Philippe Ledent is the Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Michigan and an adjunct faculty member in the Construction Engineering Technology department at the University of Toledo. In addition, Philippe serves on the Board of Directors for The Masonry Society and as an at-large representative for the Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards.
Let’s review TMS 402/602 for answers.
What is the maximum spacing of vertical reinforcement in masonry walls? Without additional information, the answer is typically quite simple: The Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/602)does not specifically include a maximum spacing for either horizontal or vertical reinforcement in masonry walls other than what is required based on structural demand or what is required to meet minimum seismic design requirements.
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In terms of structural concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction, the predominant unit sizes are nominally 8-inch and 12-inch-wide units. However, with rising material costs, 6-inch-wide units are ideal for interior and exterior wall construction depending on wall heights and design loads.
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