Masonry Wall Construction Flashcards
True/False: Masonry Walls can be both load-bearing and non-load bearing
True
Are composite masonry walls single-wythe or multi-wythe?
Multi-wythe
Are Masonry cavity walls single-wythe or multi-wythe?
Multi-wythe
What is a wythe?
Vertical section of a wall that is one brick or masonry unit thick.
What is the defining characteristic of masonry cavity walls?
Air spaces b/w wythes acting as a drainage plane
Minimum recommended depth for cavity of masonry cavity walls is ____.
2”
Why is the recommended depth for cavity of masonry cavity walls what it is?
To allow space for masons to keep the cavity clear of mortar droppings during construction
What is flashing?
Waterproof membranes intercepting water in the cavity to redirect it to outside
What are weepholes?
Holes b/w block units to allow water to drain out
When insulation boards are used for masonry cavity walls, a minimum of ____ of clear airspace is needed
1”
To protect the inner wythe from water and air leakage, ___________ can be used.
Damp proofing / Air barrier
For a masonry wall that is resisting to seismic loads, ___________ should be selected.
Loadbearing Masonry Walls
Loadbearing masonry walls can be:
a. Composite
b. Cavity
c. Single -wythe
Can be all
For loadbearing cavity walls, what wythe is usually loadbearing?
Inner, outer is nonstructural
What are the types of flashing in terms of the material used?
Stainless Steel
Copper
Galvanized Steel
Membrane flashing
Composite flashing
What are the defining characteristics of stainless steel flashing?
Long-lasting
Non-staining
Relatively hard to form
What are the defining characteristics of copper flashing?
Long lasting
Runoff can cause staining
Soft and easily formed
What are the defining characteristics of galvanized steel flashing?
Less expensive
Less durable
Not recommended for internal flashing
OK for external, replaceable flashings
What are the defining characteristics of membrane flashing?
Self-adhesive
Less expensive and easier to install than metal flashing
What is composite flashing made of?
Thin sheet of metal laminated with heavy paper, plastic film, and other material
What are the possible flashing locations?
Top of wall
Back of block units
Below a wall opening
Weep holes
Base of wall
Flashings under windows and doors are often called:
Sill pan
What is a drip edge?
Edges specifically made to allow water to fall free
What are the special problems about masonry walls that are construction-related?
Poor waterproofing
Poor quality
Poorly designed joints
What are the special problems about masonry walls that are environmental-related?
Moisture issues
Building settlement
Expansion/Conraction
How should one avoid special problems mentioned before about masonry walls?
Better joint design
Waterproofing / Flashing
Weatherproofing
Say problems occurred for a masonry wall, what are some possible correction methods?
Replace masonry
Repointing
Revising joints / waterproofing
surface treatment
What is repointing?
Deteriorated mortar is cut out and fresh is added back
