specail masonry shear walls

[bjb]

When designing a special masonry shear wall according to the 2000 IBC, is it allowable to use joint reinforcement like dur-o-wal to meet the horizontal steel requirement? In my case, I do not need shear reinforcement to carry the shear stress. I realize that the answer in part relies on meeting the minimum reinf. ratio's.

 

[BudS]

In my opinion, you can't use joint reinforcing as shear reinforcement in special reinforced masonry shear walls. Reference 2106.5.3.1 states, "... Shear reinforcement shall be anchored around vertical-reinforcing bars with a standard hook." I take this to imply horizontal reinforcing bars, not wire reinforcing.

 

[Taro]

Depends on the Seismic Design Category. 2106.4.2.3.1 specifically allows joint reinforcing for SDC C and lower.