Although only some 25 years old, due to the use of incorrect wall ties when the premises were constructed, the Johnson & Johnson Vision Centre in Sunbury on Thames required replacement wall ties. Outer leaf brick panels on this large commercial building were leaning outwards and raising safety concerns, with the possibility of masonry collapse, but have now been secured using RetroTie remedial wall ties from Helifix Ltd.

Containing offices, laboratories and a warehouse, the Vision Centre is 8m high and constructed with a steel frame, inner leaf aircrete blocks and outer leaf panels of engineering bricks. Weak galvanised wire ‘butterfly’ ties and been installed originally, which were not strong enough to support the outer wall and the problem of leaning brickwork was becoming progressively worse.


To stabilise the brick panels and ensure they were fully secured to the inner blocks, Bradbrook Consulting Ltd specified RetroTie stainless steel replacement ties to provide a rapid, reliable and economical solution. Over 5,000 RetroTies were installed on two main elevations, in a diamond grid pattern, by Helifix Approved Installer, ASRS Ltd, working from scissor lifts and avoiding the need for scaffolding. The 245mm long ties were inserted through clearance holes drilled in the outer leaf and driven into inner leaf pilot holes before being resin bonded into the brick panels for a secure connection.

After making good the outer brick panels at the Johnson & Johnson Vision Centre were stabilised and made completely safe for the future.

For further information Tel: 020 8735 5200 or Email: info@helifix.co.uk or Visit: www.helifix.co.uk