Grouted Masonry Walls in California

[whyun]

This is a question for engineers familiar with 2001 California Building Code. Someone took my 2001CBC and I only have access to my old 1997UBC.

For masonry construction, does the 2001 CBC require that all cells (regardless of whether the cells contain vertical reinforcement) to be grouted? In the 1997 UBC Section 2104.6.1 final sentence states "All cells and spaces containing reinforcement shall be filled with grout." If the code doesn't specifically "require" that "all" cells be grouted, it is of my opinion that partially grouted cells are allowed. Any comments?

Thank you.

 

[koodi]

Looks like you'll be grouting all cells that contain reinforcement. Seismicity will require both horizontal and verticle reinforcing--thus, all cells will be grouted.

Haven't had this problem before, since all my masonry designs were limited by the masonry strength (without special inspection). If strength isn't an issue, refer to a "standard" non structural wall--and save the time.

 

[whyun]

Thanks, Koodi.

Solid grouted masonry happens to be a "requirement" per 2001 CBC.

1997 UBC Sec. 2104.6.1 last sentence on second paragraph states "grout shall be placed so that all spaces designated to be grouted shall be filled with grout and grout shall be confined to those specific spaces." and the designated spaces happens to be "all cells and spaces containing reinforcement" per last sentence of this section.

2001 CBC modified the sentence to read "grout shall be placed so that all spaces to be grouted do not contain voids."

Strange wording but it is meant to be interpreted as "partially grouted masonry is prohibited".