A load-bearing wall with only a single wythe of brick may be constructed using SCR brick. An SCR brick is a solid masonry unit with nominal dimensions of 6″ × 2²⁄₃″ × 12″. SCR brick is primarily used for one‑story structures, although the brick may be used for high, load-bearing walls. SCR brick saves time when constructing a masonry wall since the brick is larger than building brick and is laid without backup material. In order to provide sufficient bearing for the joists, the wall is corbeled. A corbel is a short projection from the face of a wall formed with successive courses of masonry to provide bearing space for the joists. Furring strips or metal channels are usually installed on the inside of masonry walls to provide a flat and true surface for finish materials
1 × 2 OR 2 × 2 FURRING STRIP
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such as gypsum board. See Figure 3-19. Furring strips (2″ × 2″) or metal channels are fastened to the brick using powder-actuated fasteners. The space between the gypsum board and brick wall provides ventilation for the wall. Moisture within the wall caused by condensation runs down to the flashing and is directed out of the building through weep holes in the mortar joints directly above the flashing.
Brick is generally selected for its color, texture, and size. Face brick requirements are detailed in ASTM C216—Standard Specification for Facing Brick.
VAPOR BARRIER OVER FURRING STRIPS AND RIGID INSULATION
BASEBOARD GYPSUM BOARD
SCR BRICK
RIGID INSULATION FINISH FLOORING CONTINUOUS THROUGH FLASHING
ASPHALT-IMPREGNATED BUILDING PAPER SUBFLOOR
CLIPPED SCR BRICK
FLOOR JOIST
BUILDING BRICK
CORBEL PROVIDES 4″ JOIST BEARING 8″ CONCRETE FOUNDATION WALL
Figure 3-19. SCR brick may be used to make a strong, durable wall with only one wythe of brick. A corbel may be used to provide a bearing surface for the joists.