FOR Structural Engineering Masonry Support and Education
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: 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.