HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
(OP)
I am designing a 10 foot tall exterior reinforced brick wall that cantilevers from the ground. The wall will consist of 4-3/8" thick concrete between two layers of 3-5/8" thick brick veneer. The nominal thickness of the wall is about 12". In the past, I have had thicker concrete layers and been able to neglect the contribution of brick. However, I think I need to utilize the brick here. I have a few questions about design and construction. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- It is desirable to use the same brick veneer that will be used on the building. Does anyone know what a reasonable minimum compressive strength of the brick veneer would be?
- Also, I believe the brick veneer is usually cored. Does anyone know the typical core dimensions will be or at least a worst care scenario?
- I read the ACI/TMS provisions on composite action between the brick and the concrete. Does anyone know where could I find a design example for the checking the vertical shear for composite action. The cores in the brick veneer seems to really complicate the calculation. Does it typically govern? I might put double the required wall ties to help ensure composite behavior.
- Are there any precautions I need to take to reduce the potential for leaching?
Any other general tips are more than welcome!
- It is desirable to use the same brick veneer that will be used on the building. Does anyone know what a reasonable minimum compressive strength of the brick veneer would be?
- Also, I believe the brick veneer is usually cored. Does anyone know the typical core dimensions will be or at least a worst care scenario?
- I read the ACI/TMS provisions on composite action between the brick and the concrete. Does anyone know where could I find a design example for the checking the vertical shear for composite action. The cores in the brick veneer seems to really complicate the calculation. Does it typically govern? I might put double the required wall ties to help ensure composite behavior.
- Are there any precautions I need to take to reduce the potential for leaching?
Any other general tips are more than welcome!






RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
http://www.gobrick.com/TechnicalNotes/LinkstoTechn...
They used to publish a textbook called "Recommended Practice for Engineered Brick Masonry" but I couldn't find it on the website.
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
Link to BIA TN 45
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
The holes in the brick are for manufacturing purposes and are ignored (as long as they comprise less than 25% of the brick.) The compressive strength of the brick is nominal over the gross brick area.
Look at technical notes 17, et seq.:
http://www.gobrick.com/TechnicalNotes/LinkstoTechn...
If you plan brick-concrete-brick, have you considered a concrete wall and applied thin brick? Clay brick expands over time and concrete shrinks over time. You may set up a restraint condition which will result in cracking of the brick.
ASCE article about problems with brick-concrete composite walls:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/41082(362)7
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
TXStructural - Yes, I'm aware it should be "grout", not "concrete." Also, the brick used will be hollow facing brick per ASTM C652, so the holes cannot be neglected. I read tech note 17 and it found to be very helpful. I'd read that ASCE article if I could get access to it.
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
RE: HELP! - Questions of Reinforced Brick Wall Design
The architect wants brick veneer on both sides and to minimize the overall thickness of the wall assembly.