masonry opening infill 1

[structSU10]

I have an existing two wythe brick wall with openings too close together where the repair concept was to infill every other opening to make it a solid wall. The questions was asked - to appease the historical society - that the edges not be toothed in so the 'definition' of the window opening remains. I need the full width of the pier to be structural for the out of plane loading. I am unsure if this vertical head joint is problematic for this or if I can provide wire ties across that head joint to tie things together appropriately such that it can be viewed as a solid wall panel. Does anyone have insights on this repair technique?

 

[phamENG]

It shouldn't be a problem. Look at the existing piers as taking the out of plane load for themselves and the openings that remain, and then look at the 'new' piers (comprised of the infill and the band above/below,etc.) as taking their own wind load. Check the stress in the bed joints at the window head and sill and make sure you can get the desired strength. You could also look at toothing together the interior wythe and keeping the definition of the original window in the face brick if the interior will be finished anyway. If you do both, you should be a-okay.

 

[structSU10]

I think that is a sound approach - just treating it as a vertical joint full height. I think the interior toothing could be a good middle road if I find small issues still after evaluating the first way.