STAPLES
There are six ways a basement wall generally moves:
1. Inward movement due to lateral forces from soil pressure;
2. Outward movement due to soil shrinkage caused by soil drying out in the summer months;
3. Opening or widening of a crack due to thermal changes, for example, freezing, thawing, or wet and dry conditions in soil;
4. Closing of a crack due to thermal changes;
5. Shear due to uneven loading of the structure;
6. Slight sinking of the footing.
Carbon fiber staples address all six movements. It is important to understand how the carbon fiber staples work to create the best and most permanent crack repair possible. As concrete attempts to move, the load transfers to the carbon fiber staple and is distributed throughout the staple. The strength of the staple stops the movement and reinforces the damaged area.
For vertical cracks, the staples are installed perpendicular to the crack. As pressure pushes on the wall, tension pulls the staples and the load is transferred to the carbon fiber. For horizontal cracking, the staples are also placed perpendicular to the crack. Horizontal cracks are also a sign of shear movement. Shear movement is addressed by installing staples in a crosshatch or “X” pattern across the crack. This “X” pattern will arrest walls and prevent cracking in both shear and inward movement.
Check out the sections below to view the carbon fiber staple products we offer, how to install the staples in your cracked wall, and other uses for carbon fiber staples.
HOW TO INSTALL RHINO STAPLES
In just 6 easy steps
Step 1: PREPARATION
Lay plastic or drop cloth around the work surface
Tools: Plastic or dropcloth
Step 2: STAPLE LOCATIONS
a. Starting from the bottom of the crack measure 8″ up for the location of the first staple
b. Staples should be installed every 8″ and crisscrossed every other staple location
c. Center the staple to the crack and trace the outline of the staple
Note: Staples should always be installed horizontal with the crack
Tools: Measuring tape, marker
Step 3: GRINDING AND DRILLING
GRIND
Using the tuckpoint grinder, grind the marked staple locations
Note: The depth on your tuck point grinder should be roughly 3/8″ deep
DRILL
a. Line the staple legs up with the ground area
b. Mark and drill the holes approximately 1″ deep
Tools: Tuckpoint grinder, drill, half-inch masonry drill bit
Step 4: MIXING EPOXY
a. Dispense approximately 1/3 of the tube of the RCF High Strength Anchoring Epoxy Paste onto the disposable work surface as cardboard. Add more as needed.
b. Thoroughly mix epoxy with a plastic putty knife until you achieve a light gray and uniform mix
Tools: Epoxy gun, disposable work surface, plastic putty knife
Step 5: STAPLE INSTALL
a. Using a plastic putty knife, apply epoxy to the ground areas
b. Roll the legs of the staple into the epoxy
c. Press the staple into the prepped surface
d. Fill the prep surface with the RCF High Strength Anchoring Epoxy Paste until it is even with your concrete surface
Tools: Putty knife
Step 6: FINISHED PRODUCT
Once RCF’s High Strength Anchoring Epoxy Paste has dried you can paint over the repair
Tools: Hammer
