What is a windpost and what are they for?

A windpost is normally a vertical structural member located within a masonry wall to provide support to the wall when it is subjected to a lateral load, such as wind.

Will using the Wi System reduce the number of windposts required on my project?

Our Wi Columns and Wi Beams are stronger than nearly every other proprietary windpost section on the market, which means that the blockwork panels themselves are usually the limiting factor, as opposed to the windpost.  So, there is nearly always a reduction in the number of windposts which would have otherwise been required.

In what locations is the Wi System available?

The Wi System is currently available to all mainland parts of England, Wales and Scotland. Wembley Innovation holds worldwide patents for the Wi System and if you are interested in using the system overseas please get in touch as licencing agreements may be available.

Where can I buy the Wi System?

Wembley Innovation are the sole suppliers of the Wi System, but all orders are placed through builders merchants.  Prices quoted by Wembley Innovation are what you will pay.

Is there a minimum or maximum order size?

No, we supply projects ranging from one windpost in a residential property through to some of the biggest projects in the UK which have more than 1,000 windposts and lintels.

Who can install the Wi System?

Any competent bricklayer can install the Wi System. There are many brickwork contractors who use the Wi System daily, but there are no approved installers. If you would like advice on who has experience of the Wi System in your area or on your supply chain just ask your Wi System representative.

What is Wi Mortar and can I use ordinary mortar or concrete to infill the Wi Columns or Wi Beams?

Wi Mortar is a specially developed dry-mix of aggregate, cement and additives which only requires clean water to be added to create a C40 strength concrete to infill the Wi Column or Wi Beam blocks.  Only Wi Mortar can be used in our blocks to obtain the required design capacities of the completed columns or beams.  Any other infill material will not be covered by any Wembley Innovation liabilities and could be deemed to breach our patents.

Where can I buy the Wi Mortar and what formats does it come in?

The bespoke Wi Mortar concrete can be purchased directly from CPI Euromix and is available in 25kg bags, 1t bags and silo form. Your Wi System representative will advise you of the most suitable option for your project depending on the quantities required site logistics.

What is the fire-rating of the Wi System?

Wi Columns, Wi Beams and Wi Trough Lintels can achieve a 4 hour rating for “infill” walls (i.e. they do not form the primary load-bearing structure)

Can Wi Columns and Wi Beams be used with other manufacturer’s blocks?

Yes, no problem.  The blocks may not match the Wi Columns and Wi Beams but that may be of no concern if the wall is to be painted, or covered with a finish.

Do you have a design service?

Yes, we can carry out preliminary and full project design and drafting services, backed by Professional Indemnity insurance cover.  Preliminary designs are free, whilst full project services are charged as consultancy fees.

Do you provide training?

Yes, we can provide full installation training for supervisors and bricklayers, free of charge.  This is normally undertaken at our premises in Wembley, although this can be carried out at a suitable venue to suit company requirements.

Do you provide technical support?

Yes, we are very happy to provide technical support by phone and email.  We can also provide free bespoke design training – please contact us to arrange.

Do you carry out site supervision?

We are happy to inspect installation works for a new installer, following training, to ensure that the correct techniques are being followed to achieve the required standards of quality.

What is a Wi Column?

A Wi Column is intended to replace a traditional windpost. It is effectively a reinforced concrete column formed within a hollow-core concrete aggregate block.

How is a Wi Column built?

The construction process is simple and can easily be undertaken by a competent bricklayer.  Please refer to our Wi Column installation video adjacent and refer to the Installation Manual here

What sizes are available?

The Wi Columns are available in 100, 140, 190 and 215mm formats.

How many Wi Columns will I need?

This depends on: the wall thickness, the height, its length, the lateral pressure, any other loading, the support conditions to the bottom, top and sides of the panel.  Normally a design engineer would carry out calculations to determine how many Wi Columns are required.  However, we do have a preliminary design tables (click here), or you can contact us for a free design check.  We also have a design program and standard details for engineers preparing designs and drawings for projects.

What load can a Wi Column take?

This depends on: the wall thickness, the height, its length, the lateral pressure and any other loading.  Normally a design engineer would carry out calculations to determine how many Wi Columns are required.  However, we do have preliminary design tables (click here), or you can contact us for a free design check.  We also have a design program and standard details for engineers preparing designs and drawings for projects.

What is the maximum height for a Wi Column?

The standard maximum height of a Wi Column is 7.0m.  However, taller Wi Columns can be built, subject to a specific design check by a qualified structural engineer.

What is used to infill the void to Wi Columns?

The infill material is C30, or C40 Wi Mortar, which has been specifically developed and assured for use in the Wi System.  It has special additives and a maximum aggregate size of 6mm to assist with the formation of the Wi Columns, Wi Beams and Wi Trough Lintels (this is a bespoke mix which has been tested and certified by Lucideon).

Can the rebars be lapped?

Ideally, it is best to use continuous lengths.  However, if laps are required, then the minimum length should be 1000mm.

Can you join a Wi Column and Wi Beam or Wi Trough Lintel?

Yes, this is commonly done.  Refer to our Standard Details here for more information.

Can you create half or cut down versions of the Wi Column?

Yes, these are commonly used in place of nibs of blockwork where doors are to be secured as they provide a more robust backing which is less likely to crack / fail.

Can holes be drilled through a Wi Column?

We would strongly discourage this, as they are structural elements and drilling or coring holes through them could seriously undermine their strength.  Only holes less than 12mm diameter are allowable and the internal rebar should never be cut.

Can Wi Columns be used in Fair Faced walls?

Yes, if using the structural elements of the Wi System in fair faced walls the Wi Slot Block should also be used; this matches seamlessly with the Wi Column, Wi Beam and Wi Trough Lintel blocks to create one of the most aesthetically appealing blockwork options in the market today.

Can I repair an insitu damaged Wi Column without replacing the whole item?

Yes, if the damage is purely superficial and it is only the block skin which is affected, the face can be removed and a new one bonded on. Speak to our technical department for guidance.

Do you have any details for construction?

Yes, we have Standard Details which outline common practice.  The pdf versions can be downloaded here and are available in AutoCAD or Microstation format on request.

What is a Wi Beam?

A Wi Beam is a bond beam which can replace a traditional windposts, or provide horizontal support within a wall, or at the top of a wall. It is effectively a reinforced concrete beam formed within a hollow-core concrete block, which acts as permanent shuttering and the visible face of the beam.

How is a Wi Beam built?

The construction process is simple and can easily be undertaken by a competent bricklayer.  Please refer to our Wi Beam installation video adjacent and refer to the Installation Manual here.

What sizes are available?

The Wi Beams are available in 100, 140, 190 and 215mm formats

What load can a Wi Beam take?

This depends on: the wall thickness, the height, its length, the lateral pressure and any other loading.  Normally a design engineer would carry out calculations to determine how many Wi Beams are required.  However, we do have preliminary design tables (click here), or you can contact us for a free design check.  We also have a design program and standard details for engineers preparing designs and drawings for projects.

What is the maximum length for a Wi Beam?

The maximum Wi Beam length is 11.0m.  This may require the use of bedjoint reinforcement within the blocks panels to mitigate the risk of shrinkage cracking.

What is used to infill the void to Wi Beams?

The infill material is C30, or C40 Wi Mortar, which has been specifically developed and assured for use in the Wi System.  It has special additives and a maximum aggregate size of 6mm to assist with the formation of the Wi Columns, Wi Beams and Wi Trough Lintels (this is a bespoke mix which has been tested and certified by Lucideon)

Can the rebars be lapped?

Ideally, it is best to use continuous lengths.  However, if laps are required, then the minimum length should be 1000mm.

What is a Transfer Rod?

This is a reinforcing component used in a Wi Beam.  It serves to cradle the rebar in the correct location and also strengthens the beam by mobilising the course above and below.

Can you join a Wi Beam and Wi Column?

Yes, this is commonly done.  Refer to our Standard Details here for more information.

Can holes be drilled through a Wi Beam?

We would strongly discourage this, as they are structural elements and drilling or coring holes through them could seriously undermine their strength. Only holes less than 12mm diameter are allowable and the internal rebar should never be cut.

Can Wi Beams be used in Fair Faced walls?

Yes, if using the structural elements of the Wi System in fair faced walls the Wi Slot Block should also be used; this matches seamlessly with the Wi Column, Wi Beam and Wi Trough Lintel blocks to create one of the most aesthetically appealing blockwork options in the market today.

Can I repair an insitu damaged Wi Beam Block without replacing the whole item?

Yes, if the damage is purely superficial and it is only the block skin which is affected, the face can be removed and a new one bonded on. Speak to our technical department for guidance.

Do you have any details for construction?

Yes, we have Standard Details which outline common practice.  The pdf versions can be downloaded here and are available in AutoCAD or Microstation format on request.

What is a Wi Trough Lintel?

A Wi Trough Lintel is intended to replace a traditional lintel.  It is effectively a reinforced concrete lintel formed within a hollow-core concrete block, which acts as permanent shuttering and the visible face of the lintel.

How is a Wi Trough Lintel built?

The construction process is simple and can easily be undertaken by a competent bricklayer.  Please refer to our Wi Trough Lintel installation video adjacent and refer to the Installation Manual here.

What sizes are available?

The Wi Trough Lintels are available in 100, 140, 190 and 215mm formats

What load can a Wi Trough Lintel take?

This is dependent on the wall width, the span of the lintel and the support conditions. Please refer to Wembley Innovation for design.

What is the minimum bearing length for a Wi Trough Lintel?

The standard bearing length is one block i.e. 450mm. However, the minimum length is 225mm.

What is used to infill the void to Wi Trough Lintels?

The infill material is C30, or C40 Wi Mortar, which has been specifically developed and assured for use in the Wi System.  It has special additives and a maximum aggregate size of 6mm to assist with the formation of the Wi Columns, Wi Beams and Wi Trough Lintels (this is a bespoke mix which has been tested and certified by Lucideon)

Can the rebars be lapped?

Ideally, it is best to use continuous lengths.  However, if laps are required, then the minimum length should be 1000mm.

What is a Short Transfer Rod?

This is a reinforcing component used in Wi Trough Lintels.  It serves to cradle the rebar in the correct location and also strengthens the lintel by mobilising the course above.

Can you join a Wi Trough Lintel and a Wi Column?

Yes, this is commonly done.  Refer to our Standard Details here for more information.

Can Wi Trough Lintels be used in Fair Faced walls?

Yes, if using the structural elements of the Wi System in fair faced walls the Wi Slot Block should also be used; this matches seamlessly with the Wi Column, Wi Beam and Wi Trough Lintel blocks to create one of the most aesthetically appealing blockwork options in the market today.

Can I repair an insitu damaged Wi Trough Lintel Block without replacing the whole item?

Yes, if the damage is purely superficial and it is only the block skin which is affected, the face can be removed and a new one bonded on. Speak to our technical department for guidance.

Do you have any details for construction?

Yes, we have Standard Details which outline common practice.  The pdf versions can be downloaded here and are available in AutoCAD or Microstation format on request.

What is a Wi Slot Block?

This is our own patented medium-density block, which can replace traditional solid concrete aggregate blocks.  The unique slotted design leads to a reduction in the aggregate content and hence weight.  This can allow full-format 190 and 215 blocks to form single skin walls, without having to adopt “collar-jointed” or “blocks-on-flat” alternatives, which are far costlier than normal single skin construction.  The Wi Slot Block matches exactly our Wi Column and Wi Beam blocks to give the most aesthetic seamless finish in a completed block wall requiring lateral supports

What sizes are available?

The Wi Slot blocks are available in 100, 140, 190 and 215mm formats

What is the strength and classification of the block units?

The Wi Slot blocks are 7.3N/mm² compressive strength and Category 1 manufacturing class.  Other strengths are available to order.

What is the density of the blocks?

The blocks are medium-dense concrete aggregate blocks, with density of 1450kg/m³.  Other densities are available to order.

What finish do the blocks come in?

The standard blocks have a close-textured face-finish which can be painted, sealed, or left exposed.  A fair-face architectural finish is available to order.

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Wi COLUMN INSTALLATION VIDEO

Wi BEAM INSTALLATION VIDEO

WiT LINTEL INSTALLATION VIDEO