Bond Beam Lintel Over Windows

[courtnvm]

I recently went to a job site to do the last site visit and I noticed that the bond beam lintels had been constructed used open bottom block. I was wondering if anyone has any information regarding using open bottom block as a bond beam lintel over windows. It looks like there would be a little arching action, which makes me feel okay about it. Any help would be appreciated.



Val Courtney, PE
Optimal Engineering, Inc.

 

[haynewp]

Are you saying they knocked out the webs and used standard blocks for the lintels instead of a solid bottom U block? If so, I can't think of anything wrong with doing it that way as long as the grout was properly consolidated around the rebar.

 

[scottiesei]

Those are fine, rinker makes them around here. Usually a lintel screen or felt paper is used to stop the grout pour down into the wall. Just make sure the steel is placed right.

 

[Lutfi]

I think, if I understand you right, you are Ok. They can use ashtrays (they look like them and they fit perfectly in bottom of the knock out block to stop the grout. If they did not, the window installers may have a problem especially if the bottom of the lintel is not smooth.



Regards,
Lutfi

 

[Loui1]

Do you mean they used bond beam blocks instead of lintel block? Or do you mean they used standard block (without room horizontal bars)? You could have a structural problem if they used standard block. The fact you say you think there's enough arching action makes me believe there isnt any reinforcing. Is there enough wall to resist the kick out forces? What's the arch radius? What is the span? I would recommend going to

http://secure.ncma.org/source/orders/index.cfm

and learning more about masonry before evaluating it any further.