SD Deacon General Contractor

Masonry Bracing Task Force Report

Type of hazard being addressed	Wall being prepared for testing
Strait coil loop placed around verticle reinforcing

Need:

Current OSHA regulations require all masonry walls over 8 ft. in height be adequately braced during construction until permanent supporting elements are in place. While the term "adequately braced" has caused some confusion in our industry for lack of clarification, it is clear the intent of the standard is to provide an acceptable degree of life safety for the worker. The Masonry Bracing Task Force was formed to develop a practical approach to wall bracing that clarifies the term "adequately braced."

Solution:

In the fall of 2001, the bracing of masonry walls was tested. Tests were performed on braces connected to the 8 ft. ungrouted portion of a wall. Each brace was attached to the wall via a strait coil loop insert placed around ungrouted vertical rebar. This created an internal structure within the wall that resisted the forces of tension and compression that would be created by strong winds.

Benefit:

All three braced wall tests using the method of bracing described in the report successfully withstood a minimum wind force of 35 mph and remained intact. By remaining intact, the braced walls were able to meet the stated goal of providing life safety at the worksite. For a more detailed description read the final report below.

Contacts:

• SD Deacon - Frank Upham, Safety Director
  Phone: 503-297-8791
• Oregon OSHA - Mark Hurliman
  Phone: 1-800-922-2689

Documentation:

• Final Report (PDF)
• Masonry Wall Bracing presentation (PDF) or (PowerPoint)
• Masonry Bracing life safety considerations presentation
  (PDF) or (PowerPoint)
• Proposed Draft OR-OSHA Rules (PDF)

Materials List:

• Contact SD Deacon for a comprehensive list

Models/Blue Prints:

• CAD files and Wire Model files may be available for review. Contact Oregon OSHA Standards & Technical Section, (503) 378-3272 toll free in Oregon, (800) 922-2689

Other Images: