MASONRY CONTROL JOINTS

WHAT IS THE GENERAL OPINION ON MASONRY CONTROL JOINTS - ARE THEY REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR WALLS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER (EXCEPT DURING CONSTRUCTION)?  IF REQUIRED, DO THE GENERAL SPACING REQUIREMENTS (25'-30') STILL GOVERN OR CAN THIS BE LENGTHENED?  ANY ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED.

I've got a copy of a page from "The Magazine of Masonry Construction", Oct. 1988 (I know...pretty old)

It has a handy table that lists spacing for both exterior and interior walls.  For example - in the central U.S. the avg. annual humidity is listed at 70% - for exterior walls with bed joint reinf. at 16" o.c. the recommended spacing for joints is 24 feet.  For interior its listed as 30 feet.

JAE -

Can you fax me the table and any supporting information or article?  321-799-0375

The Amrhein "Reinforced Masonry Engineering Handbook" specifies that control joints are better measured by the panel length to height ratio.  Depending on the Horizontal reinforcement, and the ratio mentioned above, control joints can extend up to 60' O.C.

Kim,

I have lots of those tables in the office..... I have many masonry association TEK notes. Stop by and get a copy...

Lutfi