Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
(OP)
2006 IBC section 2110.4.3, requires lateral support of 200 PLF. How do you interpret that, does my support have to be able to resist 200 PLF along the 4 sides of the panel? Or is it 200 plf times the horizontal direction of the block applied as a point load into the jamb or possibly as 200 plf over the height of the panel into the jamb?
Thanks
akastud
Thanks
akastud






RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
Earlier it states that the lateral support must be along the top and sides.
So I would say the strength of the top and side lateral restraints (be they anchors or channels) must resist 200 plf along their length.
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
akastud
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
I think the intent of the code is that you have this finite glass block wall with definitive ends and a top. Then you have some form of channel that cradles the edges and top to prevent out-of-plane movement.
With the 200 plf load on the channels, the channels themselve must be anchored to something to support the wall. That something must be anchored to the main structure to take the loads on out - full load path.
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
So in designing the jamb. At the bottom and top of the glass block, I have 10'(200 PLF) 2000# and then I have 400 plf along the jamb between the 2 point loads. So for these two glass block windows which in theory add 1125 total pounds of seismic load to my jamb (based on weight and seismic acceleration) instead I have to design my jamb for 8000 total pounds of force. This doesn't seem right to me.
Thanks,
akastud
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
Keep in mind that the 200 plf only applies at the top and sides...not at the bottom of the glass block panel. That will help a little, but not much.
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
akastud
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
That is my argument, but I don't know if it is correct and I am asking for opinions on that thought. Thank you.
akastud
RE: Glass Block Masonry Lateral Support
Interpretations will vary and ultimately you need to go through the interpretation of your local building official.