In construction, a composite wall is a type of solid wall built from two or more distinct layers of masonry joined together for structural integrity.
Understanding Composite Walls
Based on construction principles, composite walls are solid walls consisting of two or more wythes of masonry joined together by interlocking masonry units (headers) or metal ties, and a completely mortar-filled vertical joint known as a collar joint. This construction method creates a unified wall structure that is stronger and more stable than individual wythes standing alone.
The key features of a composite wall, as described, include:
- Multiple Wythes: The wall is composed of at least two distinct vertical layers (wythes) of masonry units, such as bricks, stones, or concrete blocks.
- Joining Elements: The wythes are physically connected. This connection can be achieved in two primary ways:
- Interlocking Masonry Units (Headers): Masonry units (like bricks) are laid perpendicular to the face of the wall, bridging across the two wythes and interlocking them.
- Metal Ties: Specially designed metal connectors are embedded in the mortar joints of both wythes, providing a structural link between them.
- Collar Joint: A crucial element is the vertical space between the wythes, which is completely filled with mortar. This fully mortared gap, known as the collar joint, ensures that the loads applied to one wythe are effectively transferred to the other, allowing the layers to act as a single, composite unit.
This method of construction ensures that the wall acts structurally as one unit, distributing loads and resisting lateral forces more effectively than an unbonded multi-wythe wall.
While historically common, especially in older buildings, understanding the construction of composite walls is vital for renovation, repair, and structural assessment.
