Masonry Magazine September 2004 Page. 31
Masonry Wall Bracing
"All masonry walls over eight feet in height shall be adequately braced to prevent collapse and to prevent collapse, unless the wall is adequately supported so that it will not overturn or collapse. The bracing shall remain in place until permanent supporting elements of the structure are in place."
This leads to an obvious question: What is adequate? Some OSHA compliance officers feel as though if the wall falls down, no matter how much bracing was installed, it was inadequate. Conversely, if the wall stands, no matter how little bracing was installed, it was adequate. This regulation is considered a "performance standard," which requires both the controlling employer (general contractor/construction manager) and the creating employer (mason contractor) to develop a plan to support the masonry wall. This places all of the liability upon the shoulders of the contractors, with minimal direction from OSHA.
Industry Standardization
IN SPRING 1997, the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) decided to "standardize" the means and methods of bracing masonry walls. In order to achieve this goal, the MCAA sought the help of masonry industry experts by forming the Council for Masonry Wall Bracing. The Council consisted of contractors, masonry design professionals and a representative from OSHA.
From the data, the Council conducted research and developed a standard set of guidelines to show the contractor where typical masonry walls needed to be braced. As a result, in July 1999 the Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls under Construction was published. This new Standard Practice was the first industry-supported document giving specific procedures for bracing masonry walls.
The Voice of the Mason Contractor