How to design masonry to remove movement joints 1

[sithlord382]

Hi,

I have come across a very big problem on site at one of my projects. The bricklayer completed the masonry up to first floor level today and when the building control inspector came to visit he pointed out to me that there are no movement joints on either the inner or outer leaf. I proposed to him that i will get the builders to saw cut up the wall to install some movement joints retrospectively (on both leafs), however is it possible to design masonry without the need of movement joints?

Thanks,

S

 

[hokie66]

Brick masonry? No, because it will grow with time. Concrete masonry, perhaps, if you provide enough horizontal reinforcement to control shrinkage cracking to an acceptable level.

Careful with the sawn joints in brickwork. A builder will likely only want to saw partial depth, enough to provide a sealant joint, which doesn't alleviate the brick growth issue.