Masonry Magazine December 1994 Page. 12
The Loadbearing Masonry System
Loadbearing masonry applications will continue to increase with the growing awareness of the attributes offered by the loadbearing system.
By Mark B. Hogan, P.Ε.
Vice President of Engineering
National Concrete Masonry Association
Loadbearing masonry, to many designers, is thought of as an alternative to using a structural frame as a method of supporting the gravity loads of a building. It's true, of course, that the loadbearing system is an alternative to the structural frame: however, the advantages of loadbearing masonry go far beyond that of being an alternative gravity load support system.
To the owner the advantages include lower cost of construction, lower maintenance cost and greater resale value, resulting in a reduced overall life cycle cost of the building. For those who work or live in these buildings, the advantages include greatly improved fire safety protection, a comfortable living environment where interior temperature and humidity swings are moderated by the effects of the masonry's mass, a quiet living space where noise is not transmitted between living areas nor between the exterior and interior of the building.
To the community the advantages include a statement of permanence, stability and appeal by those who invest in durable construction which offers interesting architectural effects and finishes and which endure with time, and fit well with the environment. To the architectural designer these advantages include a variety of features for architectural innovation and creativity, as well as a variety of functional attributes.
To the structural designer the advantages of the loadbearing masonry system include simpler design methods, which, once understood, result in reduced design time and less opportunity for error. For the mason contractor the advantages of load-bearing construction include greater control over the project without the required coordination with structural framing crews.
The loadbearing masonry system with all its advantages is not without its challenges. Any system of construction requires knowledge and understanding of the system by the design team, the mason, the contractor, the building official, the material supplier, the construction inspector, the owner and financial institution.
While loadbearing masonry has been a popular method of construction for many, others have not understood the system and consequently have not considered loadbearing masonry as an alternative to structural frame construction. Education of those involved in building, design, construction and material selection and enforcement of building codes is therefore one of loadbearing masonry's major challenges.
Similar to education, the develop-