No two masonry arch bridges are the same, and this also applies to their parapet walls. The requirements specified for individual walls can differ considerably and must reconcile a variety of needs. These may include impact containment, vehicle redirection, the protection of others in the vicinity, compatibility with the masonry structure as a whole, as well as the visual appearance of the strengthening solution implemented.

The Cintec Anchor System provides a highly versatile method of internal structural reinforcement that is tailored to meet the specific requirements of each parapet wall. This service, known as Paratec is backed by extensive research and development from advanced computer modelling, practical testing and experience built up from numerous strengthening projects. The Paratec system can strengthen a masonry wall while remaining sensitive to the original architecture and without any narrowing of the road way.

The Anchor: The system comprises a steel bar enclosed in a mesh fabric sleeve, into this a highly specialised grout is injected under low pressure. This is a Portland cement based product, containing graded aggregates and other constituents which, when mixed with water, produce a pumpable cementitious grout that exhibits good strength without shrinkage. Installation is by precisely drilled holes using wet or dry diamond coring technology. The flexible sleeve of woven polyester restrains the grout flow and expands up to twice its original diameter moulding itself into the shapes and spaces within the walls. This provides a strong mechanical bond along the entire length of the anchor dispensing with the need for external anchor plates.

The size and type of steel anchor, the strength of grout and the diameter of the hole can all be varied to provide the required design parameters and to provide an appropriate stiffness compatible with the masonry.

Research & Development
The comprehensive service offered by Paratec include advanced computer modelling techniques that simulate the effects of a vehicle impact upon a specified masonry wall. Working in conjunction with both software specialists and consulting engineers, Paratec utilises an advanced dynamic software incorporating a discrete element analysis technique that enables the behaviour of parapet walls to be accurately predicted under various circumstances.