Ancon launches improved IHR Head Restraint to accommodate 75mm gaps

ANCON, winner of the 2018 Queen’s Award for Innovation, has re-engineered its IHR internal head restraint to accommodate gaps at the wall head of up to 75mm, extending the previous maximum of 50mm.

Head Restraints provide a simple support at the top of masonry panels. They are typically installed in the inner leaf of blockwork on a framed structure, where the masonry is non-loadbearing.

Ancon IHR’s comprise an L-shaped channel section, fitted in the bed joint and perpendicular joint of the top masonry course, and a second sliding component, fixed to the underside of the structural frame. The latter is shaped to prevent disengagement from the channel, allowing installation as a complete assembly, and available in a variety of designs to suit different fixing methods.

The sliding top section is available in two lengths; one length to suit 25-50mm gaps and a longer length for 51-75mm gaps, ideal where a fire or acoustic barrier is being installed or greater deflections are expected in the primary structure.

Design resistances are available for this new improved IHR range, based on independent product testing. This information is available in the Ancon Wall Ties and Restraint Fixings technical literature available to download from www.ancon.co.uk/IHR. The data covers installation at 450mm and 900mm centres with a 25mm, 50mm and 75mm gap.

Ancon, a CRH company, operates an active product development programme that invites ideas from both inside and outside the business. Recording, analysing and fulfilling unmet customer demands, such as accommodating larger gaps at wall heads, are a key driver to Ancon’s on-going success.