EMPIRICAL DESIGN OF MASONRY

TABLE 9.4.1
WALL LATERAL SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS
Maximum Wall Length to Thickness
Construction or Wall Height to Thickness (Ratio)
Bearing walls
Solid units or fully grouted 20
All others 18

Nonbearing walls
Exterior 18
Interior 36

9.4.2 Thickness. Except for cavity walls and cantilever walls, the thickness of a wall
shall be its nominal thickness measured perpendicular to the face of the wall. For
cavity walls, the thickness shall be determined as the sum of the nominal
thicknesses of the individual wythes. For cantilever walls, except for parapets, the
ratio of height-to-nominal thickness shall not exceed six for solid masonry or four
for hollow masonry. For parapets, see Section 9.5.5.
In computing the ratio for multiwythe walls, use the following
thickness:
1. The nominal wall thickness for solid walls and for hollow walls bonded
with masonry headers Section 9.6.2.
2. The sum of the nominal thicknesses of the wythes for non-composite walls
connected with wall ties Section 9.6.3.

9.4.3 Support elements. Lateral support shall be provided by cross walls, pilasters,
buttresses or structural frame members when the limiting distance is taken
horizontally, or by floors, roofs acting as diaphragms or structural frame
members when the limiting distance is taken vertically.

SECTION 9.5
THICKNESS OF MASONRY

9.5.0 Minimum thickness requirements shall be based on nominal dimensions of

masonry.

9.5.1 Thickness of walls. The thickness of masonry walls shall conform to the
requirements of Section 9.5.

9.5.2 Minimum thickness. The minimum thickness of masonry bearing walls more than
one story high shall be 200 mm. Bearing walls of one-story buildings shall not be
less than 150 mm thick.

9.5.3 Rubble stone walls. The minimum thickness of rough or random or coursed
rubble stone walls shall be 400 mm.

9.5.4 Change in thickness. Where walls of masonry of hollow units or masonry bonded
hollow walls are decreased in thickness, a course or courses of solid masonry shall
be interposed between the wall below and the thinner wall above, or special units or
SBC 305 2007 9/4