

• Design: Threaded bar that acts as a robust connection and can act as an internal “noggin.”

• Function: Pins the masonry elevation directly to the internal timber floor joists.

The Installation Process: Method BO-02

Once the plan was signed off, our technicians returned to the site to execute Method BO-02. Precision is the cornerstone of effective Masonry Crack Repair Solutions.

1. Surveying and Marking: We meticulously marked the wall to ensure no electrical services or plumbing lines were disturbed.

2. Scaffolding: Because the pinning was required across both storeys of the property, professional scaffolding was erected to ensure a safe and level workspace.

3. Drilling and Cleaning: A clearance hole was drilled through the external masonry and deep into the center of the internal joist. We then thoroughly cleaned the hole of all debris to ensure maximum adhesion.

4. Pinning: The Bow Flex Type 2 was driven through the masonry. While this system can often span three joists, the unique visibility constraints of this Oxfordshire timber frame led us to a cautious, expert-led approach of pinning to the second joist for guaranteed security.

5. Bonding: To lock the system in place, the remaining hole was injected with Target Fixings Bond Flex, a high-strength bonding agent that ensures the stainless steel becomes a permanent part of the building’s fabric.

An Invisible Finish for Oxfordshire Homes

The primary benefit of our Masonry Reinforcement Systems is the aesthetic result. Once the installation was complete, the small entry points were filled and prepped for rendering. When the wall is re-rendered and painted, there will be absolutely no visual evidence that a major structural repair took place.

This project perfectly illustrates how modern technology can preserve the charm of traditional Oxfordshire architecture while providing the necessary Structural Masonry Strengthening to keep a home safe for generations.

Partner with a Leading Franchise Business

Whether you are a contractor who has spotted a crack during a renovation or a homeowner noticing a gap in your elevations, we are here to help. We provide Dri Flex, Retro Flex and many other of the most reliable repair technologies on the market today.

Are you having structural issues or noticing cracks in your masonry in the Oxfordshire area? Don’t wait for the problem to widen. Contact our Chiltern Franchise team today for a structural survey and discover why we are the preferred choice for invisible masonry repair.

The post Best Masonry Reinforcement Systems for Strengthening an Oxfordshire Home appeared first on Target Fixings.

Chris Knight, Regional Director, Target Structural Chiltern

The Root of the Problem: Heli Pile Foundation near Tree Roots

In the world of UK Construction, few challenges are as persistent, or as frustrating, as designing a new structure’s foundation near mature trees. For Structural Engineers, Building Surveyors, and Architects, the goal is simple: ensure stability. For Property Developers and Homeowners, the objective is to build without destroying a valuable landscape asset. When a new garage, extension, or garden room is planned, the traditional approach dictates a concrete trench foundation. But what happens when that trench inevitably intersects with a mature tree’s root system?

Digging trenches near trees, especially those protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), is fraught with risk. Deep excavations can sever major structural roots, destabilizing the tree and potentially leading to its demise. Furthermore, roots extract moisture from the soil, causing volumetric changes that lead to soil shrinkage and settlement, or, conversely, soil heave if the roots are removed. This dynamic environment is a nightmare for rigid concrete foundations. The conflict between the need for a stable foundation and the necessity of root conservation requires a non-traditional, non-invasive solution.

Foundation for a New Garage

We, at Target Structural Chiltern, a licensed installer of the innovative Target Fixings product range, were recently approached with just such a dilemma. The main contractor working on a residential project had raised serious concerns to their client’s Structural Engineer regarding a significant tree located in the immediate vicinity of a proposed new garage. The concern was clear: traditional foundations would almost certainly have a negative, perhaps catastrophic, impact on the tree, and the tree’s roots would inevitably pose a threat to the foundation’s long-term stability.

Following careful deliberation and review of the soil conditions and tree proximity, a piled raft solution was meticulously designed. This design specified the utilisation of our Target Fixings Heli Piles to provide the essential structural support for the new building, while also offering crucial resistance against potential soil heave—a key advantage when building on soil prone to moisture fluctuation near large vegetation.

Heli Pile Foundation Near Tree Roots: The Non-Invasive Solution

The reason the Target Fixings Heli Pile system was the favoured solution in this sensitive environment lies in its unique engineering. Unlike traditional piles, Heli Piles work effectively in both tension and compression due to their distinctive helical shape. The shape acts as a permanent anchor in the ground, providing exceptional uplift resistance, which is vital for counteracting the expansive force of soil heave that can occur when tree roots are disturbed or removed.

Critically, the installation process for a Heli Pile foundation near tree roots is fundamentally different from traditional methods, making it the ideal non-invasive foundation for tree roots. To ensure we avoid damaging major root structures, we employ a highly sensitive, low-impact process of establishing a passage through the ground before the Heli Pile itself is installed.

This involves what we call ‘spiking’ the ground: driving a sacrificial, 40mm diameter nylon cone into the soil. This cone creates a precisely sized pilot hole that the Heli Pile can then follow. This method allows us to gently push past and around the tree roots without causing the deep, wide-scale disruption associated with trenching or boring. This is a game-changer for working near trees, offering a genuine TPO Alternative to standard disruptive foundations.

Low Impact Installation and Structural Integration

The installation equipment itself is also deliberately lightweight. Our machines and Heli Piles are carried to the site by hand, meaning the load exerted upon the ground during the entire installation process is limited to simple foot traffic. This dramatically reduces the risk of root compression or surface damage, demonstrating our commitment to conservation alongside construction excellence.

The installation on the garage project proceeded smoothly and exactly as scheduled. Once installed, the piles were rigorously tested in tension to ensure they achieved the required load specifications—a necessary step for guaranteeing the long-term integrity of the structure above.

The specification required the piles to be perfectly embedded within the proposed concrete slab for a robust connection. To enhance the connection and increase punching shear resistance, a steel plate was fixed to the top of each pile. Our team meticulously levelled all the piles to a datum provided by the main contractor, ensuring an equal and consistent embedment across the entire footprint of the proposed raft slab. This precision is key to ensuring the load is distributed evenly across the new structure.

Once our work was complete, we removed all our lightweight equipment, leaving the site tidy and ready for the next phase. The slab reinforcement can now be installed, and the concrete will be cast, encasing both the pile heads and the steel mesh. This harmonious combination provides a robust and ‘neat’ solution, ready to bear the weight of the new garage, safe in the knowledge that both the structure and the surrounding natural environment have been respected.

If you are a Structural Engineer facing a complex foundation challenge, a Property Developer looking for an efficient alternative to concrete foundations near tree roots, or a Homeowner hoping to build without felling a cherished tree, the Target Fixings Heli Pile system, installed by Target Structural Chiltern, is the advanced, non-disruptive solution you need. Contact us today to discuss how our Heli Piles technology can secure your next build.

The post Heli Pile Foundation Near Tree Roots DELIVERS Superior Stability appeared first on Target Fixings.

Arkadiusz Pękacz, Regional Director, Warsaw, Poland

Historic Preservation

Poland is a nation defined by its incredible architectural legacy. From medieval town squares to grand interwar landmarks, these buildings are more than just structures—they are tangible pieces of our history. For professionals dedicated to preserving this heritage, every project presents a unique challenge: how do we ensure a building’s stability for the next century without erasing the story of the last?

Our Polish branch, backed by decades of expertise from our UK head office, specializes in answering this exact question. We believe that modern engineering and Historic conservation must work hand-in-hand. We were recently honored to collaborate with APP PROJEKT on vital structural repairs at the beloved Apollo Cinema in Poznań, a perfect example of modern Masonry Reinforcement being used to secure an architectural icon.

The Weight of History: Why Traditional Repairs Were not an Option

The Apollo Cinema, located in the vibrant heart of Poznań, holds nearly two centuries of history. It began its life in 1846 as part of a bustling shopping arcade before being formally established as a cinema after World War I, eventually becoming the city’s largest movie house in the interwar period. Even after a beautiful Art Deco-inspired renovation in 2005, the structure remains a testament to enduring Polish culture.

However, time and continuous use take their toll. Like all older masonry buildings, the Apollo’s original brick walls began to exhibit signs of movement. Structural engineers identified significant stepped and vertical cracks in the unreinforced brickwork. These were not cosmetic issues; they were clear indications of structural stress caused by long-term differential settlement and environmental factors.

For a building with such deep cultural significance and a history of continuous operation, the remediation strategy had to be non-negotiable on two points: it had to be permanent, and it had to be non-destructive. Traditional approaches, which often involve large-scale demolition and rebuilding of wall sections, were deemed too invasive, too disruptive to the cinema’s operations, and fundamentally counter to the principles of Historic Preservation. The need was clear: a sophisticated, localised, and concealed method for Building conservation that could stabilise the walls and redistribute structural loads without affecting the building’s cherished aesthetics.

The Modern Answer: Precision Structural Stitching

In partnership with the structural design team, we proposed using our proprietary Bar Flex stainless steel helical bar system. This solution is engineered specifically for non-invasive structural repair and is a champion of Historic conservation principles. Rather than replacing the cracked masonry, we proposed integrating high-tensile reinforcement directly into the existing mortar lines.

The solution focused on three key engineering benefits:

1. Tensile Strength Where It’s Needed: Masonry is incredibly strong in compression but weak in tension. Cracking occurs when the brickwork is pulled apart. Our 6mm Bar Flex provide immense tensile strength, effectively acting as internal tendons to hold the damaged masonry together.
2. Structural Stitching: The objective was to structurally ‘stitch’ the separated sections of the brickwork, transforming discontinuous, cracked panels back into cohesive, load-bearing units. This process allows the wall to once again act as a single, structurally sound element, spanning and bridging the areas of weakness.
3. Invisible and Permanent: By embedding the Bar Flex into the existing mortar beds with a specialised grout manufactured by Target Fixings Bond Flex, the repair is completely hidden upon completion. The result is a permanent stabilisation that preserves every millimetre of the historic brick face—a vital requirement for sensitive heritage projects.

This high-performance Masonry Reinforcement methodology provided APP PROJEKT with a durable, certified, and aesthetically sympathetic solution, offering a low-impact and highly cost-effective alternative to mass replacement.

From Theory to Reality: The Skill of the Polish Contractor Team

The implementation phase required not just quality materials, but skilled hands. The installation was managed by my specialist Polish Contractor team Target Structural Poland, whose expertise is honed in handling the unique challenges of historical European architecture. The success of the Apollo Cinema project depended entirely on their precision and dedication.

The process unfolded systematically:

1. Preparation: Mortar beds were carefully raked out to a precise depth, extending a full 500mm beyond the extent of the visible cracking to ensure comprehensive load redistribution.
2. Grout Injection: Channels were meticulously cleared and prepared to receive a specialised thixotropic, non-shrink cementitious grout Bond Flex. The thixotropic property of the grout is essential; it flows readily into every microscopic void yet holds its shape, ensuring the Bar Flex is perfectly encapsulated.
3. Bar Flex Placement: Nearly 100 metres of the 6mm Bar Flex reinforcement were carefully pressed into the wet grout. The helical profile is essential here, as it maximises the mechanical key between the Bar Flex and the Bond Flex, ensuring maximum load transfer capacity.

The entire process was executed with minimal noise and dust, allowing the cinema to continue its vital cultural function with maximum efficiency. Once the Bond Flex cured, the joints were re-pointed to match the surrounding historic brickwork, making the structural intervention completely invisible. This project is a testament to the skill and dedication of my Polish Contractor teams who execute these complex Building conservation strategies every day.

We are proud to champion solutions that not only respect the past but guarantee the structural security of Polish landmarks for the future.

If you have any masonry reinforcement issues here in Poland contact us today!

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