Quality Control

Section 2108.2 of the IBC requires that, for masonry construction, special inspections shall be provided as prescribed in IBC Section 1704.5. This requires inspection of the preparation of masonry test prisms, the placing of masonry units and reinforcement, and the inspection of all grouting operations.

Two levels of inspection are specified. Level 1 special inspection is detailed in IBC Table 1704.5.1 and is required for nonessential facilities as listed in IBC Table 1604.5. Level 2 special inspection is detailed in IBC Table 1704.5.3. and is required for essential facilities as listed in IBC Table 1604.5.

To ensure that masonry strength complies with the value specified, IBC Section 2105 permits two alternative methods of quality control, which are

1. Prism test method. A set of three masonry prisms representative of the materials to be used in the project shall be made and tested during construction for each 5000 square feet of wall area. The compressive strength of the masonry shall be taken as the average strength of the three prisms.

2. Unit Strength method. The masonry strength may be based on the strength of the masonry units and the type of mortar used, as indicated in IBC Table 2105.2.2.1.2, provided that the strength of the grout in grouted concrete masonry construction is not less than the strength of the units and not less than 2000 pounds per square inch.

Allowable stresses

Elastic design methods using working stress analysis is specified in BCRMS ²⁵ Section 2.1.1.