I just attended a webinar about movement joints in masonry. The topics included the different types of movement joints (isolation, expansion, and contraction); why the need for movement joints; and where to place movement joints. I’ve been designing, detailing, and… Read More
Category Archives: Cracking
You Can’t Do THAT
We have been told by some masons that a new concrete block wall can’t be toothed into an existing concrete block wall. Well…… Yes and No. Apparently, it can be done, as shown in Figure 1. However, since the new… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 8)
What can we tell from THIS photo? The portion of the wall on the left side of the cracking has dropped relative to the right. This indicates that the cracking is probably from some type of earth movement, such as… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 7)
This concrete block wall exhibits an unusual pattern of cracking. What can we tell from these two photos? The line of the horizontal joints and the line at the top of the wall indicate that wall… Read More
What Can We Tell from This Photo? (Case Study 4)
This is an exercise to develop the abilities of observation. What can one know from examining this photograph? The pattern of the joints under the coating indicate that this is a concrete block wall. The coating appears to be… Read More