As you recognize, the requirement to install bracing applies to all masonry walls over eight feet tall that are not otherwise adequately supported. This is the case whether the wall contains reinforcing steel (rebar) or not.
Each braced wall line shall be located such that no more than two-thirds of the required braced wall panel length is located to one side of the braced wall line. Braced wall panels shall be permitted to be offset up to 4 feet (1219 mm) from the designated braced wall line.
A brick wall normally go up to 2.6 - 3 m (8.7 - 10 ft) without reinforcement.
The total area of reinforcement in reinforced masonry walls shall not be less than 0.003 times the sectional area of the wall. Neither the horizontal nor the vertical reinforcement shall be less than one third of the total.
The limited access zone shall be established prior to the start of construction of the wall. The limited access zone shall be equal to the height of the wall to be constructed plus four feet, and shall run the entire length of the wall.
WHY BRACE? Until the mortar gains adequate strength and floors and roof are installed, the wall usually must be braced. If it's not braced, even 20- to 30-mph winds can topple it.
Adequate restraint can be provided by concrete floors that have a minimum 90mm bearing on to the wall. Alternatively, restraint should be provided by: restraint straps that are a minimum of 450mm long, with the end turned down between a joint in the concrete floor or suitably fixed with screws.
The technique we have seen used for adding reinforcing to an existing masonry wall house involves cutting out the face of the blocks in a vertical column at the wall corner, on one side of each window or door opening, and at a spacing of 4 to 8 feet along the wall when there is no opening.
AS 3700, also known as the Masonry Structures Standard, is a comprehensive set of guidelines that outline the design and construction requirements for masonry structures. These standards ensure that masonry structures are built to withstand various environmental and load conditions, ensuring their longevity and safety.
A partition wall constructed of 12” block can span up to 28 feet high as an unreinforced masonry wall. As we increase in height and/or reduce in wall thickness, light reinforcement is needed to resist the interior pressure of 5 psf.
The ULS capacity of nominal bracing walls is given by the code as 0.45kN/m for single-sided walls and 0.75kN/m for double-sided walls. The minimum length for which nominal bracing capacity may be claimed is 450mm.
Movement joints in internal walls are not normally necessary for single dwellings unless the walls are straight and unbroken and over 6m long, in which case the block manufacturer's recommendations should be adopted. This may include the use of bed joint reinforcement in the courses above and below window openings.
A bracing unit shall begin not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) from any wall corner. The distance between adjacent edges of bracing units shall be not greater than 20 feet (6096 mm). Segments of wall greater than 8 feet (2438 mm) in length shall have not less than one bracing unit.
Structural wall bracing is purpose-fitted bracing, being either sheet or diagonal timber or steel bracing.
Bracing is most efficient when placed at angles between 30° and 60°. With steeper bevels, the end connections can be cumbersome. Any brace configuration can be used to make up a horizontal bracing system, as long as a complete load path is available to transfer the load into the lateral load resisting system.
The total area of reinforcement in reinforced masonry walls shall not be less than 0.003 times the sectional area of the wall. Neither the horizontal nor the vertical reinforcement shall be less than one third of the total.
Structural: Solid masonry walls are structural walls. Brick veneer walls are attached to the structural backup walls and are not structural. Costs: Solid masonry Walls are much more expensive to make than brick veneer Cavity Walls.
Applications: Concrete blocks are ideal for load-bearing functions like foundations and retaining walls, while cinder blocks are commonly used in non-load-bearing applications such as garden walls and landscaping projects.
The ends of each joist shall have not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) of bearing on wood or metal, or not less than 3 inches (76 mm) on masonry, except where supported on a 1-inch by 4-inch (25 mm by 102 mm) ribbon strip and nailed to the adjoining stud.
Load bearing masonry walls are constructed with bricks, stones or concrete blocks. These walls directly transfer loads from the roof to the foundation. These walls can be exterior as well as interior walls. The construction system with load bearing walls are economical than the system with framed Page 2 structures.
When using the recalibrated unit strength table, a concrete masonry unit complying with the minimum requirements of ASTM C90 and laid in Type S or M mortar produces an assembly compressive strength of 2,000 psi (13.8 MPa), which is substantially larger than the historical default minimum of 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa) common ...
masonry, the brick shall be selected in accordance with Table 1. their relevant provisions of IS 1905 : 1987. generally to IS 2256 : 1981. knowing the suitability of combination of various types of mortars and grad- of bricks for different strengths required for the masonry.
The terms “masonry block” and “concrete block” are often used interchangeably, and for good reason. Both refer to the same fundamental building product – the CMU.
Concrete blocks have a much higher water resistance than bricks, and their compressive strength is higher. Concrete has a shorter life than brick, though it still gives efficient results for up to 100 years.