Improving

Structural
Drawings
for ®
Masonry

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Construction

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By Richard Filloramo

Communication and coordination

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between the architect and engineer Figure 2: Column penetrates wall cavity
are essential for improving structural t
righ

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drawings for masonry construction. y most important items that have emerged from these communications,
Errors, omissions and conflicts,
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Cowhich as well as those that have come from actual review by International
can lead to additional costs, are often Masonry Institute (IMI) staff.

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caused by a lack of coordination
between the architectural plans and Structural Steel Frame Columns

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specifications and the structural

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Many times, the structural engineer does not consider the exterior
drawings. Structural steel framed masonry wall configuration when designing and locating columns and
buildings with masonry cavity walls seem to

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beams. The location of structural steel columns can interfere with

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generate the most problems. adjacent masonry wall construc-

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Structural drawings for masonry construction tion. Failure to provide a water-

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have improved in recent years, thanks to increased

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resistant or waterproof barrier
technical literature written and distributed from at columns that penetrate into

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masonry organizations. This article will review

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the masonry cavity is a common
the most important items that have emerged problem. New energy codes that

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from these communications, as well as those that
have come from actual review by International
require air and vapor barriers can
further complicate these situa-

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Masonry Institute (IMI) staff. tions. Developing the proper
details for these conditions re-
Communication and coordination between the architect and quires a special coordination
engineer are essential for improving structural drawings for masonry between the architect and the
construction. Errors, omissions and conflicts, which can lead to structural engineer.
additional costs, are often caused by a lack of coordination between Fillers and sealant The detail shown in Figure 1
the architectural plans and specifications and the structural drawings. are difficult to use illustrates a successfully designed
Structural steel framed buildings with masonry cavity walls seem to column and masonry interface.
generate the most problems. Figure 3A: Unprotected column The CMU cavity wall backup
Structural drawings for masonry construction have improved has a clearance of
in recent years, thanks to increased technical literature written and 3 to 4 inches in
distributed from masonry organizations. This article will review the front of the col-
umn. This allows
the backup wall to
be continuous and,
when dampproofed
or waterproofed,
forms a moisture-
resistant barrier as
required by build-
ing codes. A con-
trol joint is created
by the separation
of the masonry
and steel. Engi-
neers and architects
Figure 3B: Column and spaces are protected by
membrane flashing
should always indi-

Figure 1: Steel Column within CMU backup

STRUCTURE magazine 1 May 2006

 MSJC code permits 16- x 24-inch spacing for masonry veneers. It
is best to leave the spacing at 16- x 16-inches to allow for tolerances
and field conditions, but to accept 24-inch spacing at columns and
other locations if necessary. Always check local codes for anchor and
tie requirements. If the distance between adjustable ties exceeds 24
inches or the required design distance, additional detailing is required.
Contact IMI for information.
®

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Brick
Veneer

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2 : Air
Space
2” Rigid

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Insulation
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Damp-
Cop proofing
Figure 4: Do NOT penetrate flashing with ties and anchors at steel CMU

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columns when anchor spacing requirements are maintained Back-Up
cate when a separation space (usually 1 inch) is required between steel Eye & Joint

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columns and masonry. It is also important to indicate concrete fill Reinforcing

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around the column base to support the CMU backup wall.

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The detail shown in Figure 2 and the photos in Figure 3 illustrate

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conditions where the column penetrates the masonry cavity by 1 Figure 6: 16-inch drainage wall brick veneer/CMU back-up
inch. Although this can be remedied by installing full-height flash-

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Insulation with a thickness of 1 or 1½ inches can be installed over
ing membrane over the exterior column, it does add cost to the
project. Without proper coordination between the architect and

g a the column membrane to provide a continuous layer of insulation

as a thermal break. This is an example of the versatility of the 16

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structural engineer, this condition often goes unnoticed, leading to inch drainage wall (Figures 5 and 6) with the 2:-inch air space and

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water penetration into the building. 4:-inch cavity. For the condition where the column projects 1 inch
into the cavity, the 1½ inch insulation still fits and leaves a 2-inch air

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space. Compressible fillers or mineral wool can be placed between the
column and the CMU to further insulate the area. Engineers must be
familiar with these architectural masonry wall configurations. Steel
columns projecting greater than 1 inch into the cavity will require the
reduction of either the insulation or the air space, and will require
special detailing.
It should be noted that cavities can exceed the code maximum of
42 inches, and typically do, as long as calculations are performed for
the anchors. IMI has performed this study and the results are available
from IMI.
continued next page

Figure 5: Drainage wall brick veneer/CMU back-up

In Figure 2, the membrane is adhered to the column and onto the

adjacent CMU. This application protects the column, and the space
between the column and the CMU backup, from air leakage and water
penetration. Always specify the manufacturer’s recommendations for
wall preparation, primers, adhesives, and laps.
Locate adjustable veneer ties within 2 or 4 inches of the columns.
Do not specify and indicate ties on structural or architectural drawings
that pierce the flashing membrane with anchors from the steel column
(Figure 4). This only increases the potential for water penetration and
air leakage. Ties are not required at the column if the adjustable ties A Add rigid material B Ifstrips
needed, add metal
or anchors
are maintained at the required horizontal spacing. Although many
projects specify ties spaced 16 inches vertically and horizontally, the Figure 7: Columns with fireproofing or voids

STRUCTURE magazine 2 May 2006

 To improve structural drawings, engineers need to consider masonry
coursing heights when indicating the location of bond beams. Bond
beams should not be located directly below a steel beam unless the
beam is offset to provide at least 4 inches of clear space on one side for
pouring the grout into the bond beam. Notice in Figures 14 and 15
that the bond beam is located one course below the beam, but there is
space to pour the grout. In most cases, the bond beam will be located
two courses below the beam, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure ® 16.
Since beam heights and depths will vary (Figure 17), it may be easier

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for the structural drawings to include a notation for locating bond
beams a minimum of 4 inches below and a maximum of 12 inches

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below beams, unless there is access for grouting.
A Add studs and B Add anchors
exterior sheathing if required

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Figure 8: Columns with fireproofing or voids
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If the open web of a steel column faces the ifyari large
cavity, or p
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space remains, it must be in-filled with masonry, insulation or some

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other rigid material to provide support for the vertical membrane
waterproofing. This also applies to columns with fireproofing (Figures
7, 8 and 9). Once again, do not indicate ties on the steel column that

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penetrate the flashing.
Column ties to CMU backup (shown in Figure 1) are only required if
the wall spans horizontally. Most exterior walls span vertically and are

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attached to the structure above (Figure 10). These ties, if not required,
only interfere with column wraps, fireproofing, insulation and other
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construction, making the detail difficult to build. Engineers and
architects should work together to eliminate these ties when not Figure 10: Good Detail

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required since substantial cost savings can be realized.

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In most CMU details, a clear space, usually about 1 inch, is left

a open between the bottom of the steel beam and the top course of
CMU to provide for deflection (Figure 18). If required, engineers

m should indicate this on the drawings. The resulting space in all details
must be covered with a flexible water-resistant barrier. A compressible
filler with a facing can be used if it is compatible with the CMU
dampproofing. Mortar is sometimes used if the CMU extends beyond
the beam and does not contact the beam, and if movement can be
compensated within the beam.

Figure 9: Columns with fireproofing or voids

The lack of
Structural Steel Beams water resistant
protection
Structural engineers must consider the position, size, and location
of structural steel beams since they will affect the moisture-control leads to water
systems with adjacent masonry construction. Figures 11 and 12 penetration
illustrate how the lack of water-resistant protection can lead to
air leakage and water penetration within the building. It is best to
maintain a continuous wall plane of CMU backup at beams as shown
in Figure 10. There must be at least 4 inches of clear space from the
exterior face of the CMU backup units to the beam web to install
the CMU filler. Full 3-inch (actual size) solid units are available for
tight conditions since 2-inch soap units may not provide adequate
support for the veneer when required. If there is not sufficient beam
space to provide support for CMU backup, an alternate detail should Figure 11: Poor Detail
be used as shown in Figure 13.

STRUCTURE magazine 3 May 2006

 Masonry Notes
Structural drawings usually have a page dedicated to masonry details
and notes. It is essential to coordinate these notes with the architect’s
specifications. A common error, which causes great confusion, is
inconsistency in CMU strength requirements. The architectural
specification will call for CMU to conform to ASTM C-90 with a net
compressive strength of 1900 psi. This will yield an f´m of 1500 psi
based on MSJC 2002, Section 1.4.B, 2b, Table 2. If the project® requires

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higher strength CMU for shear walls, firewalls or loadbearing walls,
the architect and engineer should be clear and consistent in indicating
where these units are required. The engineer is required by code to

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indicate the CMU strength, as well as the intended f´m. The contractor
may achieve the required design strength using lower strength block by
prism testing.

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Figure 12: Moisture protection at steel beams. Poor Detail - the lack righ
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y
of water resistant protection leads to water penetration Cop

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Other Items of Importance

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Engineers should highlight plans by cross hatching the exact location
and length of shear walls. The elevation and section for these walls
should be clearly indicated on the plan and be differentiated from non-

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structural masonry walls. A good example is shown in Figure 19. In
this actual project, Glastonbury Elementary School, Macchi Engineers

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clearly indicates reinforcing requirements and has coordinated with
Moser Pilon Nelson Architects on the architectural drawings.
A common mistake, usually found on the masonry structural

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drawing, is an elevation titled “Typical Masonry Wall Reinforcing”. In

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most cases, this causes confusion for the bidders. The drawings should
clearly indicate reinforcing for structural walls, exterior walls and

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interior walls. Interior walls in moderate and low seismic risk categories
generally do not require vertical reinforcing. Figures 20 and 21 from
Macchi Engineers drawings are excellent, efficient and cost effective
examples that indicate masonry partition wall requirements.

Figure 14: Locate bond beam directly under steel beam only if there is
room to grout from the exterior side. Maintain 1-inch space and use
slotted angles or bolts

The architect and engineer also need to communicate on the

specified density of the CMU. The weight of the masonry wall will
Self adhered affect the structural design. In some areas, lightweight CMU (<105
or spray pcf ) are common while in other areas medium weight (105 to 125
membrane pcf ) or normal weight (>125 pcf ) CMU are used. Lightweight CMU
over exterior have many advantageous characteristics and should be investigated
shething and for use on projects. Contact IMI for more information.
steel studs The project requirements for masonry inspection and testing are
the responsibility of the engineer. The engineer must clearly identify
the type and frequency of testing, as is required by the code and the
design. It is essential that architectural specifications and engineering
requirements are closely coordinated.

Dampproofing

continued on next page

Figure 13: Good Detail

STRUCTURE magazine 4 May 2006

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Figure 15: Locate bond beam directly under steel beam
only if there is room to grout from the exterior side

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Making It Work

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Construction managers, architects, engineers, masonry industry
representatives and mason contractors should be involved with plan
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1. Increase communications and coordination with the architect.
2. Check all column locations within the masonry wall system.

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reviews prior to project bidding. For example: Industrial Construction, 3. Check masonry coursing to the bottom of beams for bond
a construction manager from Newington, CT, typically has an IMI beam locations.

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member mason contractor review the architectural and structural 4 Involve construction managers, architects, engineers, masonry

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drawings prior to final plan release. They also involve many of the industry representatives and mason contractors in plan reviews.
sub-trades. The notes are then sent to the architect and engineer for 5. Provide more “enlarged” masonry details and sections

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comment. A conference, or conference call, is then initiated to discuss on the drawings.
the items of concern. Changes are made on both architectural and 6. Review specifications and coordinate with notes on
structural drawings prior to bid date. The end results yield coordinated structural drawings.
masonry details and thousands of dollars in cost savings. 7. Designers, specifiers and structural engineers should incorporate
Structural Drawings for masonry construction have evolved to meet 3-D CAD images into drawings of complex building elements
new and more complex code requirements, as well as new architectural and details.
design concepts. To ensure masonry structural drawings are clear, 8. Verify that the mason contractor and craftworkers are skilled
concise and coordinated: and experienced with the type of construction on the project,
and that they meet the project qualification requirements.▪

Figure 16: Grouting bond beams too close to the bottom of steel
beams can be difficult

STRUCTURE magazine 5 May 2006

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Figure 17

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with self
adhering
membrane in
cavity m
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Maintain 1”
space and use
slotted angles
for deflection

Figure 18: Steel beam

References
1. Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) Building Richard Filloramo is Area Director of Market
Code Requirements for Masonry Structures Development and Technical Services for the International
(ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02), Masonry Institute New England Region – Connecticut
Specifications for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1-02/ASCE Office. He has more than 28 years of experience in the
6-02/TMS 602-02) and Commentaries. masonry industry. Mr. Filloramo is a member of the
2. International Masonry Institute – Detailing Masonry Masonry Standards Joint Committee, the code writing
Construction Educational Series body responsible for the Masonry 530 Code. Mr. Filloramo
3. International Masonry Institute – IMI Technical Briefs on has been involved with the design, construction and
Masonry Construction inspection of more than 5,000 building projects.
4. ASTM C 90-05 Standard Specifications for Loadbearing
Concrete Masonry Units

see next page for figures 19, 20 and 21

STRUCTURE magazine 6 May 2006

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wall indicated on the

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structural drawings
with elevation.

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Figure 19: Drawings courtesy of Macchi Engineers, Moser Pilon Architects for Glastonbury Elementary School, Connecticut

STRUCTURE magazine 7 May 2006

 Wall Height & Type Vertical
Remarks
(See Note 7) Reinforcing
Grout Voids
Solid @
Exterior Walls All Walls See Sections
Reinforcing
See note 5

No vertical
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Interior Walls All Walls reinforcing See Notes 2, 3, 4
required

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Figure 20: A good example to indicate masonry partition wall requirements. Drawings courtesy of Macchi Engineers, Moser Pilon Architects for Glastonbury
Elementary School, Connecticut
see next page for Figure 21a and 21b

STRUCTURE magazine 8 May 2006

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Figure 21a: Interior partition connection details. Drawings courtesy of Macchi Engineers, Moser Pilon Architects for Glastonbury Elementary School, Connecticut

STRUCTURE magazine 9 May 2006

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Figure 21b: Interior partition connection details. Drawings courtesy of Macchi Engineers, Moser Pilon Architects for Glastonbury Elementary School, Connecticut

STRUCTURE magazine 10 May 2006