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6ö cmu for elevator shaft

6ö cmu for elevator shaft

6ö cmu for elevator shaft

(OP)
The elevator is going to be installed within an existing 4 story building, so space is tight and for this reason the arch wants to use 6" cmu rather then 8". Structurally, the 6" cmu seems fine for the lit bit of floor load I have and also for 5 psf of lateral live load. But since I am used to seeing 8" cmu for elevator shafts I was wondering if 6" cmu was OK otherwise. Has anyone used 6" cmu for this purpose?  

RE: 6ö cmu for elevator shaft

Unfortunately, the 8" is commonly used because people think that it is the standard for the U.S. and don't look any further.

The only drawback in some of the limited markets of the U.S. is the common fittings for maintaining bond and partial height units. In any major U.S market, there should be getting the necessary shapes. There also should be no strength problems, because 6" units are usually far over the ASTM C90 specifications, but special strengths can be obtained, just as special spaces may be made.

A good supplier in the U.S., blocks (and fittings) are usually available in 4", 6", 8" 10", 12" and most also make 14" and 16" thick units

In some international markets, 6" is the common size and is used regularly on high rise load-bearing structures. I have seen 20 story partially grouted and reinforced load-bearing 6" units with 45 degree outside corner units routinely.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

RE: 6ö cmu for elevator shaft

As long as the fire rating can be obtained, the 6" blocks should work just fine.  You have to take a bit more care in grouting.

RE: 6ö cmu for elevator shaft

(OP)
cm,

Thanks for the detailed post.

hokie,

As per arch the desired fire rating has been achieved.

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