Flexible connections are composite. Flexible links for bricklaying: highlights in work Number of flexible links in brickwork

To increase energy saving and effective thermal insulation of premises, multilayer wall structures consisting of a facing layer and a load-bearing wall, sometimes supplemented with a heat-insulating layer of plate heaters (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene, etc.), have become widespread in Russia.

Due to the structural characteristics of a three-layer wall composed of dissimilar materials, the building element (tie) is called "flexible link". The reason is temperature distortion.

The inner part of the wall is minimally subject to temperature changes and its geometric dimensions practically do not change. The situation is different with the outer (facing) part. In summer, strong heating up to 100 C, and in winter cooling down to -50 C leads to significant changes in the geometry of the cladding. To maintain the structural strength of such a multilayer "sandwich" under conditions of temperature deformation, various types of flexible connections are used, which simultaneously solve the following problems:

• - structural connection of a multilayer wall structure
• - fixing the heat-insulating layer of the wall, made of slab insulation

The strength of the connection of the walls and, consequently, the reliability of the entire building object depends on the properties of the material from which the connection is made. Since the flexible connection passes through all layers of the multilayer wall, including the insulation, it plays a significant role in the energy efficiency of the wall and should not create a “cold bridge”. In addition, the flexible connection is affected by moisture formed in the thickness of the wall during the cold period. Therefore, it is especially important that flexible ties for brickwork have low heat transfer resistance and high corrosion resistance. These qualities are fully possessed by composite flexible connections made of fiberglass and basalt plastics.

Requirements for flexible connections are described in SNiP II-22-81 "Stone and reinforced stone structures" Clause 6.31 of this SNiP (with the addition of the latest edition) states:

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Advantages of flexible composite ties made of fiberglass and basalt plastics:

• Low thermal conductivity. For a basalt or fiberglass composite 0.48 W/m2, and for metal 56 W/m2. Composite bond is 100 times less thermally conductive and does not create "cold bridges";
• High corrosion and chemical resistance. The composite does not rust, as it does not contain metal, it is resistant to the aggressive influence of the alkaline environment of the solution (concrete);
• Light weight. Flexible Composite Ties 3.5 times lighter and 2.5 times stronger than metal with the same diameter. With equal strength, the composite bond is 7-9 times lighter!!!;
• Facilitate installation work. A lower modulus of elasticity (flexibility) makes it easier to lay a multi-layer wall. At the same time, high tensile strength increases reliability.
• Economic expediency. Composite fiberglass and basalt plastic flexible connections are cheaper than metal ones. An additional gain is obtained on transportation costs and loading and unloading operations;

Structurally flexible connection for masonry is a round rod with a spiral winding or sand sprinkling. Basically, flexible connections are fiberglass or basalt-plastic reinforcement cut into pieces of a certain length, followed by (optionally) applying a sand anchor to 1 or both ends of the connection. Accordingly, the type of connection coating (periodic profile or sanding) is determined by the type of manufacturer's fittings.

Flexible connections for aerated concrete Galen (diameter 6 mm) is a special solution of the Galen company (Cheboksary) designed for reliable and quick installation of flexible connections in a wall structure made of porous concrete (aerated concrete or foam concrete). The new type of connection is applicable for both two-layer (aerated concrete and brickwork) and three-layer structures (aerated concrete, insulation, brickwork). Due to the monolithic connection of the basalt plastic rod with a screw plastic anchor, a high pull-out resistance is achieved.

Buy flexible connections moscow You can contact our company. We will help you make the right choice for products from different manufacturers in accordance with your requirements. Product quality, anchoring method, rod material are all determining factors. flexible connection price. We can offer flexible connections Galen- products of one of the best manufacturers of basalt flexible connections, as well as products of other manufacturers.

Flexible links for facing bricks from composite materials provide a number of unique advantages for modern structures, such as magnetic energy and lack of electrical conductivity. The absence of stray currents and magnetic fields in the building has a beneficial effect on the well-being of a person and is a high standard for the environmental friendliness of a building. Such advantages make it possible to build not only buildings that are comfortable for a person, but also various special structures for which the presence of stray currents is critical.

Finishing a house with facing bricks is quite popular. When choosing this material, it is necessary to qualitatively tie together the existing components of the structure. They are the load-bearing wall, insulation and facing material. To do this, it is advisable to use flexible connections.

What are fasteners?

Flexible connections for brickwork are a special corrugated rod. It is produced in lengths from 20 to 60 cm. The flexible connection is designed to ensure effective fastening of the facing material to the load-bearing wall through the insulation material. This will create a strong and stable cladding of the building.

The size of the flexible connection depends on the design decisions. For structures with a height of up to 12 meters, it is recommended to use a product of 4 mm, which can withstand a load of about 900 kg. For buildings with a higher height, a 6 mm connection is required. At the same time, it should not break out of the seam when there is a load of about 1100 kg.

Design

Flexible connections for brickwork, photos of which can be seen in the article, are rods. They have a round section and bulges at the ends, made of other materials. These elements perform the functions of an anchor in the process of fixing in the seams of the masonry.

Sand fasteners effectively provide adhesion with In addition, additional protection of the wall from the effects of corrosion in the alkaline environment of concrete will be achieved. To create an air gap in the layers, it is necessary to use a snap-on retainer made of plastic.

Features of flexible connections

These products have such a name due to their characteristics. The internal walls of the building have a more constant temperature. This is due to the fact that they are not subject to regular external temperature fluctuations. However, the outer facing wall is subjected to reverse influences. This layer in summer is able to heat up to +70 °C, and in winter it freezes to -40 °C. Significant temperature differences lead to the fact that the inner wall remains motionless, and the outer one changes its geometric size.

It is worth noting that flexible connections for brickwork and aerated concrete bend perfectly. Due to this, they are able to maintain the integrity of the structure. Products are not exposed to corrosion. They do not break as a result of frequent bending, and also do not create with insufficiently good heat transfer. The high strength and durability of flexible connections is greater than those of traditional ones. Therefore, the building as a whole will be more reliable.

Product types

It is advisable to use flexible connections for brickwork and gas block as a connection. However, it is worth choosing the right product. They are divided into two types depending on the material from which these fasteners are made. The first type are connections made from basalt. An example is Galen products from a domestic manufacturer. The second type includes products from which has a high level of corrosion resistance. At the same time, it is recommended to use BEVER connections from the German manufacturer of the same name.

Structures must be load-bearing in order to comply with DIN 1053-1. For this, it is desirable to use anchors with a bent part, and their length should be more than 25 mm. For this purpose, flexible ties for basalt masonry with a sand anchor with a length of 9 cm can be used. In the case of installation of stainless steel products, it is worth taking ties with a wavy end and a length of 5 cm.

Installation of flexible links

Using flexible connections for brickwork for cladding, the technology should be followed. Their number and location is determined at the first stage of work - when drawing up design estimates.

Most often, four products should be used for each square meter of a load-bearing wall. If the walls are insulated with mineral wool slabs, the spacing of flexible ties should be 50 cm both horizontally and vertically. Also in the process of insulation, polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam can be used. In this case, the horizontal step of the products is 25 cm, but not less than four pieces per square meter. Vertically, you should adhere to an indicator not exceeding 100 cm.

It should be noted that flexible connections for brickwork should be additionally arranged along the perimeter of the openings. They also need to be equipped in each corner of the building with a step of 30 cm near the parapet and at expansion joints. During installation, the minimum required penetration depth into the load-bearing wall and the facing layer is observed, which is 9 cm.

A situation may occur when the horizontal seams of the outer and inner layers do not match. It is necessary to install ties for the load-bearing wall in a vertical joint using a cement-sand mortar to perform a thorough termination.

Observing the technology of work on the installation of flexible connections, you need to ensure that they do not loosen. Initially, a layer of thermal insulation is installed, after which a flexible connection for brickwork can be installed. To do this, it is necessary to pierce the insulation plate and mount it on it. If the insulation is fastened to an old product, you should wait for the mortar to set in the seams where the connections are mounted.

Price

Products of this type have an optimal cost for a wide range of consumers. Flexible connection for brickwork is a budget option that can ensure the reliability of the cladding and the building as a whole, which will lead to significant savings. It is also worth noting that the cost depends on indicators such as quantity, characteristics, manufacturer and material of manufacture. The average price of one product is ten rubles. By purchasing the required number of parts, significant savings will be achieved.

Modern aerated concrete is a very good heat-insulating material. But with all the advantages, this material has one drawback - it is not aesthetic. Therefore, any structure made of gas blocks requires additional cladding. Brick is often used for these works. Masonry made of decorative material completely changes the appearance of the building, gives it completeness and beauty.

Previously, the cladding was attached to the wall with thin rods of reinforcement, but science has stepped far ahead. Now, basalt-plastic anchors are used to connect the facing layer with the wall of the building. So far, this nanostructured material has no analogues in the construction market.

Peculiarities

Flexible connections are rods with a circular cross section and a diameter of 6 mm with sand spray applied to the entire surface. For fixing in an aerated concrete block, one of their ends is equipped with a screw anchor, which, opening when screwed in, firmly holds the connection in the wall. Depending on the method of application, their length varies from 180 to 350 mm.

No matter how high thermal insulation aerated concrete has, in our climatic conditions an additional layer of insulation will not hurt. Between the brick cladding of the building and the wall of gas blocks, free space is left, part of which, if desired, is filled with insulating material.

Flexible reinforcement is used to combine the entire structure into one. It performs several functions at once:

• front brick is securely attached to the walls of the building;
• the insulation is tightly pressed against the aerated concrete, its slipping or settling is excluded;
• a ventilated gap of the same width is maintained over the entire area.

With high strength and strength, composite reinforcement can be bent, which allows it to be placed between different-level seams in double masonry. With uneven shrinkage of structures made of gas blocks or foundations in Galen anchors, unlike metal rods, there is no deforming stress that could destroy the structure.

Thanks to sand spraying, excellent adhesion of the pins to the mortar is achieved, the diameter of the bonds does not violate the thickness of the masonry joint, which has a positive effect on the appearance of the cladding.

The plastic component of the anchors is not subject to corrosion due to condensate that forms on their surface during the cold season, it has low thermal conductivity (it cannot serve as a "cold bridge"), heat loss from the surface of gas blocks is reduced to 35%.

Flexible connections made of composite reinforcement are resistant to the alkaline environment of the masonry mortar, have high tensile strength (3 times stronger than metal), and, finally, they are reliable, durable, easy to install and will last for decades.

Marking and types of basalt plastic rods

Before acquiring connections, it is necessary to decide whether there will be a lining with or without insulation (their length depends on this), and pay attention to the designations.

For example, BPA 200-6 Aerated concrete; BPA 20-6-2P.

It means:

• BPA - basalt-plastic reinforcement;
• 200 - rod length;
• 6 - its diameter;
• Aerated concrete - designed for installation in aerated concrete structures.
• 2P - two sand anchors.

In the first case, the marking indicates that the connection has a plastic anchor sleeve, and in the second, that instead of a sleeve, sand spraying is used on both sides. Anchor rods are the most popular.

You can choose the desired bond length (L) by applying the following calculation:

L=90mm+T+40mm+90mm.

The first 90 is the depth of the hole in the wall of gas blocks, usually the length of the anchor sleeve at the end of the pin, which is completely immersed in the block.

T is the thickness of the insulation used.

40 - the width of the air gap, it is left for natural ventilation in order to avoid condensation on the insulation, which contributes to its freezing and deterioration of thermal insulation properties.

The second 90 mm is the depth of laying the connection in the seams of the front brick.

This scheme may vary depending on whether insulation material will be installed or a ventilation gap will be left.

In appearance, the flexible Russian-made Galen anchors differ only in length, they are produced from 180 mm to 350 in 10 mm increments, but the most popular sizes are 200, 220, 270, 300, 320 and 350 mm.

Installation of links for aerated concrete

Installation of flexible composite reinforcement is easier than metal, the main thing is to have the necessary tools and desire. Drilling points for anchors are marked on the wall of gas blocks. Usually they are located at a distance of 50 mm from each other in width and the same in height. Rows should run parallel to the masonry seams of the cladding. With a drill with a diameter of 10 mm, holes 100 mm deep are drilled along the marks, the dust is blown out of them with a special pear.

The ties are inserted to the entire length of the anchor sleeve, with the help of a wrench they are twisted to the stop, if necessary, thermal insulation is attached to them and pressed with a snap-in plastic retainer. Further, all holes are carefully sealed with a cement-sand mortar, and further work can be carried out only after its complete setting in order to avoid loosening of the rods. Additional anchors with a pitch of 300 mm are placed in the corners of the building, along the perimeter of the openings, in the area of ​​expansion joints and at the parapet.

Several rows of facing bricks are brought out (to the height of the lower mark), and then the ends of the bonds with sandy dressing are gradually embedded into the seams of the cladding. The number of rods is determined independently, but there must be at least five products per 1 m2 of a gas block wall. A pear, as well as a special key for installation, come in 1 piece in each set, along with flexible fittings.

All work on the installation of a facing protective layer must be carried out at an outside air temperature of at least 0 ° C.

Overview of prices for various types of flexible links

Composite reinforcement is quite recent on the building materials market, it is not as common as metal, and therefore the demand for it is still small. You can buy flexible rods at specialized warehouses, stores or on construction websites (the retail price does not depend much on the method of purchase).

But if you need to buy a lot of rods, then the savings are obvious. If we also take into account that composite reinforcement is much lighter than metal reinforcement, it is easier and more convenient to work with it, and at a cost it comes out several times cheaper, it becomes clear that this is the best and most profitable option.

Flexible connections are used to connect the brick to the load-bearing wall. Outwardly, they are round rods or rods. Thickening, carving or bending can be made at their ends. They are called flexible due to the fact that they are able to bend in case of movement of the lining relative to the supporting structure.

• They provide a reliable connection between the walls, extending the life of the building.
• Conveniently mounted.
• Safe to use.
• Made from environmentally friendly material.

Flexible rods are necessary so that the walls do not collapse during movements. In the winter season, the cladding structure may expand due to low temperatures and moisture. The inner one does not change its size and position, since its temperature and degree of humidity do not fluctuate much. To prevent both brickwork from separating from each other, flexible reinforcement is needed. Ties are made of steel, basalt with plastic or fiberglass, so they are able to bend and stretch.

Characteristics and types of connections

They are selected depending on the operating conditions. For buildings up to 12 m high, it is recommended to purchase connections with a diameter of 4 mm; they can withstand a load of 900 kg. For houses larger than 12 m - 6 mm (1100 kg).

• basalt-plastic;
• stainless steel;
• carbon steel;
• fiberglass.

The first type is in the greatest demand, as it has the best characteristics. It has the lowest thermal conductivity, therefore, unlike steel, it is not able to conduct heat. Basalt bonding will not rust in brick walls. They are resistant to alkalis that are in the cement mortar. The weight is almost 4 times less than steel, due to which they do not create a load on the foundation of the house. They tolerate high temperatures well. For better adhesion to the cement mixture, both edges are sanded.

Stainless steel rods for brick walls have good elasticity, but unlike the previous ones, they conduct cold, as they are made of metal. In terms of strength, they are 2 times inferior to basalt-plastic ones. Carbon steel reinforcement has the same technical characteristics as stainless steel, but it can be purchased at a price that is 2 times less. To protect against corrosion, the rods are coated with a zinc layer.

Fiberglass types have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, therefore they do not form cold bridges. They are not afraid of high humidity and do not conduct electricity. They have excellent tensile strength, the same as that of basalt-plastic, but less elasticity.

Installation nuances

You can install flexible connections for facing bricks with your own hands, there are several ways. In the first case, they are fixed in the bearing wall, and a heater is put on top, for example, mineral wool. Before placing the plates, you need to wait until the solution has completely set so that the rods do not fall out. The second option is the installation of thermal insulation, after which holes are drilled through it in the supporting base and rods are placed.

Laying technology for an already rebuilt building:

• The base is checked for cracks and other defects. If they are, then you should cover them yourself with DSP or a similar composition.
• The wall is treated with a deep penetration primer to increase the waterproofing properties and strengthen the surface.
• After drying, the places in the seams are determined and marks are made. Holes are drilled for installation.
• The rods are placed.
• Do-it-yourself installation of the cladding begins. When combining brickwork with bonds, they are embedded in the mortar.

If the house is just being built, then flexible steel or basalt-plastic rods must be immediately laid into the seams. The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of bending in the event of a mismatch between the levels of the seams of the finish and the carrier system.

The diameter of the holes should be equal to the diameter of the ties, only then they will be firmly fixed in the structure. If made larger, the reinforcement may fall out under load. All rods must be mounted so that the possibility of their loosening is completely excluded. The minimum installation depth in the walls of a brick house depends on their size; you can find out this parameter from the manufacturer's instructions. The distance between them horizontally is made not less than 50 cm, but not more than 75 cm, vertically - 50. This step is reduced to 30 cm near windows, doorways, ceilings and building corners.

Marking and determination of the number of rods

To distinguish the bonds, their brand is indicated on the packaging: the following will be written on the basalt-plastic ones - BPA-250-6-2P. Marking means: BPA - basalt-plastic reinforcement, 250 - length in mm, 6 - diameter in mm, 2P - both ends of the anchor are treated with sand.

Consumption depends on the area of ​​the walls, the number of windows, corners and doorways. It is necessary to determine the number of bars even before the cladding begins. If they are not enough, then the structure may be deformed during movements, and cracks will appear. On average, at least 4 pieces are required per 1 m2.

For the calculation, the step at which the rods will be located is taken into account. Their number increases near windows, doorways, ceilings and corners. To find out the consumption of connections for connecting a load-bearing wall with a cladding, you need to know the length and height of the brickwork. Let the structure be 250 cm high, 200 long, step - 50 cm. That is, you need to lay the rods in 5 rows in height and 4 in the length of the house. The consumption will be 5 * 4 = 20 pieces. This method allows you to find only an approximate amount.

The calculations made by yourself should be checked again. The number is also affected by climatic conditions and the condition of the building. Only an experienced specialist can determine the exact flow rate when inspecting the building. If the house is located in an area where there are often strong winds, then the reinforcement is laid much more often than for an object that is under normal conditions.

The cost of flexible connections depends on the material from which they are made, and the size. The greater the distance between the cladding and the supporting base, the longer the rods are needed, which means the greater the cash costs.

Thanks to the creation of such a wall, the inner one ceases to be exposed to external influences. The microclimate in the house improves, and heat losses also decrease. This helps to significantly change the appearance of the entire structure.

Brickwork is considered one of the most reliable ways to form a building frame. However, unlike monolithic panels, it is not characterized by such a high reinforcing ability, since the bond is formed only due to the cement mortar. Therefore, special flexible connections are used as an additional component to enhance the reinforcing effect. For brickwork, they can be used both to strengthen the structure and as an element of ventilation if there is a gap in the connecting device. However, in terms of thermal insulation properties, the material has its own characteristics.

What is a flexible link?

This is a type of reinforcing element that is used to strengthen the structure or its individual parts. In this case, we are talking about brickwork. Most often, this method of reinforcement is recommended for three-layer walls, which have an internal heat insulator in their niche and themselves act as a connecting link for the supporting technical and facing layers. In terms of the device, the connection is an elastic rod with a circular cross section. To exclude rusting processes, flexible galvanized connections for brickwork are used, as well as basalt models, which, in principle, are not susceptible to corrosion. An important technical and structural feature of all types of connections is the presence of thickenings at the ends and protruding ribs. These additions increase the element's adhesive function and give it the characteristics of a real anchor. An even greater hitching effect is given by sand spraying at the end of the connection - it organically enters the structure of the solution, increasing the strength of the seam.

Features of basalt bonds

The segment of reinforcing elements for masonry is still relatively young, but strong groups of competing materials have already formed in it. These are basalt, fiberglass and metal products. Moreover, basalt bonds are called so only conditionally - in most cases we are talking about basalt-plastic elements with higher performance. How does this variety outperform its competitors? There are few advantages over fiberglass. Moreover, in terms of technical and physical qualities, there are practically none of them - except for elasticity, but its significance in increasing the strength of walls is not so high. In turn, fiberglass has a big plus in the form of hardness and durability, but also a significant minus - such materials are much more expensive. As for stainless steel metal products, they are also ahead of basalt flexible connections for brickwork in terms of wear resistance and reliability, but their significant drawback in the form of a decrease in the thermal insulation of walls equalizes the chances. The fact is that metal is a good conductor of cold, so in winter, with such equipment, you can count on minimizing thermal energy by about 10%.

Main characteristics of products

Manufacturers label ties based on basalt fibers as BPA, that is, basalt-reinforced plastic reinforcement. The main performance characteristics refer to the moduli of elasticity in compression and tension - respectively, on average 30,000 and 50,000 MPa. These are the pressure loads on the reinforcement that the rods are able to withstand. This is followed by indicators of breaking stress - both during stretching and in the process of bending - from 1000 MPa. As for the dimensional characteristics, the range of scatter of indicators is much wider in them. The standard is the embedment depth from 90 mm to 150 mm. In thickness, flexible connections for brickwork are usually 6 mm.

Benefits of Using Flexible Links

It is possible to evaluate the advantages and, in general, the justification for the use of flexible connections by examples of their direct operational tasks. Their presence in the structure of a brick wall gives the structure reliability, stability, resistance to seismic vibrations and durability. During operation, flexible connections for brickwork minimize the risks of wall destruction, which often happens with frames made without reinforcement. Again, the use of metal anchors does not always give the same strengthening effect, since it is impossible to guarantee the exclusion of rusting processes, and corrosion, as it develops, reduces the strength of the masonry itself.

Link Installation Technique

By itself, the technology of integrating basalt rods is not difficult. It is enough to lay the element on a slab with insulation or directly on a layer of mortar with a rod, and then cover it with the same insulator or cement-sand mixture, followed by a brick. Typically, questions arise in the overall choice of layout configuration and number of products. According to experts, the optimal installation of flexible connections in brickwork is carried out at the rate of 4 pcs. per 1 m2. If it is also planned to lay a heat insulator, then the step between the elements can be 50 cm. Auxiliary connections are integrated along the perimeter of the openings and in the deformation zones of the seams. However, oversaturation with rods is also not recommended - foreign bodies in excess have the opposite effect of weakening the structure.

The nuances of reinforcing monolithic walls

A special approach should be in working with monolithic walls, on which it is planned to decorate with facing bricks. Holes are made directly in the monolithic base, corresponding to the depth of the mounting dowel. The tips of the same hardware are hammered into them until they are completely drowned. A heat insulator plate is pierced onto the released ends of the connections - it is fixed with fixing elements and snaps into place. After that, the flexible connection for facing brickwork should protrude slightly through the insulation, but be securely fastened. At the time of laying the brick, the ends of the sand-coated bond should just be mated with the mortar.

Manufacturers of flexible reinforcing ties

The undisputed leader in the production of basalt reinforcing ties in the domestic market is the Galen enterprise. Under this brand, products are produced with a length of 250 to 600 mm, provided with the necessary structural inclusions. Just flexible connections "Galen" for brickwork are characterized by the presence of sand spraying, which increases the adhesiveness of the elements. Altech, Rockbar and Protech are also producing similar fittings. Products from these brands are more expensive, but do not always show exceptional performance that matches the price.

Conclusion

If earlier reinforcement as a mandatory measure was considered only in relation to the foundation, panel structures and ceilings, then today masonry cannot do without such inclusions. Questions arise only in relation to the choice of a suitable reinforcement technique. Why are flexible connections good for brickwork made of basalt fibers in this regard? They are characterized by a combination of elasticity, reliability, tensile strength, thermal insulation resistance and an affordable price tag. Under strong and even extreme loads, such rods will lose to analogues made of steel or fiberglass. But such threats are rare, and in other respects, basalt fibers demonstrate quite acceptable performance.