Brick Tor, more accurately referred to as Bricktor®, is a type of crack control reinforcement used in masonry construction. It's a thin-gauge steel wire, typically welded into a rectangular mesh pattern, designed to be embedded within mortar joints to help prevent cracking in brickwork, aircrete blockwork, or stone walls. This reinforcement is non-structural, meaning it doesn't contribute to the overall load-bearing capacity of the wall. Its primary purpose is to manage and minimize cracking.
Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: Crack control in masonry walls.
- Material: Thin-gauge steel wire.
- Form: Rectangular welded mesh.
- Application: Embedded within mortar joints.
- Function: Distributes stresses to prevent or minimize crack formation.
- Types of Walls: Brickwork, thin joint aircrete blockwork, and stone walls.
The use of Bricktor® (or similar crack control reinforcement) helps to improve the longevity and aesthetic appeal of masonry structures by minimizing unsightly and potentially damaging cracks.