Masonry Magazine March 1961 Page. 9
Structural Details
For Screen Wall Concrete Masonry:
* As veneer attached to building wall
* As veneer attached to framework
* Non-reinforced non-bearing screen wall
* Reinforced non-bearing screen wall
* Screen block used in wall openings
Screen walls as such are not covered by the building code; however there are five approaches to design using screen wall units which either have general approval or meet the requirements of the building code.
Screen walls are not designed to carry their own weight more than 20' in height, and when more than 20' above the ground must be supported by steel, concrete or masonry construction spaced not more than 12' apart vertically and span to supports extended to the foundation.
As Veneer Attached to Building Wall
Vertical Support: Distance between vertical support is 20' when resting on ground, 12' when more than 20' above ground.
Lateral Support to Building: Vertical member for lateral support of screen wall spread 48" o.c. and may carry vertical load when screen wall over 20' high.
Screen wall concrete block units may be used as a veneer attached to a building wall, as set forth in Section 2902, Chapter 29, of the building code.
In this case no reinforcing is required in the joints. One approved tie to the building is required, capable of resisting twice the weight of the veneer, for each 2 sq. ft. of wall.
No design is required for the veneer. The back-up wall may be masonry, wood frame, concrete or steel, the same as in all veneer construction.
As Veneer Attached to Framework
OR Screen wall units may be attached in same manner as any masonry veneer. Distance between lateral supports depends upon design.
Vertical Support: Lateral Support:
Screen wall concrete block units may be used as a veneer attached to a framework which in turn is cantilevered from the ground or braced to a building.
In this case the veneer is supported by placing "wall-mesh" consisting of two #9 wires longitudinal with cross wires welded at 16" o.c. maximum in joints at 12" o.c. spanning to framework members, which are spaced 48" o.c. The veneer is attached to the framework with approved veneer ties spaced at 12" o.c.
The framework is designed to support 20% of the weight of the screen wall horizontally or a wind load of 15 lbs. per sq. ft., whichever is greater, and may be braced to steel, concrete, masonry or wood buildings.
Data and illustrations presented here are based on information published by CONCRETE MASONRY ASSOCIATION, Los Angeles, Calif.