Masonry horizontal joint reinforcement

Types of masonry horizontal joint reinforcement

Joint reinforcement is a crucial aspect of masonry structure integrity. The kind of horizontal joint reinforcement incorporated in a masonry structure depends on the required aesthetic value and structural performance. Below are some types of horizontal joint masonry reinforcements:

Standard Type

The most used variety of horizontal joint reinforcement used in masonry construction is the standard type. It's embedded in the mortar bed of the masonry walls, hence providing the necessary tension strength to resist cracking and lateral loads. This kind of reinforcement is set with two parallel wires and a longitudinal rod, usually fabricated from stainless steel, carbon steel, or galvanized steel.

Single Wire Type

The single-wire joint reinforcement consists of one wire set in each mortar bed, unlike the standard type, which has two wires. It's commonly used in structures with lower reinforcement needs, like residential buildings. A single wire joint reinforcement is an affordable yet efficient alternative for providing tension strength in masonry walls.

Wide Flange Type

Incorporating a wider reinforcement section than the standard type, the wide flange type of joint reinforcement offers more structural support. The wide-flange types are favored in commercial property development due to their advantage in resisting bending moments and lateral forces.

Special Reinforcements

Special reinforcements are created for specific needs, such as for load-bearing walls, areas that require extra fire resistance, or in seismic-prone regions. The reinforcements consist of variation in wire spacing, diameter, and configuration. Joint reinforcements may also be integrated with other structural elements, such as ties and anchors, to offer a comprehensive reinforcement system.

Function, feature and uses of masonry horizontal joint reinforcement

Function

The primary function of horizontal joint reinforcement is to develop tensile strength in masonry walls, which tend to be weak in this direction. The reinforcement bears loads applied horizontally, such as wind or seismic forces, and diminishes the probability of cracking caused by settlement or temperature variations. Further, it integrates the wall sections, enhancing overall wall stability and extending life expectancy.

Features

Masonry joint reinforcements have the following distinctive features:

• Material Composition: Stainless steel, galvanized, and carbon steel are the common materials used to make horizontal joint reinforcements. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, while galvanized and carbon steel provide a feasible alternative with decent corrosion resistance.
• Wire Configuration: A standard joint reinforcement is made up of two parallel wires with a space between them. It can also have a single wire or a much broader wire configuration to cater to particular structural needs.
• Customization: Horizontal joint reinforcements are customizable, such as wire diameter and spacing, to adhere to regional building codes and particular structural specifications. This flexibility helps ensure optimal joint reinforcement performance.

Uses

Joint reinforcements are extensively used in masonry construction. Some prevalent applications include:

• Load-Bearing Walls: Joint reinforcement increases tensile strength and guards against cracking in load-bearing walls.
• Facades: In masonry facades, Joint reinforcement provides long-lasting durability while resisting environmental elements.
• Partitions: Used in partition walls, horizontal joint reinforcement maintains structural integrity and decreases the probability of wall failure.

How to choose the right masonry horizontal joint reinforcement

Choosing the proper horizontal joint reinforcement for a masonry structure relies on several factors. Here are some considerations that when combined lead to the most optimal choice:

• Soil Properties: Soil properties, in particular the type of soil and moisture content within the soil and its density, influence the type of horizontal joint reinforcement for masonry. For instance, if the soil type is expansive or the moisture content is high and dense, integrative horizontal joint reinforcement is adequate to provide additional support and resist the pressure of the soil on the structure.
• Foundation Type: The type of foundation also determines the type of horizontal joint reinforcement. Masonry joint reinforcements are critical for preventing cracking if there is a shift foundation.
• Orientation of the walls: It is recommended that joint reinforcements be placed mostly on the horizontal plane and aligned to enhance the structure's stability. If the walls are long and narrow, more joint reinforcements might be needed.
• Climate Conditions: The horizontal joint reinforcements for masonry are also influenced by the climate conditions. In regions that experience high winds or seismic activity, the joint reinforcements will require increased tensile strength to withstand the forces. This is why buildings in such areas are fitted with horizontal joint reinforcements with much density and spacing of the steel wires.
• Building Materials: The type of building materials used in the masonry structure also influences the choice of joint reinforcement. Harder materials, such as concrete blocks, exert greater forces on the reinforcements than softer materials, such as fired clay bricks. Therefore, the density of the reinforcement will be determined by the material properties of the masonry used in the construction.

Benefits of masonry horizontal joint reinforcement

There are numerous advantages of horizontal joint reinforcement in masonry structures. Key benefits include:

• Increased Stability

  One of the most important functions of horizontal joint reinforcements is to increase the stability of masonry structures. The reinforcements integrate wall sections, improving overall stiffness. Increased stability, in turn, minimizes the risk of structural failure and allows the building to withstand external forces, including wind, seismic activity, and even its own weight.

• Cracking Prevention

  Masonry is under tension, which weakens it and can cause it to crack. Horizontal joint reinforcement bears this kind of tension, reducing the likelihood that the walls will develop cracks due to stress, temperature changes, or even settlement. This prevention is critical in retaining the structural integrity and aesthetics of a building.

• Long-Term Durability

  Joint reinforcements distribute stress more evenly across masonry, improving a building's long-term durability. This even stress reduces wear and tear on individual bricks or blocks, extending the life of the structure and hence decreasing maintenance and repair costs for the property owners.

• Load Redistribution

  Horizontal joint reinforcement redistributes loads in a masonry wall. This means that when one part of the wall is under more pressure than the rest, the reinforcements help balance things out. This load-sharing helps keep the wall from becoming uneven or weak in certain spots, making it stronger overall.

Q&A

Q1: What is horizontal joint reinforcement in masonry?

A1: Horizontal joint reinforcement in masonry refers to a type of reinforcement used in brickwork or blockwork walls. It's usually made of steel wire or strips embedded in mortar beds. Its main purpose is to provide additional strength and stability to the wall along horizontal joints.

Q2: What is the function of horizontal joint reinforcement?

A2: The primary function of horizontal joint reinforcement is to increase the tensile strength of masonry walls. While masonry materials are strong in compressive strength, they can crack or fail under tension. The horizontal reinforcement helps distribute loads, reducing the risk of cracking due to stress, temperature changes, or seismic activity.

Q3: Where is horizontal joint reinforcement typically used?

A3: Horizontal joint reinforcement is designed primarily for multi-story buildings, such as commercial structures, schools, and residential complexes. It's used in areas where structural integrity is paramount, especially in load-bearing walls or walls exposed to high winds or seismic activity. The horizontal joint reinforcement can also be found in fences, smokehouses, and barbeques.

Q4: What are the two common materials used for horizontal joint reinforcement?

A4: The two most commonly used materials for horizontal joint reinforcements are steel wire and steel strips. Both of them are favored due to their high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion when galvanized or stainless steel is used.