Project: Masonry wall support for waterproofing remediation
Location: Ultimo, NSW
Sector: Residential
Client: Dapcor
Services Provided: Engineered propping design, supply and installation
Equipment Used: SHS needle beams, aluminium multiprops, acrow props, strongboy wall supports
Project Overview
Legend Hire supported two masonry walls at a multi-residential building so Dapcor could safely remove the brickwork beneath and remediate failed waterproofing. The walls needed temporary structural support before demolition could begin, in a confined courtyard positioned directly beside a live pedestrian walkway. Legend Hire engineered a combined support system using SHS needle beams, aluminium multiprops, acrow props and strongboy wall supports to transfer the wall loads clear of the excavation zone, allowing Dapcor’s crew to remove the brickwork and complete the waterproofing repair without compromising the structure above or restricting pedestrian access.
The Challenge
Two load-bearing masonry walls required temporary support while the brickwork beneath them was removed to give access for waterproofing remediation. The props needed to sit close to an active pedestrian walkway, which restricted the available footprint for the support system and ruled out larger plant or a wider bracing footprint. The existing masonry was aged, so load transfer had to be managed carefully to avoid disturbing the wall structure above the work zone.
The Solution
Legend Hire engineered a needle beam and strongboy support system to carry the wall loads around the section of brickwork being removed. SHS needle beams were installed to transfer load from the masonry to props positioned clear of the excavation, while strongboy wall supports provided lateral restraint directly against the brick face. Aluminium multiprops and acrow props were used as the vertical support and bracing elements, tied back to the needle beams to keep the whole system working as one load path. Installation was sequenced with Dapcor’s site team so brickwork removal could proceed section by section without shifting load unexpectedly, and the compact footprint of the props kept the pedestrian walkway clear throughout.
Equipment Used
- SHS needle beams
- Aluminium multiprops
- Acrow props
- Strongboy wall supports
The Outcome
The brickwork was removed safely beneath both masonry walls, with the structure above remaining stable throughout. Dapcor completed the waterproofing remediation works with the pedestrian walkway kept open and accessible, and the project was delivered with zero incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
A strongboy is a steel bracket fixed to a masonry wall to provide lateral restraint while brickwork below or around it is removed, keeping the wall stable during demolition or remediation works.
Needle beams are used when load needs to be transferred sideways, away from the section of wall or slab being removed, so props can be positioned clear of the work area rather than directly beneath it.
Yes. Compact systems such as strongboys, needle beams and multiprops can be engineered to fit confined courtyards or corridors, including sites with active pedestrian access, without the footprint of larger propping or shoring equipment.