Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/10/2009

Question
Must joint reinforcement for masonry block construction (residential or commercial) be a 'ladder' type, or can it be 'truss' type?  Which is better?

Answer
Hi Jennifer, both HJR (horizontal joint reinforcement) ladder type and truss type are acceptable for use in CMU construction.  Tall walls that are subject to a lot of wind shear are probably better off with the truss type because it provides a little more lateral stability.  I prefer the ladder type for most applications because it is easier to work with the vertical steel placement.  Truss type HJR has smaller openings and makes it a little harder to get the rebar placement just right and when you are dropping your vertical steel into place you have to fight it past the HJR a little more with the truss as opposed to the ladder.  HJR is typically set at two courses from the footing and then every two courses thereafter. I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com