Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
(OP)
I have a series of columns with over half of the column encased in masonry. That is, one entire flange and nearly all of the web is encased in masonry with only the one flange exposed to the interior of the building.
Question is, does the masonry provide support as far as unbraced length in the weak direction? Strong direction?
I'm inclined to say that the masonry provides weak axis support only.
Question is, does the masonry provide support as far as unbraced length in the weak direction? Strong direction?
I'm inclined to say that the masonry provides weak axis support only.






RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
I prefer to put a gap or expansion joint material around the column.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
However, this is not a new building.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
I have treated it as restraint in the past.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
But the wire ties have more of a tension-only capacity. If there is wall on both sides, I'd tend to consider the wall as a column bracing element. If the wall is only primarily on one side (the column is very near the end of a wall) then I'd be more conservative and ignore the wall.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
I was actually shocked at how perfectly tight the masonry was to the building column web.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
In all, for the worse cases, what supported was complementing the ability of what supporting to provide the expected functionality. Exactly like in your case. Anytime that I have been practicing, and now by the code in the final report for the construction, the works that need to be kept untouched as components of the structural safety and integrity must be identified in the document and postmarked in-situ.
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
RE: Column Encsed in Masonry- Unbraced Length?
Definitely not styrofoam and caulk.
It is an old building and there is no bracing on the columns in the weak direction of the columns/building on the original drawings. I'm just starting to look at this building, so maybe I missed something so these are jsut thoughts at this point, but it appears the lateral stability of the building in the direction opposite the main bents is basically a masonry shear wall integral with the columns.