A106.3.3.5 Minimum Quality of Mortar

1. Mortar shear test values, V_to, in pounds per square inch (kPa) shall be obtained for each in-place shear test in accordance with the following equation:



2. Individual unreinforced masonry walls with ν_to consistently less than 30 pounds per square inch (207 kPa) shall be entirely pointed prior to retesting.

3. The mortar shear strength, ν_t, is the value in pounds per square inch (kPa) that is exceeded by 80 percent of the mortar shear test values,ν_to.

4. Unreinforced masonry with mortar shear strength, ν_t,less than 30 pounds per square inch (207 kPa) shall be removed, pointed and retested or shall have its structural function replaced, and shall be anchored to supporting elements in accordance with Sections A106.3.1 and A113.8. When existing mortar in any wythe is pointed to increase its shear strength and is retested, the condition of the mortar in the adjacent bed joints of the inner wythe or wythes and the opposite outer wythe shall be examined for extent of deterioration. The shear strength of any wall class shall be no greater than that of the weakest wythe of that class.