Masonry Wall Construction

Question 1

True/False: Masonry Walls can be both load-bearing and non-load bearing

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Are composite masonry walls single-wythe or multi-wythe?

Answer 2

Multi-wythe

Question 3

Are Masonry cavity walls single-wythe or multi-wythe?

Answer 3

Multi-wythe

Question 4

What is a wythe?

Answer 4

Vertical section of a wall that is one brick or masonry unit thick.

Question 5

What is the defining characteristic of masonry cavity walls?

Answer 5

Air spaces b/w wythes acting as a drainage plane

Question 6

Minimum recommended depth for cavity of masonry cavity walls is ____.

Answer 6

2”

Question 7

Why is the recommended depth for cavity of masonry cavity walls what it is?

Answer 7

To allow space for masons to keep the cavity clear of mortar droppings during construction

Question 8

What is flashing?

Answer 8

Waterproof membranes intercepting water in the cavity to redirect it to outside

Question 9

What are weepholes?

Answer 9

Holes b/w block units to allow water to drain out

Question 10

When insulation boards are used for masonry cavity walls, a minimum of ____ of clear airspace is needed

Answer 10

1”

Question 11

To protect the inner wythe from water and air leakage, ___________ can be used.

Answer 11

Damp proofing / Air barrier

Question 12

For a masonry wall that is resisting to seismic loads, ___________ should be selected.

Answer 12

Loadbearing Masonry Walls

Question 13

Loadbearing masonry walls can be:
a. Composite
b. Cavity
c. Single -wythe

Answer 13

Can be all

Question 14

For loadbearing cavity walls, what wythe is usually loadbearing?

Answer 14

Inner, outer is nonstructural

Question 15

What are the types of flashing in terms of the material used?

Answer 15

Stainless Steel
Copper
Galvanized Steel
Membrane flashing
Composite flashing

Question 16

What are the defining characteristics of stainless steel flashing?

Answer 16

Long-lasting
Non-staining
Relatively hard to form

Question 17

What are the defining characteristics of copper flashing?

Answer 17

Long lasting
Runoff can cause staining
Soft and easily formed

Question 18

What are the defining characteristics of galvanized steel flashing?

Answer 18

Less expensive
Less durable
Not recommended for internal flashing
OK for external, replaceable flashings

Question 19

What are the defining characteristics of membrane flashing?

Answer 19

Self-adhesive
Less expensive and easier to install than metal flashing

Question 20

What is composite flashing made of?

Answer 20

Thin sheet of metal laminated with heavy paper, plastic film, and other material

Question 21

What are the possible flashing locations?

Answer 21

Top of wall
Back of block units
Below a wall opening
Weep holes
Base of wall

Question 22

Flashings under windows and doors are often called:

Answer 22

Sill pan

Question 23

What is a drip edge?

Answer 23

Edges specifically made to allow water to fall free

Question 24

What are the special problems about masonry walls that are construction-related?

Answer 24

Poor waterproofing
Poor quality
Poorly designed joints

Question 25

What are the special problems about masonry walls that are environmental-related?

Answer 25

Moisture issues
Building settlement
Expansion/Conraction

Question 26

How should one avoid special problems mentioned before about masonry walls?

Answer 26

Better joint design
Waterproofing / Flashing
Weatherproofing

Question 27

Say problems occurred for a masonry wall, what are some possible correction methods?

Answer 27

Replace masonry
Repointing
Revising joints / waterproofing
surface treatment

Question 28

What is repointing?

Answer 28

Deteriorated mortar is cut out and fresh is added back