Masonry Magazine December 1994 Page. 34
LOADBEARING MASONRY
Continued from Page 13
Forced masonry and improved performance of reinforced masonry walls. Open-end masonry units allow placement of the unit around in-place vertical reinforcement without having to thread the unit over these vertical bars. Bar positions are readily available to position vertical bars in place and to prevent displacement during grouting.
Units with notched webs allow horizontal reinforcement to be held in its designated position. Tolerances on the placement of reinforcement have been included in building codes and are consistent with those techniques for the placement of reinforcement.
These tolerances allow designers to fully utilize reinforced masonry's structural properties. Grouting methods have also advanced. Grout additives to improve flowability and to offset settlement during water loss have resulted in more consistent grout in the wall. Special mechanical vibrators designed to consolidate masonry grout placed in confined spaces within the wall are also available. Pumping equipment to more economically deliver grout to the wall is more readily available.
These advancements allow typical hollow unit masonry walls to be constructed to heights of 24 feet, before placement of vertical reinforcement and grouting. Partially grouted construction, in which only cells containing vertical reinforcement and only bond beam courses containing horizontal reinforcement are grouted, saves grout and is more economical where walks contain reinforcement placed at spacings exceeding 24 inches on center.
Construction of loadbearing masonry typically requires a greater commitment to planning, which results in reduced construction time.
Loadbearing masonry applications will continue to increase as more become aware of the attributes offered by the loadbearing masonry system. Research and documentation of the performance of loadbearing masonry will further advance its applications. To ensure this knowledge is put into practice, the industry will continue its commitment to the development of building codes and standards.
To advance the understanding and knowledge of loadbearing construction, the industry will continue to support the introduction of masonry in the curricula of schools of architecture, engineering and construction science. Education programs for the practicing designer such as the National Concrete and Masonry Engineering Conference will also advance the use of loadbearing masonry.
Further advancements will be recognized through the adoption of Total Quality Management where all members of the team, including the designers, material suppliers and contractors, form a partnership to eliminate problems and ensure performance of the loadbearing masonry system.
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34 MASONRY-NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 1994