wrote:
John, I can show you a very miniscule example, very easily. C.M.U.
wall. Exterior. Because of specific loads, we needed the horizontal
joint reinforcement to be at each and every joint. We use what is
commonly called ladder type, because it's easier to place so that it
doesn't interfere with the cells that need to be reinforced and
grouted solid. Well, some SOP manual of theirs specifies only what is
commonly called diagonally stiffened, ie, the stiffening portion is
diagonal. We told them why, they agreed, but alas, couldn't do it,
can't use your own judgement, because there is some document of theirs
that says they can't. Then, they call. Seems there is a problem
getting the vertical cell reinforcement into the cells. Want to guess
why?

I've also noticed in many cases with gov't agencies, that they're
never there to tell you how to do it right, but always around to tell
you how you did it wrong....