Windposts span vertically between floors to give additional lateral support for large panels of masonry or large panels with openings. The windposts will usually be restrained by the brickwork and are designed as ‘simply supported beams’. Deflection under wind load will often restrict the maximum loading of the post, however this can be reduced considerably by using the windposts as a ‘propped cantilever’ with a heavy-duty base connection.
L Section:
L Section windposts are designed to minimize intrusion into the cavity. One leg of the post is built into the inner leaf blockwork and tied with wall ties to both leaves to minimise any possible movement of the structure.
U Section:
U Section windposts fit within the wall cavity and normally span between floor structures, leaving the inner leaf of the cavity wall undisturbed.
H Section:
H Section windposts fit within the wall cavity and normally span between floor structures. They serve the same purpose as U Section windposts whilst allowing for heavy duty applications, leaving the inner leaf of the cavity wall undisturbed.
I Section:
I Section windposts are generally used for internal fair-faced walls. The post is a flat plate that can be built between blockwork panels and does not protrude beyond either finished face. Posts are usually 20 mm narrower than the wall width with any additional load requirements provided for by an increase in the thickness of the post. Blockwork is tied through the post, the design allowing for the inclusion of debonded movement ties if required.
All windposts are designed on a project by project basis and are supplied with specifically designed base/ upper connections and fixings. The upper connection allows for shrinkage or vertical movement of the building frame.
All windposts are supplied with the correct number of wall ties depending on the post type and the cavity width requirements. Wall ties comply with BS EN 845-1 Specification For Ancillary Components in Masonry – Part 1.1: Ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets.
Standard product features
Material:
1.4301 austenitic stainless steel to BS EN 10088-1: 2005.
Size:
- Section:
H Section:
I Section:
L Section:
U Section:
Fixing:
Expamet will weld plates or angles for connection to the structure at the base and top of the windpost. Slotted top plates allow adjustment for dimensional variations in the structure, differential movement and a deflection head. The type of connection and fixings used will be specified by the technical design team to meet safe working load requirements. Insert details as required.