Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 14 Wall Systems 279 Cavity Walls Masonry cavity walls are widely used throughout the United States in all types of low-rise and high-rise buildings. Their popularity is due to their superior rain penetration resistance, excellent thermal capabilities, good sound transmission resis- tance, and high fire resistance. Brick Industry Association Figure 14-4. Typical 4″ reinforced masonry wall details. Horizontal steel Horizontal steel 4" Brick wall 4" Brick wall Horizontal steel 4" Brick wall Joint sealant Bond break Joint sealant Joint sealant Compressible filler Reinforced Brick Masonry Columns and Pilasters Flexible anchors Flexible anchors Compressible filler Joint sealant Compressible filler Reinforced Concrete Columns Steel Columns