Locking into quality wall construction

Masonry Construction, Sept, 2003

One of the most basic tenets of masonry construction is maintaining a standard 3/8" joint thickness without wire build-up--keeping the joint thickness right means straighter lines, greater integrity, and a better overall appearance. But traditional systems have often made those goals easier said than done. Typical pintle and eye truss reinforcement systems can experience build-up around eyes or loops when welded onto backup joint reinforcement.

In the Ultimate Work Zone, these problems are avoided with the Hohmann & Barnard (H-B) Dub'l Loop-Lok Joint Reinforcement with TRU-JOINT[TM] feature. H-B's TRU-JOINT feature was created with the sole purpose of helping masons lay a consistent mortar line. Loops are flattened and deep-welded onto backup reinforcement to reduce the height of the welding zone (by nearly 40 percent).

The Dub'l Loop-Lok offers other advantages, allowing not only in-plane vertical movement, but also horizontal movement of wythes, while restraining tension and compression. Unlike regular hook and eye wire where the pintle can disengage, the Dub'l Loop-Lok's loops are welded shut to maintain allowable tolerance and system integrity. Once the masonry wire tie is in, it cannot disengage from the joint reinforcement.

While some systems weld the eyelet onto the front of the side rod in the block, the Dub'l Loop-Lok loop portion is welded onto the side and cross rods. In effect, it relies on three welds at that point (four for truss style), and the tie becomes deeply embedded into the mortar joint of the block. The 5/8" minimum mortar coverage for the joint reinforcing assembly is maintained. Also, the vertical configuration of the loops means the system is not susceptible to clogging with mortar as the construction process progresses.

Engineered for quality

A key aspect of the Ultimate Work Zone is to help masons do their job more efficiently, and in less time. The H-B Dub'l Loop-/ok is virtually foolproof--the system is designed so that a mason cannot install wire tie beyond allowable eccentricity. It provides 100 percent protection against the separation of the wire tie.

The use of continuous wire in masonry veneer walls is beneficial in providing additional protection against problems arising from thermal expansion and contraction. It also allows for a more uniform distribution of lateral forces. To make the installation of continuous wire more user-friendly than ever, the Dub'l Loop-Lok can be paired with the Byna-Lok[TM] Wire Tie, which has overlapping legs to form an integral track. Masons simply snap the continuous wire right in to the wire tie itself.

Another differentiator is the cross rods, which are welded 16" on center, allowing clearance in the cores on the back-up block to install rebar reinforcement. In addition, it's easier to obtain the required 8 in. lap joint when the two 10 ft. links are placed together on the back-up block. That provides full lapping, which is impossible with other systems that don't weld the cross rods on the block in the same position.

A better way to do the job

Ultimate Work Zone masons require the highest standards in every aspect of the job, including the joint reinforcement system. In side-by-side comparisons, the Dub'l Loop-Lok system meets or exceeds load and deflection criteria established for typical pintle and eye assemblies. It provides truer, plumber vertical walls and encourages far more efficient workmanship. The result? Straighter, more aesthetic and more structurally sound buildings.

"We hear from architects, designers and contractors every day," says Chris Hohmann. "As we review the codes and tackle product development, we keep in mind all of that feedback and incorporate our customers' ideas into improved product design."

For more information, circle no. 301 or visit www.h-b.com