Invisible force in masonry

With Murfor® Compact, manufacturer Bekaert and supplier De Hoop Pekso are introducing a new generation of masonry reinforcement. Thanks to a roll length of 30 meters, the reinforcement can be placed on the masonry in long, continuous lengths and cut to exactly the right length(s). Moreover, aesthetic and constructive properties are raised to an even higher level.

"For masonry reinforcement in interior walls, exterior walls and with adhesive blocks, Murfor® reinforcement has traditionally been used, which prevents cracking above windows and doors, extends expansion distances, strengthens corner structures and/or distributes loads evenly," says Rob Hogendoorn, Commercial Director of De Hoop Pekso. "As a result, lintels and/or ring beams can be effectively accommodated. The masonry reinforcement consists of a mesh of constructive steel wires held together by an interwoven fiberglass wire. Thanks to this unique composition, the reinforcement has a very high tensile strength."

Masonry with complete confidence

Traditional Murfor® comes in a length of 3.05 meters and in different thicknesses, widths and designs (galvanized, epoxy coated or stainless steel). "The ribbon joint reinforcement features integrated spacers and ribbed wires, allowing the masonry to be perfectly placed and anchored in the mortar layer," said Hogendoorn. "This allows masonry work to be carried out with complete confidence." The disadvantage of traditional Murfor® is that the lengths must be laid overlapping. Cutting losses are also a problem and the reinforcement profiles take up a lot of space in the box, where they can also twist, bend or buckle. "To overcome these disadvantages, Bekaert has developed a technically better and even stronger equivalent based on stainless steel: Murfor® Compact."

Less effort, wasted time and materials

Murfor® Compact comes in 30-meter lengths on a compact roll, allowing masons to cut exactly the right reinforcement lengths, Hogendoorn said. "This allows them to reinforce masonry even more efficiently, with less effort, less loss of time and less loss of material. Moreover, the coil takes up much less space, while taking the structural and aesthetic quality to the very highest level." Murfor® Compact can absorb even more tensile force than traditional Murfor®, he emphasizes. "Because the masonry reinforcement is significantly thinner, architects can include even narrower ribbon joints in their designs. For example, in combination with long format masonry bricks."

Murfor® Compact is available in three variants: Murfor® Compact I (interior) is specially designed for masonry in dry environments, such as concrete blocks and ceramic interior wall bricks. For exterior wall and façade masonry, Murfor® Compact E (exterior) has been developed, which is suitable for masonry in damp conditions. For reinforcing walls made of aerated concrete blocks, masons can use Murfor® Compact A.