SLOTTED HEAVY DUTY RAP-TIE SYSTEM
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™.
SLOTTED HEAVY DUTY RAP-TIE COMPONENTS & SPECIFICATIONS
Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate: The Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate is manufactured from 16 gauge sheet steel [1.367 mm (0.0538”) minimum base steel thickness] and is available in both hot-dip galvanized finish and stainless steel. The weight of hot-dip galvanized finish is not less than 460 g/m2/side (1.5 oz/ft2/side), and satisfies the requirements of CSA A370 (which references ASTM A123), ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602 (which references ASTM A153, Class B), and the International Codes (which reference ASTM A153, Class B). The incorporation of holes through the body of the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate minimizes thermal conductivity through the tie system.
The overall length of the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate is 18 mm (0.7”) longer than the specification length (L). The specification length is the total distance between the exterior face of the insulation and the exterior face of the component of the structural backing to which the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate is fastened/bears. The Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate is available in standard specification lengths (L) of 0 (0”), 28 (1.1”), 41 (1.6”), 54 (2.1”), 67 (2.6”), 79 (3.1”), 92 (3.6”) and 105 (4.1”) mm. Intermediate sizes are also available.
V-Tie™: The V-Tie™ is manufactured from 4.76 mm (0.19”) diameter wire and is available in both hot-dip galvanized finish and stainless steel. The weight of hot-dip galvanized finish is not less than 460 g/m2 (1.5 oz/ft2) and satisfies the requirements of CSA A370 (which references ASTM A123), ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602 (which references ASTM A153, 458 g/m2) and the International Codes (which reference ASTM A153, Class B, 458 g/m2).
The V-Tie™ is available in a variety of standard lengths to accommodate different specified thicknesses of masonry veneer and design widths of air space. Varying lengths of V-Tie™ also facilitate in-situ adjustment normal to the structural backing (to accommodate construction tolerances) where the constructed width of air space differs from the design width of air space. Standard lengths of V-Tie™ include 60 mm (2.4”), 80 mm (3.1”), 100 mm (3.9”), 120 mm (4.7”), 140 mm (5.5”), 160 mm (6.3”), 180 mm (7.1”), 200 mm (7.9”), 225 mm (8.9”) and 250 mm (9.8”).
Insulation Support: The Insulation Support is manufactured from polyethylene. It is pressed over the outboard end of the L-Plate tightly against the cavity insulation to prevent the insulation from separating from the structural backing/air barrier. The friction fit between the Insulation Support and the Slotted Heavy Duty L-Plate restrains the insulation during construction which is commonly installed in advance of the exterior masonry wythe. Subsequent installation of the V-Tie™ sandwiches the Insulation Support between the insulation and V-Tie™, thereby locking the Insulation Support in place and ensuring a reliable and permanent insulation support system.
SLOTTED HEAVY DUTY RAP-TIE STRUCTURAL ACTION
The Slotted Heavy Duty Rap-Tie is designed to transfer the lateral load from the exterior masonry wythe (the veneer) axially to the structural backing, and a single fastener will usually prove adequate. The connection between the V-Tie™ and L-Plate, by way of the vertical slot, does not resist differential movement between the structural backing and the masonry veneer in the vertical direction, and therefore, does not offer composite action between the structural backing and masonry veneer.
Unit Masonry, Dimension Cut, and Manufactured Stone Veneer Applications
In addition to its use in unit masonry veneer applications (Figures 4 and 5), including both clay brick and concrete masonry, the Heavy Duty Rap-Tie system can be utilized in the application of stone or thin masonry veneer, as illustrated in Figure 6.
