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Tag: Concrete Masonry
Idaho Code: Masonry Lap Splices
IBC Section #2107.2.1
This code change was adopted on March 28, 2018. It places a cap on the required length of reinforcement lap splices for allowable stress design (ASD) of masonry. It makes the allowable stress maximum lap length equivalent to the strength design maximum lap length.
Please click here to view the code change on the State of Idaho website (opens as a PDF): https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2019%20Archive%20C2/07/070301.pdf
Central Kitsap MS/HS
The Central Kitsap Middle School/High School includes a reinforced concrete masonry beam with a 48-foot clear span. Designed by Integrus Architecture of Seattle, WA, it is an example of a large beam that is not seen very often. The project has been featured in several articles, including this one by SMART Dynamics of Masonry: https://www.dynamicsofmasonry.com/WORDPRESS/of-note/.
Northwest Masonry Buildings Receive USRC Silver Rating
Northwest Concrete Masonry Association (NWCMA) is pleased to announce that the Central Spokane YMCA/YWCA and Parkrose Middle School (Portland, OR) recently achieved the U.S. Resiliency Council (USRC) Silver Rating.
The USRC Building Rating System describes the expected impacts of an earthquake or other natural disaster on buildings. The Silver Rating indicates achievement of key performance targets including limited building damage and a shortened operational recovery time after a major seismic event. Most importantly, loss of life caused directly by building damage is not anticipated.
Tom Young, Executive Director of NWCMA, explains, “A resilient building is an asset to a community. In addition to being a good long-term investment it can often serve as a recovery operations center or provide shelter to a community impacted by a natural disaster.”
The Parkrose Middle School is a two-story 140,000 sq. ft. structure designed by Dull Olson Weekes – IBI Group Architects, Inc. and KPFF Consulting Engineers. It is an excellent example of an all-masonry cavity wall system incorporating interior exposed concrete masonry structural walls with a brick veneer exterior. The school has also received several other design awards as well as LEED Gold status and is a huge source of pride within the community.
The Central Spokane YMCA/YWCA is a two-story load-bearing masonry building designed by ALSC Architects and Coffman Engineers. It utilizes both 8” and 12” concrete masonry shear walls. This was the first time the YMCA and YWCA combined resources into one facility which was designed to meet a silver LEED certification.
Achieving the USRC Silver Rating recognizes the inherent resiliency of these reinforced masonry buildings which were the first two rated under the USRC Getting-to-Silver initiative. When a natural disaster such as an earthquake strikes, it is critical to have safe buildings that sustain minimal damage and quickly achieve functionality. Resilient buildings perform well and contribute to resilient communities.
Established in the 1950s, the Northwest Concrete Masonry Association (NWCMA) works to support its original goal of industry advancement by striving for more innovative and productive ways to design, deliver, and install concrete masonry wall systems.
NWCMA also works on behalf of the concrete masonry industry and designers in the Pacific Northwest to educate architects and engineers on the benefits of using concrete masonry in the design of their buildings.
Affiliation with NWCMA offers both professional growth and business opportunities. It provides its members and affiliates with comprehensive, dynamic services, which include expert technical assistance, education, marketing, and research and development.
For more information, call 425.655.0719 or visit www.nwcma.org.
Concrete Masonry Designs: Joel E. Ferris High School Gymnasium, Health and Fitness Complex
Concrete masonry was the construction material of choice for Spokane Public Schools when they set out to follow the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP) for High Performance Schools with the design of the new $14.3 million Joel E. Ferris High School Gymnasium, Health and Fitness Complex.
The project actually exceeded WSSP requirements with its effective application of daylighting, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, commissioning, sustainable materials and site responsiveness. Insulating foam was injected into the cells of the structural block, low-E glass was used, steel extensions were used for shading and protection from sun, and local materials were used whenever possible for construction.
Said Greg Brown, director of capital projects for Spokane Public Schools, “many schools here were built in the 1960s when sustainability and longevity were not made priorities – masonry conveys the character we want while giving us the energy savings and low maintenance costs we are looking for over the lifetime of our buildings.”
With this 54,000 square foot facility, NAC Architecture used a variety of building materials. Glu-laminated wood framing for exposed trusses is combined with concrete block, brick masonry, and metal panels. Approximately 83,000 concrete block were used in the project, including Castle White ground-face, and standard gray block. A custom blend of three different rich red tones in 4 x 8 x 8 brick was used for veneer complements.
The site for the new building was another factor in the masonry choice, according to project architect, Doug Heyamoto, AIA. “The form and mass of CMU blended well with the site. We wanted to introduce forms and materials that were rustic, and masonry fit,” said Heyamoto. He added that masonry was selected for this project because of its structural qualities, aesthetics, design flexibility, sustainability, and durability. “When you use it for loadbearing walls,” said Heyamoto, “you get finished surfaces inside and out.”
CMU was used for exterior walls, interior corridors, piers and as the foundation wall rather than poured concrete. Loadbearing 34-foot tall CMU walls in the gymnasium were designed for a strength of 1500 psi. Randy LaPlante of LSB Engineers commented “the masonry worked quite well – it’s hard to beat CMU for gym spaces.” One of the design goals for Spokane Public Schools is to build schools that will last 50 years. “That is easy to do with masonry,” said Greg Brown. “Using masonry products in this school provides a durable, low-maintenance facility with the aesthetics our tax payers appreciate.”
Design of Concrete Masonry Veneer
This technical bulletin discusses the application of concrete masonry units in anchored veneer construction. Concrete masonry can provide a durable, aesthetically-pleasing exterior facade over various backing surfaces for a variety of building types. This bulletin focuses on the control of non-structural cracking of concrete masonry veneer to maintain the appearance and water resistance desired.