FOR Structural Engineering Masonry Support and Education
This is used for all general masonry items
SE Masonry Insight Guidance for masonry control joints can be found in NCMA TEK 10-3. This guide outlines an engineering approach to controlling cracking in masonry walls. The guide covers BOTH Methods: 1. use minimal reinforcement and control joints AND 2. use horizontal reinforcement only Obviously the latter requires more reinforcement. Method 1 would result […]
QUESTION: I work for a structural engineering firm and am researching best practices for installing new openings in masonry walls. Particularly I’m looking into methods for adding reinforced jambs, dealing with existing (or non-existing) control joints, and the most constructible types of lintels. At first glance, I couldn’t find any guidance on the IMI website, […]
QUESTION: [WE] are currently working on a project that has 34’ wide opening in 12” reinforced CMU wall. The wall is non- load bearing wall and serves as shear wall. The wall is only exposed to internal air pressure. Masonry lintel designed to span the wall opening, and it consists of 6 masonry courses and […]
RESPONSE: Reinforcement sizes can vary within masonry walls. Reinforcement can be used as: a) joint reinforcement for crack control b) standard reinforcement bars to resist bending and shear forces according to the TMS 402/602 code. Bars can be #3 to #9 within walls designed with SD, or #3 to #11 within elements designed with ASD. […]
RESPONSE: Per TMS code, section 12.2, there are commonly known prescriptive options for supporting masonry veneers, and other alternative options. See the following article for more information:SUPPORTING MASONRY VENEERS
RESPONSE: For economical use of materials and speed of construction, the WI Structural Masonry Coalition is recommending structural engineers use design strengths of f’m=2500 psi or greater. See article for more information.
This section is a collection of frequently asked questions based off of our discussions with building designers over the years. The idea in this section is to answer the question as succinctly as possible. Sometimes there is a link in the answer that jumps to a paper on this website. Otherwise, feel welcome to ask […]