Title: Investigation of Continuous Wire Reinforcement as a Replacement for Brick Ties in Masonry Walls

Author(s): S. A. Bortz and Albert Litvin

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 59

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 673-686

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/7936

Date: 5/1/1962

Abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to provide data on the relative merits of the brick header course versus continuous wire reinforcement in tying the two wythes of a brick and block masonry wall together. In addition to header bricks, two types of wire reinforcement were studied; a truss-type and a tab-type consisting of two parallel wires with a 4 in. wire tab every 15 in. Studies were made of flexural strength in the vertical direction, compressive strength and water permeability. The strength investigation was made on both 8- and 12-in. walls, using the three types of ties. A technique was developed to measure resistance to water penetration of 8-in. walls. This consisted of chamber bolted to the face of the wall in which a positive pressure o f 20 or 35 lb per sq ft could be maintained while a sheet of water was flowing over the face of the specimen. Results of this study indicate that (1) the use of continuous wire reinforcement will produce brick and block walls that are as strong as brick header-tied walls, and (2) the wire-tied walls are less permeable than headertied walls.