Clay Brick Masonry Weight Variation

Abstract

The weight of clay brick masonry can vary by more than 30% from the minimum design dead load required by ASCE 7–95 (“Minimum” 1996). Variations in clay brick masonry weight have implications not only for structural and acoustical design, but also for design of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Incorrect assumptions about wall weight can result in excessive or inadequate seismic loads on masonry walls; insufficient resistance to uplift; increased structural framing and foundation costs; reduced factors of safety in shear walls; increased summer air conditioning costs; overestimates of acoustical transmission loss; and inefficiency in passive heating and cooling systems. Errors in wall weight estimates can penalize those who choose to build with masonry. Designers should be aware that masonry wall weight is variable and should take that variability into consideration where appropriate.