![]() LintelsĪ lintel is a beam that spans across openings in the wall like windows and doors. The provisions for masonry shear wall designs are in TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures Section 5.1. Special reinforced shear walls are required in SDC D, E, and F. Unreinforced shear walls are permitted only in SDC A, B, and C. Empirical design of shear walls are permitted only in Seismic Design Category (SDC) A. Shear walls are a part of the participating elements in a structure. ![]() Shear walls can be unreinforced, reinforced, or prestressed. Shear walls resist lateral forces (like seismic, wind, lateral earth pressure, and ground water pressure), acting in the in-plane direction. It’s typically load-bearing, but can also be non-loadbearing. Shear WallsĪ shear wall is a wall that is part of the lateral force resisting system (LFRS). Here’s what you need to know to design these elements using structural masonry. These units comply with ASTM C90 Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units and offer energy efficiency.Ĭoncrete masonry is a great fit for a variety of structural elements. A and H blocks allow easier placement around vertical rebar, because they don’t need to be lifted overhead by the mason installing them. Consider A and H BlockĬoncrete masonry units can be made without end webs on one or both ends. Plus, it provides ergonomic benefits for the craftworkers installing the block, improving their comfort on the job and in some cases, increasing productivity. Lightweight CMU also offers higher sound ratings, fire ratings, and greater insulating properties. Use Lightweight CMU When AvailableĬoncrete masonry can be manufactured with different types of lightweight aggregates, providing lighter weight units that reduce the load on a structure. Optimize control joint spacing to get the most out of your shear walls. Strength design often leads to the most economical masonry solutions. Use strength design or allowable stress design instead of the old-fashioned empirical design method. Be sure to update your project specifications to include the latest ASTM standards. Reference the Latest Codes and StandardsĪlways use the most current version of TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures. An f’m of 2500 psi can be used on most projects. Many concrete block manufacturers produce block that exceed ASTM minimums. The default value for the compressive strength (f’m) of masonry is now 2000 psi. ![]() Lightweight concrete masonry units reduce the load on a structure while providing higher sound ratings, fire ratings, and greater insulating properties.Ĭonsider these tips when designing with structural masonry for the highest level of structural efficiency. Plus, concrete masonry walls pass the hose stream test, which is an integral part of many fire testing standards, and indicates an even greater level of redundancy and resiliency. Depending on the thickness of the wall, the density of the units, and the amount of grout used, concrete masonry walls can provide up to a 4-hour fire rating. Fire ResistanceĬoncrete masonry doesn’t burn. ![]() CMU walls can provide Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings of up to 63 depending on the wall thickness, density of the units, and whether they are fully grouted or not. It’s ideal for partition walls in multi-family dwellings, hotels, dormitories, or on exterior walls as the backup to control unwanted outside noise. Sound DampeningĬoncrete masonry provides a high level of sound control. Masonry walls can store heat, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs and providing a greater level of occupant comfort. Thermal MassĬoncrete masonry is a dense material that serves as thermal mass in a building. Engineers should use a compressive strength (f’m) of 2000 psi or more for masonry to design efficient structures. Reinforced masonry incorporates rebar and grout to create a monolithic wall that can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural and manmade events. Concrete masonry can provide a cost-effective, durable structure for any building type. ![]()
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