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 a bond beam with 2-#10 at bottom (56” deep bond beam). The masonry lintel/wall runs parallel to building expansions joint. Per MSJC 13 – section 5.2.1.2 requires lateral bracing of compression face. I am wondering what a good practice would be to restrain the compression face of the lintel. And how often the brace needs to occur?

RESPONSE: A masonry lintel sounds like a very good design and an excellent choice for the lintel.  One suggestion for the lintel would be to consider more, smaller bars such as 4-#8 (2 each in first two courses), or even 6-#6 (2 each in first three courses). Also, I would suggest a lintel be considered fixed to the wall at each side, therefore reducing the positive moment and having negative moment at each end. The reinforcement then could be reduced for the bottom, and top reinforcement being added. (possible 4-#6 bottom and 2-#4 top). For the top of lintel compression face bracing, this can be achieved with the top of the wall framing into the roof system on one side of the expansion joint, assuming the lintel is built integrally with the wall above and there is vertical reinforcing that continues through the lintel to the top of the wall. The vertical reinforcing can be minimal, but creates it the continuity that you are looking for to sufficiently brace the top of the lintel. Also, the lintel should be built integrally with the jamb on each side of the opening, with the jambs also going up to the top of the wall and tying into the roof diaphragm for support.