BCAB #1509 - Support of Non-load Bearing Masonry Veneer, Sentence 9.20.5.2.(2)

May 17, 2000

BCAB #1509

Re: Support of Non-load Bearing Masonry Veneer, Sentence 9.20.5.2.(2)

Project Description

A brick facing (masonry veneer) above a 4.87 m span (garage door opening on a house) is supported by 90 mm X 90 mm angle iron. The angle bar is attached to the wood frame lintel over the garage opening to transfer the dead load of the masonry from the angle iron to the wood lintel

Reason for Appeal

Masonry shall be supported on masonry, concrete or steel. Steel angle lintels supporting masonry veneer above openings shall conform to Table 9.20.5.2. of the BC Building Code

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends professional structural analysis indicates "we have reviewed now the completed installation of brickwork including the supporting steel members (approximately 3" X 3" angle iron) and connections to framing and foundations and consider the framing and foundation members in place to be structurally adequate for the additional load." "The framing and foundation as installed meet the structural requirements of the BC Building Code(1992)."

Building Official's Position

The building official contends the subject construction detail does not comply with Subsection 9.20.5., Masonry Support, as it is not structurally supported by masonry, concrete, or steel.

Appeal Board Decision #1509

Article 9.4.1.1. requires "structural members and their connections" to be designed in accordance with Part 4 unless they meet requirements elsewhere in Part 9. It is the determination of the Board that, provided the wood beam and steel angle iron are designed in conformance with Part 4, Structural Design, it complies with the requirements of the Code.

George R. Humphrey, Chair