Page 491 - Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook

13.36 MATERIAL-SPECIFIC FORENSIC ANALYSES

FIGURE 13.33 Head joint thickness variation and misalignment.

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Masonry Wallbracing Design Handbook following in 2003. These comprise the accepted
industry standard for wall bracing.
The Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls under Construction describes bracing
requirements that are engineered to prevent injury to workers, and as such, the bracing is
designed to resist a wind speed of 40 mph. To prevent property losses and construction delays,
stronger bracing is called for, particularly in high-wind regions such as the Colorado Front
Range, Wyoming, and other regions where wind gusts greater than 40 mph are commonplace.
Masonry supported by a structural frame or intersecting masonry walls typically does not
require temporary bracing during construction to prevent blow-over due to high wind,
because such masonry is anchored as it is built. However, tall, thin walls typical of ware-
houses do require temporary bracing. Requirements by building codes and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration notwithstanding, such walls are often unbraced.

MASONRY FAILURE INVESTIGATION

This section presents information on the qualifications of investigators, services offered by
investigators, problem statements, site visits, equipment needs, data collection, materials
sampling and testing, interviews with potential witnesses, document discovery, literature
search, research needs, and reports.