Insulated Block In Reinforced Masonry

[StructuralEd]

I am interested in opinions on whether or not having insulation inserts within the cores of partially reinforced single wythe masonry bearing and shear walls is of importance.

Loads being considered are both in and out of plane lateral loads as well as potential uplift when walls are used as shearwalls.

My intuition is that the insulation should be deleted in the cores with vertical bars. I am looking at it like a steel beam with a horizontal slot cut in the web and styrofoam stuffed in the slot. Also I can't rationalize with the potential slip between the cmu and insulation and likewise insulation to grout.

I'd like to hear other opinions.

 

[concretemasonry]

There are some insulation inserts design to accomodate reinforced masonry. One product is Enerblok/Enerblock(spelling ?) that is a field installed polystyrene insert that is not just a baffle, but a continuous layer between courses that has some engineering back-up. It has been used in some prisons and higher walls. - Google for it or West Materials.

Thermal insulation of concrete masonry requires the engineer to fill only those cores that require reinforcement and leave the others open. Excess grouting and reinforcement is usually acceptable as a "belt and suspenders" approach, but the owner pays the energy penalty.

dick

 

[msquared48]

There are others where the insulation is on the outside, with the concrete poured inside.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering