Structural Masonry Systems
Single Wythe Clay Systems (Tall Slender Walls)

1) General
2) Practical Applications And Details
3) Guide Specifications

1. General

The ability to build masonry walls taller and thinner results in many user benefits. Tall, slender walls provide initial cost savings, are space saving, and permit increased vertical clearance

2. Practical Applications And Details

Initial cost saving is the result of:

• Less masonry material required
• Less reinforcing steel because the wall is thinner and lighter weight
• Smaller footings because walls weigh less
• Lower seismic forces because of walls having less weight
• Reduced interim financing costs as construction time is decreased.

Space saving is the result of:

• Thinner walls - Where a 12' thick wall was required, a 6" or 8" wall can now be built. For example, a 150' x 200' building would have 350 square feet more available using 6" thick walls rather than 12" thick walls.
• No pilasters projecting into the floor space interfering with the smooth run of walls.

Increase in vertical clearance:

• High strength clay masonry allows walls to be thinner and higher.
• Higher heights of walls can be achieved with the same thickness of wall.

Many structures require high walls and roofs for their maximum efficient use. Such structures may be warehouses, supermarkets, gymnasiums and auditoriums, to mention just a few.

Test Set Up For 3-1/2" Hollow Clay Brick Wall

Height 16'8"; h/t = 57
f'm + 5,000 psi; fy = 70,000 psi
Vertical load = 225 plf
Lateral load = 58 psf
Deflection = 17.0"

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The NW Masonry Guide Table of Contents

Masonry Institute of Washington
Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors