S H E L F A N G L E S FOK MASONRY V E N E E R

By Clayford T. Grimm, 1 Fellow, ASCE, and Joseph A. Yura, 2

Member, ASCE

ABSTRACT: Inadequacies of design, construction, and maintenance associated with

shelf angles supporting masonry veneer on structural frames often cause spalling,
cracking, and staining of masonry veneer; yielding and slipping of shelf angles;
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and leakage of wind-driven rain, which in turn causes corrosion; volume change
of materials; freeze-thaw damage; destructive cryptofluorescence; increased heat
transmission; deterioration of interior finishes and building contents; tenant incon-
venience; and litigation. In the absence of an expansion joint between the hori-
zontal leg of the shelf angle and the top of the masonry below the angle, differ-
ential movement between the building frame and the masonry veneer may lift the
shelf angle vertically in a wedge insert in a concrete frame. Mortar rather than
sealant in the joint at the toe of the shelf angle and improper shimming of the
angle often result in spalled masonry. Shelf angle corrosion may be accelerated by
inadequacies in masonry construction, condensation due to exfiltration of interior
air, and improper angle protection. Dimension of masonry overhang beyond the
toe of the shelf angle is critical.

INTRODUCTION

When two building materials are juxtaposed, they interact physically and
chemically. The materials, design, construction, and maintenance of the as-
sembly should provide for that interaction to prevent premature performance
failure. Failure to accommodate the interaction between masonry veneer and
its supporting shelf angle in curtain walls on structural frames will result in
one or more of the following: spalling, cracking, and staining of the ma-
sonry; yielding or slipping of the shelf angle; and leakage of the assemblage
to wind-driven rain. Water causes most of the problems buildings have, in-
cluding: dimensional change; corrosion; biological decay; efflorescence; freeze-
thaw damage; increased heat transmission; condensation; deterioration of in-
terior finishes and building contents; tenant inconvenience; and litigation.
Important aspects of the shelf angle detail discussed herein include: (1)
Anchorage of the angle to the frame; (2) slippage, deflection, and rotation
of the shelf angle; (3) properties of the shelf angle section; (4) incompati-
bility of construction tolerances for frames and for masonry; (5) overhang
of masonry beyond the toe of the horizontal leg of the shelf angle; (6) water
drainage and shelf angle corrosion; and (7) expansion joints below shelf an-
gle at top of masonry. Equations for the structural design of shelf angles are
provided including deflection considerations.

SHELF ANGLE MATERIALS

Shelf angles are typically fabricated of American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) A36 steel, given a shop coat of paint, and anchored to
'Consulting Architectural Engr. and Sr. Lect. in Architectural Engrg., Univ. of
Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.
2
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Texas at Austin.
Note. Discussion open until August 1, 1989. To extend the closing date one month,
a written request must be filed with the ASCE Manager of Journals. The manuscript
for this paper was submitted for review and possible publication on January 26, 1988.
This paper is part of the Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 115, No. 3, March,
1989. ©ASCE, ISSN 0733-9445/89/0003-0509/S1.00 + $.15 per page. Paper No.
22815.

509

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 the frame with 5/8-in. (16 mm) diam. ASTM A307 bolts. Shelf angles may
be hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with ASTM A123. Austenitic stain-
less steel angles (ASTM A666, type 304) may also be used, but should not
be placed in contact with other metals. Stainless steel is available in four
strength grades ranging from Fy = 30,000 psi (207 MPa) to Fy = 110,000
psi (758 MPa). All grades are not available in all thicknesses of all stainless
steel types, so producers should be consulted. Carbon steel bolts should never
be used to join stainless steel components ("Stainless steel stone anchors"
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1975), because bolt corrosion will be accelerated ("Stainless steel fas-

teners—A systematic approach to their selection" 1976). Stainless steel bolts,
washers, nuts, shims, and concrete inserts should be used with stainless steel
shelf angles. The same components should be galvanized for use with gal-
vanized shelf angles. Mortar can contribute to corrosion of aluminum.
Hot-dipped galvanized shelf angles may cost as much as 35% more than
painted ASTM A36 shelf angles. Stainless steel shelf angles may cost twice
as much as ASTM A36 steel.
To avoid excessive longitudinal differential movement between the angle
and the masonry, shelf angles should be fabricated in lengths of 8 ft (2.4
mm)-12 ft (3.7 mm) (Parise 1982). Shelf angles should be placed with a
1/4-in. (6-mm)-l/2-in. (12-mm) open butt joint at each end to provide for
thermal expansion of the steel. Specifications should require that these butt
joints be kept clean of mortar. At corners the horizontal legs of adjacent
angles should be mitered to provide continuous support for the masonry around
the corner.
In the United States there are no national standards for minimum thickness
of shelf angles, although some local building codes have such requirements
and some authors recommend minimum thicknesses ranging from 1/4 in.
(6 mm) (Cutler and Mikluchin 1965) to 7/16 in. (11 mm) ("Structural steel
lintels" 1981). ASTM A6-82a, Standard Specification for General Require-
ments for Rolled Steel Plates, Shapes, Sheet Piling, and Bars for Structural
Use, has no specified minimum thickness for legs of angles (L shapes) over
3 in. (75 mm) in width. Only the weight of the member is controlled. It is
possible for an angle to conform to the specifications with one leg very much
thinner than the other. Accordingly, there is no way to determine precisely
the degree of corrosion, which may have occurred on such an angle, by
comparing the measured thickness of a leg after exposure with that of the
specified thickness. The appropriate ASTM committee should correct this
ommission.

SHELF ANGLE ANCHORAGE

The method of anchoring the angle to the building frame depends on the
type of frame. Shelf angles may be bolted or welded to steel frames. Bolted
connections may be of the bearing or friction type. Bolt holes in shelf angles
are typically slotted horizontally and in some cases the supporting steel mem-
ber are slotted vertically to provide for longitudinal and vertical adjustment
of the angle. In such a case a friction-type connection is required. The length
of the slot may not exceed 2.5 times the bolt diameter ("Manual of steel
construction" 1980). Bolt holes are usually spaced 2 ft (610 mm)-3 ft (914
mm) o.c. Closer spacing reduces shelf angle deflection and the required
thickness of expansion joints under shelf angles. When the angle is anchored
610

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 3 5/8" brick
masonry
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concrete

Expansion Joint

3 5/8" brick masonry

l~shelf angle

Scale

FIG. 1. Shelf Angle Detail

by welding, the position of the angle's supporting member must be adjust-

able. Small lateral adjustment is provided by shims. Improper installation of
inadequate shims is often responsible for rotation of the shelf angle, which
can cause spalling of the exterior masonry face immediately below the shelf
angle. The need for shims, tensioning of high strength bolts, and field weld-
ing can be eliminated by use of proprietary fastener systems ("Slotlok self
locking adjustable fasteners 1988).
The most common shelf angle anchorage device to concrete frames is a
wedge insert, which utilizes a tapered head bolt projecting from a vertically
slotted hole in a steel casing embedded in the vertical face of the concrete
("Shelf angle wedge insert" 1984). The slotted hole provides a total vertical
adjustment length of 1-1/8 in. (29 mm) to 2-5/8 in. (67 mm) depending on
bolt size. Conventionally bolts are "snug tightened" (i.e., by a few impacts
of an impact wrench or the full effort of a man using an ordinary spud
wrench). Bolts in wedge inserts are not tensioned by torque application.
Coordination problems associated with preplacement of wedge inserts in
concrete forms can be avoided by use of power-actuated tool fasteners or
stud anchors in drilled holes ("Hilti fastening systems" 1984; "ITT Phillips
drill division" 1984).
The length of the projection of the bolt into the air space between the
concrete face and the back side of the exterior brick masonry wythe must
be controlled to avoid cutting brick and flashing at each bolt (see Fig. 1).
Punctured flashing is nearly useless. The air space must be kept clean of
mortar droppings to prevent inward migration of water. The net thickness
of air space between masonry and concrete should be at least 2 in. (50 mm),
because that is the minimum width that a mason can keep clean. If board
insulation is placed before bricks are layed in a cavity wall, the cavity thick-
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J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 ness should be 2 in. (50 mm) plus the thickness of the insulation and the
insulation fixed to the interior cavity face.

CONSTRUCTION TOLERANCES

The construction tolerances for masonry walls are incompatible with con-
struction tolerances for building frames of steel or concrete. In a seven-story
building an exterior column may be out of plumb by 1 in. (25 mm) if con-
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crete ("Recommended practice for concrete formwork" 1983) and 2 in. (50
mm) if steel ("Code of standard practice for steel buildings and bridges"
1976). However, a brick masonry wall may be out of plumb by only 1/2
in. (12 mm) ("Building code requirements for engineered brick masonry"
1969). It is not unusual for a building frame to be out of plumb by more
than permitted by the codes, and it is not unusual for architects and engineers
to ignore the breach of contract and/or violation of law. Architects are,
however, generally insistent that masonry walls not be excessively out of
plumb. If the frame leans outward or inward by 1 in. (25 mm) and the wall
leans inward or outward by 1/2 in. (12 mm), a 2-in. (50-mm) air space
between the frame and the back of the exterior masonry wythe may be re-
duced to a thickness of 1/2 in. (12 mm), or increased to 3-1/2 in. (89 mm),
even if the wall and column are both built within allowable tolerances. If
the masonry is placed on a steel frame, the thickness of the brick may have
to be reduced to 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) or 50% of the thickness of a 3-in. (76-
mm) brick wythe. An air space designed to be 2-in. (50-mm) wide may be
4-1/2 in. (114 mm), in which case wall ties may not fit.
Not only is brick often cut to pass the frame but often the horizontal leg
of the shelf angle must be burned off. All too frequently a plate must be
welded onto the horizontal leg of the shelf angle to extend its width. The
shelf angle is sometimes positioned so far inward that the masonry is built
continuously past the shelf angle (i.e., not supported by the angle). Nor-
mally, the width of the horizontal leg would be 5 in. (127 mm) to provide
a 2-in. (51-mm) air space behind a 3-5/8-in. (92-mm) brick wythe (see Fig.
1). If the cavity width were reduced by 1-1/2 in. (75 mm), the toe of a 5-
in. (127-mm) horizontal leg would protrude beyond the face of the wall by
about 7/8 in. (22 mm) and a width of 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) would have to be
cut from the leg to provide space for a proper sealant joint. All of this is
required when both frame and wall are built within permissible tolerances.
Such problems should be solved before the project goes to bid by requiring
the toe of the horizontal leg of shelf angles on successive floors to be placed
in the same vertical plane. Failure to do so is a costly design error because
it can create an impossible condition for the contractor. Two things cannot
occupy the same space at the same time even with the most advanced the-
ories of architectural techtonics.

EXPANSION JOINTS

A shelf angle anchored to a concrete frame by a wedge insert is not fixed

in resisting upward acting vertical loads, which can occur in the absence of
an expansion joint under the shelf angle. Structural frames contract. Brick
walls and stone walls expand. Estimated differential strains between struc-
tural frames and exterior masonry walls are given in Table 1.
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J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 TABLE 1. Estimated Differentia! Vertical Strain between Masonry Walls and
Structural Frames (Microin./in.)a
Standard
Number Frame/wall material Mean deviation Mode Median Characteristic11
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
(a) Steel Frame/Masonry Wall
1 Brick 532 278 370 472 886
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2 Dense agg. CMUC 290 167 189 251 500

3 Light weight agg. CMLT. 123 182 22 69 275
4 Granite 509 173 432 482 737
5 Limestone 482 180 396 452 718
6 Sandstone 1,232 392 1,066 1,174 1,749
7 Marble 472 159 402 447 618
(b) Concrete Frame/Masonry Wall
8 Brick 1,150 559 837 1,034 1,868
9 Dense agg. CMUC 908 512 600 791 1,553
10 Light-weight agg. CMUC 741 517 409 608 1,364
11 Granite 1,127 514 849 1,025 1,792
12 Limestone 1,100 517 815 996 1,767
13 Sandstone 1,850 623 1,575 1,753 2,671
14 Marble 1,090 510 810 987 1,748
"Applicable when shelf angle is attached rigidly to structure; Lognormal distribution is assumed.
b
10% probability of being exceeded.
c
Low pressure steam cured.
Note: 1 microin. = 10~6 in.

If brick masonry, having a modulus of elasticity of 1.5 X 106 psi (10,342

MPa), is concentrically restrained by a shelf angle on a concrete frame, the
first approximation of bearing stress on the shelf angle is most likely 1.5 X
106 x 837/106 or 1,256 psi (8.7 MPa), due only to differential movement
between frame and wall and neglecting spandrel beam and shelf angle de-
flections. For anchor bolts spaced at normal intervals the load is sufficient
to shear or slip the bolt and lift it upward, permitting the masonry to become
self-supporting to the foundation. Alternatively, the masonry is in a high
state of compression, which may well exceed its cracking strength. Accord-
ingly, an adequate expansion joint immediately below the shelf angle is nec-
essary.
An expansion joint is provided by leaving a clear air space immediately
below the shelf angle and placing a sealant with backer in front of the ex-
pansion joint and toe of the shelf angle's horizontal leg (see Figs. 1 and 2).
Sealant joint thickness (Sj) is determined as follows:
Jm = (dsXHb) + L + Bd (1)
where Jm = joint movement, in.; ds = differential vertical unit strain, in./
in. (see Table 1); Hb = wall height to lower shelf angle or to foundation,
in.; A = shelf angle deflection, in. (see Eq. 16); Bd = incremental spandrel
beam deflection due to masonry dead load, 80% of floor design live load,
and if concrete frame, creep under total load, in. [Bd < (fes/1,000) or 0.3
in., whichever is less, where bs = spandrel beam span, in.]. Sj = Sfl or Sj2,
whichever is greater; Sj = sealant joint thickness (face width), in. (Sj > 0.25)

513

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 Brick
Sealant
Shelf Angle Stiff Flashing

S, = sealant joint
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thickness, in.

Expansion Joint Bond Break

S
Bd d
Brick

Ld

FIG. 2. Expansion Joint

bjl — Jm ~r tsi (2)

where tsa = shelf angle thickness, in.

Sj2 = J,JSC (3)

where sc = sealant compressibility, decimal.

Accordingly, for brick masonry height of 12 ft (3.04 m) between shelf
angles in a steel frame structure (Hb = 144); 90% probability that the ex-
pansion joint thickness will be adequate (ds = 0.000886 from Table 1); shelf
angle deflection of 0.036 in. (1 mm) (A = 0.036); incremental spandrel
beam deflection of 0.15 in. (4 mm) (Bd = 0.15); sealant joint compressibility
of 50% (sc = 0.5); and shelf angle thickness of 5/16 in. (8 mm) (tsa =
0.31), the sealant joint thickness (Sj) is 0.63 in. (5/8 in.).
In a concrete frame building differential movement and spandrel beam
deflection would increase and sealant joint thickness would be greater. Seal-
ant joint thickness is reduced by increasing stiffness of the spandrel beam
and shelf angle and by reducing creep, shrinkage, and elastic deformation
of the structural frame.
Sealant depth is half sealant joint thickness (Sd = Sj/2). The depth of the
joint from the face of the masonry to toe of the shelf angle (i.e., the brick
overhang), is determined by construction tolerances for differences in ver-
ticality between the frame and the masonry. The overhang should not exceed
one-third of the masonry thickness but should be at least the thickness of
the sealant joint to provide space for the sealant backer [(t,„/3) > Ld > Sj\.
The backer should be a board rather than a rod, because of the greater joint
depth required for a rod. The backer should not bond to the sealant.
Where thick shelf angles are required, sealant joint thickness may be re-
duced by use of a special shape brick, which has a lip extending over the
toe of the shelf angle (see Fig. 3). The depth of the lip equals three-tenths
of the wythe thickness (Ld = 0.3 tm). The thickness of the brick lip should
equal the shelf angle thickness (L, — tsa). Sealant joint thickness is the quo-
Off-

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 Shelf Angle - Stiff flashing
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( tttxy
) •:•;•:•:-:•[
(
(. V ) vtv-A
:S*S\

Sealant

FIG. 3. Expansion Joint With Special Shape Brick

tient of joint movement and sealant compressibility (Sj = Jm/sc). Sealant

depth is half of its thickness Sd = Sj/2). Therefore, Bd = 0.5[(0.6 tm) - Sj\.
When special shape brick are used, position of masonry on the shelf angle
is fixed. The construction detail must provide for adjustments of differences
in verticality between frame and wall at the point of shelf angle attachment
to the frame. Special shape brick may cost six times more than a standard
brick, although relatively few such bricks are required. Color matching of
special shapes with standard brick may be a problem. Special shape brick
may be job fabricated by cutting standard brick with a masonry saw.
The substrate to which sealant is applied must be clean to insure good
bond. Brick to which a coating such as silicone has been applied must have
the coating removed before a sealant is applied to the substrate. Repeated
contact of the shelf angle with acid rain should be avoided. Joints should
not be left unsealed for more than a few weeks. Sealants have an average
life expectancy of about seven years, although some may last as long as 20
years. If periodic inspection does not lead to prompt replacement of a de-
teriorated sealant joint, water permeance will ensue.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

The width of the horizontal leg of the angle / should be the next available
width larger than the sum of the cavity width and two-thirds of the masonry
thickness. The cavity width should be equal to 2 in. (50 mm) plus the thick-
ness of any rigid insulation in the cavity. Thus, for a nominal 4-in. (100-
mm) masonry wythe [specified dimension, 3.63 in. (92 mm) and a minimum
3-in. (75-mm) cavity], the width of the horizontal leg of the shelf angle
should be 6 in. (150 mm), in which case the actual cavity width would be
3.6 in. (91 mm). The actual cavity width is equal to the width of the hor-
izontal leg of the shelf angle less two-thirds of the masonry thickness. The
maximum allowable cavity width in a masonry wall is 4.5 in. (114 mm)
when one wall tie is provided for each 3 sq ft (0.28 m2) of wall area and
3.5 in. (89 mm) when one wall tie is provided for each 4.5 sq ft (0.42 m2)

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 TABLE 2. Required Width for Horiiontal Leg of Shelf Angle, in. (mm)

Masonry wythe Minimum cavity width

thickness, in. (mm) 2 in. (50 mm) 3 in. (75 mm) 4 in. (100 mm)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 (50) 3-1/2 (89) 5 (125)
3 (75) 4 (100) 5 (125) 6 (150)
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3.625 (93) 5 (125) 6 (150)

5.625 (143) 6 (150) 7 (175) 8 (200)

of wall area ("Building code requirements for engineered brick masonry"

1969). The width of the horizontal leg of the shelf angle required to support
masonry of conventional thicknesses and typical cavity widths is shown in
Table 2.
The uniform dead load of the masonry, pm per unit length of the angle,
is
p,m = Htmwx (4)
where H = height of masonry supported by the angle and wx = unit weight
of masonry. For clay brick masonry, 100 < wb & 150 pcf (1,600-2,400
kg/m 3 ) with a mean of 123 pcf (1,970 kg/m 3 ) and a coefficient of variation
of 11%. For concrete brick masonry 35 < wc < 140 pcf (560-2,240 kg/
m3), as given in Table 3. For stone masonry in Table 4, 110 < ws £ 190
pcf (1,760-3,040 kg/m 3 ). For hollow concrete masonry pmch in lb/ft ~
850- 10' 6 (52.3 - tm)wct,„H for wc in pcf, H in ft and t,„ in in.

TABLE 3. Concrete Density in Concrete Masonry Units (wc)

Unit weight
Aggregate Ib/cu ft3 (kg/m 3 )
d) (2)
Sand and gravel 140 (2,243)
Crushed stone and sand 130 (2,082)
Aircooled slag 115 (1,842)
Coal cinders, expanded slag, oi scoria 90 (1,442)
Expanded clay, shale, slate, or centered fly ash 85 (1,362)
Pumice 75 (1,201)
Cellular (air) 35 (561)

TABLE 4. Stone Density (ws), Ib/cu ft (kg/m 3 )

Stone Low density Medium density High density
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Granite 150 (2,403) 170 (2,723) 190 (3,044)
Limestone 110 (1,762) 135 (2,162) 185 (2,963)
Sandstone 135 (2,162) 150 (2,403) 170 (2,723)
Marble 144 (2,307) 162 (2,595) 175 (2,803)
Slate 173 (2,771) 176 (2,819) 179 (2,867)

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FIG. 4. Definition of Terms

NO B»- - ^ £>

j |

:J
t A
| f b

a) Twist b) Leg Distortion c) Flexure

FIG. 5. Displacement of Shelf Angle: (a) Twist; (b) Distortion; (c) Flexure

As the horizontal leg of the shelf angle deflects, the resultant of the ma-
sonry reaction on the leg is assumed to move inward from the center line
of the masonry to the third point of the masonry's bearing length. Accord-
ingly, the maximum eccentricity of the dead load of properly placed masonry
about the heel of the angle, e, is
4
e = I - " tm (5)

Various dimensions are shown in Fig. 4. The deflection of the shelf angle
consists of three parts, as shown in Fig. 5: torsion, A,; flexure, A/, and leg
distortion, Ad. The leg distortion is caused by cantilever bending of the hor-
izontal leg.
If masonry were totally flexible, the shelf angle would be uniformly loaded
along its span S between support bolts. However, masonry is quite stiff and,
therefore, arches. The assumption is made that the load on the shelf angle
is distributed so that the deflection at a distance e from the heel is uniform
along the length of the angle. Solutions were also tried for other locations
of uniform deflection (e.g., at the toe of the angle). The results were not
very sensitive to the location chosen. The masonry-resultant location used
herein gives about 10% more conservative results compared to the toe lo-
cation. The load distribution along the span of the shelf angle was assumed
to follow the mathematical form shown in Fig. 6 with the load per unit length
at any point z defined as pn. Part of the total masonry load, S x pmx, was
assumed to be uniformly distributed and defined by Cp^. The remaining
load was assumed to be a function of (2z/S)N, where z is measured from
the midspan of the shelf angle. Preliminary calculations indicated that the
shelf angle deflection was dominated by torsion and distortion of the angle
and that flexural displacements A/ could be ignored for the span-to-depth
ratios, S/h, encountered in masonry wall construction.

517

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 N
r
mx (1-c)(1 + N)( " J )
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FIG. 6. Assumed Masonry Dead Load Distribution on Shelf Angle

The torsion load per unit length isp„(e — 0.5tsa). Using the classic torsion
differential equation, dQ = Torque/G/ with J = torsional constant = t]a(l
+ h — tsa)/3 and G = shear modulus of elasticity. The deflection at the
location of the masonry resultant, (e - 0 . 5 O from the shear center of the
angle, at any point z due to torsion, A,z, is
(e - 0.5tsa)2 (Sp„az
A,2 = 6(e - 0.5fJ = p„dz (6)
GJ
assuming no rotation at the bolt supports. The deflection of the horizontal
leg of the angle treated as a cantilever (distortion) at any point, z, is
4p„(e - 0.5U 3
4* — (7)
Etl
where E = modulus of elasticity. Adding Eqs. 6 and 7 and performing the
integration gives the total deflection, neglecting flexure,

Atz = BtK C + (1 - C)(N

(N+2)-
ii + BA0.5C
-y)
, (1 ~ C)
(8)
(N + 2) - ' ! )
where
K = 2(e - 0.5tsa)(l + h- tsa)S~2 . (9)
and
2(e - 0.5tJS2p,m
S, = (10)
ton + h-1„)
5, and K are geometric parameters that define the particular problem. The
factors C and N were determined by equating Alz from Eq. 8 for three lo-
cations along the shelf angle length: namely, the midspan, the quarter point,
and the support. If the deflections are equal at these three locations, then
the deflections all along the length will be close to uniform. From this ap-
proach

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 4 -
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EXACT

2 -

H
.05 .10 .15 .20

FIG. 7. iV versus K

K(N + 1)(JV + 2) - 1
C = (11)
K(N + l)(iV + 2) + 0.57V
and TV is a function of K as given in Fig. 7. The approximation
0.088
N = 2.03 + • (12)
K°
gives results within 1% of the true solution as shown in Fig. 7 for 0.02 fi
K ^ 0.20, which is the practical range. The value of C varies between 0.0
and 0.5. The solution indicates that as the eccentricity decreases and the
distance between bolts, S, increases, the load distribution becomes more
nonlinear (i.e., large N). The solution may not be valid when S/h S; 12,
because bending deformations will become significant when the bolt spacing
is large.
After the load distribution is determined by Eqs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, the
shelf angle and its connector can be checked for acceptable stress and de-
flection levels using the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC),
Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel
Buildings, 8th Edition, 1978 for carbon steel angles (ASTM A36 and oth-
ers). Structural design of ASTM A666 austenitic stainless steel angles should
conform to Stainless Steel Cold-Formed Structural Design Manual, AISC,
1974.
The following conditions should be checked: bending and shear in the
horizontal leg at location a in Fig. 5(b); the maximum shear stress in the
vertical leg due to combined bending and torsion, which occurs at the bolt
support; the bending stress, which is maximum at the support; the bolt shear
and bearing capacity; and the maximum deflection at the toe of the angle
due to twist and leg distortion.
519

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 f
Bolt
Masonry Weight _^ Support^
Distribution P m x (l-o)(l + N)
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Section A-A

Check Bending
Load '
Stress Here

FIG. 8. Effective Angle Length for Bending and Shear

It is assumed that the bending and shear in the horizontal leg at the bolt
support is resisted by an effective angle length equal to /, as shown in Fig.
8. The masonry weight distribution function shown in Fig. 6 was integrated
over the distance / to get the average shear and moment at location a. A
comparison of the shear and bending stresses on the effective cross section,
I x ha, with the AISC allowable stresses of 0.4 Fy and 0.75 Fy, respectively,
shows that bending always controls. Therefore, the allowable masonry load
based on bending of the horizontal leg, pf per unit length of angle, is

0.75 i \
L
Pr (Af+IH (13)
(e ~ ha) /
C + (1 - C) 1 -

The maximum shear stress occurs in the vertical leg of the shelf angle.
For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the vertical shear force, piJS/
2, is resisted by the vertical leg only, and the average shear stress is equal
to the shear force divided by the effective area of the vertical leg. For stan-
dard size holes, the effective shear area is tsa[h — (D + 0.125)] where D is
the bolt diameter. The torsional shear stress (Seely and Smith 1952) equals
T x ha/J where the maximum torque at the support is p„(e - 0.5tm)S/2.
The bolt hole should be considered when calculating J. The allowable ma-
sonry load, p v , limited by the combined effects of vertical and torsional shear
stresses in the vertical leg of the shelf angle with an allowable shear stress
of 0AFy, is obtained from the following expression:
PvS_ 1 3(e - 0.5tsa)
= 0.4F V (14)
2 _tsa(h - D - 0.125) tl(l + h - D - 0.125 - tsa).
The bending stresses in the shelf angle depend on the moment distribution
within the continuous span, which is complicated by the variable loading
pattern shown in Fig. 6. An elastic structural analysis of a fixed-end beam
(interior spans of a continuous shelf angle) with the nonuniform loading showed

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 that the maximum moment always occurred at the support and is given h
p„lxS2 (CN + 3
05)
12 \N + 3 /
The term in brackets accounts for the nonuniform load with C and N given
by Eqs. 10 and 11 for a particular problem. Since the principal bending axes
are inclined by the angle a in Fig. 4, it is unconservative to use the simple
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bending formula My/I to calculate flexural stresses. Standard unsymmetrical

bending formulations are available for calculating the flexural stresses (Salmon
and Johnson 1980; Seely and Smith 1952); limitations on space prevent their
inclusion in this paper. However, such studies have shown that if standard
AISC angles are used with the longer leg horizontal, the maximum cross
sectional stress occurs at point A in Fig. 4. A check of all the angles in the
AISC Manual with a maximum bolt spacing of 36 in. (900 mm) showed
that flexure never controlled the selection of the angle.
The maximum allowable shelf angle load including self-weight is con-
trolled by the smaller of pf (Eq. 13), pv (Eq. 14), or the bolt strength. The
shear strength and bearing strength of the bolt at the support are established
in the AISC Specification, which also gives limitations for the edge distance
of bolt holes. The bolt capacity should be compared to the average reaction,
SPbx-
The deflection at the toe of the angle must be limited so that an adequate
expansion space is constructed below the shelf angle, as described earlier.
The shelf angle deflection at a distance e from the heel based on local leg
distortion and torsion is given by Eq. 8. Since this deflection is constant
along the length, it is convenient to choose z = 5/2 in Eq. 7, which gives
[31 - e - tsa\
ATIP = BtK(l - N - NC)x (16)
\ 2e - tm I
The factor in brackets converts the deflection from Eq. 8 for point e to the
toe of the angle. This expression neglects any deformations due to bending,
which have been found to be less than 10% of Eq. 16 if the leg size-to-span
ratio, h/S, is less than 12 and S S 3 6 in. (900 mm). The methods presented
could be valid for greater spacing if the flexural deformations are calculated
and found to be small. To check the magnitude of flexural deflections that
would be maximum at midspan, unsymmetrical bending should be consid-
ered as described earlier for bending stresses. The unsymmetrical deflection
formulas given in texts (Seely and Smith 1952, Salmon and Johnson 1980)
for uniform load Pbx should be multiplied by the factor / given by
12 + NC(N + 7)
/ = (17)
(N + 3)(/V + 4)
to account for the nonuniform load distribution.

EXAMPLE

Given a 3.63-in. wythe of brick masonry, 12-ft high between shelf angles
(for clarity in the calculations, only standard U.S. units are used), and a 2.6-
521

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 in. cavity between the concrete frame and the back of the wythe. From Table
2, / = 5 in. Assume an ASTM A36 L5 X 3 X 5/16, Fy = 36 ksi. Assume
5/8 in. diameter ASTM A307 bolts on 24 in. o.c. The wb = 130 pcf.
From Eq. 4, pmb = 12 x 3.63 X 130/12 = 472 lb/ft = 39.3 lb/in.
From Eq. 14, e = 5 - (0.444 x 3.63) = 3.39.
From Eq. 8, K = (2 x 3.39 - 0.31)(5 + 3 - 0.31)/(24) 2 = 0.0864
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0.088
FromEq. 11, N = 2.03 + = 2.98
(0.0864) 097
0.0864(3.98)(4.98) 1
From Eq. 10, C = = 0.222
0.0864(3.98)(4.98) + 0.5(2.98)
For bending in the horizontal leg, from Eq. 13
_ 0.75(36,000)(0.313) 2 1
Pf
~ (3.39-0.31)6 0.222 + 0.778(24/5){l - [1 - (5/24)] 398 }
pf = 57.7 lb/in. = 690 lb/ft > 472 OK
Checking shear by Eq. 14 gives
p v (24) | 1 3[3.39 - (0.5 x 0.31)]
+ (0.31)2(5 0.4(36,000)
2 (.0.31(3 - 0.75) + 3 - 0.75 - 0.31)J
therefore pv = 76.2 lb/in. = 915 lb/ft > 472 OK
From the AISC Manual, the shear capacity of the bolt = 3,100 lb.
support reaction = 2(472) = 944 lb < 3,100 OK
The bending stresses will be small since S/h = 8, but they will be checked
for illustration purposes. From Eq. 133 in Seely and Smith (1952), the bend-
ing stress in the shelf angle at point A is / = 2,12M/Iy for lx = 6.26; ly =
1.75; and 1^ = 1.92. Using Eq. 15,
2.72 39.3(24) 2 0.222(2.98) + 3
/ = 1,800 psi < 0.6(36,000) OK
1.75 12 2.98 + 3
The shelf angle is satisfactory based on strength.
The deflection of the shelf angle is determined from Eq. 10 and 16.
2[3.39 - (0.5 x 0.31)]2(24)239.3
B,= = 0.072 in.
(0.31) 3 (29-10 6 )(5 + 3 - 0.31)
15 - 3.39 - 0.31
ATIP = 0.072(0.0864)[1 + 2.98 - (2.98 X 0.222)]
2(3.39) - 0.31
= 0.036 in.

If flexural deformations were included, the calculated deflection would only

increase by 1.3% in this problem.
The required expansion joint thickness Jm is the sum of the allowance for

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 differential movement and for deflection of the shelf angle and its supporting
spandrel beam. If differential movement allowance is 0.13 in., spamdrel
beam deflection is 0.15 in. and the shelf angle deflection is 0.036 in., the
joint movement is 0.32 in. If the sealant has a compressibility of 50%, the
minimum sealant joint thickness is 0.32/0.5 or 0.63 in. For a shelf angle
thickness of 5/16 in., the sealant joint thickness without special shape bricks
would be 0.316 + 0.313 or also 0.63 in., which would require a minimum
masonry overhang beyond the toe of the angle of 0.66 in. The maximum
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overhang is 3.63/3 or 1.21 in.

CORROSION

Grimm (1985) provides several case histories of dangerous shelf angle

corrosion. Corrosion of the angle can contribute to differential movement
through the increase in volume which accompanies conversion of steel to
rust.
The relative volume of a compound can be determined as the quotient of
molecular weight and density. Those data are available in the literature for
several compounds of iron and oxygen. For example, the atomic weight of
iron is 55.84 and of oxygen is 16. Accordingly, the molecular weight of the
corrosion product, magnetite, Fe 3 0 4 , is (55.84 g x 3) + (16 g x 4) or
231.52 g. The density of Fe 3 0 4 is 5.18 g/ml. Accordingly, relative volume
is 231.52/5.18 or 44.69 ml (i.e., 231.52 g of Fe 3 0 4 occupies 44.69 ml).
The density of iron, Fe, is 7.86 g/ml and 167.52 g Fe/7.86 g per ml =
21.31 ml Fe (i.e., 231.52 g Fe304) contains 21.31 ml of iron. The relative
volume ratio of this corrosion product to steel (i.e., of Fe 3 0 4 to Fe) is, there-
fore, 44.69/21.31 or 2.1 (i.e., the volume of Fe 3 0 4 is 2.1 times greater than
the volume of the iron it contains).
Similarly, the relative volume ratio (v) for several corrosion products to
steel can be determined as given in Table 5.
Although some corrosion products may have much higher relative volume
ratios than those listed in Table 5, many are highly soluble in water and, if
washed away from a shelf angle, may not cause a volume increase. In dis-
cussing the physical damage caused by rust, Winkler (1975) says, "The cal-
culation of the volumetric expansion from metallic iron to rust is very dif-
ficult because most of the freshly formed rust is still amorphous FeO OH."
Winkler estimates the true expansion of structural steel to rust is 150-250%.
Bazant (1979) reports the volume of red rust is four times as large as that
of steel and black rust is twice as large as that of steel.
If the expansion of corrosion products on the horizontal leg of a steel lintel

TABLE 5. Corrosion/Steel Volume Ratio

Corrosion product Formula Relative volume ratio, V

(1) (2) (3)
Iron hydroxide Fe (OH)2 3.72
Iron hydroxide FeO (OH) 2.92
Iron oxide FeO 1.77
Hematite Fe203 2.14
Magnetite Fe304 2.10

523

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 or shelf angle is restrained in the lateral and longitudinal directions by the
formation of adjacent corrosion products, all of the volume increase occurs
in the vertical direction. In that case, the net vertical thickness change ratio
is equal to V — 1. However, in the absence of lateral and longitudinal re-
straint of expansion, there may be no increase in vertical thickness. If the
maximum value of V is four, as suggested by Bazant (1979), the maximum
thickness change ratio is three. Dial (1982) found that vertical strain across
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a mortar joint in brick masonry induced by corrosion of a steel plate embed-

ded in the bed joint was reduced about 87% by imposition of a compressive
load of 400 psi (2.8 MPa). On that basis, even if the relative volume ratio
were 10, the thickness change ratio would not exceed 1.17. The most prob-
able value of the thickness change ratio is about 1.1 and may range from
about 0.4 to 3.1.
The principal contributors to shelf angle corrosion are the absence of weep
holes or flashing or improper installation of flashing in the masonry, and
condensation on the shelf angle, caused in winter by warm moist interior air
coming into contact with a cold angle.
The literature on water permeance of masonry, including the need for proper
flashing and weep holes at shelf angles, is voluminous (Grimm 1982). Flash-
ing should extend at least 15 in. (380 mm) upward behind the masonry along
the spandrel and into a reglet. It should extend laterally through the masonry
immediately above the shelf angle and at least to the face of the wall. Hold-
ing the outside edge of the flashing behind the exterior wall surface 1/2 in.
(13 mm) for aesthetic reasons invites trouble (Monk 1980). Failure to seal
flashing joints and to provide flashing end dams will accelerate shelf angle
corrosion (Monk 1980). Weep holes in the masonry head joints 2 ft (600
mm) O.C. are necessary to permit water which permeates through the ma-
sonry to drain back to the exterior. Four in. (200 mm) of brick masonry,
no matter how built, by whom, or of what, never stopped wind-driven rain.
Interior warm, moist air at 70° F (21° C) and 50% relative humidity will
condense at a temperature of 50° F (10° C). The toe of the horizontal leg of
a shelf angle is very near the exterior wall surface, and is therefore at vir-
tually the same temperature as the exterior air. Because steel is an excellent
heat conductor, the temperature of the vertical leg of the shelf angle is vir-
tually the same as the exterior air. In air-conditioned buildings for human
occupancy, if interior air is permitted to reach the back of the shelf angle,
the angle will have free water on it at all times when the exterior air tem-
perature is below about 50° F (10° C). The structural integrity of a structural
steel member should not depend on the degree to which the building is made
airtight, in which case the use of hot-dipped galvanizing or stainless steel
for shelf angles seems prudent.

CONCLUSION

Severe damage can result from the improper design, construction, and
maintenance of shelf angle details. Hot-dipped galvanized shelf angles should
be used in normal environments, excluding warm arid regions where paint
and well-sealed flashing should provide sufficient protection. Stainless steel
shelf angles should be used in severe exposures. Expansion points are man-
datory immediately below shelf angles. Structural design of shelf angles must
consider adequate stiffness to avoid excessive deflection under torsion and

J. Struct. Eng. 1989.115:509-525.

 flexure. Problems resulting from incompatibility of construction tolerances
for frames and walls should be solved during design rather than during con-
struction, when the solution is much more costly. Proper sealant joint design,
construction, and maintenance is necessary to protect the structural integrity
of the angle. Corrosion of shelf angles is often a severe problem.

APPENDIX. REFERENCES
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Bazant, Z. P. (1979). "Physical model of steel corrosion in concrete sea structures—

Theory." J. Struct. Div., ASCE, 1139.
Building code requirements for engineered brick masonry. (1964). Brick Institute of
America, Reston, Va.
Code of standard practice for steel buildings and bridges. (1976). American Institute
of Steel Construction, Inc., Chicago, 111.
Cutler, J. F., and Mikluchin, P. T. (1965). Clay masonry manual. Brick and Tile
Institute of Ontario, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, 59, 147.
Dial, S. A. (1982). "Time-dependent and corrosion deformation behavior of masonry
wall panels with embedded steel plates," thesis presented to the University of Texas,
at Austin, Tex., in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master
of Science.
Grimm, C. T. (1982). "Water permeance of masonry walls—A review of the lit-
erature." Masonry: Materials property and performance, ASTM STP 778, Amer-
ican Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pa., 178-199.
Grimm, C. T. (1985). "Corrosion of steel in brick masonry." Masonry: Research,
applications, and problems, STP 871, American Society for Testing and Materials,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Grimm, C. T. (1986). "Probabilistic design of expansion joints in brick cladding."
Proc. 4th Canadian Masonry Symp., Univ. of New Brunswick, 1, 553-568.
Hilti fastening systems. (1984). Hilti, Stamford, Conn.
ITT phillips drill division. (1984). ITT, Michigan City, Ind.
Manual of steel construction. (1980). American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.,
Chicago, 111., 5-211.
Monk, C. B., Jr. (1980). "Masonry facade and paving failures." Proc. of the Second
Canadian Masonry Conference, University of Ontario, 469-480.
Parise, C. J. (1982). "Shelf angle component considerations in cavity wall construc-
tion." Masonry: Materials, properties, and performance, ASTM STP 778, Amer-
ican Society for Testing and Materials, Phila., Pa., 147-170.
"Recommended practice for concrete formwork." (1983). Report No. ACI 347-78,
American Concrete Institute, Detroit, Mich.
Salmon, C. G., and Johnson, J. E. (1980). Steel structures, design and behavior.
Harper and Row Publishers, Inc., New York, N.Y., 390.
Sealants—The professionals' guide. (1984). Sealant and Waterproofers Institute,
Glenview, 111.
Seely, F. B., and Smith, J. O. (1952). Advanced mechanics of materials. 2nd Ed.,
John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y.
Shelf angle wedge insert. (1984). Heckman Building Products, Inc., Chicago, 111.
Slotlok self locking adjustable fasteners. (1988). Holtz Corp., Northford, Conn.
Specifications for the design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel for build-
ings. (1978). American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, 111.
Stainless steel cold-formed structural design manual. (1974). American Institute of
Steel Construction, Chicago, 111.
Stainless steel fasteners—A systemic approach to their selection. (1976). American
Iron and Steel Institute, Washington, D.C.
Stainless steel stone anchors (1975). American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington,
D.C.
Structural steel lintels. (1981). "Technical notes on brick construction." Report No.
31B, Brick Institute of America, Reston, Va.
Winkler, E. M. (1975). Stone—Properties, durability in man's environment. Sprin-
ger-Verlag New York, Inc., New York, N.Y.

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