Brick facade repair methodology

[de516nr]

Have been asked to evaluate an ongoing facade repair project, which requires removal of veneer along the floor slab edges for shelf angle and flashing repairs. I observed that the contractor is supporting brick above areas of removal with short 2x4 "cripples" spaced 3 to 5 feet apart, and my experience tells me this is inadequate. I typically require the use of structural steel plates or angles and screw-jacks or hydraulic jacks. QUESTION: Does anyone know of a generally accepted or documented standard that would apply to this case. It would be preferable to reference a documented standard that any qualified contractor should use as a guide.

 

[Ron]

de516nr...I agree, not adequate. It is point loading the brick and placing excess stress on the joints. Your approach is better, but there are no standards for such that I know of. Check with the Brick Institute of America (BIA)...they might have something, even a brief on the subject.

 

[hokie66]

I agree with you both, and another thing to worry about when you remove sections of brick veneer is the lateral stability of the veneer. If the shelf angles and flashing need repair, how do you know the state of the brick ties? I have known of whole sections of veneer to be without effective ties, and on one occasion, an entire wall panel collapsed during demolition, and the workers on the scaffold were lucky not to be injured or worse.

 

[de516nr]

hokie66, in this case the (older) building has a 2-wythe wall of brick and block with header courses, no ties, and no relief angles. The contractor is installing new angles at the floor lines, even though hung angles support the brick above window openings three courses below. The repair design make as little sense as supporting the brick with wood blocks.
Ron, BIA was among the first sources we checked. No dice. Thanks for the suggestion anyway...

 

[hokie66]

Interesting. Brick and block with headers. I assume the headers are brick. Is the block reinforced?