MASONRY

[baron3547]

I am building a cindorblock wall. do I need to fill the cindorblock with anything? do I have to use rebar? the wall will be 5' high.

[mjpliv]

Is this an exterior wall? Is it holding back any backfill? Do you live in an area prone to severe storms? What is the wall holding up? Are there any beams landing on this wall and if so, what is the beam carrying?

[baron3547]

my wall is an exterior wall and it will not be holding any backfill. I don't live in an area with severe storms. The wall will not be holding anything up. the wall will not be holding anything up. It is strictly for privacy. thank you for your response.

[mjpliv]

I would suggest is filling every 6th or 8th cavity with mortar or cement along with two 1/2" rebar. This will give you a minimum of lateral support rather than just relying on the weight of the blocks. In addition I would suggest you use block lock (get the size made for your block - it looks like a welded #6 gauge wire ladder) installed on each or every second course of blocks. This will hold things together should the wall shift. I would also suggest you build in a vertical control joint every 10-15 feet. You can form and pour a concrete cap to finish off the top. Add the control joints to the cap in the same locations.

[Shanley]

With due respect mjpliv, I would suggest a #5 rebar (5/8" dia.) every 32" on center (every 4th cell)...Make sure that they project up off the footer 4'4" this will get them to the center of your bond beam course...DuroWall reinforcing wire (9 gauge is standard size) every other course...Make the last course a Knockout Bond Beam (ask your masonry supply yard, they'll hook you up) and lay a couple #4 bar in horizonyally and grout, Quickrete premixed concrete works well...If your wall is not greater than 20 feet long then ccontrol joints are not needed...how long is the wall?...You could top the wall off with a course of 2" patio block laid on the flat or if you want the exactly 5 foot lay a 4 " solid block on the flat for the top course

[mjpliv]

Is all that really required for a freestanding decorative privacy wall?

[Shanley]

The wall will still be sujected to a lateral forces ie. wind, so I would suggest that all this is necessary for the wall to stand the test of time. I am not a PE so I am not able to run the calculations. I rely on 27 years experience in the masonry field.

[mjpliv]

My rationale for using two lighter bars instead of the single heavier bar is when separated (one towards each side of the wall) it will place one under tension and the other under compression which would out perform the single bar in the event of a mortar failure. A single bar would only provide shear resistance and no bending resistance.

[baron3547]

I want to thank everyone for the quick response. This is a great site and I will be recommending it to all of my friends.