Masonry Magazine February 1982 Page. 30
General Considerations
The designer must consider the loads to which the element will be subjected and design the element to resist them. These applied loads may be axial, transverse, shear or in the case of prefabricated elements, loads due to transportation and erection. One area of concern is the manner and adequacy of the connection of the element to the structure. It is imperative that these connections be structurally sound, to ensure structural stability of the element.
Construction Considerations
The designer should take great care to ensure that the details can be easily executed in the field. This requires that the designer be knowledgeable in current construction practices. While some innovation may be necessary and beneficial, the detail should not require radical deviation from conventional construction practices. Typically, the more simple and straightforward the detail is, the easier it is to construct and thus, the better its performance. In some instances, the construction can be simplified by prefabrication of the element. Care should be taken by the designer to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that the detail does not require several crafts to be working in the same location at the same time.
Esthestic Value Considerations
The designer must also determine how best to fulfill the functional requirements and yet provide the desired esthetic value. This involves decisions on materials, colors and textures, and other esthetic considerations. The configuration of the element is also an important esthetic consideration. The designer may decide to project or recess parts of the element to provide shadow lines or to use a different bond pattern to call attention to the detail. The esthetic value of the detail is limited only by its function, its ease of construction, the designer's imagination and possibly its economic feasibility.
Economic Considerations
A detail, to be successful, should have the capability of being constructed economically. Economics involves both materials and labor. A successful detail requires that both the quantity and quality of materials be closely controlled. The use of excess materials to achieve the function of the detail should be avoided. Details which require very specialized skills by the crafts involved should be avoided. If very specialized skills are required, there is usually a reduction in productivity of the craftsmen and an increase in cost.
SILLS
# General
The prime function of a sill is to channel water away from the building. The sill may consist of a single unit or multiple units; it may be built in place or prefabricated; and it may be constructed of various materials.
Esthetic Value
The desired esthetic effect may be achieved through the use of special shaped units, either manufactured or cut to the desired shape. A word of caution concerning manufactured special shapes-while most manufacturers are capable of making special shapes to match the color and texture of the units selected for the project, there will be an added cost for each special-shaped unit. The added cost for the special shapes is dependent upon the complexity of the configuration of the shape and the number of units of each special shape required. Some manufacturers carry certain special shapes in stock. It may be advantageous to slightly alter the detail so that these stock special shapes may be used in lieu of one with a slightly different configuration. The appearance of the sill and the overall esthetic