Point load on brickwork cracking
Point load on brickwork cracking
(OP)
Hi guys,
Are there any limits as to how close you should have openings to point loads on brickwork walls? I've looked through the Australian standards and can't seem to find any information in regards to how close openings in beickwork can be to the 45 degree spread of load from a point load.
I've got a case where large cracks and displacement has occurred besides a door opening to brickwork. Approximately 1meters away the wall is supporting an ibeam which is supporting upper story brickwork and a portion of the flooring and roof (double story house).
At this stage Im thinking the cracks could have been caused by either ground movement or a structural failure of the brickwork. I've attached some photos of the crack. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Cheers
Are there any limits as to how close you should have openings to point loads on brickwork walls? I've looked through the Australian standards and can't seem to find any information in regards to how close openings in beickwork can be to the 45 degree spread of load from a point load.
I've got a case where large cracks and displacement has occurred besides a door opening to brickwork. Approximately 1meters away the wall is supporting an ibeam which is supporting upper story brickwork and a portion of the flooring and roof (double story house).
At this stage Im thinking the cracks could have been caused by either ground movement or a structural failure of the brickwork. I've attached some photos of the crack. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Cheers






RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Dik
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Point load around 50kn
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
I assume the beam in question is the one on the left of the picture. My guess is that the beam has been rotated by unbalanced loading from above, and that movement has pushed the upper part of the single skin brickwork to the right. Just use a short spirit level on the beam to check my hunch.
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Dik
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Dik, given the proximity of the door opening to the point load, I believe it may be stopping the lateral thrust from forming in the brickwork.
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
I understand the beam is supported on the brickwork pier. But I doubt the opening has contributed to the movement of the beam and the wall above which is supported by the beam. The opening just defines where the crack started, but the main issue is rotation of the beam. If my theory is correct, neither the beam or the wall above will be plumb.
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Based on the photo I assume this wall is at the back of the Garage? Therefore I would suspect the cracking is from either:
a) Someone driving their car into the wall. This is most likely the case in my opinion, even if the owner denies it they may be trying to shift the blame onto someone else.
b) If the site is sandy then check for leaking water pipes or stormwater drainage on the outside of the wall. Check compaction along the wall for a length and see if there's a considerable drop in compaction adjacent to the crack. Also dig under the surface to check for moisture.
c) If the site is clay then possibly downwater pipes draining onto the ground adjacent to the crack, or similar problems.
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
Link
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
I also think that there's a plausible story to be told along those lines. Add my sketch below to the idea heap.
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: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
I think that is a TV cable or similar.
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
that the house is over 15 years old and the crack only formed last week. This makes me think that the crack is probably more related to ground movement rather than brickwork failure due to the point load.
However, a large point load resting on a single skin of brickwork (110mm) thick so close to an opening just doesn't feel right to me and I'd like to check the capacity of the wall. Does anyone have any design document or references on checking brickwork under point loads?
Cheers guys
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking
RE: Point load on brickwork cracking