Bearing on a rowlock course of brick?

[JLNJ]

We have come across an existing situation where some lightly loaded building columns are bearing on a rowlock header course of brick. The brick is not solid - it has two rows of decent-sized holes. Given the strrength of brick I'm sure the brick in this orientation has some capacity, but how much? All the info I can find is on allowable bearing when a non-solid brick is set "normally". I am planning on a call to the BIA to see if they have any guidance.

The catch is that we want to add some load to these columns. Not a lot, but maybe double the load it sees now. This issue was uncovered in the field and to tear everything apart will be time consuming (and maybe unnecessary). Any input would be appreciated.

 

[a2mfk]

Without a picture or sketch, sounds bad. I would not be worried about a straight compression failure, but rather some type of lateral failure at the base of the column...

Sometimes as structural engineers we have to be the bearer of bad news, and this happens a lot in renovations of older structures! I would remedy the problem that you have now uncovered, and you may be required to depending on the exact situation and how your applicable code treats existing structures and "dangerous conditions" and other structural deficiencies.

I usually look for these requirements in code to back up my own opinion so that I can present that to the client. "Hey, code says we have to..." is sometimes the easiest.