The Slotted Heavy Duty Rap-Tie system consists of a Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate (a vertically oriented L-shaped plate), a V-Tie™ (a V-shaped wire), and an Insulation Support (optional, but recommended). See Figures 1, 2 and 3.

Lateral loads applied to the masonry veneer are transferred through the V-Tie™ to the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate which bears against, and is fastened to, the structural backing. Attachment may be directly to a steel stud or by surface mounting to a sheathing over the stud, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively. Requirements for the structural integrity and moisture protection of any intervening material in the tie load-path, such as a sheathing, are contained in CSA Standard A370, “Connectors for Masonry”, ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602 “Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures” and the International Codes (International Building Code and International Residential Code). The vertical slot along the outboard end of the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate, through which the V-Tie™ is inserted, provides a positive connection without the possibility of V-Tie™ disengagement during construction and in-service (in accordance with requirements in CSA A370 and ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602), and permits up to 50 mm (2”) of in-situ vertical adjustment so that a bed joint in the outer wythe will always be coincident with the V-Tie™. Further, the vertical slot accommodates differential movement between the masonry veneer and the structural backing to which the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate is connected.

The Insulation Support, inserted over the end of the L-Plate and restrained by the V-Tie™, is optionally used to securely and mechanically fix cavity insulation in place.

The Slotted Heavy Duty Rap-Tie can accommodate a range of insulation thicknesses from 0 to 102 mm (0 to 4”), and air space widths of 25 mm (1”) and greater. The Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate has sufficient length to accommodate the thickness of the cavity insulation, and further extends 18 mm (0.7”) into the air space to expose its leading edge and facilitate in-situ placement of the V-Tie™ and optional Insulation Support. The V-Tie™ is inserted through the vertical slot along the leading edge of the L-Plate, coincident with a mortar bed joint, so as to extend horizontally and normally to the structural backing without reducing tie capacity. The legs of the V-Tie™ are positioned along the centreline of the veneer within the placement tolerances permitted by the building code having jurisdiction. Adjustment normal to the wall is facilitated by selecting an appropriate length of V-Tie™.

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