Brick Veneer Supported by Steel Beam

[JNEnginr]

Hey, Hopefully this is an easy one.

I know typically per the BIA Tech Notes that its ok to omit the shelf angle if you have 30ft of masonry supported on the foundation. But what if 30 ft of brick were supported on a steel beam? As long as L/600 is met, do the same requirements apply?

To visualize, think of a 4 story building, where first floor is open to parking, and then brick starts at the second floor and goes up 30 ft. Lots of windows so no large sections of brick.

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KootK]

I've applied the same logic in the past.

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.

 

[mike20793]

I think by the empirical definition that is within the 30 ft span limit and should be okay. However, it's worth looking at drift compatibility and differential movement between the brick and the underlying structure. You can often have differential movement or drift issues, especially in wood. Wood has the added caveat of having to deal with the effects of shrinkage, so it's becoming quite common to support the brick at every level and use a lipped brick to conceal a larger gap that is needed as the wood shrinks independently of the brick.