Hollow concrete block work as load bearing wall? 1

[fcu45]

Hi
We have a single story offices area inside a warehouse where the walls are made of 8" hollow concrete block work, there is a possibility that the management would ask for additional offices on the top of the existing, but could hollow block works act as load bearing walls?

My main concern is the bending moment. Is there a detail to minimize it on the supporting block work?

Regards

 

[dik]

If your jurisdiction allows it, then, you should be able to have 10' to 11' for the wall height between floors and unless you have exceptional loads, 8" CMU's can easily support two storeys.

Dik

 

[TXStructural]

Since the CMU walls were not constructed as load-bearing, you may need to investigate the mortar and joint bedding, which might not be sufficient. Fully grouting the wall should be a relatively trivial exercise, and may end up costing less than other options. Vertical reinforcement could be installed through the top of the wall prior to grouting. I have also heard of people inserting horizontal bars from the ends of walls (which might require some creativity to accomplish effectively.