Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
(OP)
So... I got a question from the building department that I've never encountered in response to our plan submittals. One of the comments on our structural plans read as follows, "How much mortar droppings from laying cmu will be allowed at the bottom of the cmu cell to be grouted?" Anyone ever seen this comment or make a point of addressing this in their plans? Is this actually addressed in the ACI 530 or FBC? (Project is in Florida)... another reason why I don't know if this is a legit comment... Florida... don't even get me started....






RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
Not really my area of expertise though.... Hopefully you've got some folks with DSA experience that can respond in greater detail.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
i would want to understand why the building dept is asking this specific question. also, what will the AHJ's role be during construction with regards to inspections? will there be 3rd party special inspections? or is the AHJ more involved in field inspections?... most bldg officials will not climb scaffolding. saying "none" might encourage them to demand cleanouts for low-lift grouting to confirm that your criteria is met if there is no 3rd party SI. it just seems like an odd question to ask if there is no field involvement...
caveat emptor it has been 4 years since i've dealt with masonry and codes change every 3 so i'm 2 cycles back....
RE: Allowable mortar in grouted solid cells.
The 5' dimension is intentionally not a modular dimension for masonry because of the varieties (heights) of masonry units used internationally.
Some advance masonry areas use properly shaped units that allow maximum wall strength for both fully reinforced and partially reinforced construction. - The units are configured so there are uninterrupted grout cores for reinforcement and gout placement. - No obsolete 2 core units with flush ends.
I have seen 20 story buildings built with 6x8x16 CMUs that were partially reinforced (reinforcement at modules of 8", 16", 24" or 32". There was no routine inspection during construction, but random inspection using TV cameras that were dropped into the cores and if there was excessive debris, the wall was replaced.
These codes requirements were written by engineers that work for the owner/developer/contractor that had to prove construction quality to the governmental authority. - This was in a different part of the world where they use the ACI 530 as the standard for masonry design.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.