Wall Tie or Veneer Anchor? 1

[JKW05]

ACI 530.1-05 has a section for wall ties (3.4.c) and another section for veneer anchors. The maximum distribution for an adjustable "wall tie" is 1.77 sq. ft. (3.4C-4a); the maximum distribution for an adjustable "veneer anchor" is 2.67 sq. ft.(3.4D-4). What is the difference between a "wall tie" and a "veneer anchor"? For example, Wire-Bond Series 600 Ladder Adjustable Tab is described as a "... Tab & Wall Tie", but the "ties" certainly act as a veneer anchor.

 

[SLTA]

I would say that a wall tie is a brick tie, like you've described, and a veneer anchor is something like a Hilti through-wall anchor into both the block and brick. To me, anchors are way more substantial than ties.

 

[Ron]

The ACI 530 commentary clarifies this a bit. There is no difference between a wall tie and a veneer anchor. The term "veneer anchor" is used so as to be more consistent with building codes that address "anchored veneer". As for the spacing differences, the Brick Industry Association (formerly the Brick Institute) provides differences bases on the type of tie/anchor being used. Weaker ties/anchors such as pintle type wires, must be spaced closer together. Other tie/anchor types can typically go with the 1:2.67 sq. ft. requirement.

Attached is a BIA publication on unit ties.

 

[msquared48]

This is interesting in that the older UBC codes used to specify no more than 4 sf per wall tie for brick veneer. So, the requirement has been up to doubled from former requirements.

I guess that we are moving up in the world as things get more crowded, including the wall ties.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com