R606.3.4

Section R606.3.4 is titled 'Protection for reinforcement' and covers the requirements for preventing corrosion of reinforcement in masonry walls. Minimum embedment of reinforcement bars into grout or mortar and joint reinforcement setback from the masonry unit exposed face is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent premature degradation of reinforcement and structural failure.

The model shows 2 groups of masonry blocks. The 1st shows a block which has been cut for the placement of a horizontal reinforcement bar and the block being filled with grout, but the cut was not made deep enough and the reinforcement bar is not being covered in compliance with this section (presuming additional courses above are not being grouted in the same lift). The 2nd shows joint reinforcement being installed on two hollow masonry blocks, with the minimum required setback distance of the joint reinforcement from the exposed faces of the block being highlighted.