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