Memorial Ground Support Fixing System
SAFETY ASSURED
The problem of fixing memorials in a manner that will be secure for many years, has long
been of great importance to Techinical Committee of the National Association of Memorial
Masons. As a professional body of experts, N.A.M.M. has refused to pass the buck on safety
issues, and has picked up the gauntlet thrown down by UK cemetery authorities following
recent press coverage of accidents within their burial grounds. They set out to solve the
problem in a manner that would satisfy the public, the mason and cemetery authorities en
masse.
The task was originally taken up by a number of private companies, each approaching the
problem from a different direction. However, N.A.M.M. began their research by setting
themselves certain criteria. They decided that their system must not only be highly
efficient, but also simple to install and at minimum cost to the mason and the bereaved.
It had to be adaptable for most ground conditions and compatible with the
wide variety of foundations used. It would also be beneficial to make the system suitable
for use with re-fixed memorials. The mindless destruction of memorials was also
considered, but as for a 'vandal proof system', the team concluded that such a label would
inevitably be seen as a 'red rag to a bull', as anyone intent on doing serious damage
would find a way, whatever system had been installed.
After consultation with Professor John Knapton from the Civil Engineering
Department of Newcastle University, it was decided that all memorials should be erected to
withstand a minimum push/pull force of 70kgf when exerted at its apex. This was calculated
to be more than the total weight exerted by two 14 stone people pulling themselves up on a
memorial. Allowing for a safety factor, N.A.M.M. selected to test its system further, to a
minimum of 100kgf, and have now written Professor Knapton's recommendations into their
revised code of working practice.
EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL
Following extensive testing of several of their designs in a wide variety of ground
conditions, N.A.M.M. found a system that fully addresses all the issues, both in the long
and short term.
Consisting of a simple kit of stainless steel bell-topped tubes and threaded locking
rods, the system is unique in that it is adaptable for use with rafts and concrete beams,
extremely simple to install, inexpensive to use and very cost effective. Having put their
system through further rigorous tests and final refinements they toured the U.K showing it
to all interested parties, and are distributing it through
Namm Fixings as well as
existing suppliers to the trade.
At the first demonstration at Kendal, the overwhelming response to the system was that it
was highly efficient, and had obviously been developed by practical masons. It was clear
that during development, the risk of adding further problems such as alignment, had been
fully addressed.
Cemetery Authorities throughout the UK who have viewed the system have recognised the
full benefit of adopting and enforcing it through NAMM's amended code of working practice.
Both sides agree that, only through the Memorial Mason and Burial Authority working
together, can future problems be eliminated and the stability of memorials in our
cemeteries and churchyards be assured.
Key Benefits
Type A kits are for Memorials upto 3' high
Type B kits are for Memorials upto 4' high
Discounts for quantities are given, full price-list on request (see below).
