Piers

Abstract

Piers may be in two forms: (1) isolated (figure 8.1) or (2) attached (figure 8.2). The isolated pier is usually built to carry direct imposed loads and its maximum height must not exceed eight times its least dimension. The pier may be any shape, for example, square, rectangular, octagonal, etc., but if circular it is termed a column. Attached piers may occur on one or both sides of a wall, or be formed at the end of a wall. The purpose of the attached pier is to

• (1) provide the wall with additional strength to counter lateral pressure

• (2) accept indirect loading and transfer this load to the walling.

Walls with attached piers may be built in English, Flemish or garden wall bond, in all cases complying strictly with the rules of bonding. Tie-ing in walls to piers (figure 8.2) or vice versa (figure 8.3) must be not less than 56 mm and all cut bricks should be as large as possible.