double y architectural block 2

[XR250]

Has anyone ever seen these before? Would you consider them load bearing?

 

[TheDW]

Google 'breeze blocks'

I'd never use them as load bearing, but those sure look like they are

How is the framing attached to the blocks?

 

[phamENG]

Yikes! Nothing like a 1.25" deep unreinforced concrete beam...

 

[r13]

The picture is inconclusive, note that both the joists and edge beam are not in contact with the block.

 

[phamENG]

retired - look at the far left joist. It's notched around the block and definitely looks to be touching. Also, look at who's posting. XR250 has been around a while and clearly has a clue - if he's concerned about the block's ability to be used as load bearing, I feel comfortable assuming the blocks in the picture ARE supporting the joists.

 

[JedClampett]

It looks like a weekend unpermitted project. Maybe the block manufacturer's have some testing, but I doubt it.
I see them at the top of CMU privacy fences.

 

[masonrygeek]

Here is a reference to screen block or breeze block:

http://ncma-br.org/pdfs/8/TEK 03-16.pdf.

In relation to this, has anyone designed a brick screen wall recently? These have become very popular with architects, but there is not a lot of technical information on their design. And some of these perforated brick screen walls are quite extensive...

 

[Craig_H]

I once saw these "on flat" below a mobile home's support points. The owner was confused why they were settling.

 

[KootK]

I dunno... I'd not rule out the possibility that retired13 might be on to something with his gap theory. Even if the wall is bearing, there remains the question of just how it's bearing.

 

[jayrod12]

I think the gap you are seeing is actually the shadow from the camera flash

 

[XR250]

Thanks for the responses. There is actually a bearing band behind the one you see.
The link masonrygeek sent shows these to be not load bearing so I will consider it so. (even though it likely has a fair amount of capacity)
The property seller brought in another Engineer who seems to agree. (I'm working for the buyer)

 

[r13]

As shown on the TEK paper, the concentrated load would be bear on a bond beam, or supported by steel posts/plates. Though my eye sight is deteriorating, I saw what KtooK is seeing, the chamfer/notch at the joint with the edge beam, and the edge beam seems floating, without full view, it is inconclusive how the floor is support.

 

[NorthCivil]

if one block goes kapoof, and the loads redistribute, imagine the progressive failure mechanism. interesting to think about