#Masonry stack bond vs running bond full#

This support applies to both lateral and gravitational resisting systems. Improving resisting systems. Bond beams can add mass to a masonry wall that supports point and distributed loads, or, respectively, weight at one location or spread evenly across a feature.In some instances, such as if the bond beam is a collector element or diaphragm chord, continuity is required at this joint, and bond beams are a viable option.īesides adding general reinforcement to a wall, bond beams have several other uses, including:

#Masonry stack bond vs running bond full#

To offer full movement separation between the walls, the beam should usually end at either side of a control joint. Typically, the beams are found in the top course of each wall and at each floor and roof diaphragm. Bond beams also make a sufficient alternative to lintels, which we’ll go over in the next section. Pools, garages and barns also make frequent use of CMU bond beam blocks. They can help distribute the weight evenly across the wall and protect against strong winds, earthquakes and more. You can often find bond beams at the top of a freestanding wall or as anchorage on a floor or roof. Grout plays a role in creating bond beams, as it is what holds the reinforcement bars in place across the structure. A block with longitudinal bar reinforcement can be considered a bond beam.

It binds reinforcement across both the horizontal and vertical axes, making the wall more of a single unit through the connection.Ĭontrary to the name, a bond beam doesn’t have to span the width of a structure. The use of a bond beam helps to link the building together more integrally. They add steel reinforcement to structures that might need more than just traditional CMUs to hold it up sufficiently. The bond beam is made up of specialized blocks that are filled with grout to hold a sturdy steel bar in place. Each type has its place.īond beams are a horizontal feature embedded in a wall to add support to the structure.

The differences address where bond beams and lintels are most effective and how they affect the load-bearing characteristics of a structure. Both help to improve the integrity of the building by providing reinforcement, but they have key differences. In the world of concrete masonry units (CMUs), two types of blocks stand out in how they bring strength and support to a structure: Bond beam blocks and lintel blocks. Locate a Dealer for Your CMU Block Needs.