Reinforcing load bearing clay masonry walls

[HeavyCivil]

I'm headed to a job site today to inspect a project in which they rebuilt the existing flat roof framing, only to later find out that many, many courses of existing brick on the exterior bearing walls are in really poor shape (I have my own theories on the progression of events). By that I mean that the brick itself is okay, but the mortar has deteriorated and many can be removed by hand.

I'm doing some research on ways to strengthen this well besides replacing/ repointing bricks as the rim-joists and all interior framing is already installed, as is insulation. I'd like to go to the site with some solutions in mind, but the obvious, tedious one is the only thing I can think up.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[concretemasonry]

What is the exact construction of the wall?

Normally brick is less than 4" and it is not a structural element UNLESS it is bonded to the remainder of the wall by an acceptible means. If not, it just a non-structural veneer.

Dick

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

 

[gte447f]

Like concretemasonry said, if this is 4" brick, unless it is bonded to masonry piers and meets the requirements for a pier and curtain wall foundation, then the 4" brick should be considered non-structural, and the rim joists should be designed as structural beams.

 

[HeavyCivil]

Thanks - it is an old building and it is indeed a bearing wall (3 wythe) not a veneer. I did design rim joists as beams.

There is no evidence of any framing.

The fact remains that while the rim joists can span over even large voids, the wall must provide bearing, and full bearing is desired.