CMU Wall and rebar requirement

[Wes Clark]

Hello all. Early Engineering student and homeowner here to please forgive my lack of I’m buildings a storm shelter at home and my block Mason has an issue with how the rebar is planned. It’s currently stubbed into a 3’x3’ footer. It is sticking up 4’. I asked Mason to tie an additional 6’ (2’ overlap to create an 8’ continuous rod. Mason said tying to the footer bar is not necessary and is a common misunderstanding. He states that the bar is put in place prior to pouring the cells. The FEMA print that is used is not as clear as preferred for us not as familiar with the jargon. His reasoning makes sense, if I tie an additional 6’ on, he would have to lift every block laid, up and over every rod in the wall. Am I missing the obvious. FEMA P-230 attached.

So question is:
Is it necessary to have a continuous rod through the wall tied to the footer?

 

[phamENG]

No, rebar in CMU walls are not typically tied. However....it may be worthwhile to ask that he use vertical bar positioners. In reinforced concrete, rebar is tied together to keep the cage rigid and in place while concrete is poured. No load is actually transferred through those little wire ties. In CMU, using positioners keeps the bar in place while it's being grouted.

 

[masonrygeek]

You may want to review this guide from NCMA:

https://ncma.org/resource/concrete-masonry-storm-shelter-design-guide-and-commentary/.