Reinforcing anchor for seismic repair, retrofitting Words: Dan KamysCintec North America has released Seistec, a CINTEC Reinforcing Anchor System used for seismic repair or for retrofitting seismic upgrading of structures made of brick, stone, terracotta, adobe or timber. Seistec internally strengthens the integrity of wall-to-wall, wall-to-roof and wall-to-floor constructions, while remaining sensitive to the original architecture. CINTEC’s Seistec (SEISmic TEChnology) process begins with an inspection of the structure following a site visit by the engineer of record. The structure is then computer modeled and animated using the discrete element technique to visualize potential stresses incurred during seismic loading. This software analysis assesses the behavioral probability and the risk inherent to the structure in order to determine the best positioning of the CINTEC Reinforcing Anchor System. At the site, the CINTEC Reinforcing Anchor System, fashioned out of a steel bar enclosed in a mesh fabric sleeve, is inserted into the structure in need of reinforcement. A non-polymer, cement-like grout is then injected into the sleeve under low pressure. The grout then fuses with the mesh, expands and shapes itself around the steel to fit the space. CINTEC uses dry- or low-volume wet diamond drilling techniques to reduce or even eliminate water damage associated with conventional wet drilling. The Seistec system may be used in a wide range of masonry materials. The anchor body size and material type can be adjusted, as can the size of the diameter of the cored hole, based on the condition of parent material and requirements of the engineer of record. For more information, visit www.cintec.com.