What is the minimum width of a load-bearing CMU wall with filled cells?

The minimum width of a load-bearing concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall with filled cells is established as 8 inches. This dimension ensures that the wall has sufficient structural integrity to support loads while also providing adequate stability and resistance to lateral forces.

The design and building codes emphasize the importance of using a minimum thickness for load-bearing walls to accommodate the forces they will encounter. A wall of this width allows for the proper distribution of weight and is compatible with various construction methods and materials. Furthermore, an 8-inch wall allows for filled cells, which contribute to the wall's overall strength and enhance its load-bearing capacity.

In construction practices, this minimum width is often applied to ensure that walls can handle the stresses imposed by the structure above them, in addition to any dynamic loads such as wind or seismic forces. In contrast, other thickness options like 6 inches, 10 inches, or 12 inches may not necessarily meet these criteria for load-bearing applications unless specified for particular circumstances or designs. Therefore, the standard minimum of 8 inches is widely recognized in industry codes and practices as a safe and effective dimension.