Fixing Steel Beam to Brick Veneer Wall 1

[asixth]

Hi guys

Is it common to fix steel beams to veneer walls (4.5" brick) to support vertical loads. In this instance the vertical load I need the veneer wall to resist is 10kN/2.2kips.

Regards

 

[concretemasonry]

Is the wall designed as a loadbearing wall or is is just a veneer? If veneer, it is contrary to codes. Veneers are usually applied to a structural back-up with connectors that do not develop sufficient shear resistance/strength to make the veneer to act with the back-up as a composite wall.

The veneer walls usually are designed and built to only carry the weight of the veneer. Usually the specification are not sufficient to guarantee the strength of the wall.

The wall may physically carry the load, it would be difficult to justify the conditions, especially since you are applying and eccentric load to an apparently tall, very thin wall.

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

 

[Ron]

Nope...wouldn't do it. Any deflection in the beam will result in a moment in the wall, which it likely can't take. Even the shear in the fasteners, with them being wedge or adhesive anchors, would likely not be acceptable because of the spacing of the fasteners.

Since you're in Oz, I don't know your code limitations. Here is the US that would be a no-no if it is a true veneer as ConcreteMasonry noted.

 

[BAretired]

In Canada, brick veneer is a non-structural element. The only steel members which can bear on veneer are loose lintels which carry only the weight of brick above the opening.

BA

 

[TXStructural]

The answer is "NO".

A veneer may not be bedded properly properly to support additional loads, and the slender veneer is too thin to act as a column for any kind of structural load greater than self-weight.

Veneer masonry also may not be built to the same strength and durability as a comparable single wythe structural wall.

 

[JAE]

Wudent be prudent....not goin do it.

 

[apsix]

I probably would never consider it, but if I did I wouldn't face fix it.
It could only work if the beam is embedded.

 

[asixth]

Thanks everyone for their input. It seems that face fixing to brick veneer is not a good idea.

 

[civeng80]

asixth
I agree its not prudent to support the beam on the veneer wall.

Would it not be possible to extend the beam to the supporting framework behind the veneer and support it there?

 

[asixth]

I was looking at that option, behind the 4.5" brick veneer (110 brick) is a 4" cmu wall (90 block). However the wall cantilevers parapet-style. I was thinking of removing both brick and block locally and bearing on both walls with a grout pad and proving rod tie-down to the steelwork structure below.

I was speaking with the steel fabricator about face fixing into a brick wall with chemical anchors and they don't like doing it because the bricks crush (in their experience).

 

[civeng80]

Is it possible to build in a SHS behind the veneer wall and support the beam on that ?

I have come across this before and I know it can be a vexing problem, and I know the easy way out is to support it on the veneer wall, but my advice as is the others here, dont do it under any circumstances !

or another thought here why not conert the veneer wall into a reinforced brick pier ?

 

[asixth]

The brick pier is an option and could possibly work architecturally because they are going to render the veneer wall.