horizontal wall reinforcing
Continuous horizontal joint reinforcement is placed in the horizontal mortar joints of the masonry wall. It’s primary function is to minimize shrinkage, temperature, and settlement cracks in masonry but it also helps transfer shear load to the steel. Lastly, it is also used to tie inner and outer wythes together in cavity wall construction. Continuous horizontal joint reinforcement is commonly made from #8, 9, 10, 11 gage or heavy duty 3/16″ wire diameter adhering to ASTM A951. Common sizes are 4″/6″/8″/10″/12″These come in lengths of 10′ to 12′ but can come as long as 20′.
Ladder
Truss
Ladder Hook and Eye
Ladder and ladder hook and eye types are the most commonly used, though truss type is no longer recommended by most engineers.
COntinuous joint reinforcing comes in mill galvanized or hot dipped galvanized, with the latter typically being more expensive. Continous reinforcement is often lapped a minimum of 6″. Vertical spacing depends on the engineers calculation but is often every 2nd or 3rd course.