Supporting walls while you fit lintels, RSJs or beams can be tricky but not with the strongboy wall support. If in doubt, consult a structural engineer.
ACRO MATE MASONRY SUPPORT
Prior to using any acro mate masonry support, you should identify that this is a suitable method to carry out the intended works. You must correctly identify all loading that the acro mate will have to support. The total load may simply be the masonry above the opening, but it will also include loads from a floor and/or a roof that is supported by the wall. Floor loading
may need to include any heavy furniture in an upstairs room, a full bath, people walking on the supported floor, etc. Roof loading includes supported timbers/steelwork, roof tiles, loft mounted water tanks and the like. It is recommended that only one single opening in any one length of wall be created at any given time. You should check that the wall masonry and any floor/roof timbers are in good condition prior to any work being carried out as remedial work may be needed prior to the opening being altered or created. acro mate Masonry support is not recommended to be used to provide temporary support to unstable structures. You should obtain competent structural engineering advice if there is any doubt about the condition of the structure or the nature of the loading, or if any unusual loads are suspected. Instructions for use:
Mark the wall in the correct position where the acro mate is to be inserted
Scrape or grind out the mortar, or remove a brick prior to insertion of the acro mate in the identified position. Always ensure the underside of the brick to be supported is clean and will sit flat on the blade of the . The acro mate is designed for use with standard telescopic screw props with a 6” x 6” (150 x 150mm) head. acro mate should not be used on struts as these have a much smaller head. The prop should only be placed on firm, flat, compacted ground that is capable of supporting the load. A sole board should be placed under each prop - eg 18” x 9” x 1½” (450 x 225 x 36mm)
Hold prop vertically upright with one hand close to where the intended usage is. With your other hand holding the supporting web, tilt leading edge of acro mate blade up approximately 30 degrees. Slide the rear end of the acro mate over the top plate of the prop and hook the retaining bar at the rear end of the acro mate over the prop plate. Lower the leading edge of the acro mate blade until the web bracket is located against the vertical tube of the plate and the blade of the acro mate is horizontal. To check the acro mate is correctly engaged, pull the front edge of the blade down. The acro mate should not move. The acro mate may now be maneuvered into the correct position for use. Insert the blade into the mortar space or brick hole until the blade is at least at the same depth as the rear of the brick on the leaf of the wall which is intended to be supported. Where possible the acro mate should be inserted until the tip of the web is nearly touching the wall. Ensuring the prop remains completely vertical and in plumb, tighten the collar of the prop until the acro mate and prop are fully engaged with the wall and do not move. Do not over tighten as that may cause the blade to bend. Hand tight is generally sufficient. Over tightening may damage the brickwork and the prop and acro mate and may cause the blade to slide out of the brickwork. When using acro mate we recommend:
Maximum load bearing capacity of 340 Kgs per unit (750lb )
Maximum safe working height 3 metres from firm base . The distance between props should be calculated from the assessment of the loading, but in any case, it should not exceed 3ft or 900mm. Always have the loadings checked and use the correct number of acro mates for the job. If in doubt, you should obtain competent structural engineering advice. If the width of the intended opening is greater than 4m we recommend that the props be horizontally laced and diagonal braced together using scaffolding poles and proprietary couplings . The acro mate can be use on single or double skin walls where each leaf is up to 4 ½” (112mm) thick. If double skin, the maximum cavity is 2” (50mm). Ensure the blade of the acro mate is fully supporting the second skin. Check that the prop is not working loose on a regular basis – eg continuously while the opening is being made, otherwise daily. Arrange the work so that the Strongboys and props are not knocked or displaced. If this could happen then lacing and bracing using scaffold poles and fittings can help prevent accidental movement (standard fittings onto the prop inner tube and 68.3mm fittings onto the outer tube). Applications
• APPLICATIONS include:-
• Breaking out single or double skinned walls.
• Supporting damaged or uneven brickwork.
• Replacing wall ties.
• Installing R.S.J. or concrete lintels
• Installing new windows / doors or supporting loose or damaged window headers.
