split face cmu lintel options
split face cmu lintel options
(OP)
With an exposed split face CMU construction what are the options & pro/cons for lintels. Are there any masons who still form up U block and pour? How abour power steel products??






RE: split face cmu lintel options
RE: split face cmu lintel options
RE: split face cmu lintel options
RE: split face cmu lintel options
Since a split face unit(any type/style) the appearance is important. Very often, several colors and patterns are used in the same structure. Very often the choice of the method is dictated by the architect that may require a contrasting material (typically smooth precast lintels) to contrast with the texture and color of the field of CMUs.
In the latter case, when the requirement is a uniform or complete CMU exposure, there are several choices.
To maintain bond, a lintel can be designed by using a colored split face bond beam (U shape) CMUs as the first course over the opening (supported by temporary bucks and then follow with subsequent courses (as required for the span) of the same face that can be reinforced and filled as required. Larger opening may require 1 to 6 courses. Then, the choice is up to the contractor to either saw units as required to be filled as required or have the CMU supplier make special split face CMUs that require no extra sawing. If the job has many openings with lintels it is cheaper for a contractor to order a special run of "pour-through" bond beams to eliminate the sawing, while others with smaller jobs or lower costs, just saw because it is cheaper.
Architecturally controlled masonry projects are rarely supplied by the ma and pa supplier companies because good architects and engineers usually contact a major supplier as an aide to find out what is possible in the local area.
Do not change the strength requirements unless absolutely necessary because the colors of the units will no match perfectly.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: split face cmu lintel options
We had clearance issues in the columns as there was not enough space in the core to put the rebar cage so we had to find a work around for that involving a steel section mounted to the exterior of the column (The contractor never notified us that the rebar wouldn't fit, we found out he didn't install it when we did a pre-pour inspection.
We also had clear cover issues for the lintel. This was solved by sawcutting the inside of the faces a little bit to give us more room in the u-blocks. This method actually worked quite well. There were still thick faces, and more than enough room in the u-block for the rebar plus clear cover.
RE: split face cmu lintel options
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: split face cmu lintel options
New topic somewhat associated: in evaluating a slender shearwall element can one summarize the appropriate interaction analysis for in plane shear + vertical gravity loads + out of plane loading (wind in this case) for a cmu masonry wal element...all of the design references I have analyze in plane and out of plane seperately...where is this addressed in the governing codes i.e. ASCE 530 & IBC? I assume the answer will be just apply the unity equation for shear and compression on the masonry? can any one provide a good example. Thanks