Page 316 - Masonry and Concrete

Source: Masonry and Concrete

9
CHAPTER

Masonry Garden Walls

freestanding masonry wall can provide privacy for a patio, define
Athe perimeters of a lawn or garden area, or act as a buffer to street
noise. Masonry garden walls add an elegant touch to high-end homes
and require far less maintenance by the homeowner than ordinary
wood fences. Freestanding walls do not have a building frame or stud
wall to provide lateral stability, so they must resist overturning forces
with a wide footing, a height that is proportional to the wall thickness,
and the stiffening effect of piers or pilasters.

9.1 Footings

Concrete footings provide stability against overturning for freestanding
masonry walls. An inadequately sized footing or one that is set too shal-
low in the ground can cause the wall to lean. The bottom of a garden
wall footing must be below the winter frost line to avoid displacement
by frost heave (refer to the frost depth map in Figure 6-3 or consult your
local building department). In warm climates where the frost depth is
close to the surface, the bottom of the footing should be a minimum of
12 in. below grade so that it is supported on firm, undisturbed soil. For
footings that must be set very deep, it will be more economical to build
a concrete “stem” on the footing rather than building several courses
of brick below the ground level. The soil under the footing must be of

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