Masonry Magazine July 2005 Page. 34
WALL BRACING
large tree branches begin to move, open wires (eg, power lines) begin to whistle, and umbrellas are difficult to keep under control.
The BWS method may sound crazy, but it works. When compared to actual wind instruments, it is amazing how close you can determine the wind speed.
Remember. If you are using the BWS method and an OSHA inspector comes on your job site, be sure your Responsible Person - the person who has been trained on how to set up and monitor wall bracing, maintain the Restricted Zone, as well as monitor wind speed-makes them aware that you are measuring the wind using this method.
Notification
ONCE YOUR PEOPLE are following proper bracing procedures, notification is the next important part.
For example, let's say other trades are working in the Restricted Zone during the Initial Period and refuse to stay out. Or, you put your braces up and other trades have taken them down-as was the case of the wall we lost on the Wal-Mart last summer. If other trades are working in your area during the Initial Period, your Responsible Person must notify the general contractor's superintendent of the Restricted Zone requirements during that time period.
If other trades take your braces down, make sure your foreman or Responsible Person notifies the general contractor's superintendent that the braces must remain in place until the walls are connected to the structure. In both cases, I recommend your foreman also puts this in writing.
Also, if the Responsible Person is not able to be onsite, he or she is responsible to notify the general contractor's superintendent of the Restricted Zone during the Initial and Intermediate Periods and how to monitor wind speeds so that the Restricted Zone is evacuated if the wind speed exceeds the 20 mph (Initial Period) or 35 mph (Intermediate Period).
The Beaufort Wind Scale
| Beaufort number | Wind Speed (mph) | WMO | Appearence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | under 1 | Calm | Smoke rises vertically |
| 1 | 1-3 | Light air | Smoke drift indicates wind direction |
| 2 | 4-7 | Light breeze | Wind felt on face, leaves rustle |
| 3 | 8-12 | Gentle breeze | Leaves and twigs constantly moving |
| 4 | 13-18 | Moderate breeze | Dust, leaves lifted, small tree branches move |
| 5 | 19-24 | Fresh breeze | Small trees in leaf begin to sway |
| 6 | 25-31 | Sorong breeze | Larger tree branches move, whistling wires |
| 7 | 32-38 | Near gale | Whole trees moving, resistance felt walking against wind |
| 8 | 39-46 | Gale | Whole trees in motion, resistance felt wallking against wind |
| 9 | 47-54 | Strong gale | Slight structural damage occurs, slate blows off roofs |
| 10 | 55-63 | Storm | Trees broken or uprooted, considerable structural damage |
| 11 | 64-72 | Violent storm | Wide-spread damage |
| 12 | 73 and over | Hurricane | |
| | *World Meteorological Organization | | |
Be Prepared and Have a Plan
BEING A MASON CONTRACTOR myself, I know that a tremendous amount of time can be saved when you have a plan for bracing walls before construction is started. As long as your people know the locations to install braces and dead men as the wall is being built, bracing becomes much easier and quicker. This little bit of preparation can save the mason contractor a tremendous expense in the long run.
Conclusion
AS A MASON CONTRACTOR who realizes that bracing masonry walls is so important for the safety of workers onsite, I hope this article has helped clear the water a little for you. And before the next big wind blows against your bedroom window, I hope you have taken the time to study the Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls Under Construction and properly train your crews on wall bracing. If you have, you can simply roll over and go back into a peaceful sleep. If you haven't, counting all of the sheep in the world won't help.
Damian Lang is President of Lang Masonry Contractors, Inc., and the EZ Grout Corporation of Waterford, Ohio. He has worked in the masonry industry for 20 years in all positions from mason tender to owner of a multi-million dollar masonry contracting business. He can be contacted at dlang@langmasonry.com.
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