Existing Red Brick Home Renovation

[adubdavis]

I have a project on a small red brick framed home (exterior walls are actual 8" red brick, not veneer) that was built in 1947. The remodel includes tearing off the roof and replacing with trusses. Can anyone point me to design codes, guides, etc. on design of red brick structures? What would be the minimum reinforcement (lintels and vertical) at that time, if any?

As a minimum, I can show that the new trusses will not increase load to the walls, but wanted to also show a quick analysis that the existing structure loads/stresses are low. I can see that all windows/doors have steel lintels and the house is very small (1100 square feet) so I am confident that it is adequate, I just wanted to know which codes/guides are used when designing red brick.

 

[kipfoot]

I think you'll find what you need at ncma.org or in the masonry code for unreinforced masonry. Take a look at TEK 14-08B for starters.

I wouldn't expect that there's any reinforcement in a double wythe brick house. I'd probably pour a bond beam at the top of wall to tie the walls together and give you something to anchor the new trusses to. (You may choose to do more if there's a net uplift.)

 

[JLNJ]

First step is to find out what code is enforced. If it's the International Residential Code, then you will want to look for existing building provisions. I'm not familiar with the IRC so I can't quote section and verse. Often you get leeway based on the percentage stress increase in the members due to the new configuration.

ACI 530 is the masonry code if are you looking at structural capacity. It has provisions for unreinforced masonry. I don't think the color of the brick matters.

 

[dik]

If repairing mortar, use a proper historic brick mortar... do not use a Portland Cement mortar.

[URL unfurl="true"]https://res.cloudinary.com/engineering-com/image/upload/v1633964759/tips/Historic_Brickwork_21-07-05_sjeata.pdf[/url]

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[Ron247]

Just to clarify, is the wall one or two layers of 8" brick? Sounds like you have a single layer of 8".

 

[adubdavis]

Thank you for your responses. The house is a single wythe, 8” thick.