PRE-STRESSED COMPOSITE LINTELS

PRE-STRESSED COMPOSITE LINTELS:

These lintels utilise the composite action of the concrete and brick/block work together to provide their load-bearing capacities as shown in the table.

Three courses of brickwork are equivalent to two courses of block work. As the brickwork mortar matures, lintels of over 1200mm spans should be propped at 1200mm centres. Bearings at each end must be at least 150mm. A damp-proof course, when used, must be strong and plastic enough to avoid cracking and be placed so as not to break the lintel/block work bond. Ideally the d.p.c. should not be included in the composite wall joist at all, but if essential then it should be only tucked in 30mm.

Type A & B Composite Lintels are best used in conjunction with brickwork or block work – When lintels are used in conjunction with 2 or more courses of brick/block work, advantage may be taken of the composite action of the concrete and brickwork together.