Integrated Bond Beam and Lintels

Integrated reinforced concrete bond beam and lintels make stronger buildings. (click to enlarge)
Integrated reinforced concrete bond beam and lintels make stronger buildings. (click to enlarge)

Most often lintels are built separately from bond beams. See Wood Pole Lintels as an example.

But what if you want maximum strength for a multiple story earthbag structure (see Rainwater Towers Apartments) or if you have lots of window and door openings? Integrating the bond beam and lintels as shown in the drawing above would be a good option. Connect the rebar reinforcement in the lintels with that in the bond beam, and form and pour the concrete at the same time.

Note the vertical rebar pins that tie the concrete into the earthbag walls. Rebar pinning is an efficient way of gaining added strength. Drive 1/2” rebar pins down through the center of earthbag walls with a sledge hammer or fence post driver. Bend the rebar ends at 90 degrees and tie to the horizontal reinforcement with tie wire.

2 thoughts on “Integrated Bond Beam and Lintels”

  1. We consider to connect the current lintel and bond beam together and to make a wider door opening. Can we cut a notch and insert a long rebar in them? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Insert a dowel, etc. when pouring the concrete and pull it out after a few hours before the concrete dries. You can pound the rebar down through the hole.

      Reply

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