Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
(OP)
Building was constructed in 1882, two-story 12" multi-wythe brick bearing walls. The wood lintels are severely deteriorated and need to be replaced. They are/were comprised of (8) 2x10s.
You can see from the photo that the wood lintel (what's left of it) is continuous under all the bearing points (cast iron columns or brick pilasters.) So a temporary pinch beam would have to span multiple supports and be blocked from the bearing point to the bottom or supported via external shoring posts so the wood could be replaced. The other thought I had was to use a shore post with a plated bracket on the top and cut a groove in the mortar joint to insert it. Shoring under each second story section of brick and somehow tying in the limestone window lintel. Temporary support would need to be located at the elevation of the window lintel as the brick work under the windows is also in poor condition.
If we shore, we'd have to shore both sides, which will be difficult due to the structure having a basement or design for an eccentric load. But there really isn't any good place to transfer load to at the current moment.
Similar conditions exist the 70' length of the building facade. Small sections would be replaced, hopping back and forth from one end to the other to allow brick to cure out.
Does anyone else have any clever shoring solutions?
Thank you.
You can see from the photo that the wood lintel (what's left of it) is continuous under all the bearing points (cast iron columns or brick pilasters.) So a temporary pinch beam would have to span multiple supports and be blocked from the bearing point to the bottom or supported via external shoring posts so the wood could be replaced. The other thought I had was to use a shore post with a plated bracket on the top and cut a groove in the mortar joint to insert it. Shoring under each second story section of brick and somehow tying in the limestone window lintel. Temporary support would need to be located at the elevation of the window lintel as the brick work under the windows is also in poor condition.
If we shore, we'd have to shore both sides, which will be difficult due to the structure having a basement or design for an eccentric load. But there really isn't any good place to transfer load to at the current moment.
Similar conditions exist the 70' length of the building facade. Small sections would be replaced, hopping back and forth from one end to the other to allow brick to cure out.
Does anyone else have any clever shoring solutions?
Thank you.





RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
The existing masonry can carefully be replaced using mortar of a similar mix and colour as noted in the above paper. Do not use Portland cement... historic brickwork uses the entire wall construction to maintain its integrity.
Dik
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
We frequently do restoration or renovation of historic structures, so I am aware if the delicate structural balance of the brick/mortar, but I am interested to read your work. I'm just not sure what "SRE" stands for?
I've used a pinch beam (as you are describing) on several occasions. I was looking for a secondary option due to the existing conditions. I've attached a detail of the existing lintel.
Thanks
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
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RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
I'm an amateur at this (a couple of jobs, probably more luck that they worked than anything), but I've sawed out a brick joint above the work zone and pushed in a temporary angle to shore the brick. but that was a single Wythe of brick backed by CMU and it was in good shape (we were cutting openings in the wall, not repairing it). But I was terrified all the same.
Maybe the BIA might have some suggestions. They have nice little pamphlets that I lean on heavily, but maybe giving them a call might get some ideas.
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
Dik
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
RE: Multi-wythe brick wall support during lintel replacement
www.idecharlotte.com