The Wi System is a simple, yet extremely versatile alternative to traditional windposts and lintels. It is a method of providing structural support to masonry panels subject to lateral load and can allow the uninterrupted construction of ‘oversize’ blockwork walls with unrestrained lengths of 11m and heights of 8m.
Hollow column and trough blocks allow the construction of integral reinforced concrete columns and beams within the blockwork construction, which eliminate the need for traditional windposts or lintels. This novel approach leads to significant improvements in the structural, acoustic, air permeability and fire resistance performance of the wall panels compared with the use of traditional windposts or lintels.
The key benefits to this initiative are:
- Less manual handling
- 23.6% carbon reduction compared to traditional methods
- No requirement to lift heavy steel posts, the post is now all blockwork
- All works can be done from bottom to top with the scaffold, windposts generally involve working at height from a MEWP or mobile platform.
- No requirement to cut steel, reducing hot works risk and PPE requirements
- Reduced dust from fittings
- Penetrations can be incorporated when being built rather than cutting blockwork out at a later date saving time and abrasive wheel work
- Can be installed by a trained bricklayer, no need for an additional fitter to come to site.
To find out more, click the link below.
Did you find this article helpful?
Please rate this article

Loading...