Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 294 Section 4 Construction Details Longer lintels carrying heavier loads should have greater bearing surfaces at the ends. The lintel should be stiff enough to resist bending in excess of 1/360th of the span. Code Note Lintels The International Residential Code (IRC) specifies lintels are to be provided over all open- ings that are equal to or greater than 2′ (610 mm) wide. Masonry over openings must be supported by steel lintels, lintels made of reinforced con- crete or masonry, or masonry arches designed to support the imposed load. Several types of lintels are used in masonry construction, Figure 14-36. Specifications for one- piece reinforced concrete lintels are given in Figure 14-37. Design data for reinforced concrete split lintels are shown in Figure 14-38. Figure 14-39 gives the size requirements for concrete rein- forced lintels with stirrups. These lintels are made for openings supporting wall and floor loads. Lintels made of angle steel should meet minimum specifica- tions for 4″ masonry veneer. See Figure 14-40. Reinforced masonry lintels (brick and tile) are becoming more popular because the steel is completely protected from the elements and the initial cost is less because less steel is required. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 14-35. Examples of chases and recesses in masonry walls. Duct in recess Duct in recess Duct in recess Metal lath and plaster Duct in 8" Plastered Wall Duct in Plastered 12" Wall Duct in 8" Concrete Block Wall Chase in 12" Wall Sawed block 4" chase Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 14-36. Various types of lintels are used in masonry construction. 6 1/2" 6 1/2" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 7 5/8" 5 5/8" 3 5/8" 3 5/8" 3 5/8" 3 5/8" 1 1/8" 1 1/8" Stirrups One-Piece Concrete Lintel Concrete Split Lintel One-Piece Lintel with Stirrups Lintel Block Steel Angle Lintels