Structural Use of Chimney
Structural Use of Chimney
(OP)
We are designing a lodge that will have some large open areas. I would like to use the chimney for part of the lateral force resisting system. Is this allowed by the IBC 2003...I can't find it...any comments on good idea or bad are appreciated Thanks.






RE: Structural Use of Chimney
Most chimneys are either multi-wythe brick or block and brick so the appropriate design code provisions would be required (i.e. ACI 530).
RE: Structural Use of Chimney
If you are planning a reinforced Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) chimney with veneer to hide the true nature I believe you have a fairly good idea when including it in your lateral load system since nature will include it anyway whether or not you consider it in your calculations.
Ductile, within 25% deflection compatibility with the rest of the system, and based on a full-rigidity calculation of the system to determine the forces it should carry. With that done I believe you are actually designing a better system then you would without the chimney included in your LLRS.
Additional comment: If your structure is anything other than symetrical with a centre of rigidity coincident with centre of mass you're going to need to calculate the actual torsional moment on your building. (Rather than any code-base symplified approach like 10% of structure's width or length).
Good luck,
YS
P.S. Recall: Wall rigidity = 1 over [1/(E·t)][4(h/d)^3 + 3(h/d)]
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
RE: Structural Use of Chimney
RE: Structural Use of Chimney
Definately something to consider, but I don't think it's a no-go.
Cheers,
YS
B.Eng (Carleton)
Working in New Zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...