When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
(OP)
When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
I believe the following factors affect this decision;
1. What is the span of the arch?
2. What is the height of the arch?
3. What is the angle of the springline?
3. Is there sufficient wall on the sides of the arch to resist the thrust?
4. Is the masonry above the arch installed in a running bond?
5. Are there loads applied to the arch beside the masonry that is above the arch?
I am being asked to make this determination for residential projects with arches in the veneer, but I don't know how to assess the need for a lintel or any rules of thumb to go by.
Thanks for your help.
I believe the following factors affect this decision;
1. What is the span of the arch?
2. What is the height of the arch?
3. What is the angle of the springline?
3. Is there sufficient wall on the sides of the arch to resist the thrust?
4. Is the masonry above the arch installed in a running bond?
5. Are there loads applied to the arch beside the masonry that is above the arch?
I am being asked to make this determination for residential projects with arches in the veneer, but I don't know how to assess the need for a lintel or any rules of thumb to go by.
Thanks for your help.






RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
So let's say for example that the arch has a span of 6'. Are you saying it would be acceptable to build it without a lintel if the height of the arch is at least 4'-6"?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
One more factor to consider: where your nearest control joints are located.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
RE: When does a masonry arch need a lintel?
If it is the latter, it will always experience tension in the bottom L/2 to L of the wall where L is the span and will need a lintel to support that bottom triangle of wall. As well, if very stiff external restraints are not providing a tension tie at the bottom, the lintel will also need to be designed to supply this.