Horizontal joint reinforcement is an integral component in masonry construction, crucial for enhancing the structural stability of walls.  This reinforcement consists of steel wire placed within the mortar joints between masonry units.  Its primary function is to control and mitigate the effects of cracking due to thermal expansion, contraction, and structural loads.  By providing additional tensile strength, horizontal joint reinforcement helps in distributing loads more evenly across the wall, thus preventing localized stress concentrations that could lead to structural failures.  This method is particularly beneficial in areas prone to seismic activity, where buildings must withstand lateral forces without compromising their structural integrity.

In addition to automotive applications, heavy duty tension springs are also used in industrial machinery, such as conveyor belts and manufacturing equipment. These springs help to maintain tension in belts and keep parts in place during operation, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.