TECHNICAL NOTES on Brick Construction 18A

12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 430, Reston, Virginia 20191 | www.gobrick.com | 703-620-0010 May
2019

Accommodating Expansion
of Brickwork
Abstract: Expansion joints are used in brickwork to accommodate movement and to avoid cracking. This Technical Note
describes typical movement joints used in building construction and gives guidance regarding their placement. The theory and
rationale for the guidelines are presented. Examples are given showing proper placement of expansion joints to avoid cracking
of brickwork and methods to improve the aesthetic impact of expansion joints. Also included is information about bond breaks,
bond beams and flexible anchorage.

Key Words: bond breaks, differential movement, expansion joints, flexible anchorage, movement, sealants.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Vertical Expansion Joints in Brick Veneer: Brickwork Without Shelf Angles:
• For brickwork without openings, space no more than 25 ft • Accommodate brickwork movement by:
(7.6 m) o.c. • placing expansion joints around elements that are
• For brickwork with multiple openings, consider rigidly attached to the frame and project into the
symmetrical placement of expansion joints and reduced veneer, such as windows and doorframes
spacing of no more than 20 ft (6.1 m) o.c. • installing metal caps or copings that allow independent
• When spacing between vertical expansion joints in vertical movement of wythes
parapets is more than 15 ft (4.6 m), make expansion • installing jamb receptors that allow independent
joints wider or place additional expansion joints halfway movement between the brick and window frame
between full-height expansion joints • installing adjustable anchors or ties
• Place as follows:
• at or near corners Expansion Joint Sealants:
• at offsets and setbacks • Comply with ASTM C920, Grade NS, Use M
• at wall intersections • Class 50 minimum compressibility recommended;
Class 25 alternate
• at changes in wall height
• Consult sealant manufacturer’s literature for guidance
• where wall backing system changes regarding use of primer and backing materials
• where support of brick veneer changes
• where wall function or climatic exposure changes Bond Breaks:
• Extend to top of brickwork, including parapets • Use building paper, flashing, or 4 to 6 mil thick
polyethylene sheeting to separate brickwork from
Horizontal Expansion Joints in Brick Veneer: dissimilar materials, foundations and slabs
• Locate immediately below shelf angles
• Minimum ¼ in. (6.4 mm) space or compressible material Load-Bearing Masonry:
recommended below shelf angle • Use reinforcement to accommodate stress
concentrations, particularly in parapets, at applied loading
• For brick infill, place between the top of brickwork and points and around openings
structural frame
• Consider effect of vertical expansion joints on brickwork
stability

INTRODUCTION
A system of movement joints is necessary to accommodate the changes in volume that all building materials
experience. Failure to permit the movements caused by these changes may result in cracks in brickwork, as
discussed in Technical Note 18. The type, size and placement of movement joints are critical to the proper
performance of a building. This Technical Note defines the types of movement joints and discusses the proper
design of expansion joints for brickwork. Details of expansion joints are provided for load-bearing and non-load-
bearing applications. Movement joints are typically included in the design of commercial and multistory structures
and, although rare, must also be considered for residential structures.

© 2019 Brick Industry Association, Reston, Virginia Page 1 of 13

TYPES OF MOVEMENT JOINTS
The primary type of movement joint used in brick construction is the expansion joint. Other types of movement
joints in buildings include control joints, building expansion joints and construction (cold) joints. Each of these is
designed for a specific application, and they should not be used interchangeably. It is important to understand the
proper function of each movement joint, as improper application will prevent the joint from functioning properly and
may result in damage to the masonry.
An expansion joint prevents cracking by separating brick masonry into segments, reducing the cumulative effects
of movements caused by changes in temperature, moisture expansion, elastic deformation, settlement and
creep. Expansion joints may be horizontal or vertical. The joints are formed by leaving a continuous unobstructed
opening through the brick wythe that may be filled with a highly compressible material. This allows the joints
to partially close as the brickwork expands. Expansion joints must be located so the structural integrity of the
brickwork is not compromised.
A control joint creates a plane of weakness in concrete or concrete masonry construction that, in conjunction with
reinforcement or joint reinforcement, causes a crack resulting from shrinkage to occur at a predetermined location
in a straight line. A control joint is usually a partial depth indentation cut or formed into concrete or a vertical gap
through a concrete masonry wythe that may be filled with inelastic materials. A control joint will tend to widen as
the concrete or concrete masonry shrinks. Control joints must be located so that the structural integrity of the
concrete or concrete masonry is not affected.
A building expansion joint is used to separate a building into discrete sections so stresses developed in one
section will not affect the integrity of the entire structure. A building expansion joint extends through the entire wall
assembly, other components of the building envelope, and the underlying structure, and is wider than a typical
expansion or control joint in a masonry wythe.
A construction joint (cold joint) occurs primarily in concrete construction when construction work is interrupted.
Construction joints should be located where they will least impair the strength of the structure.

EXPANSION JOINT CONSTRUCTION

Although the primary purpose of expansion joints is to accommodate expansive movement of brickwork, the joint
also must resist water penetration and air infiltration. Figure 1 shows typical examples of vertical expansion joints.
A premolded foam or neoprene pad that extends through the full wythe thickness aids in keeping mortar or other
debris from clogging the joint and increases water penetration resistance. Fiberboard and similar materials are not
suitable for this purpose because they are not as compressible.
Expansion joints should be formed as the wall is built, as shown in Photo 1. As expansion joints are formed, it
is important to prevent mortar, ties or wire joint reinforcement from bridging the expansion joint. If this occurs,
movement will be restricted and the expansion joint will not perform as intended. In some cases, vertical

Figure 1 Photo 1
Vertical Expansion Joints Vertical Expansion Joint Construction

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expansion joints may be cut into existing brickwork
as a remedial action. However, proper placement
and alignment of expansion joints cut into completed
brickwork are necessary to avoid small slivers of brick
adjacent to the joint, as shown in Photo 2.

Sealants
Sealants are used on the exterior side of expansion
joints to prevent water and air penetration. Many
different types of sealants are available, although
those that exhibit the highest expansion and
compression capabilities are best. Sealants used with
expansion joints should conform to the requirements
of ASTM C920, Standard Specification for Elastomeric
Joint Sealants [Ref. 1], Grade NS, Use M, and be
Photo 2
sufficiently compressible, resistant to weathering
Poorly Aligned Remedial Expansion Joint
(ultraviolet light) and bond well to adjacent materials.
Grade NS specifies a non-sagging sealant applied to
joints installed on vertical surfaces at temperatures between 40 and 122 °F (4.4 and 50 °C). Use M indicates a
sealant that meets the requirements of the specification when tested on mortar specimens.
Sealant manufacturers should be consulted for the suitability of their sealants for expansion joint applications.
Compatibility of sealants with adjacent materials such as brick, flashings, metals, etc., also must be taken into
consideration. Silicone sealants are generally recommended for use on brickwork. Other sealant types that
have been used successfully in brickwork include polyurethanes and polysulfides. Most sealants suitable for
use in brickwork expansion joints meet an ASTM C920 Class 25, Class 50 or Class 100/50 rating. Class 25 and
Class 50 ratings require the sealant to expand and contract by at least 25 percent or 50 percent of the initial
joint width, respectively. The Class 100/50 rating requires the sealant to withstand 100 percent expansion and
50 percent contraction when tested for adhesion and cohesion. Sealants meeting Class 50 or Class 100/50 are
recommended to minimize the number of joints. Many sealants require a primer to be applied to the masonry
surface to ensure adequate bond. Field adhesion testing of the specified expansion joint sealants should be
performed prior to construction for all substrates on the project in order to verify the sealant bond and determine
the need for a primer.
Use a circular foam backer rod behind sealants to keep the sealant at a constant depth and to provide a surface
to tool the sealant against. The backer rod should be sized approximately 25 percent larger than the joint width
to provide the appropriate fit. The sealant must not adhere to the backer rod. The depth of the sealant should be
approximately one-half the width of the expansion joint, with a minimum sealant depth of ¼ in. (6.4 mm).

VERTICAL EXPANSION JOINTS

Spacing
No single recommendation on the positioning and spacing of expansion joints can be applicable to all structures.
Each structure should be analyzed to determine the full extent of movement expected. Accommodate these
movements with a series of expansion joints. Determine the spacing of expansion joints by considering the
amount of expected wall movement, the desired size of the expansion joint, and the compressibility of the sealant,
backer and filler materials. In addition to the amount of anticipated movement, other variables that also may affect
the size and spacing of expansion joints include restraint conditions, elastic deformation due to loads, shrinkage
and creep of mortar, construction tolerances, and wall orientation.
The theory and equation for estimating the anticipated extent of unrestrained brick wythe movement are presented
in Technical Note 18. Estimated movement is based on the theoretical movement of the brickwork attributed
to each property and expressed as coefficients of moisture expansion (ke), thermal expansion (kt) and freezing
expansion (kf). As discussed in Technical Note 18, for most unrestrained brickwork, the total extent of movement

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can be estimated as the length of the brickwork multiplied by 0.0009. A derivative of this equation can be written to
calculate the theoretical spacing between vertical expansion joints as follows:
wjej Eq. 1
Se =
0.09
where:
Se = spacing between expansion joints, in. (mm)
wj = width of expansion joint, typically the mortar joint width, in. (mm)
ej = percent compressibility of expansion joint material (least of sealant, backer and filler)
The expansion joint is typically sized to resemble a mortar joint, usually ⅜ in. (10 mm) to ½ in. (13 mm). The width
of an expansion joint may be limited by the sealant capabilities. Compressibility of modern sealants in the 25 to
50 percent range is typical for brickwork.
Example. Consider a typical brick veneer with a desired expansion joint size of ½ in. (13 mm) and a sealant with
50 percent compressibility. Equation 1 gives the following theoretical expansion joint spacing:
(0.5 in.)(50)
Se = = 278 in. or 23 ft, 2 in. (7.06 m)
0.09
Therefore, the maximum theoretical spacing between vertical expansion joints in a straight wall would be 23 ft,
2 in. (7.06 m). This theoretical spacing does not take into account window openings, corners or properties of
other materials that may require a reduction in expansion joint spacing. In most instances, it is desirable to be
conservative when calculating spacing between joints, but it may be justifiable to exceed the theoretical maximum
spacing based on engineering judgment. For example, calculations may result in a theoretical spacing of
expansion joints every 23 ft, 2 in. (7.06 m), but the actual expansion joint spacing is set at 24 ft (7.32 m) to match
the structural column spacing or a specific modular dimension. Vertical expansion joint spacing should not exceed
25 ft (7.6 m) in brickwork without openings and 20 ft (6.1 m) for brickwork with multiple openings.

Placement
The actual location of vertical expansion joints in
a structure is dependent upon the configuration
of the structure, as well as the expected amount
of movement. In addition to placing an adequate
number of expansion joints within long walls, consider
placing expansion joints at areas of natural stress
concentration, such as corners, offsets, openings,
wall intersections, changes in wall heights, junctions,
parapets, material transitions, deflection of supports
and deflection of wood.
Corners. Walls expand toward their ends, which
may cause distress where they intersect on one or
both sides of a corner, as shown in Figure 2a. Place
expansion joints near corners to alleviate this stress.
The preferred location is within 2 ft (600 mm) of the
corner on either side. This is because masons can
typically reach about 2 ft (600 mm) around the corner
from where they are working, so this is a convenient Figure 2
location for joint placement. An expansion joint should Vertical Expansion Joints at Corners
be placed within approximately 10 ft (3 m) of at least
one side of the corner in either wall. The sum of
distances from a corner to first vertical expansion joint in each wall should not exceed the spacing of expansion
joints in a straight wall, as shown in Figure 2b. For example, if the spacing between vertical expansion joints on
a straight wall is 25 ft (7.6 m), then the spacing of expansion joints around a corner could be 10 ft (3.0 m) on one
side of the corner and 15 ft (4.6 m) on the other side.

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 Figure 3 Figure 4
Vertical Expansion Joints at Offsets Cracking at “Punched” Windows

Offsets and Setbacks. As the ends of parallel walls expand, they tend to rotate the wall section that connects
them, resulting in cracks, as shown in Figure 3a. Place expansion joints at the offset to allow the parallel walls to
expand, as Figure 3b illustrates. Expansion joints placed at inside corners are less visible.
Openings. In structures containing “punched” windows and door openings at regularly spaced intervals, more
movement occurs in the brickwork above and below the openings than in the brickwork between the openings.
Less movement occurs along the line of openings since there is less masonry. This differential movement creates
a stress concentration where the two sections of brickwork meet, which can cause cracks that emanate from the
corners of the opening, as in Figure 4. This pattern of cracking does not exist in structures with continuous ribbon
windows, as there are only spandrels of similar length and no smaller sections of brickwork between windows.
Window and door openings typically act as “natural” expansion joints and may govern or otherwise play a role in
determining the placement of movement joints. Because of this, it is typically desired to place joints aligned with
the edges of these openings; however, the feasibility of doing so will often depend on the size of openings in a
given wall section, how the brickwork is supported above the opening and how the openings are aligned. Sealant
joints are typically placed around the perimeter of the door or window frame to allow for movement between the
door or window and the masonry rough opening (perimeter joints). These perimeter sealant joints may intersect
with veneer expansion joints. For instance, when a vertical veneer expansion joint aligns with a window or door
opening, the same sealant joint can serve as both the perimeter joint and the vertical expansion joint along the
height of the window or door unit.
Where the masonry above an opening is supported by shelf angles attached to the structure, there are no
impediments to placing a vertical expansion joint aligned with the jamb of the opening. In this case, the same
sealant joint can serve as both the perimeter joint and the horizontal expansion joint along the width of the
window.
If a loose laid lintel is used to support the brickwork above an opening, expansion joints can also be placed
alongside the opening, as shown in Figure 5a. However, this configuration is more complicated to detail
and construct. Because the lintel is not attached to the structure, it must be allowed to expand and contract
independently of the brick. A slip plane should be formed by placing flashing above and below the angle. Mortar
placed in front of the lintel is subject to cracking; thus, a backer rod and sealant should be used, as shown in
Figure 5b. Because steel expands more than masonry, a ⅛ to ¼ in. (3.2 to 6.4 mm) space should be left at each
end of the lintel. These measures form a pocket that allows movement of the steel angle within the brickwork.
If a vertical expansion joint cannot be built in this manner, it is not recommended to place a joint alongside the
opening.

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 Figure 5 Figure 6
Expansion Joint at a Loose Lintel Expansion Joints at Junctions

Locating the expansion joint adjacent to the window when using a loose-laid lintel will influence the dead weight
of the masonry bearing on the lintel. The full height and thus weight of the masonry above the opening should be
assumed to bear on the lintel instead of the triangular-shaped load typically assumed for loose-laid lintels. See
Technical Note 31B for more information about steel lintel design.
There are alternatives to placing vertical expansion joints adjacent to window and door openings. Particularly for
openings with loose-laid lintels, shifting the joint past the end of the lintel will simplify detailing. A variation on this
option is to place expansion joints halfway between the windows. Doing so provides a purposeful aesthetic but
requires a sufficiently wide section of masonry between the openings, typically no less than 4 ft (1.2 m). When
windows are too close together to permit an expansion joint between them, consider installing expansion joints at
each end of the window group. In this case, joint reinforcing is recommended to be placed in the courses directly
above and below the window group to reduce the risk of cracking. The joint reinforcing should be engineered.
Junctions. Expansion joints should be located at junctions of walls with different environmental exposures or
support conditions. Separate portions of brickwork exposed to different climatic conditions with expansion joints
since each area will move differently. An exterior wall containing brickwork that extends into a building’s interior
should have an expansion joint separating the exterior brickwork from the interior brickwork. Expansion joints
should also be installed to separate adjacent walls of different heights to avoid cracking caused by differential
movement, particularly when the height difference is very large. Examples are shown in Figure 6.

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Parapets. Parapets require special treatment due to their differing configuration compared with a typical building
wall. A parapet is exposed to moisture and the environment on three sides instead of one, which increases the
amount of movement it can experience. A parapet also lacks sufficient dead load from brickwork above to restrain
movement. Because of these conditions, additional accommodations for movement are required in parapets. It is
recommended to extend all vertical expansion joints through the parapet and place additional parapet expansion
joints approximately halfway between those running full height, such that the spacing between joints is no more
than 15 ft (4.6 m) apart at the top of the parapet. These parapet expansion joints must continue to a horizontal
expansion joint. Usually they will be terminated at the horizontal joint associated with the shelf angle at the roof
level. If joint spacing of no more than 15 ft (4.6 m) cannot be achieved, widen the expansion joints. If additional
parapet joints cannot be installed, continuous joint reinforcement should be installed at 16 in. (406 mm) o.c.
vertically in the parapet.
Material Transitions. Many modern buildings incorporate a variety of cladding materials in their design, with
multiple materials present on the same facade. Expansion joints should always be placed at the transitions
between brick and non-masonry cladding systems to accommodate the movement of each material. Closure of
the brick air space, flashing and drainage between cladding systems is necessary in many cases. Expansion
joints are also required between brick and projecting elements such as pipes, vents and ducts. Refer to
Technical Note 7 for more information about flashing requirements and recommendations at material transitions. In
the case of horizontal joints, increased width to accommodate additional movement due to frame shrinkage may
be required.
Masonry Infill. Expansion joints should be placed around masonry infill to isolate it from the surrounding structural
frame. The expansion joint along the top course of the infill should accommodate the deflection of the beam, floor
or roof system above.
Deflection of Support. Brickwork can be supported by a beam or floor, provided that the maximum deflection of
that support is L/600. These spandrel sections of brickwork are subject to stresses from deflection of the support.
Reduced spacing between expansion joints will permit deflection to occur without cracking the brickwork.
Support on Wood. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402) [Ref. 4] and most building
codes allow anchored masonry veneer with an installed weight not exceeding 40 lb/ft2 (1,915 Pa) and a maximum
height of 12 ft (3.66 m) to be supported on wood construction, provided that a vertical expansion joint is used to
isolate the veneer supported by wood from the veneer supported by the foundation.

Planning Expansion Joint Placement During Design

It can be difficult to decide where to begin when determining the placement of vertical expansion joints. Starting at
a corner and placing joints at the typical spacing around the building perimeter is not a recommended approach.
The following approach is suggested, which prioritizes placing joints at known areas of stress concentrations prior
to considering maximum recommended spacing.
1. Place joints at transitions between brick and other cladding systems or structures.
2. Place joints at junctions such as changes in support conditions and interfaces between walls of
differing height.
3. Place joints at all inside corners (offsets and setbacks) with brick on both sides.
4. Place joints near outside corners with brick on both sides, per Figure 2b.
5. Where possible, place joints near detailing such as quoins or reveals to minimize their appearance.
6. Based on whether the brickwork has openings, determine the maximum spacing between joints,
and place additional joints where needed. It is often preferable to place joints closer together where
they have minimal impact on architectural features rather than spacing them at the recommended
maximum distance. Joints at closer spacing can be used to create an aesthetic layout.
7. Extend vertical joints through the parapet. When spacing between vertical joints in a parapet is more
than 15 ft (4.6 m), either widen the joints or place additional parapet expansion joints as needed to
achieve a maximum 15 ft (4.6 m) spacing.

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Aesthetic Effects
Although expansion joints are usually noticeable on flat walls of masonry buildings, there are ways to reduce their
visual impact. Architectural features such as quoins, recessed panels of brickwork or a change in bond pattern
reduce the visual impact of vertical expansion joints. In some cases, it may be desirable to accentuate the location
of the expansion joint as a design detail. This is possible by recessing the brickwork at the expansion joint or by
using special-shaped brick units as shown in Photo 3.
Colored sealants that match the brick in running bond, or the mortar in stack bond, help to hide vertical expansion
joints. Mason’s sand also can be rubbed into new sealant to remove the sheen, making the joint blend in
more. Expansion joints also are less noticeable when located at inside corners. Hiding expansion joints behind
downspouts or other building elements can inhibit maintenance access and is not advised. Installing expansion
joints to follow the masonry bond pattern (toothing or zipper joint) is not recommended. Their shape creates
difficulty in keeping debris out of the joint during construction; such debris could interfere with movement. In
addition, the articulated shape subjects the sealant to both shear and tension combined, which adversely affects
the performance of the sealant.
Symmetrical placement of expansion joints on the elevation of buildings is usually most aesthetically pleasing.
Further, placing the expansion joints in a pattern such that wall areas and openings are symmetrical between
expansion joints will reduce the likelihood of cracking.

Photo 3 Figure 7
Accentuated Expansion Joint Horizontal Expansion Joint at Shelf Angle

HORIZONTAL EXPANSION JOINTS

Horizontal expansion joints are typically needed if the brick wythe is supported on a shelf angle attached to the
frame or used as infill within the frame. Placing horizontal expansion joints below shelf angles provides sufficient
space for vertical expansion of the brickwork below and deformation of the shelf angle and the structure to which
it is attached. The joint is formed by leaving an unobstructed space, typically ¼ in. (6 mm) in height, or placing a
highly compressible material beneath the angle, and a backer rod and sealant at the toe of the angle to seal the
joint. Structures that support the brick wythe on shelf angles, usually at each floor, must have horizontal expansion
joints under each shelf angle. Larger sized expansion joints may be required to accommodate the differential
movement of taller story heights or where a shelf angle supports more than one story of brickwork. Figure 7
shows a typical detail of a horizontal expansion joint beneath a shelf angle.
If the shelf angle is not attached to the structure when the brick below it are laid, then any temporary shims that
support the angle during installation must be removed after the shelf angle is connected. It is not necessary to
interrupt shelf angles at vertical expansion joint locations. However, shelf angles must be discontinuous to provide

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for their own thermal expansion. A space of ¼ in. in 20 ft (6 mm in 6 m) of shelf angle length is typically sufficient.
Bolt heads anchoring a shelf angle to the structure should be covered to decrease the possibility of flashing
puncture.
The size of the horizontal expansion joint should take into account movements of the brickwork and movements of
the frame. Frame movements include both material and load-induced movements, such as deflections of the shelf
angle; rotation of the horizontal leg of the shelf angle; and movement of the support from deflection, temperature
change, shrinkage, creep or other factors.
When a large horizontal expansion joint is necessary, a lipped brick course may be used to allow movement while
minimizing the aesthetic impact of the joint. To avoid problems with breakage, the height and depth of the lipped
portion of the brick should be at least ½ in. (13 mm). When specifying the depth of the lip, keep in mind that at
least two-thirds of the total thickness of the brick must bear directly on the shelf angle. No more than one-third of
the thickness of the brick wythe is permitted to overhang the shelf angle. For lipped brick, this overhang dimension
must include the depth of the lip. Lipped brick should be made by the brick manufacturer for quality assurance
purposes.
Construction using lipped brick requires careful consideration of the frame movements noted previously. Allowance
for adjacent material tolerances including the building frame should also be considered. Adequate space should
be provided between the lipped portion of the brick and the shelf angle to ensure no contact. Contact should not
occur between the lipped brick and the brickwork below the shelf angle or between the lip of the brick and the
shelf angle, not only during construction, but also throughout the life of the building.
Lipped brick may be installed as the first course above a shelf angle, as shown in Figure 8a. Flashing should be
placed between the shelf angle and the lipped brick course. Proper installation of flashing is made more difficult
with lipped brick because the flashing must conform to the shape of the lip. This shape may be achieved with
more rigid flashing materials or drip edges preformed to the shape of the lip. If the specified flashing materials
are made of composite, plastic or rubber, then a sheet metal drip edge should be used. The practice of placing
flashing one course above the shelf angle is not recommended, as this can increase the potential for moisture
entering the course below.
Lipped brick also may be inverted and placed on the top course of brickwork located directly beneath a shelf angle
with the lip oriented upward, as shown in Figure 8b. While installing an inverted lipped brick course allows the
flashing of the brickwork above to maintain a straight profile through the brickwork, it also allows the lipped brick

Lipped Brick Inverted Lipped Brick

(a) (b)
Figure 8
Alternate Expansion Joint Detail

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course to move independent of the shelf angle. As a consequence, there is an increased possibility of the shelf
angle coming in contact with the lipped brick course, resulting in cracking at the lip. When a course of inverted
lipped brick is installed, it is difficult, if not impossible, to install compressible material below the shelf angle, as
well as to access and remove temporary shims supporting the shelf angle above.
Horizontal expansion joints are also recommended when brick is used as an infill material within the frame of
the structure. Expansion joints must be provided between the top course of brickwork and the member above.
Deflections of the frame should be considered when sizing the expansion joint to avoid inadvertently loading the
brickwork.

STRUCTURES WITHOUT SHELF ANGLES

Some buildings with brick veneer construction do not support the brickwork on shelf angles. Low-rise buildings
constructed with wood and steel stud framing and buildings with shear walls typically do not exceed prescriptive
height limits for masonry veneer and do not need shelf angles to support the brickwork. The TMS Code
prescriptively permits brick veneer with wood or steel stud framing to a height of 30 ft (9 m) to the top plate
and 38 ft (12 m) to the top of a gable. However, there are no prescriptive height limits or intermediate support
requirements for brick veneer with a rigid backing of concrete or concrete masonry. Such veneers may be
supported without intermediate shelf angles to a recommended maximum height of about 50 ft (15 m), provided
that the building is detailed appropriately for the differential movement and that the moisture drainage system is
designed and constructed properly.
In these buildings, differential movement is accommodated by the anchor or tie system, window details, and
detailing at the top of the wall. These details must provide independent vertical movement between the brickwork
and the backing. Building components that extend into or through the brick veneer (windows, doors, vents,
etc.) also must be detailed to allow independent vertical movement of the brick veneer and the component. The
structural frame or backing provides the brick veneer with lateral support and carries all other vertical loads. The
veneer is anchored by flexible connectors or adjustable anchors that permit differential movement. Allowance
for differential movement between the exterior brickwork and the adjacent components should be provided at all
openings and at the tops of walls. Vertical expansion joints also must be incorporated, as discussed in previous
sections of this Technical Note.
Connectors, anchors or ties that transfer load from the brick wythe to a structural frame or backing that provides
lateral support should resist movement perpendicular to the plane of the wall (tension and compression) but
allow movement parallel to the wall without becoming disengaged. This flexible anchorage permits differential
movement between the structure and the brickwork. Figure 9 shows typical methods for anchoring masonry walls
to columns and beams. Technical Note 44B provides detailed information about masonry ties and anchors.
The size and spacing of anchors and ties are based on tensile and compressive loads induced by lateral loads
on the walls or on prescriptive anchor and tie spacing requirements in building codes. Technical Note 44B lists
recommended tie spacing based on application.
There must be sufficient clearance among the masonry elements and the beams and columns of the structural
frame to permit the expected differential movement. The masonry walls may be more rigid than the structural
frame. This clearance provides isolation between the brickwork and frame, allowing independent movement.

COMBINING MATERIALS
As discussed in Technical Note 18, brick have different movement properties compared with other building
materials. When other materials are used in combination with brick, the movement properties of that building
material (concrete, concrete masonry cast stone, etc.) must be considered. To reduce the potential for cracking
in a multi-wythe wall of brick and concrete masonry, movement joints must be installed in each wythe to
accommodate the differential movement between the materials. In this case, expansion joints are placed in the
brick wythe, and control joints are placed in the concrete masonry, although they do not necessarily have to be
aligned through the wall. Another way to separate wythes or bands of materials that express different movement
properties is to install a bond break to allow each material to move independently.

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 Figure 9
Flexible Anchorage to Beams and Columns

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Bond Breaks
Concrete and concrete masonry have moisture and thermal movements that are considerably different from those
of brick masonry. Floor slabs and foundations also experience different states of stress due to their loading and
support conditions. Therefore, it may be necessary to separate brickwork from these elements using a bond break
such as building paper, flashing, or 4 to 6 mil thick polyethylene sheeting. Such bond breaks should be provided
between foundations and walls, between slabs and walls, and between concrete and clay masonry to allow
independent movement while still providing gravity support. Typical methods of breaking bond between walls and
slabs, and between walls and foundations, are shown in Figure 10.
When bands of clay brick are used in concrete masonry walls, or when bands of concrete masonry or cast
stone are used in clay brick walls, differences in material properties may cause mortar joints or masonry units to
crack. Such problems can be easily avoided by using bands of brickwork featuring brick of a different color, size
or texture, or a different bond pattern. If, however, a different material is used for the band, it may be prudent
to install a bond break between the two materials, provide additional movement joints in the wall, or place joint
reinforcement in the bed joints of the concrete masonry to reduce the potential for cracking.
Breaking the bond in this way does not affect the compressive strength of the wall and should not affect the
stability of the veneer wythe when anchored properly. The weight of the masonry, additional anchorage and
the frictional properties at the interface provide stability. Sealant at the face of the joints between the different
materials will reduce possible water entry. If the band is concrete masonry or cast stone, then additional control
joints are recommended in the band. If the band is a single course, then there is a likelihood of vertical cracks at
all head joints. These can be closed with a sealant. Bands of two or more courses should include horizontal joint
reinforcement in the intervening bed joints, as shown in Figure 11.

Figure 10 Figure 11
Bond Breaks in Cavity Wall Multi-Course Concrete Masonry Band

LOAD-BEARING MASONRY
The potential for cracking in load-bearing masonry members is less than in non-load-bearing masonry
members because compressive stresses from dead and live loads help offset the effects of any movement.
Adding reinforcement at critical sections such as parapets, points of load application and around openings to

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 Figure 12
Bond Beams

accommodate or distribute high stresses will also help control the effects of movement. Reinforcement can
be placed in bed joints or in bond beams, as shown in Figure 12. Historic load-bearing structures were not
constructed with expansion joints. However, these walls were constructed using multi-wythe brick construction,
unlike typical structures built today.

SUMMARY
This Technical Note defines the types of movement joints used in building construction. Details of expansion joints
used in brickwork are shown. The recommended size, spacing and location of expansion joints are given. By
using the suggestions in this Technical Note, the potential for cracks in brickwork can be reduced.
Expansion joints are used in brick masonry to accommodate the movement experienced by materials as they
react to environmental conditions, adjacent materials and loads. In general, vertical expansion joints should be
used to break the brickwork into rectangular elements that have the same support conditions, climatic exposure
and through-wall construction. The maximum recommended spacing of vertical expansion joints is 25 ft (7.6 m).
Horizontal expansion joints must be placed below shelf angles supporting brick masonry.
The information and suggestions contained in this Technical Note are based on the available data
and the combined experience of engineering staff and members of the Brick Industry Association.
The information contained herein must be used in conjunction with good technical judgment
and a basic understanding of the properties of brick masonry. Final decisions on the use of
the information contained in this Technical Note are not within the purview of the Brick Industry
Association and must rest with the project architect, engineer and owner.

REFERENCES
1. ASTM C920, Standard Guide for Use of Elastomeric Joint Sealants, Annual Book of Standards,
Vol. 04.07, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2018.
2. Beall, C., Masonry Design and Detailing for Architects, Engineers and Contractors, Sixth Edition, McGraw
Hill Inc., New York, NY, 2012.
3. Beall, C., “Sealant Joint Design,” Water on Exterior Building Walls: Problems and Solutions, ASTM
STP 1107, T.A. Schwartz, Ed., ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 1991.
4. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402-16), The Masonry Society, Longmont, CO,
2016.
5. “Building Movements and Joints,” Portland Cement Association, Skokie, IL, 1982.

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