Cintec Engineers Part of Team Evaluating Structural Damage From 2011 Quake in New Zealand

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Cintec earthquake experts are currently working with an international delegation to evaluate the structural damage inflicted upon the Christchurch Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand during the February 2011 earthquake. The two Cintec engineers involved with the project are Bill Jordan, who heads Cintec’s Australian operation, and Sarah Paganoni, who is part of the NIKER project, a group working to protect cultural heritage from earthquake-induced risk.

Cintec North America, a leader in structural masonry retrofit strengthening, repair, and preservation, offers solutions to protect people and property against earthquakes. Seistec, a Cintec Reinforcing Anchor System, is used for seismic repair or for retrofitting seismic upgrading of structures made of brick, stone, terracotta, adobe, or even timber. According to Cintec, Seistec internally strengthens the integrity of wall-to-wall, wall-to-roof, and wall-to-floor constructions while remaining sensitive to the original architecture.

The process begins with an inspection of the structure following a site visit by the Engineer of Record. The structure is then computer-modeled and animated using the discrete element technique to visualize potential stresses incurred during seismic loading. This unique software analysis assesses the behavioral probability and the risk inherent to the structure to determine the best positioning of the anchor system.

At the site, the Cintec Reinforcing Anchor System, fashioned out of a steel bar enclosed in a mesh fabric sleeve, is inserted into the structure in need of reinforcement. A specially-developed, non-polymer, cement-like grout is then injected into the sleeve under low pressure. The grout then fuses with the mesh, expands, and shapes itself around the steel to fit the space. Cintec says it uses state-of-the-art dry- or low-volume wet diamond drilling techniques to reduce or even eliminate water damage associated with conventional wet drilling.

The Seistec system may be used in a wide range of masonry materials. The anchor body size and even material type can be adjusted, as can the size of the diameter of the cored hole, based on the condition of parent material and requirements of the Engineer of Record. For more information, visit www.cintec.com

Leading By Example to Enhance Risk Management

In the masonry industry, there is plenty to consider when it comes to setting the stage for solid risk management leadership. Consider the following to lead by example and empower your team: It Starts At The Top By taking risk management seriously, it sen

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 11 Recap: Jameel Ervin, President at WBF Construction

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jameel Ervin joins the set to dive into his experience in the masonry industry, how he got to where he is now, and what it was like growing up in Chicago. From the Ground Up: Jameel's Introduction to Masonry

About: Featured
Lean & Mean Cavity Wall Designs

Creating Space. Two simple words that have been a leading topic of conversation in the building industry for years. Over time, we have seen a number of innovations in cladding materials. (mention of non-masonry materials - cladding) I remember when our op

About: Featured
Vibing Masonry #4: The Durable Resilience of Masonry Architecture Over the Centuries

As a design architect for four decades, I've long recognized masonry (clay brick, concrete masonry units, stone, and manufactured stone) as a superior, durable building material. Stone, clay bricks, and CMUs are renowned for their toughness, effectively r