bond beams

[bricklayer1212]

what is the best way to cross over a 12' opening 12" solid bottom bond beam, or 10" bond beam and a angle iron to support block... this is a 12" wall

 

[TXStructural]

You haven't provided enough to really evaluate the idea. A designer would need to know imposed loads and whether there is a deflection limit for masonry veneer or other finish, or for fenestration.

I would usually design a formed, cast-in-place lintel as part of the bond beam. By making the reinforcement continuous in the lintel and into the adjacent wall, top and bottom, you can minimize deflections over the opening. Second choice would be 12" CMU bond beam/lintel, if the numbers work out.

I do not like using relatively small steel shapes to support masonry over wide openings because of deflection issues.

 

[concretemasonry]

According to normal definitions, a "bond beam" is the top course of a masonry wall. A lintel is what is normally used to span openings and can be 8" or 16" in height.

In some cases, I have used a continuation of a bond beam as a continuation of the horizontal steel in an increased depth wall section by transitioning to a deeper section by draping the steel down and lapping with some increased steel (if necessary). This essentially creates a 16" deep (or more) masonry beam/lintel over an opening.

This eliminates the use of materials (angles, etc.) that can create problems visually and structurally. A support for the short term support is minimal from a construction standpoint. For a veneer situation, the masonry beam must be adequate to carry the dead load of the veneer over the span after the supports are removed. Just let the control joints match the architecture of the veneer if it is an insulated cavity wall (8+2+4).

Dick




Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

 

[bricklayer1212]

I am sorry about that I have 12' window openings grouted on each jamb, and the solid bottom filled with grout/ strong concrete mix with 2 #5 rods spanning 13' 4" is what I wondered was strong enough to carry the weight of the courses on top, when I did the calculations I have 98 sq ft of wall the cmu lintel would be supporting not grouted.

 

[SLTA]

Welcome to the forums!

I'm going to recommend you hire a local structural engineer to come view the project. This large of an opening needs to be designed by someone who can make sure all the loads are properly accounted for, including things like roof/floor loads, wind/seismic, etc.