Minimal Intervention and Reversibility

Minimal intervention and reversibility are key tenets of heritage conservation. The Cintec anchoring system adheres to both goals.  

Cintec anchoring is the least intrusive intervention available in most cases where the alternative would be to dismantle and rebuild a structure.  

For example, a typical Cintec application is the use of stitching anchors to tie several wythes of masonry together. These are typically installed on a 1-metre (1-yard) square grid. The hole is 20 mm (3/4”) in diameter and the anchor body is 10 mm (3/8”) in diameter. 

Thus, the surface area of the hole is 0.00031 times or 0.03% the total wall surface area, truly a minimal intervention. 

The Cintec anchoring system can also be removed with minimal damage to the original fabric. This would allow newer technology to be retrofitted if a better way is developed that can accomplish the goals of the original installation.  

If reversibility is required, the anchors are removed by over-coring with a slightly larger core bit. (The hole in the example is only 20 mm (3/4”) in diameter, so the over-coring is still a minimal intervention.) Any part of the grout bulb that falls outside the coring can be broken up within the hole and removed by vacuum.