Design of Wall Openings for Structural CMU

Speaker: John Hochwalt, PE, SE

This seminar explores the structural design considerations for wall openings in concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction. Architects will gain practical insight into the behavior of load-bearing masonry walls, including lintel design, reinforcement strategies, load transfer, and detailing around doors, windows, and large openings. The course will address code requirements, coordination with structural engineers, and common design challenges that impact performance, constructability, and aesthetics. Real-world examples and best practices will help attendees improve masonry detailing and avoid costly field issues

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the structural considerations involved in designing wall openings in CMU construction.
2. Understand how loads are transferred around doors, windows, and other openings in load-bearing masonry walls.
3. Recognize appropriate reinforcement and lintel design strategies for various opening sizes and configurations.
4. Apply code requirements and best practices to improve coordination, constructability, and performance in structural CMU wall design.