At BlockAid, we’ve always known our rebar positioners offer a smarter, safer, and more compliant way to build reinforced masonry structures. Now, independent testing by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has confirmed it.

The research assessed the structural performance of our bar chairs in a range of reinforced masonry wall configurations. The findings? BlockAid Rebar Positioners not only maintain accuracy and compliance, they also enhance the speed and safety of construction.

Here’s a breakdown of the key outcomes:

Accurate Positioning Without Compromising Strength

QUT testing confirmed that BlockAid bar chairs accurately secure and restrain horizontal and vertical reinforcement, ensuring steel remains straight and properly located throughout the masonry wall. Crucially, their presence does not reduce the structural capacity of masonry under compression or out-of-plane loads.

This is a major assurance for engineers, certifiers, and builders: using BlockAid does not compromise performance.

Superior Alternative to Cross Ties

Under concentric compression, walls built with BlockAid bar chairs performed as well as walls using 6mm round bar cross ties a method previously suggested by the NCC:2019 but known to be impractical on real-world construction sites.

Even more impressively, under eccentric compression, walls with BlockAid showed lower tensile strain in reinforcement than those with cross ties. This proves the effectiveness of BlockAid in restraining vertical bars and preventing excessive bending, a vital consideration for structural reliability.

Tie-Free Reinforcement Placement = Faster Builds

BlockAid positioners eliminate the need for tie wires, which not only simplifies installation but delivers major time savings on-site. Supporting prior research by the University of Newcastle, the QUT testing reinforces the fact that BlockAid reduces labour by up to 20%, especially when compared to manually tying reinforcement in place.

For builders and contractors, this means:

  • Reduced labour cost
  • Faster construction timelines
  • Fewer errors during core fill

Compliance Without Complexity

Finally, the study concluded that BlockAid provides sufficient restraint and precise rebar positioning to meet the requirements of AS3700:2018 and NCC:2019. With upcoming changes to AS3700 expected to mandate the use of reinforcement positioners, BlockAid ensures builders are not just compliant today, but ready for tomorrow’s standards.

Whether you’re a builder, specifier or structural engineer, BlockAid gives you a simple, compliant and cost-effective reinforcement solution without the risk of non-compliance.

Want to know more?
Visit www.blockaid.com.au or contact Chris Rafferty on 0407 002 669 to request technical details or delivery details.