Acceptable to lay CMU column ties in bed joint? 1

[StrEng007]

I came across this detail online for constructing a built up masonry column.

Is it normal to lay the column ties in the bed joint? I'm not sure where else they would go if you're using solid blocks as shown.

 

[phamENG]

It really doesn't work well in practice. You have a 3/8" tie, and a 3/8" bed joint. That doesn't work, so you have to increase your bed joint thickness to something closer to 3/4". Now your column coursing doesn't match your wall coursing. If I specify masonry columns that require ties, I specify open blocks for the purpose.

 

[jayrod12]

It really doesn't work well in practice. You have a 3/8" tie, and a 3/8" bed joint. That doesn't work, so you have to increase your bed joint thickness to something closer to 3/4". Now your column coursing doesn't match your wall coursing. If I specify masonry columns that require ties, I specify open blocks for the purpose.

Do you really need the mortar above and below the tie for the small area that it's going to impact? My argument would be no, and therefore the coursing stays pretty well the same.

 

[StrEng007]

Notch the CMU to accept the dept of the tie?

 

[bIockhead]

Don't forget that the mortar joint is also what eats all your other variations in tolerances. If you jam a bar in there that occupies the idealized thickness, the mason loses one direction in one of the "levers" at their disposal to gauge up their coursing as PhanENG alluded to. Is it the end of the world? Probably not? Is it fair for that poor mason to be held to the same expectations of workmanship and appearances as the sample panel? I'd argue not.

 

[Greenalleycat]

This is why they make specific open column blocks
I think it is a poor detail

 

[SE2607]

I recommend using a 16"x16" column block (open in the center) and put your ties within the grouted cells.