Bowed CMU

[ztengguy]

I have been looking at a CMU wall on a existing building that is bowed out at the center. Its about a 13 foot clearheight, with wood stud trusses for the roof. I dont have the exact amount the wall is bowed out at the center, but maybe around 1.5" This is a 8" cmu wall.

Does anyone have a reasoning to allow the wall to remain? Its the same story " Its been that way forever" from the owner.

Is there anyway to put some design numbers to such wall. I can figure a P delta, and look at it unreinforced and see what I get.

Another option is to construct a wall interior from studs and tie them together.

 

[strucguy]

Is there any possibility that it could have been built that way. If that were the care I would perform a simple P-delta analysis to see if the stresses are within allowable limits. There were times when I had to consider the interior studs option route just to make the client happy. In any case...i think you are heading in the right direction. Good luck!!

 

[ztengguy]

Thanks, not sure if built that way. No real sign of cracking or mortar joints opening up. I am back out to see it again tomorrow, will take a more detailed look.