RESEARCH OF AN ECCENTRICALLY LOADED ACROW PROP

An Acrow prop is designed for loads upon the central axis with a maximum of 25mm eccentricity
of which reduces the variable working load by 50%, maximum 1700Kg and reducing further
depending on the size of Acrow prop and of the height it is to be used; as seen in the graph below.

Vertical & Plumb Acrow props (in the process of being braced)
Visual Acrow guidance explaining how to avoid eccentric loads, 3 rd drawing on 4th line.
British Lloyds Testing Arrangement Of A Tongued Prop Attachment, (fitted to a short prop with no
pin holes, approximately 400mm long).

The tongued prop attachment requires the use of an Acrow prop (max height 3metres) of which the test does not
include and when used on-site it is not possible to use hydraulic actuators for prop resistance during a task as seen
below with the tongued attachments destabilising the structure. The test only proves the attachment can be used upon
a 400mm prop with no pin-holes and with an actuator to restrain the prop from movement, nothing more.

Only tested as a single part and NOT in multiples upon Acrow props or within masonry therefore the test is
inadequate due to;

1 Not creating the correct on-site conditions to analyse the results to a satisfactory conclusion.

2 The stability of a structure is unknown due to not testing in multiples upon masonry as loads on-site are
not uniformly distributed over an opening.

3 Without warning the product dangerously misuses an Acrow prop and isn’t within the British Standard of
Acrow prop use or within the C.D.M 2015 regulations.

4 The generic calculation & assumed working load is not safe as it will vary when used upon different sized
Acrow props and the different measurements of eccentricity as explained in previous research. When using
the last 100mm of the tongue the working loadis less than 200Kg and is not safe as the bendable tongues and
different torques on Acrow props can distort & destabilise a structure when attempting to gain more fitting
access. Once a tongue bends it only supports the front side of the brickwork which can de-stabilise the structure.
 IDENTIFYING NON-TESTED HAZARDS
Acrow Prop Sizes from left to right; 0, 1, 2, 3 & 4

ACRO OUTER TUBE INNER TUBE CENTRE OF Number of LOWEST HIGHEST

HEIGHT
W LENGTH mm LENGTH 1st HOLE holes HEIGHT USING
PROP mm FROM TOP showing at USE LOWEST
PIN HOLE
SIZE PLATE 3m
0 1050 1060 100 * N/A 1320 1800

1 1650 1750 165* 24 /28 1760 3090

2 1650 1970 285 20/28 1970 3310

3 1650 2485 900 10/28 2485 3825

4 2025 3180 1200 0/36 @ 3180 4520

3.19m

* Sizes 0 & 1; two 14mm perforations within the Inner tube are situated exactly where the force of
the load from the web of an attachment contacts the side of the inner tube, creating a weak point
which has never been researched or tested to find out the true safe working load which should
include a factor of safety.
 IDENTIFYING FURTHER RISKS AS A COMPETENT PERSON
VARIABLE
Oxford Dictionary Definition of the word variable; Not Consistent, not having a fixed
pattern; liable to change.
Anyone that has travelled on a major motorway in GB understands the meaning of the
word variable due to the warnings of variable speed limits.
When there is no written warning that the working load of a non-tested & misused Acrow
prop is variable, it is not safe and becomes dangerous to the unaware user.
Due to a tongued prop attachment dangerously misusing an Acrow prop and no testing ever
carried out upon different sized Acrow props, there are four non-researched points where the
eccentric load is problematic. The first is explained within the last page and the second is the
buckling effect caused by the eccentric loading on to pin holes at the top of the outer tube where
contact is made to the inner tube, as seen below.

The third is in-between the two points mentioned and varies within the many different possible
heights of use; the inner tube is peppered with 14mm perforations on two sides for 14 different
pin hole heights at 100mm centres, equalling 28 perforations in 1400mm of inner tube of which is
liable to dangerously curve and to reduce the height unknowingly during a task, see photo below.

Photo from E-Bay Advert, Selling Prop attachments.

The fourth area of concern is the welded top plate, as it is only designed for a vertical downward
load from the top and not for a pulling downward/upward & sideway motion of which the
tongued prop attachment creates when fitted & loaded, also seen in the above photo and as
described in the visual guidance provided in page 2 of this research.
 From the three sizes of Acrow Props available to use at the height of 3metres, all three are
manufactured with the exact same length of outer tube. Another concern is that all three sizes (no
1, 2 & 3) have further pin holes for heights higher than 3metres. As no written guidance is
provided at the point of sale/hire this becomes a problem of using a tongued prop attachment
with an Acrow prop which elevates higher than 3m and is dangerous and not suitable.
When eccentrically used at the maximum height of 3metres the most suitable sized Acrow prop is
No3 however Strongboy Ltd only sell size No1’s within their multiple contract packs for wider
openings with further loads above.

Further testing and research into a reduced working load with a further factor of safety must be
carried out, so not to continually compromise the safety of the user, the public and clients.

CONTRADICTION;
From the five sizes available, structural engineers say that the size no4 is not suitable for using
with a tongued prop attachment yet at a 3.19m working height it is the only size with a 375mm
longer outer tube & without any perforations showing above the outer tube. If the H.S.E and
structural engineers can explain why the size no4 isn’t suitable, then the answer/explanation
would be the same for all sized Acrow props.

OLD OR NEW ACROW PROPS?

The strength of an erected scaffold is calculated differently whether it is brand new scaffold or
already used scaffolding parts. The assumed difference between old and new is calculated at a
10% deduction in strength when scaffolding is erected from already used parts.

No similar calculation is in place for old and new Acrow props even when the vast majority of
Acrow props are stored outside all year round in the same manner as scaffolding. All scaffold tubes
require a finish to the metal which is usually galvanised to prevent rusting or manufactured from
aluminium however the vast majority of Acrow props are only sprayed with one coat of paint.

A galvanised scaffold tube is 48.3mm in diameter and has a minimum wall thickness of 4mm &
5mm if the tube is manufactured in lighter aluminium.
An Acrow props inner tube is also 48.3mm in diameter but only has a wall thickness of 3.2mm
which is 20% less than a scaffold tube and more prone to internally hidden rust due to being
peppered with 14mm perforations. The circumference of an Acrow prop inner tube is approx.
152mm with the two 14mm pin holes reducing the strength by 21.5% at every pin-hole height
throughout 1400mm of inner tube.
Holes are not recommended/permitted within scaffold tube as it would have no purpose, yet
there are up to 28 holes (diameter 14mm) within the Acrow prop inner tube of sizes No 1, 2, and 3.
See previous chart.
An independent scaffold has an inner scaffold board fitted eccentrically (with transoms a
maximum 900mm apart & closer) inner board is for foot traffic only and is supported at a
minimum of two points by regulated requirements and is an overall 325mm eccentric from the
centre of an Upright tube and connected to a number of further uprights.
 Typical independent scaffold lay-out

Typical All-Year Round Storage Of Acrow props

An Acrow prop is not fixed to anything when fitted with a tongued attachment and solely relies on
the eccentric friction between the tongue under the propped masonry down to the foot plate at
ground level. There are many different scaffold organisations in GB and no specialist temporary
masonry support organisation, only the H.S.E with a little help from Istructe. Clearly shown within
the research above; the individuals in control of scaffolding are more knowledgeable and safety
conscious and aware of the risks than the individuals in charge of temporary masonry support who
are at least 30 years behind due to not accepting the responsibility of the faults created in the mid
1980’s by past colleagues which did not identify the hazards of eccentrically propping from one
side of a wall upon a dangerously misused Acrow prop.
Except for bracing a structure, no scaffolding tube is recommended to be used for temporary
masonry support due to the strength issues however a dangerously misused Acrow prop with so
many defects have been given the green light for masonry alterations by the H.S.E. when it should
not have been.
Upon their website, the HSE provide more written advice and guidance of legislation for
scaffolding than temporary masonry support even though training & registration with an
organisation is required to carry out an erection of a scaffold and yet nothing is required for
masonry alterations which is far more dangerous and difficult when carried out by someone that
requires no registration or training.
H.S.E website guidance word count for Scaffolding= 1236 words.
Masonry Alteration word count = 335 words. 72% less Advice.

CONCLUSION
My researched & professional opinion is that the main causes of collapse during
alterations is due to;
Inadequate and manipulated test results accepted when not even seen by the HSE and
when the test only proves the working load of the product is variable,
Moving goal-posts to make a product more desirable for masonry alterations to save time
and money during a project which has dangerously eased a specialist task and cost life in
the process.
The H.S.E not understanding the dangerous relationship between the unknown & variable
safe working load of the different heights of the four sized Acrow props and the further
decreasing working load of increased distance from wall to prop when eccentrically propping
with tongued attachments.
A severe lack of research of the hidden dangers for the end user to identify the hazards
on-site correctly.
Inadequate guidance and 2 generations of the less knowledgeable teaching the next
generation.
The retailers deceiving with visual marketing of strangely permitted further eccentricities,
including false Acrow prop readings to make the tongued prop attachment suitable when
it’s not suitable, only more dangerous. The drawing below of which I believe to be beyond
the rules of caveat Emptor.

The H.S.E setting a very low precedent within the manufacturing/retail of temporary
masonry support equipment, allowing anyone with an ability to weld with no knowledge
of the task to easily supply and sell masonry alterations equipment and not policing the
problem to an acceptable level due to insufficient number of knowledgeable staff.
 The tongued prop attachment being designed and calculated by personnel that have
probably never carried out a task of altering masonry and do not understand the many
dangers involved from true experience. Not providing an agreed maximum opening size
when first on the market.
A structural engineers generic assumed calculations of using a maximum safe working
load for every project when the working load is variable and the H.S. E’s lack of masonry
alteration knowledge and inability to change the mindset of the builder and incapable of
addressing these issues without accepting responsibility of the faults and authority
without the correct level of knowledge being dangerous to the public.
All other causes of collapse derive from these un-acceptable mistakes.

Further Option
To resolve the problem of misusing an untested and non-suitable Acrow prop, a newly
designed & strengthened variety of different sized props with a different sized top plate
should be manufactured, tested and made available with fewer holes to ensure the height
restrictions of 3m and to reduce the higher risk of overloading, of which I have a design!
The law states that competence and knowledge is required to carry out masonry
alterations yet no competence or masonry alteration knowledge is required or shown by
the manufacturers, retailers or by the designers which dangerously assume temporary
support calculations (structural engineers) or even the H.S.E that should be more
knowledgeable and capable of accepting their wrong doings which has cost human life.

Builders will only ever be as competent as the temporary support equipment allows them
to be and as knowledgeable as the teacher wants them to be. The teachers have hidden
the faults so they can’t be identified on-site by the end user; through not ensuring the
correct level of testing and not supplying the correct level of masonry alteration guidance
or adequate written product instructions.

The HSE Website states;

 British Legislation CDM 2015 Regulation19

RESEARCH
2b of regulation19.

“Temporary support must only be used for the purposes for which it was designed”.

An Acrow prop is not designed for eccentric loading of more than 25mm from the centre of the inner tube,
therefore it should not be used with a tongued prop attachment to support a structure. As a competent
person I believe it is the duty of the H.S.E to identify all of the risks involved by ensuring adequate testing
and sufficient guidance within the instructions which cover the risks with appropriate warnings, this will
prevent the builder from not identifying the risks on-site.

Please Note;

An existing company (Heaton Products) manufactures a stronger variety of size 1 Acrow prop (M.O.A.P)
which is designed for eccentric propping with an increased inner tube size of 60mm+ and an increased outer
tube frame of approximately 76mm. Should the construction industry take this route to reduce the number
of accidents when eccentrically propping from one side of a wall? However, no test results are available for
this product which needs to be examined more carefully especially when increasing the measurement of
eccentricity to an amount of over 400mm. The manufacturing of this product also proves there is an
underlining danger of using existing, non-tested eccentrically and weaker sized Acrow props.
 Curriculum
There will be no progress as no organisation is capable of taking temporary masonry support
under their wing when it is so dangerously un-organised due to the mistakes created in the past
and the vast majority of the education of altering masonry is only available through other builders
and structural engineers of which both parties only make generic and dangerous assumptions of
the variable working load as an eccentrically loaded Acrow prop can’t be calculated correctly; this
is where many of the bad-habits and dangerous short cuts are taught.

No Progress Without Change

With the FMB, CITB, HAE, ISTRUCTE, BRE, ICE, CROSS & CIRIA refusing to comment on any of my
previous research and the H.S.E also unable to answer any of my questions or to comment or even
research due to being detrimental to themselves, masonry alterations is stuck in the 20 th century
due to a dangerous market monopoly of a product that is overloaded with the same amount of
ease as it is to use and this is when all other sectors of the construction industry have made
changes to increase the safety of the construction worker.

Any person involved within the construction industry that assumes no progress is required within
temporary masonry support is not knowledgeable enough to be involved in such a task let alone
comment or give advice. I am also astounded that the HSE staff do not understand the dangerous
relationship between the variable safe working load of different sized Acrow props and the further
decreasing working load of different distances from wall to prop when eccentrically propping with
tongued attachments.

Whenfitted with a tongued prop attachment an Acrow props safe working load decreases by at least
90%, from 3,400kg down to an assumed maximum of 340kg and can even reduce down to 0kg of
which depends on the size & the working heightof the Acrow prop, how plumb, how tightly fitted and
how far the Acrow prop is positioned from the centre of the wall.
Eccentricity & S.W.L of Acrow

Evidence below; taken from my previous research to explain why the team of individuals at the
HSE do not understand the dangers of overextending an Acrow prop and hiding the risks so the
end user cannot identify.

No 4 OF OLD INSTRUCTIONS (including in-correct grammar)

4. On normal cavity walls, the maximum distance from the the centre line of the 'acrow' prop, to
centre line of the cavity wall or is 215mm ( 9" inches). Or using the leading edge of the hammer plate
as a guide. Measure 150mm to the centre of the cavity….

My expert Interpretation of instruction drawn below

NEW INSTRUCTIONS NOV 2015 (including in-correct grammar)

The Strongboy 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 Strongboy is fully
supporting the second skin.

My expert Interpretations of new instruction drawn below

RESEARCH

The 340kg safe working load of the traditional Strongboy is calculated from the maximum
eccentricity of 215mm which is the maximum measurement from the centre line of the Acrow prop
to the centre line of the cavity wall.
 Where the eccentricity is more than 215mm the working load reduces to an unknown quantity.
Within the new instructions there is no mention of the maximum eccentricity. Strangely, all
measurements within the new instructions are taken from the end of the oversized tongue, “If” this
was a correct method to measure eccentric loads it is actually safer to support a 100mm cavity wall,
(which is now not permitted) rather than supporting a 50mm cavity wall (which is permitted) as the
measurement from the centre line of the Acrow prop to the centre line of the propped wall is 55mm
greater on average and can be a staggering 150mm greater when using the XL Strongboy.

Total Eccentricity from centre of Acrow prop to the centreline of the 50mm cavity is now a
staggering 365mm which is 150mm more eccentric than the old instructions and without any further
testing or explanation.

The three top drawings below show the correct way to prop masonry within the old instructions and
the three lower drawings show how the new XL Strongboy will be used within the new instructions.

The eccentricities are increased by over 50%;

9“wall = 75mm further eccentricity

50mm cavity wall = 140mm further eccentricity

4” wall = 135mm further eccentricity

 CONCLUSION

The less knowledgeable HSE staff member maybe satisfied however they have failed their duties
of care due to 25 years of misleading instructions, weak intervention of tightening up instructions
after complaint by increasing eccentricity of a prop, still allowing inadequate testing results,
permitting the dangerous misuse of an Acrow prop without any warning, providing minimal
written guidance or advice, allowing structural engineers to use manipulated, generic out of date
and assumed calculations and attempting to hide their faults & mistakes which in return has
prevented the unaware builder (who in good faith purchase and hire the product from reputable
retailers) from identifying the hazards when carrying out masonry alterations of which has created
anti-competitive practice within the market place. The H.S.E accuse me of exhausting their
complaints procedure when they haven’t attempted to address the issues of which the issues have
caused many avoidable accidents and deaths and left a nation of un-aware builder’s still
dangerously misusing Acrow props which are not designed for eccentric loads.
 My Recommended Changes to the Tongued Prop Attachment
Instructions
The only thing that matches the Strongboy instructions with the actual product is that they are both
as weak as each other and both are designed to dangerously ease a specialist task which has
supressed the true level of knowledge required to carry out masonry alterations safely with hidden
dangers which can’t be identified by the end user.

To reduce assumptions of correct use and to ensure the user can identify the hidden risks and is also
aware that the guidance of a structural engineer is recommended if in any doubt, I recommend that
written instructions with detailed drawings of maximum eccentricities are to be provided at the point
of sale and to include Acrow prop guidance, different task scenario information, warnings of reduced
and variable working loads and a warning that the product misuses an Acow prop. The research from
the C740 should also be added within the instructions including the maximum opening guidance they
describe as the informed should also inform the un-informed which is what instructions of correct use
should be for.

C740 WORDING (which is not available through google, Bing or Yahoo search engines)
Please note; the above boxed wording was written by myself but re-arranged by Keiron Tulley of CIRIA.
 Structural Engineers Calculation For Masonry Alterations
The test results clearly show variable safe working loads even when tested without the use of an
Acrow prop however a structural engineer uses the maximum safe working load of 340Kg with no
factor of safety even though it is variable.

Further manipulation of test results advertised by the HAE (Hire Association of Europe)
 Further Recommendations
To reduce accidents from the dangerous use of an eccentrically loaded Acrow prop, a competent Structural
engineer must calculate each task separately and include the following recommendations/instructions;

A, Know the Exact height of which the Acrow prop is to be used from a suitable base and provide the
guidance of the most suitable sized Acrow prop and include a factor of safety sum.

B, New guidance of the inner tube not extended more than half way from the outer tube of which reduces
the higher risk of curving the inner tube and unknowingly overloading and de-stabilising the structure
above. Where the S/E assumes the correct sized prop will not be used a further 50% reduction of the
working load per prop should be calculated for a factor of safety.

Acrow prop Height Guide or similar

Size 0 Acrow Prop Maximum Height 1.6m

Size 1 Acrow Prop Maximum Height 1.95m

Size 2 Acrow Prop Maximum Height 2.65m

Size 3 Acrow prop Maximum Height 3.0m

C, When calculating and planning a task, a structural engineer/ temporary works designer must give a
detailed description of the dimensions and size of steel/permanent support and the maximum
measurement of fitting access from propped wall to Acrow prop to ensure the user does not reduce the
working load of an eccentrically loaded Acrow prop to a dangerous level. It is not possible to support both
skins of a cavity wall externally as the majority of the load rests on the internal skin.

D, A reduced working load is to be used per prop upon wide openings with larger loads above and where the
number of impeding props become un-controllable a more suitable method must be used such as props and
needles and using the Brick Brace to reduce the load upon bonded brick work and where suitable.

DANGEROUS ENDORSEMENT

There is no certification, British standard or kite mark available for any temporary masonry support
equipment as it’s not a permanent fixture, however scaffolding and Acrow props are also not a
permanent fixture and yet both have a British Standard.
There is nothing more dangerous than endorsement from all parties involved making an
agreement and moving goal-posts so that a tongued prop attachment does not require any British
Standard or correct and validated testing. Yet again collusion has outweighed whistle-blowing at
high level when the H.S.E have not seen any further tests to research.

Under a labour government the H.S.E was established on the 1 st of January 1975 for the purposes
of enforcing regulations in the workplace, except those regulated by local authority. This was
provided to protect the worker and was not a money-making scheme to enrich the lives of
structural engineers and greedy manufacturers of half-baked ideas of temporary support design at
the expense of the builder’s safety.

Below are the changes within construction design of which I explained in detail to the HSE back in
2015 and for some un-explained reason the H.S.E permitted further eccentricities to counter-act
the design changes of which has compromised the end user’s safety even more and without any
further testing being carried out.
 The traditional tongued prop attachmentwas designed in the mid 1980’s when
the typical rooms & openings were smaller and a cavity only 50mm, but due to
changes in construction design a cavity has doubled in size and over 150mm
upon new properties for further thermal value and with open plan living
accommodation vastly increasing opening sizes within a typical residential rear
extension; therefore attempting tasks which require longer & wider steels with
welded top/bottom plates for larger openings and wider cavities and still only
using the out-of-date tongued attachment is where more cases of collapse occur
due to overextending even further from the wall to gain enough fitting access.

It is wrong for so called professionals to allow such dangerous practice on our homes
and work place. The neglect & incompetence the HSE staff have shown is also un-
acceptable when it’s their duty to protect life and to minimise risk. Why have no
lessons been learnt after Grenfell which caused 72 Deaths from manipulated product
test results and also cost the tax payer 3.5 Billion GBP+? The issues need to be
addressed through-out the construction industry to ensure the correct level of safety
is provided to the worker and to the public.

Below is the further altering masonry guidance I provide.

 IDENTIFYING RISKS

A. Plan and prepare prior to propping to prevent poor performance. Look at all of the options available,
including the option of removing the masonry above a proposed opening, especially if in poor condition
which will reduce all of the hazards connected to temporary masonry support and will also increase long
term stability of the structure.

B. Know and perform your legal responsibilities and duties of care to the workforce, the public & to
your clients. It is the legal duty of the designated designer to identify and to control all of the risks
involved within a project.

C. Ensure that all of the workforce involved understand the sequence of works and the correct
procedures, ensuring nothing is lost in translation with foreign language speaking work colleagues or a
work mate with communication difficulties.

D. Fully understand the capabilities of temporary masonry support equipment before using to ensure the
equipment safely offers the correct working/fitting access without overloading the structure above and is
the most suitable for the task. As every project is different each task must be planned upon its own
merit, do not recommend equipment on a whim or comment on a project until knowing all of the
information required to discuss and to plan correctly within accordance of the specific task.

E. Never rush masonry alterations, gain the ability to price a project correctly which reduces haste during
the task, over price if necessary but never under-price. Altering masonry is not a task to claw back
revenue from other task losses.

F. Understand the importance of a load-point and to know the weights and loads of a structure that
require temporary support. Fully understand how masonry acts above an opening & why masonry
collapses to prevent it from happening, Reduce the risk of collapse by gaining the knowledge of knowing
how to stabilise a structure.

G. Wear the correct protective clothing/PPE for head, eyes, mouth, hands and feet and carry out tasks at
height within the working at height regulations.

H. Do not weaken the integrity of a structure. Example; cutting exterior brickwork upon an existing
property to continue a cavity to a new extension. Remedy; stop cavity cut outs below a proposed
opening until the permanent support is in place. Ensure further structural stability by carrying out repairs
and remedial works when necessary. Remove or redirect soil/waste pipes and fill in any missing vents,
masonry voids and existing cracks before any alterations take place.

I. Understand that all existing propping methods not only weaken a structure when fitting they also rely
upon this weakened and unknown lateral strength to work correctly. Do not de-stabilise a structure
through vibration with large hammers, stitch drill mortar beds & joints to remove brickwork and/or to fit
tongues which also reduces carcinogenic dust particles. Drill easy to fill diamond core holes for needles
to minimise instability which will also reduce internal wall damage within finished rooms upon floors
above.

J. It is most important to fully understand the dangerous relationship between the unknown & variable
safe working load of the different heights of the different sized Acrow props and the further decreasing
working load of increased distance from wall to prop when eccentrically propping with tongued
attachments.

K. Do not use the last 100mm of the tongue of a traditional prop attachment unless also bracing a brick
structure, as the variable working load is less than 200Kg and is not safe as the bendable tongues and
different torques on Acrow props can distort & destabilise a structure.

L. Without any warning a tongued prop attachment dangerously misuses an Acrow prop by changing the
direction of the load onto the sideof the Acrow props inner tube of which is designed only for vertical
loads from head plate down to the foot plate. To reduce the high risk of curving the inner tube which is
peppered with 14mm pin holes, select the most suitable sized Acrow prop for the height of the task that
allows the inner tube to extend no more than half way from the outer tube.
 M. Understand that the different masonry alteration scenarios require the use of a variety or a
combination of temporary support equipment in the same manner that a variety of different hammers,
saws and trowels are used for different tasks. The equipment used should not only hold up masonry but
also stabilise a structure, support all of the un-held masonry (to avoid injury from falling debris) and of
which gives sufficient working/fitting access for the specific task.

N. To have the ability to read and fully understand drawings; Structural engineers and architects are
legally permitted to make assumptions to reduce costs from further site visits. Be aware that it’s the
builder’s duty to check all measurements on site and to ensure all generic assumptions within drawings
and of temporary support designs are correct before permanent supports are fabricated and prior to any
alterations taking place.

O. To have the ability to discuss and to question a structural engineer’s design and/or choice of
temporary support equipment in a polite manner when recognised that not most suitable. Ensure the
variable working loads of the equipment calculated isn’t just another generic assumption.

P. It is not possible to calculate the lateral strength of masonry unless correctly using the fully tested Brick
Brace. Without the Brick Brace the stability is unpredictable & will vary upon every structure of which
depends uponthe length of theopening, the mortar mix (cement or lime), the age & the quality of the masonry
workmanship. Be aware that lime mortar masonry has very little lateral strength if any. Do not rely solely on
propping methods just because they worked on the last project as the next task could be totally different.
Do not take short cuts, ensure future generations are shown the correct way and not taught the same
bad habits as past generations due to a lack of correct guidance.

Q. To have the ability to read and understand temporary masonry support equipment instructions before
using or to listen and to understand when verbally read out by someone.

R. To have the ability to carry out a task within the instructions without assuming correct use and to
understand that when warnings are not in place due to Caveat emptor the correct level of caution must
always be made and further guidance should be sought after where in any doubt; whether this is from a
paid professional which specialises in temporary masonry support or through reading further up to date
guidance via our website; www.brickbrace.com

S. Never leave eccentrically loaded props or braced masonry openings unattended as both methods are
designed for access during a task and not a substitute for concentrically loaded Acrow props when
unattended. Due to live, static and the further unknown dynamic loads leave a sufficient amount of masonry
in place or wedge, prop concentrically, dry pack or build at sufficient points within the new opening during
tea breaks and/or at the end of the working day where a permanent support is not in the final resting
position.

T. An opening should not be removed down to the full depth to gain the correct fitting access for tongued
prop attachments or even for access for mechanical lifting equipment as it increases the risk of greater
collapse due to the masonry having a larger void to fall and also creates a higher risk of accidental knocks &
removal of fully loaded props during demolition.
Proven through risk assessments, the safest method is to remove only a sufficient amount of masonry to
allow the fitting of the permanent support. Once the permanent support is in its final position, packed and
cured, then the rest of the opening can be removed in a safer manner.

U. The traditional tongued prop attachment was designed in the mid 1980’s when the typical rooms &
openings were smaller and a cavity only 50mm, but due to changes in construction design a cavity has
doubled in size and over 150mm upon new properties for further thermal value and with open plan living
accommodation vastly increasing opening sizes within a typical residential rear extension “knock through”
therefore attempting tasks which require longer & wider steels with welded top/bottom plates for larger
openings and wider cavities and still only using the out-of-date tongued attachment is where more cases of
collapse occur from overextending even further from the wall to gain enough fitting access.

V. Fully understand that all masonry alterations are to be planned and carried out by competent people and
to know that all temporary masonry support equipment can be dangerous when used by less knowledgeable
personnel and especially when sold/hired without written guidance.

W. A competent builder is capable of questioning his own knowledge and willing & able to adapt to required
progress to keep up to date. Never stop learning as this information is not exhausted and will be up-dated
from time-to-time due to further research and inevitable changes within construction design.

www.brickbrace.com
Every task of altering masonry and fitting permanent supports within existing masonry are different, with
each project requiring detailed planning upon its own merit and carried out safely by using the most
suitable variety/combination of temporary masonry support equipment, of which should support all of
the masonry (to avoid injury from falling debris) and to also offer the correct fitting/working access
without dangerously overloading the equipment from the variable weight of the structure above.

The stability & lateral strength of a structure is unpredictable & varies upon each project; depending on
the length of theopening, the masonry mortar mix, the age/deuteriation & the quality of the masonry
workmanship. Lime mortar masonry having minimal lateral strength, if any.

When fitting any existing propping methods, they can weaken the stability of the structure and then rely
upon this weakened & unknown lateral strength to work correctly.

The Brick Brace is the only temporary support equipment designed toincrease stability where needed
and where totally neglected in the past.

PLANNING A TASK CHECK LIST

1, What is the nature of the task? Is it remedial works or fitting a permanent support? Is it
forming a new opening or increasing the size of an existing opening? Is the opening in a
single skin, double skin or more or is the opening in the outer or the inner leaf of a cavity wall
or in both sides?
2, What is the age and condition of the masonry and what is the masonry material? What
design (cavity or solid)? What is the size of the cavity and/or the thickness is the wall? Which
bond is the masonry built in and which mortar mix, cement or lime?
3, What are the existing ceiling heights? What is the size, depth and direction of the existing
floor/joists, are they bearing onto the wall or are they non load bearing? Does the existing
floor impede the internal fitting access? What’s the condition of the internal wall, is the
internal wall plastered or dry-lined or bare masonry as in the case of the majority of total
refurbishments? Are there any voids, vents or missing masonry, are there any signs of
movement or cracking?
4, Is a permanent support fitted underneath load bearing existing joists or are the existing
joists fitted within the web of the permanent support or is the permanent support fitted at the
same height or below non load bearing joists? Is the permanent support deeper than the
existing floor/joists?
5, What opening size (including bearings) is required?Is a load-point intact? What is the total
weight of the load that requires temporary support? Which variety of lintel/s steel/s are
specified or most suitable? What is the length, depth, width, thickness and weight of the
permanent support/s?
6, How will any old lintels be removed and how will the new permanent support be fed into
position?Which equipment or variety of temporary support equipment is designed to support
all of the masonry and also provides sufficient fitting work access without overextending and
dangerously overloading the equipment used?
The More Methods Known, The Safer & Easier the Different Tasks Become!
Using the Brick Bracein-conjunctionwith the traditional propping methods reduceslabour &
repair time without cutting corners or compromising safety, supports the masonry in-
betweenprops and also improves the unpredictable lateral strength of masonry & the variable
S.W.L of all existing propping methods; Brick Brace with Acrow props, Brick Brace with
Needles, Brick Brace with Prop-Wise or Brick Brace with tongued attachments and will depend
on the task of which combination is most suitable. Read our “Masonry Wall Propping Guide”
via our website for further guidance of the many different task scenarios of fitting permanent
supports within existing masonry. www.brickbrace.com
 MASONRY WEIGHT AWARENESS CHART

Column 1: Width of opening in mm.

Column 2: Width of opening in brick lengths.
Column 3: Number of bricks in a full 35-Degree triangle of masonry above an opening of 102mm
brickwork Stretcher bond when a load-point is intact.
Column 4: Total weight in Kg of brickwork above an opening in a full triangle of masonry within
102mm brickwork Stretcher bond.
Column 5: Number of bricks in a full 25-Degree triangle of masonry above an opening of 215mm
Flemish bond when a load-point is intact.
Column 6: Total weight of a full triangle of masonry above an opening within 215mm Flemish
bond.
Column 7: Total weight of a full triangle above an opening within a cavity wall, Brickwork and
lightweight block work.
Column 8: Total weight of 215mm brickwork above an opening in a typical 2.4m Storey height in
any brickwork bond, half the weight for 102mm brickwork; add 50% for 13” brickwork.

Only masonry loads are included, with no further roof, live, static or dynamic loads. A factor of
safety of 215mm (1 brick length) is included to allow for the different possible positions of a new
opening within an existing brickwork bond.
5Kg per brick (F.O.S X 1.8) to allow for the different variety of bricks and the variations of mortar
and moisture content.
www.brickbrace.com
“CAVEAT EMPTOR” PATTERN EMERGES FROM MANIPULATION OF TESTS

OLD ASBESTOS ADVERT FROM THE 1960’s

However, dangerously un-tested, misused Acrow props do and without any written
warning!

“Providing a cost effective, efficient & safe construction component”.

Construction News Headline 2021
 THE TASK THE HSE FORGOT

(FACEBOOK COWBOY BUILDER PAGE)

Further arsenal for the cowboy builder due to a specialist task being falsely eased with the tongued prop attachment
fitted onto a dangerously un-tested & misused Acrow prop.

No Correct Testing or Guidance = No Knowledge & Inevitable Accidents (which could be avoided through the
organisations involved taking responsibility & addressing the issues). The days of putting a child up a chimney to
sweep and the industrial revolution is well in the past. Ensure products are tested and re-educate our workers rather
than putting the lives of the unaware workers and the client/public at risk.