Analysis of load in ties in masonry veneer walls

Masonry is frequently used as a veneer, tied to a backup structural system. In many cases, the structural system is steel studding. Very little research has been conducted to examine the effect of staggering the ties between the veneer and the backup on the load distributions in the ties and studs. This paper describes three-dimensional (3-D) finite element models developed for masonry veneer walls (brick veneer – steel stud) subjected to wind load. Various tie arrangements were analyzed. Shell elements were used to model the brick veneer, and beam elements were used to model the steel studs and ties. Cracking was introduced in a horizontal mortar joint through the use of gap elements (discrete cracking method). The loads in the ties for various tie arrangements were examined. It appears that staggering the ties does not overload them when a full row of ties is provided at the top or at both the top and the bottom. The load distribution in the ties in a staggered arrangement is close to that in the full-t...