Construction Productivity Advancement Research (CPAR) Program. Development of an Innovative Post-Tensioning System for Prestressed Clay Brick Masonry Walls.
Abstract
Clay brick masonry veneer systems, widely used throughout the United States, typically are subject to cracking, water infiltration, thermal inefficiencies, and other problems. These problems could be overcome with the development of an effective post-tensioning system for prestressing clay brick veneer walls. Such a prestressing system also could offer significant benefits in ease of construction, structural performance, and reduced life-cycle costs. In this research a simple, economical post-tensioning system was developed to improve the structural performance of clay brick veneers and load-bearing walls. The results of this study indicate that prestressed clay brick masonry walls perform much better than standard clay brick construction. The system documented here employs a special two-cored clay brick designed to accommodate the insertion of prestressing tendons. This customized brick varies in shape only, and can be manufactured by most modem brick-producing plants. All other components are standard, commercially available materials. The system is documented and ready for adoption by construction specifiers and engineers. If used appropriately and within the guidelines and limitations stated in this report, the system will provide overall construction and performance benefits over standard brick masonry configurations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA327657
Entities
People
- Don Littler
- Ervall Staab
- Gary L. Krause
- Ravi K. Devalapura
- Steven C. Sweeney
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory