Retaining Wall Bond type
Retaining Wall Bond type
(OP)
Quick one - after fruitless google search, thought i'd try here for an easy one.
Have a client needed engineering on a short (about 3') retaining wall. Not sure why, but it is what it is.
Anyway, he wants to do a stack bond, vice the normal running bond. I am not worried about the wall itself here, rather more about construction practices, anything in masonry code, or building code, that anyone knows of that could render this design "not allowed" or something of the like.
Thoughts?
Have a client needed engineering on a short (about 3') retaining wall. Not sure why, but it is what it is.
Anyway, he wants to do a stack bond, vice the normal running bond. I am not worried about the wall itself here, rather more about construction practices, anything in masonry code, or building code, that anyone knows of that could render this design "not allowed" or something of the like.
Thoughts?






RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
Either way, my question is really about the stack bond vice a running bond...
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
And, of course, vertical rebar as req'd by design.
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
http://www.ce.udel.edu/courses/CIEG407/TEK%2014-06...
http://www.masonryconstruction.com/how-to/avoiding...
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
Stacked bond is kinda like an infinitely long line of 16" long blocks stacked 6 or 8 high. And the question is does it take one finger or two and a thumb pushing on the third block down to tip that block stack over. Then, do the next stack, etc. and ask ‘what retaining wall?’ All you’ve got is mortar/conc. blk. bond at the bed and head joints, no interlocking action; unless you do some serious grouting and reinforcing. Then, you are going to terrace these walls, and the top one has a surcharge loading, and it surcharges the next wall down. You can get a special block which has the face scored vert. at the center cross shell, so it looks like and 8x8 stacked bond, but it is laid in running bond. I think you need some engineering help on this if your only question is running vs. stacked bond, and you should involve a GeoTech guy too.
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
Grouting and reinforcing walls can be done with with running bond and can be more efficient with the units commonly available. The ideal concrete masonry units have 2 webs at 8" on center with a single center core to provide clear open vertical cores for grouting, steel or insulation. I have seen them used for 6", 8", 10", 12", 14" and 16" thick single wythe walls.
The faces of the units can be scored at odd non-modular spacing (1/3, 1/5 lengths) to be used for a wall with no discernible pattern. Split units with the same scoring patterns are also available depending on the local suppliers.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
Thanks!
RE: Retaining Wall Bond type
Dik