Masonry wall tie


This masonry wall tie is installed with the intention of binding the external cladding of a single wythe brick veneer (left side) to the internal backing wall of concrete masonry block wall (right side). Its aim is to transfer all lateral loads from the thin external cladding to the supporting backing wall. The tie shown on the photo would not resist positive load (pressing wind). It would simply slide down on its angled end. It would not resist negative load (sucking wind) either. It would slide up, little but enough to cause development of cracks in brick veneer. In case of any settlement of the exterior wall this connection will simply disengage, leaving a loose wall.

Unfortunately, all masonry ties in this wall were observed to be installed in a similar way. After inspection, they were bent upward by hammering, which did not improve the situation. American Concrete Institute standard ACI 530 "Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures" specifies requirements for this connection.