Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 14 Wall Systems 305 Brick masonry soffits are usually reinforced and grouted, whether they are prefabricated or built in place. Each soffit presents unique challenges with respect to configuration, support available from the structure, space restrictions, and sequence of construction. A soffit that is constructed in place often requires a complicated system of centering and falsework that must be left in place for a number of days. Stone Quoins Quoins are large squared stones used at corners and around openings of buildings for ornamental purposes. See Figure 14-61. The height of each stone should be three, five, seven, or any odd number of brick courses to permit the brick above and below the stone to have a full lap in bond. The length of each stone should be equal to one or more of the masonry units used in the wall. Garden Walls Garden walls are freestanding structures. There are many types, including straight walls, pier and panel walls, and serpentine walls. Any of the typical types of walls can be perforated. Perforated walls let in light, allow breezes, and do not block all vision, Figure 14-62. Trade Tip When designing walls that use mortar, ensure that the footing is below the frost line. Contact your local building official to determine the required depth of the footing to meet the building code. Straight Walls Straight garden walls depend on texture and color of the masonry for character. The wall must be thick enough to provide lateral stability against wind and impact loads. It is recommended that for 10 pounds per square foot (psf) wind pressure, the height above grade not exceed 3/4 of the wall thickness squared. For example, an 8″ thick wall could be a maximum height of 48″ (3/4 × 82 = 48). This formula does not depend on a bond between the foundation and the wall. Therefore, reinforcing greatly increases the height that can be attained for a given wall thickness. Figure 14-63 shows three typical straight walls. Each wall has a different coping. Pier and Panel Walls A pier and panel wall is composed of a series of relatively thin panels 4″ thick, which are braced by masonry piers. See Figure 14-64. This type of wall is relatively easy to build and is economical because of the reduced panel thickness. It is also ideal for uneven terrain. Foundations are only required for the piers. These foundations should extend below the frost depth. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 14-61. Quoins used at corners for ornamental purposes. Stone Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 14-62. Perforated brick wall with each unit bonding one-quarter its length on either end. A wide variety of patterns is possible.