Page 168 - Masonry and Concrete

Masonry Construction Techniques
167
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Steel reinforcement can also be used to
restrain movement and reduce the need
for control and expansion joints. Steel
joint reinforcement is routinely used in
concrete masonry walls to reduce shrink-
age and is usually placed in every second
or third bed joint.

Expansion Joints: A masonry expansion
joint is a soft joint without mortar that is FIGURE 5-28
designed to accommodate the natural
Open-ended concrete masonry A-block.
expansion of brick. Any brick wall that is 20
ft. or more in length should have at least one
expansion joint. Deciding where to put expansion joints will depend on
the design. If either end of the wall is built against existing construction
such as a house, garage, or another wall, an expansion joint can be placed
between the two elements. If the wall is a long, straight section, an
expansion joint should be located so that it divides the wall into sections
that are no more than 20 ft. long. If the wall is an L or U shape, an expan-
sion joint should be located near the corners (Figure 5-29).
1
3
Expansion joints should be 8 in. to 2 in. wide. To keep mortar
from accidentally blocking the joint during construction, a soft foam
pad can be placed in it, or a piece of temporary plywood that can be
removed later. If a foam pad that will stay in place is used, its edge

20 FT. MAX.
EXISTING
20 FT. MAX. EXPANSION JOINTS BUILDING
ADJACENT
OR WALL

20 FT. MAX. 20 FT. MAX.
FIGURE 5-29
Brick masonry expansion joint locations.

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