Horizontally Spanning CMU

[IngeIvan]

Hello,

What happens to the portion of the wall above the lintel of a big opening? I'm thinking it would behave more like a two-way slab with bending in both directions, but how would you design the reinforcement for the bending moments in the horizontal direction?

In horizontally spanning CMU, would you guys provide the reinforcement only at the joint or at bond beams? Can you have only reinforcement at the joint in a partially grouted wall? How would you design this? any good references or design examples that you can recommend?

Also, any design examples for a lintel considering lateral loads too? I know enercalc can do that kind of analysis, but I just want to make sure I understand what it is doing.

Thanks!

 

[KootK]

For the sake of simplicity, I'll design theses elements as vertically spanning whenever possible. If I decide to span horizontally, I'll try to use just the naturally occurring bond beams (top/bot/ 4' oc) to get the job done.

I won't put horizontal reinforcing in the joints other than ladder wire. I use bond beams for any additional reinforcement required. I've never attempted to horizontally reinforce a partially grouted course without a bond beam. Doing so would create a weird condition with regard to rebar bond and cover.

When spanning horizontally, you want to be aware of the control joint situation that may present it self at the end of the opening. This is a good thread on that topic: Link



I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[hokie66]

When I reinforce a wall to span horizontally, I fill the whole wall. By using H-blocks or knockout blocks, completeness of grout filling is not too hard. Joint reinforcement is just kidding yourself.