Masonry Control Joints
Masonry Control Joints
(OP)
A very popular wall system thru much of Florida is the use of continuous cast in place concrete "tie" beams typically 8"x16" instead of masonry bond beams at the tops of 8" masonry walls. From my experience in other areas of the country I try to encourage the use of full height control joints thru the wall and "tie" beam at typically 20' on center. And as a result I often get the usual "I've never done that" or "that's not done here" response from both architects and contractors.
After some research I beginning to have a change of heart since the "tie" beam is effectively restraining movement similar to the foundation. Does this sound reasonable or should I not be giving in?
After some research I beginning to have a change of heart since the "tie" beam is effectively restraining movement similar to the foundation. Does this sound reasonable or should I not be giving in?






RE: Masonry Control Joints
RE: Masonry Control Joints
DaveAtkins
RE: Masonry Control Joints
RE: Masonry Control Joints
If provisions are made for some other element to act as the diaphragm chord, then go ahead and run the joint thru the tie beam. Either method should work, if designed properly.
RE: Masonry Control Joints
I think we routinely put in too many control joints, and as a structural engineers we want the longest most continuous length of wall we can get!
RE: Masonry Control Joints
You are correct--a continuous bond beam will prevent the top of a control joint from opening properly. But if the bond beam needs to be continuous for structural reasons, then I think that supercedes the need for a "perfect" control joint. And as you get further below the bond beam, the control joint should open properly.
DaveAtkins