What Does Relieving Angle Mean In Construction?
What Does Relieving Angle Mean In Construction?
A relieving angle is a type of structural steel component that supports other systems within a building, taking on their weight to relieve pressure.
These angles are typically used in connection with masonry brick, stone, or other heavy cladding systems.
They are supported on both ends by a structural member or along their length, and their proper scheduling is crucial for the progress of a construction project.
Relieving angles are often made of galvanized or stainless steel, which requires a considerable amount of time for approval of shop drawings and delivery to the worksite.
The size and placement of these angles is determined by the structural engineer, and incorrect design can result in failure of the supported system.
In restoration projects, the rehabilitation of aging relieving angles may involve welding reinforcement or applying new coatings.
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The connections of the angles to the overall frame are a significant factor in the structural strength, and proper leveling and attachment are crucial to the integrity of the systems they support.
The quality of the jointing and the masonry systems being supported by the relieving angle depend heavily on these supports.
What Is The Role Of A Relieving Angle In A Masonry Cavity Wall?
Steel shelf angles, also known as relieving angles, may be installed at certain points along a wall elevation to support the brickwork above a horizontal expansion joint, allowing for vertical movement.
The use of these angles depends on various factors such as the height of the building, type of structure, size and location of windows, type of masonry anchorage, and building code requirements.
In addition to shelf angles, vertical and horizontal expansion joints are utilized to divide the masonry wall into segments and prevent cracking.
These joints are necessary because different materials in the assembly respond differently to temperature, moisture, elastic deformation, settlement, and creep, and each will move in its own way.
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Horizontal expansion joints are particularly important for masonry veneers attached to a reinforced concrete frame, as the concrete tends to shrink while the brick expands, causing frame shortening.
Expansion joints, made of flexible materials, can close and stretch as building components expand or shrink.
How Much Space Should Be Between Brick Relieving Angles?
In order to account for the expansion due to moisture and other movements, it is recommended to leave a gap of 1/4 inches beneath the shelf angle.
Without provision for expansion, the bricks underneath the angle may end up exerting pressure against it, leading to compressive forces that can result in cracks in the bricks.