basic concrete masonry wall question

[cliff234]

We are designing a one-story load-bearing masonry wall structure. The walls are 12" CMU block. There are two large garage doors in one of the walls. The architect shows a 4'-5" width of wall between the doors.

Question: Isn't a 4'-5" long wall difficult to build? If I was a mason trying to build the wall I think I would want either 4'-0" long or 4'-8" long wall. Those dimensions would also allow the cores to align. (We have reinforcing steel in the wall and I would like the cores to align as best as possible to insure ease of placement of the bars and grout.)

 

[MotorCity]

Its not a perfect block dimension, but architects have come up with crazier dimensions (honestly, I'm happy when they have dimensions that are to the nearest inch...instead of 4'-5 3/16"). Should not be a problem to construct.

 

[KootK]

Yeah, somehow the profession of architecture has forgotten how to deal with the modularity of masonry. I usually point it out in case some junior guy wants to look a little less foolish. And then I just roll with whatever they decide. One of the things that I dislike about it structurally is that I know something weird is going to have to occur somewhere to accommodate the bunk dimension. Exactly what that will be and where it will happen are pretty nebulous unless I burn a bunch of fee and attempt to detail it (I don't do that). I dislike the uncertainty and lack of control.

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.

 

[MWPC]

KootK +1

 

[wannabeSE]

One of the first things I do with a masonry project is to check to see if the architectural is using a block module for wall lengths and openings. If they aren't, I politely explain to the junior architect that the mason will need to cut blocks to fit the dimensions. That usually solves the problem. But sometimes, there are other architectural constraints that prevent everything from being on a block module.

Cliff - If you haven't already, look at the elevations to check the top and bottom of openings as well as the floors, roof and top of wall. It is always good to communicate with the architect. Maybe the 4'-5" on the architectural is a finish opening size and the rough opening is 4'-8".

 

[MWPC]

wannabeSE,
I thought about the RO issue too but the 4'5" was the pier between the openings.

 

[dik]

Are you sure you can get enough capacity with a wall only 12' x 5'4" with a large door on either side?

Dik