Wood Infill in Existing Masonry

[msdmoney]

I'm designing a wood infill wall in an existing masonry building opening. I was going to detail the top to accomodate deflection via a metal slip track (similar to metal studs, not sure how common this is), do most people leave a gap the sides of the wall as well, or just detail the wood tight to the masonry?

 

[XR250]

I have never given it a second thought. I guess it comes down to how much movement you are expecting in the wood and masonry. A stud wall will likely support the masonry if it deflects significantly.

 

[jayrod12]

If it is truely infill, I would provide a slip joint at the top, but not at the sides. The wood wall would be significantly more flexible than masonry and therefore would never attract any lateral loading.