do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
(OP)
I'm working on an old unreinf CMU wall in a renovation job and it looks like there is no reinf in the wall, in the whole building...it's not load brg or part of the lateral system...just backup to brick...
It's an old bldg but it's located in SDC C in Alabama...
The masonry TMS code has min vert and horiz reinf requirements for masonry walls in SDC C...
Can I get out of this since it's existing, or do I tell the owner he has to knock down the wall to install new horiz and vert reinf? Or do externally applied reinf?
thanks
It's an old bldg but it's located in SDC C in Alabama...
The masonry TMS code has min vert and horiz reinf requirements for masonry walls in SDC C...
Can I get out of this since it's existing, or do I tell the owner he has to knock down the wall to install new horiz and vert reinf? Or do externally applied reinf?
thanks






RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
If you think it is a life-safety hazard, as a PE you should recommend appropriate mitigation measures to protect the public regardless of the ordinances.
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
When you say backup to the brick, is it possible that the brick was meant as a veneer and the CMU is the main support?
"If you think it is a life-safety hazard, as a PE you should recommend appropriate mitigation measures to protect the public regardless of the ordinances." by Taro
Well said...
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
5.1.2 - Limitations
5.1.2.1 Seismic - Empirical requirements shall not apply to the design of construction of masonry for buildings in Seismic Design Categories D, E or F as defined in ASCE 7-98, and shall not apply to the design of the seismic-force-resisting system for structures in Seismic Design Categories B or C.
The following sections got into the 110 mph winds and other items such as heights.
Empirical design does not use reinforcement for the purposes of carrying loads, but may use some for continuity and some details (bond beams and vertical steel at some openings).
Check out Chapter 5 and see how that applies to your structure. Often retrofitting some structures can create unexpected results. It sounds like you may have block infill as a back-up for a brick exterior.
Dick
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
Anyway so it appears that these CMU walls are not part of the overall lateral system, but still 1.13.5.2.3 says all these walls need min vert and horiz reinf for SDC C.
Where can I get this ASCE 31 book? It sounds like it may get me out of this.
Thanks
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
You may find that all of the exterior 4" CMU back-up walls do not comply with the current codes. A 6" wall can easily and efficiently be reinforced and grouted.
Dick
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic
Much will depend on the present condition of those walls. Bringing it up to code could require total reconstruction to build to the new standards.
The brick in the gable area could be a different problem since it is probably due to the lack of horizontal support from the roof system - a common problem with gable ends.
I would suggest you try to isolate the two areas (gable, other exterior walls), especially if there is a desire to maintain the exterior appearance.
Dick
RE: do existing unreinf CMU walls need to follow TMS 530 seismic