Technical Notes
Technical Notes on Brick Construction are FREE bulletins that contain design, detailing, and construction information based on the latest technical developments in brick masonry.
Technical Notes on Brick Construction are recommendations on the use of fired clay brick. Drawings, photographs, tables, and charts illustrate appropriate topics. They are explicitly written for fired clay brick which are manufactured:
- from clay, shale, or similar naturally-occurring earthy substances, and
- with a firing process that creates a fired bond between the particles of the brick.
The properties of fired clay brick and the clay brick masonry made from them were used to establish the recommendations in these Technical Notes. Using these recommendations with other products that are not manufactured as outlined above may not result in the same performance associated with fired clay brick masonry. Further, use of these Technical Notes for the design, installation and maintenance of construction built with other products may in fact be detrimental to those products and the building on which they are installed. Thus, BIA does not advise the use of these recommendations with other products including but not limited to those claiming to be similar to fired clay brick products such as “fly ash” brick, concrete brick and other unfired or non-clay brick.
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To view a master list of the BIA Technical Notes, click on the Index below:
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Technical Notes
1) Hot and Cold Weather Construction
This Technical Note defines cold and hot weather conditions related to brick masonry construction and describes the unfavorable effects of these conditions on masonry materials and their performance. It provides information on weather prediction necessary for construction planning and re tnindex commends practices to achieve optimum performance of masonry constructed during periods of extreme temperatures.
2) Glossary of Terms Relating to Brick Masonry
Glossary of Terms Relating to Brick Masonry
3) Overview of Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
This Technical Notes provides a review of the national masonry design standard, ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, and its accompanying masonry specification, ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602. New provisions and revisions of existing standards for masonry design are emphasized. Subjects discussed pertaining to the design standard are: allowable stress and strength design of unreinforced and reinforced masonry, prestressed masonry, empirical design, glass block masonry, masonry veneer, quality assurance, and seismic provisions. Items addressed for the masonry specification are: requirements checklist and submittals, masonry quality assurance and inspection requirements, reinforcement and metal accessories, erection tolerances, construction procedures and grouting requirements.
3A) Brick Masonry Material Properties
Brick masonry has a long history of reliable structural performance. Standards for the structural design of masonry which are periodically updated such as the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402) and the Specifications for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602) advance the efficiency of masonry elements with rational design criteria. However, design of masonry structural members begins with a thorough understanding of material properties. This Technical Notes is an aid for the design of brick and structural clay tile masonry structural members. Clay and shale units, mortar, grout, steel reinforcement and assemblage material properties are presented to simplify the design process.
3B) Brick Masonry Section Properties
This Technical Notes is a design aid for the Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402-92) and Specifications for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602-92). Section properties of brick masonry units, steel reinforcement and brick masonry assemblages are given to simplify the design process. Section properties are used to calculate stresses and to determine the allowable stresses given in the ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402-92 Code.
4) Introduction to Energy Performance of Brick Masonry
Thermal performance of the building envelope is a significant factor in the energy efficiency of a building. Thermal performance depends upon many factors, including the amount of insulation, the extent of glass/glazing used, mass and thickness of the walls, and the thermal resistance of wall materials. This Technical Note provides a foundation for understanding building thermal energy performance. Material properties for common building materials are given including thermal resistance (R-values) and transmittance (U-factors) based on steady-state conditions. The impacts of thermal mass and thermal bridges, which are often excluded from R-value and U-factor calculations, are also explained. The relative accuracy of various methods for estimating thermal performance are presented, including computer analyses that account for both thermal mass and thermal bridging effects. Other Technical Notes in this series provide further information on energy code requirements and thermal performance of specific brick masonry wall assemblies for residential and commercial construction.
4A) Residential Energy Code Compliance
This Technical Note presents current U.S. building and energy code criteria applicable to the design of wall assembly portions of residential structures of three stories or fewer. A brief description of compliance paths is provided, along with a comparison of code requirements to widely used measures of residential energy performance. An example of the preferred method for calculating R-values and U-factors for wood-frame walls with brick veneer is given. The minimum required thicknesses of various insulation products in each climate zone are indicated for common residential brick veneer assemblies.
4B) Energy Code Compliance of Brick Masonry Walls *Update In Progress*
All buildings designed today must comply with energy code requirements. Building energy performance requirements may be embodied in a model building code or in a separate energy standard. These documents typically contain requirements for the building envelope, including walls, windows, doors, roofs and floors. Brick masonry, as a high mass building material, has the inherent energy saving feature of thermal storage capacity (thermal mass). This Technical Notes describes how to quantify thermal mass and calculate the heat capacity of several brick masonry walls. The procedure for addressing thermal mass in residential and commercial construction when determining building envelope compliance with widely used energy standards and codes is also described.
5A) Sound Insulation - Clay Masonry Walls
The sound insulation or sound transmission loss of a wall is that property which enables it to resist the passage of noise or sound from one side to the other. This should not be confused with sound absorption which is that property of a material which permits sound waves to be absorbed, thus reducing the noise level within a given space and eliminating echoes or reverberations. Only sound insulation will be discussed in this Technical Notes.
6) Painting Brick Masonry *Update In Progress*
Although some masonry walls require protective coatings to impart color and help in resisting rain penetration, clay masonry requires no painting or surface treatment. Brick are generally selected because, among other characteristics, they have integral and durable color and, when properly constructed, are resistant to rain penetration. Clay masonry walls may be painted to increase light reflection or for decorative purposes. Most paint authorities agree that, once painted, exterior masonry will require repainting every three to five years. This issue of Technical Notes discusses general applications of paint to interior and exterior brick walls, and a brief discussion on specific paints suitable for brick masonry.
6A) Colorless Coatings for Brick Masonry
This Technical Note discusses common reasons for applying colorless coatings to above-grade brick masonry and the appropriateness of such actions. The types of products often used and the advantages and disadvantages of each are presented. Issues to consider prior to application of a clear coating to brick masonry are provided.
7) Water Penetration Resistance – Design
Brick masonry walls require proper design, detailing and construction to minimize water penetration into or through a wall system. Many aspects of design, construction and maintenance can influence the resistance of a wall to water penetration. The selection of the proper type of wall is of utmost importance in the design process, as is the need for complete and accurate detailing. In addition to discussing various wall types, this Technical Note covers proper design of brick masonry walls and suggests details that have been found to increase water penetration resistance.
7A) Water Penetration Resistance – Materials
This Technical Note discusses considerations for the selection of materials used in brickwork and their impact on its resistance to water penetration. Minimum recommended property requirements and performance characteristics of typical materials are described.
7B) Water Penetration Resistance – Construction and Workmanship
This Technical Note covers essential construction practices needed to ensure water-resistant brick masonry. Procedures for preparing materials to be used in brick construction are recommended, including proper storage, handling and preparation of brick, mortar, grout and flashing. Good workmanship practices are described, including the complete filling of all mortar joints, tooling of mortar joints for exterior exposure and covering unfinished brick masonry walls to protect them from moisture.
8) Mortars for Brickwork
This Technical Note addresses mortars for brickwork. The major ingredients of mortar are identified. Means of specifying mortar are covered. Mortar properties are described, as well as their effect on brickwork. Information is provided for selection of the appropriate materials for mortar and properties of mortars.
8B) Mortars for Brickwork - Selection and Quality Assurance
This Technical Note discusses the selection and specification of mortar Type.
9) Manufacturing of Brick
This Technical Note presents fundamental procedures for the manufacture of clay brick. The types of clay used, the three principal processes for forming brick and the various phases of manufacturing, from mining through storage, are discussed. Information is provided regarding brick durability, color, texture (including coatings and glazes), size variation, compressive strength and absorption.
9A) Specifications for and Classification of Brick
This Technical Note describes the predominant-consensus standard specifications for brick and the various classifications used in each. Specific requirements — including physical properties, appearance features and coring — are described. Additional requirements for each brick specification also are covered.
9B) Manufacturing, Classification, and Selection of Brick, Selection, Part 3
This Technical Notes addresses the selection of brick. Evaluation of the properties and applications of brick determines the durability, appearance, and impression of a project. Information is provided regarding aesthetics, cost and availability.
10) Dimensioning and Estimating Brick Masonry
This Technical Note presents information for determining the basic layout of brick masonry walls, including both structural and veneer applications. Modular and non-modular brick masonry is discussed, including overall dimensioning of masonry walls using various brick unit sizes. Finally, guidelines are presented to aid the designer in estimating the amount of materials needed for brick masonry.
11) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 1 *Update In Progress*
Numerous methods are being explored to reduce constantly rising building costs. One means in which many segments of the construction industry believe holds promise of lowering these costs is the use of specific, definitive and concise specifications. They must convey to the contractor the exact requirements of the project and be organized to facilitate take-off and estimating. Many general contractors have testified that the use of such specifications results in lower contract bids. During recent years, organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Producers' Council (PC), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), have made the improvement of construction specifications one of their major activities. In accordance with the work of these agencies, the guide specifications in this series of Technical Notes are written to follow the CSI format insofar as possible.
11A) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 2 *Update In Progress*
This Technical Notes contains the guide specifications in CSI format for Division 4, Section 04210, Part I - General, and Part II - Products. Part III - Execution is in Technical Notes 11B Revised. The specifications are applicable to ANSI A41.1 - 1953 (R1970), ''Building Code Requirements for Masonry,'' ANSI A41.2 - 1960 (R 1970), "Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Masonry,'' or equivalent sections in the Model Building Codes. The guide specifications in Technical Notes 11A Revised and 11B Revised can be used for engineered brick masonry designed to comply with Building Code Requirements for Engineered Brick Masonry, BIA, August 1969, or equivalent sections in the Model Building Codes, when additional quality assurance requirements are incorporated into the specifications. See Technical Notes 11C Revised.
11B) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 3 *Update In Progress*
This Technical Notes contains the guide specifications in CSI format for Part III - Execution. Part I - General, and Part II - Products are in Technical Notes 11A Revised.
11C) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 4 *Update In Progress*
This issue of Technical Notes and the following issue, Technical Notes 11D, contain the required additional sections and statements to be incorporated into the "Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry", Technical Notes 11A Revised and 11B Revised. This will make the guide specifications in those Technical Notes suitable for Engineered Brick Masonry. ]The sections contained in these Technical Notes deal primarily with the quality assurance, selection of units, strength and construction tolerances to provide masonry that meets the minimum design requirements for Engineered Brick Masonry.
11D) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 4 Continued *Update In Progress*
This issue of Technical Notes is a continuation of Technical Notes 11C Revised and contains additional sections and statements to be incorporated into the "Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry", Technical Notes 11A Revised and 11B Revised. This will make the guide specifications in those Technical Notes suitable for Engineered Brick Masonry. The sections contained in these Technical Notes deal primarily with the quality assurance, selection of units, strength and construction tolerances to provide masonry that meets the minimum design requirements for Engineered Brick Masonry.
11E) Guide Specifications for Brick Masonry, Part 5, Mortar and Grout *Update In Progress*
This Technical Notes is a guide specification for mortar and grout used in brick masonry. Using this Technical Notes, a specifier can prepare a job specification for Section 04100. Notes are provided to help the specifier understand certain decisions that affect the project specifications. The guide specification is in accordance with the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) Masterformat.
13) Ceramic Glazed Brick Exterior Walls
Buildings and other structures employ glazed brick in a variety of uses, from decorative bands to entire wall systems. Due to the imperviousness of its ceramic glazed surface, a vented air space is recommended behind the glazed brick wythe. Proper wall design, detailing and material selection, along with quality construction, will result in attractive glazed brick applications exhibiting durability, structural stability and virtually maintenance-free aesthetics.
14) Paving Systems Using Clay Pavers
This Technical Note presents an overview of paving systems made with clay pavers used in pedestrian and vehicular, residential and nonresidential projects. Commonly used systems that include clay pavers are discussed, and guidance is given in selecting the appropriate clay paver, setting bed and base. Site conditions and project requirements that may affect choice are discussed, including subgrade soil, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, accessibility requirements, drainage and appearance.
14A) Paving Systems Using Clay Pavers on a Sand Setting Bed
This Technical Note describes the proper design and construction of pavements made with clay pavers on a sand setting bed in pedestrian and vehicular, residential and nonresidential projects.
14B) Paving Systems Using Clay Pavers on a Bituminous Setting Bed
This Technical Note describes the proper design and construction of pavements made with clay pavers laid on a bituminous setting bed in pedestrian and vehicular, residential and nonresidential projects.
14C) Paving Systems Using Clay Pavers in a Mortar Setting Bed
This Technical Note describes the proper design and construction of pedestrian and light vehicular pavements made with clay pavers laid in a mortar setting bed.
14D) Permeable Clay Brick Pavements
This Technical Note describes the proper design and construction of permeable pavements made with clay pavers on an aggregate setting bed, an open-graded aggregate base, and an open-graded subbase. The purpose and performance of this type of paving in environmental protection and stormwater management are discussed. Options for stormwater design are reviewed, and guidance is given in material selection and installation.
14E) Accessible Clay Brick Pavements
Pavements composed of clay brick pavers must be able to accommodate many types of traffic, including pedestrians with physical disabilities. This Technical Note includes guidance related to the design, construction and maintenance of pavements constructed of brick pavers that will serve all people, including those with disabilities.
15) Salvaged Brick *Update In Progress*
The use of salvaged brick in new building construction is discussed. Factors affecting the selection include altered physical properties (durability), aesthetics, economics, building code requirements and experimental testing.
16) Fire Resistance of Brick Masonry
This Technical Note presents information about the fire resistance of brick masonry assemblies in loadbearing and veneer applications. Fire resistance ratings of several brick masonry wall assemblies tested using ASTM E119 procedures are listed. For untested wall assemblies, procedures are presented for calculating a fire resistance rating.
18) Volume Changes - Analysis and Effects of Movement
This Technical Note describes the various movements that occur within buildings. Movements induced by changes in temperature, moisture, elastic deformations, creep, and other factors develop stresses if the brickwork is restrained. Restraint of these movements may result in cracking of the masonry. Typical crack patterns are shown and their causes identified.
18A) Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork
Expansion joints are used in brickwork to accommodate movement and to avoid cracking. This Technical Note describes typical movement joints used in building construction and gives guidance regarding their placement. The theory and rationale for the guidelines are presented. Examples are given showing proper placement of expansion joints to avoid cracking of brickwork and methods to improve the aesthetic impact of expansion joints. Also included is information about bond breaks, bond beams and flexible anchorage.
19) Residential Fireplace Design *Update In Progress*
This Technical Notes covers the components, design and dimensions of residential wood-burning fireplaces. The recommendations are limited to single-face fireplaces. Concepts for increased energy efficiency as a supplemental heating unit are also addressed. Recommendations for the selection of materials as they relate to the construction of fireplaces are included.
19A) Residential Fireplaces, Details and Construction *Update In Progress*
Brick masonry residential fireplaces can be made more energy efficient by providing a source of combustion and draft air drawn from the exterior of the structure. Proper detailing and construction can also contribute to the overall performance of the fireplace regarding both energy efficiency and structural integrity. Building code requirements often control the configuration of the fireplace as well as component sizes.
19B) Residential Chimneys - Design and Construction *Update In Progress*
All residential chimneys. both for fireplaces and appliances, are designed and constructed to serve the same basic functions. They must provide fire protection and safely convey combustion by-products to the exterior of the structure at a rate that does not adversely affect the combustion process. Design, materials selection, construction, and building code requirements all have a significant impact on the chimney's potential to fulfill these functions. Chimney height and flue area are the two most critical factors in chimney desire.
19C) Contemporary Brick Masonry Fireplaces *Update In Progress*
Considerations and recommendations necessary for the successful design of fireplaces are addressed Design and construction recommendations included for Rumford fireplaces, aircirculating fireplaces and multi-face fireplaces. Concepts for increased energy efficiency are also provided.
19D) Brick Masonry Fireplaces, Part 1, Russian-Style Heaters *Update In Progress*
Brick masonry heaters may be used instead of conventional fireplaces to provide efficient supplemental heating for residential buildings. The design, detailing and construction of brick masonry fireplaces with baffle systems for combustion gases are discussed. Information regarding building code compliance, operation and the accessories required is presented with the basic principles by which these heaters provide supplemental heat for buildings.
19E) Brick Masonry Fireplaces, Part 2 - Fountain and Contemporary Style Heaters *Update In Progress*
Brick masonry heaters may be used instead of conventional fireplaces to provide efficient supplemental heating for residential buildings. The design, detailing and construction of brick masonry fireplaces with baffle systems through which combustion gases are circulated are discussed. Information regarding building code compliance, operation and accessories is presented, along with the basic heating principles.
20) Cleaning Brickwork
This Technical Note addresses cleaning of brickwork and brick pavements. Methods for removal of efflorescence and a variety of specific stains are discussed, which should result in the successful cleaning of brickwork.
23) Stains - Identification and Prevention
This Technical Note provides descriptions and photographs that aid in identifying efflorescence and stains on brickwork. It includes information on stain composition, factors that influence their occurrence, and stain prevention
23A) Efflorescence - Causes and Prevention
This Technical Note describes the mechanisms leading to the formation of efflorescence, including probable sources of soluble salts and moisture. Conditions necessary to cause efflorescence to appear are presented, along with design recommendations and practices that reduce the potential for efflorescence.
26) Single Wythe Bearing Walls
Brick masonry bearing wall systems have been used for years for their strength, durability and other inherent values. Once widely used in single family residential construction, this application is experiencing a resurgence in interest. New designs possible with a single wythe of brick are discussed in this Technical Notes. Selection of materials and recommended details for one and two story designs are addressed.
27) Brick Masonry Rain Screen Walls
Pressure equalization across the exterior wythe of brick veneer and cavity walls allows the rain screen principle to minimize the infiltration of rain into exterior walls. This Technical Notes focuses on the design and wall components that contribute to the pressure equalized rain screen wall. A compartmented air cavity behind the exterior brick wythe, a rigid air barrier system and adequate venting area of the exterior cladding in relation to the leakage area of the air barrier are necessary elements.
28) Brick Veneer Wood Stud Walls
This Technical Note deals with the prescriptive design of anchored brick veneer over wood stud backing in new construction. The properties of the brick veneer/wood stud system are described, which lead to design considerations. Selection of materials, construction details and workmanship techniques are also included.
28A) Adding Brick Veneer to Existing Construction
This Technical Note presents information on adding anchored brick veneer and thin brick adhered veneer to existing construction. Considerations and recommendations for design, detailing, material selection and construction specific to retrofitting existing walls with brick veneer are presented. Other Technical Notes are referenced for general brick veneer construction information not specific to the retrofit of existing construction.
28B) Brick Veneer Steel Stud Walls
This Technical Note addresses the considerations and recommendations for the design, detailing, material selection and construction of brick veneer/steel stud walls. This information pertains to behavior of the veneer and steel studs, differential movement, anchors, air space, detailing, selection of materials and construction techniques.
28C) Thin Brick Veneer
This Technical Note presents design and construction information on the use of thin brick in adhered veneer systems. Methods of thin brick construction discussed include thick set, thin set, modular panels and prefabricated panels consisting of architectural precast concrete, tilt-up concrete and wood or steel stud frame panels. Properties of the finished construction and comparisons to other systems are presented.
28D) Brick Veneer/Concrete Masonry Walls
This Technical Note presents design, material and construction information for anchored brick veneer on concrete masonry backing. Description of properties, theories of structural design and proper detailing are presented. Refer to Technical Notes 28 and 28B for specific information related to drained wall assemblies with non-masonry backing.
29) Brick in Landscape Architecture - Pedestrian Applications
This Technical Notes describes brick paving systems used in landscape design. Landscape architecture and its relationship to brick masonry is covered. Master planning and environmental aspects of landscape architecture are briefly discussed. Applications covered include patios, walks, steps and ramps. Materials and methods of construction of flexible and rigid paving applications, citing the most critical requirements, are outlined.
29A) Brick in Landscape Architecture - Garden Walls
The plan of a garden usually involves "leading" the sojourner through a series of spatial relationships. This can be done formally, informally or subtly, depending upon the purpose and skill of the designer. Among the tools used for this purpose are garden walls of brick. They may invite, enhance, lead, restrict, compel, separate, combine, protect, screen or prohibit; all to the purpose of the artist and his skill.
29B) Brick in Landscape Architecture - Misc. Applications
In this issue of Technical Notes are suggestions for the use of brick in landscape architecture that take advantage of the unique practicality and permanent beauty of the material. The color and texture of brick will complement the masses and lines of contemporary architecture. And for traditional architecture, brick lends the same charm that has endured for more than a century and a half on the grounds surrounding the splendid mansions of Colonial America.
30) Bonds and Patterns in Brickwork
The word bond, when used in reference to masonry, may have three meanings: Structural Bond: The method by which individual masonry units are interlocked or tied together to cause the entire assembly to act as a single structural unit. Pattern Bond: The pattern formed by the masonry units and the mortar joints on the face of a wall. The pattern may result from the type of structural bond used or may be purely a decorative one unrelated to the structural bonding. Mortar Bond: The adhesion of mortar to the masonry units or to reinforcing steel.
31) Brick Masonry Arches
The masonry arch is one of the oldest structural elements. Brick masonry arches have been used for hundreds of years. This Technical Notes is an introduction to brick masonry arches. Many of the different types of brick masonry arches are discussed and a glossary of arch terms is provided. Material selection, proper construction methods, detailing and arch construction recommendations are discussed to ensure proper structural support, durability and weather resistance of the brick masonry arch.
31A) Structural Design of Brick Masonry Arches
This issue of Technical Notes covers the structural design of major and minor brick masonry arches.
31B) Structural Steel Lintels
The design of structural steel lintels for use with brick masonry is too critical an element to be left to “rule-of-thumb" designs. Too little concern for loads, stresses and serviceability can lead to problems. Information is provided so that structural steel lintels for use in brick masonry walls may be satisfactorily designed.
31C) Structural Design of Semicircular Brick Masonry Arches
This issue of Technical Notes presents recommended procedures and tables for the structural design of non-reinforced semicircular and segmental arches. Technical Notes 31 and 31A contain further information about general arch forms and their design.
36) Brick Masonry Details, Sills, and Soffits
Detailing of brick masonry is both an art and a science. Recommendations are provided for the development of successful details using brick masonry and other materials. Detailing of sills and soffits is specifically addressed. Performance, esthetic value and economics are the principal considerations in the development of successful details.
36A) Brick Masonry Details, Caps and Copings, Corbels and Racking
Recommendations are provided for the development of successful details using brick masonry. Detailing of caps, copings, corbels and racking is specifically addressed. Performance, esthetic value and economics are the principal considerations in the develops meant of successful details.
40) Prefabricated Brick Masonry - Introduction
This Technical Notes deals only with prefabricated brick masonry using full size brick units. Prefabricated elements of thin brick facing units, in conjunction with concrete, fiberboard or other backings, are discussed in Technical Notes 28C.
41) Hollow Brick Masonry
This Technical Note presents information about the use of hollow brick in both structural and anchored veneer applications. Basic properties of hollow brick units are presented, including applicable ASTM standards. Issues specific to hollow brick masonry are discussed, including design details, structural performance and construction methods.
42) Empirical Design of Brick Masonry
This Technical Notes provides requirements for the empirical design of masonry structures. These
44) Anchor Bolts For Brick Masonry
Anchor bolts are used extensively in brick masonry to make structural attachments and connections. To date, a limited amount of information has been available to aid designers in the selection and design of anchor bolts in brick masonry. This Technical Notes addresses the types of anchor bolts available, detailing of anchor bolt placement and suggested design procedures. A discussion of current and proposed codes and standards is also presented.
44B) Wall Ties for Brick Masonry
The use of metal ties in brick masonry dates back to loadbearing masonry walls in the 1850's. Historically, the size, spacing and type of ties have been entirely empirical. Over time, ties of various sizes, configurations and adjustability have been developed for loadbearing masonry, cavity walls and brick veneer construction. These ties are used to connect multiple wythes of masonry, often of different materials; anchor masonry veneer to backing systems other than masonry; and connect composite masonry walls. This Technical Notes addresses the selection, specification and installation of wall tie systems for use in brick masonry construction. Information and recommendations are included which address tie configuration, detailing, specifications, structural performance and corrosion resistance.
46) Maintenance of Brick Masonry
Even though one of the major advantages of brick masonry construction is durability, periodic inspections and maintenance are needed to maximize the life of brickwork in structures. This Technical Note discusses the elements of suggested inspection programs and describes specific maintenance procedures, including replacement of sealant joints, grouting of mortar joint faces, repointing of mortar joints, removal of plant growth, repair of weeps, replacement of brick, installation of a dampproof course, installation of flashing in existing walls and replacement of wall ties.
47) Condensation - Prevention and Control
This Technical Note describes a variety of conditions that can cause condensation to occur in brick walls and analytical tools used to determine the likelihood of occurrence. Use of air barriers and vapor retarders to control condensation is discussed.
48) Sustainability and Brick
This Technical Note discusses sustainability, sustainable design and their relationship to brick manufacturing, use and recycling. Sustainable practices in manufacturing are identified, as are ways to utilize brick as part of sustainable design strategies. This document also identifies ways that brick masonry walls and paving systems can be used toward earning points in the LEED and other green building rating systems.
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