Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
(OP)
I have a question about where the top of an embed plate is typically placed with reference to the top of a cmu wall. Please see the attached sketch for reference. Option 1 shows the plate sitting on the top of the wall (bottom of the plate is at the same elevation as the top of the wall). Option 2 shows the top of the embed plate level with the top of the wall. And option 3 also shows the top of the embed plate level with the top of the wall but with the cmu flange notched (this would maybe be done if the plate is too wide to fit between the cmu flanges).
I have seen it detailed all three ways but was wandering what is typically constructed. I would typically think they would construct it how it is detailed, but my experience with masons is that they kind of do whatever they want.
I am curious because if I call out a deck bearing elevation on plan as some elevation that matches cmu coursing, and option 1 is what is typically done, the very top course of cmu would have to be cut to a depth equal to the thickness of the embed plate.
Thanks!
I have seen it detailed all three ways but was wandering what is typically constructed. I would typically think they would construct it how it is detailed, but my experience with masons is that they kind of do whatever they want.
I am curious because if I call out a deck bearing elevation on plan as some elevation that matches cmu coursing, and option 1 is what is typically done, the very top course of cmu would have to be cut to a depth equal to the thickness of the embed plate.
Thanks!






RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
1) not always at even coursing anyhow.
2) tough to accommodate the dimensional overrun in floor stuff.
More than a decade on, I still often struggle to predict what masons will do in a given situation. There's a selfish part of me that would like to see it just disappear as a construction material. Luckily, economics matter more than my personal comfort.
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: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Dik
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Dik
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Details 1 & 3 are most likely to be done unless you specifically detail, with copious notes, another method of application, such as Hokie suggests. I would set the plate back from the edge of the conc. blk. edge by .5 - .75", otherwise the way the pl. is loaded tends to cause the edge of the blk. to spall. I’ve never liked wet setting of bearings pls. or anchor bolts because the process leaves such a crappy condition under the pl. and around the a.b’s. Half the time there are voids left where the a.b. was pushed in, so it has inferior bond, bearing, pull out strength, etc. etc. There are likely voids under the bearing pl. too. I’ve seem them where it looked almost like they formed a void down to the J-hook or stud head. If they set them in wet enough conc. and then consolidate around them immediately, there is a chance. But, you better be standing there to force them to do the consolidation and re-leveling, etc.
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Kootk: My most favorite engineer that I used to work with shares the same disdain for masonry as you. He refers to it as poor quality pre-cracked concrete.
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
Analog spoken here...
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
RE: Embed Plate on Top of CMU Wall
You can then call for a plate with leveling nuts and a non-shrink grout below the plate. This gives contractors the most flexibility in terms of ensuring that the steel framing can be installed correctly.