Brick veneer deflection
Brick veneer deflection
(OP)
My question is if I have a four story building and code requires me to design a continuous bent plate at the second floor support for brick veneer over 30' do I need to design the second floor support beams for L/600? I thought that L/600 is used to reduce cracking of walls. The bent plate that will be required to support the brick above the second floor actually sets on top of the brick that goes all of the way down to the foundation. Can the wall still deflect vertically? I can understand L/600 for window opening lintels because there is no support under the angle.






RE: Brick veneer deflection
The L/600 limit (and 0.3 inch limit per ASCE 530) should then apply to the beams supporting this intermediate angle support.
You should detail a gap between the upper brick/angle and the lower brick such that the deflection of the intermediate brick, plus bending in the angle leg, does not allow the two veneer sections to come into contact.
RE: Brick veneer deflection
The brick grows vertically when it takes on moisture. The frame will not, thus in order to prevent discontinuity between materials, horizontal soft joints in the brick must be provided to prevent brick cracking or other problems.
RE: Brick veneer deflection
I too agree with both JAE's and jik's comments.