Column - support area

[Ken Amelin]

Is this correct?

I would have preferred the brick to be laying on the wide side but other than a wooden shim, Is there a minimum bearing area for column support? Can a brick be used in this manner?

Are there any code issues with this set up?

[Scott Patterson]

Is this correct?

I would have preferred the brick to be laying on the wide side but other than a wooden shim, Is there a minimum bearing area for column support? Can a brick be used in this manner?

Are there any code issues with this set up?

You need a solid cap on hollow CMU...

[Ken Amelin]

You need a solid cap on hollow CMU...

Scott,

Your answer got my interest, so I tried to look it up in the code and in doing so I also found the answer to my own question.

BOTTOM LINE - The brick on its side AND as Scott stated the hollow block is not correct.

Here's what I found for anyones interest ...

"IRC 2009 R606.14 Beam Supports"

"Beams Girters or other concentrated loads supported by a wall or column shall have a bearing of at least 3 inches in length measured parallel to the beam upon solid masonry not less than 4 inches in thickness, or upon a metal bearing plate or adequate design and dimensions to distribute the load safely, or upon a continuous reinforced masonry member projecting not less than 4 inches from the face of the wall."

[Joseph Ehrhardt]

That to me is a pier and falls under R606.6 Piers. and would need to have the cellular spaces filled solid not to mention the blocks laid in a stack bond which filling solid would answer that. It should also have an anchor attachment as part of it's continual load path.

The Kiln fire brick would maybe have a psi of 1200 and is designed as a veneer to withstand its own weight within that wall design. If a CMU filled with type M is 3000 psi and meets the the code for most 2 story residential constructed walls, theres no way that little brick is.

[Ken Amelin]

Joe,

Interesting - Thanks.

Now that you have tangled this web - what is the defference between a pier and a column?

[Joseph Ehrhardt]

Your welcome Ken...

under the Dictionary of Architecture 3rd addition;

column 1. In structures, a relatively long , slender structural compression member such as a post, pillar, or strut; usually vertical,supporting a load which acts in (or near) the direction of its longitudinal axis 2. in classical architecture, a cylindrical support consisting of a base (except in Greek Doric), shaft, and capital; eithe monolithic or built up of drums the full diameter of the shaft. 3 A pillar standing alone as a monument.

pier 1. A column designed to support concentrated load. 2. A member, usually in the form of a thickened section, which forms an integral part of a wall; usually placed at intervals along the concentrated vertical loads.

I would say "in my proffesional opinion" its non decorative, supporting a concentrated load in the crawlspace= a pier....but wait, if you wrote all the names on it of who is screwing us in our own country... would it then become a pillar standing alone as a monument= column???