Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
(OP)
We have a renovation project where we need to reinforce an excisting 8" CMU wall in order to bring it up to Code. The existing wall has minimal vertical reinforcement (if any) and a 1-2 course bond beam across the top. This will be an obvious constructability issue. Has anyone run into this before? If so, we are curious how the contractor was able to do it. Thanks!






RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
Is there an option to add vertical steel members and anchor them to the CMU wall, floor and roof framing?
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
Common 2 core blocks (smooth ends or open ends) can be a problem. If the wall was built using the proper units (8" o.c. cores and vertically aligned webs) it can be much easier to install rebar and grout without the common excessive grout leakage to other semi-connected adjacent cores.
I was involved in constructing a facility with about 100,000 sf of 8'-8" high CMU walls(8" o.c. vertical rebar with a bond beam) that were installed between recently built post tensioned slabs. Because the correct units were used and it was planned to be done that way, it was easy.
Your situation will require determination of what is currently in place.
Dick
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
I have seen many pre-1980 loadbearing structures using 6" block and light reinforcement, but they used the proper units and constructed the walls to the code and standards (basically the forerunner of ACI 530).
Dick
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
It may be a viable option if the wall has not experienced any excessive loads that have caused excessive movement or cracks. Good for flexure, but difficult to justify for vertical or compressive loads.
Dick
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
DaveAtkins
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)
RE: Reinforcement of CMU Wall (after the fact)