Brick Lintel Design - Torsional effects

[Robert216]

In sizing brick lintels, I have only been considering bending in the vertical leg (the "x-axis"). I started thinking and asked myself this question: At what point do I start considering torsional effects (or bending about the "z-axis") due to the eccentric loading of the brick? Is this a legitimate concern or am I just crazy? In school we learned about lateral torsional bending, but I haven't considered it in this application. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[hokie66]

ChipB,

In your last paragraph, you mention prying action and vertical displacement of the brick. When I have seen this, it is usually due to corrosion of the end of the lintel. It occurs frequently in coastal areas. Some people still don't hot dip lintels.