Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 24
CLIMB the LADDER To Improve Wall Reinforcing Design
By Kyle Lochonic and Jeff Snyder
A grass roots effort is under way to modernize the way CMU horizontal wire reinforcing is manufactured, packaged, shipped and installed in North America. These changes, if implemented, will greatly enhance bricklayer productivity by optimizing lapping and narrowing the profile (height) where the pintles are welded to the wire.
For decades masons have been rightfully complaining about using truss wire in reinforced CMU and the difficulty of using lap welded adjustable wire reinforcing in CMU back-ups. As most CMU today is vertically reinforced the urgency to upgrade has reached the critical stage. Truss wire creates a problem when diagonal cross wires obstruct the core, interfering with the placement of vertical reinforcing, making it nearly impossible to meet minimum grouting standards. Ladder wire with 16" o.c. (on center) cross rods placed on the webs of the CMU keeps the core clear of obstructions that could restrict the placement of vertical reinforcing or the flow of grout.