Code of Federal Regulations Title 24. Housing and Urban Development § 24.3285.306 Design procedures for concrete block piers

(1) Frame piers less than 36 inches high are permitted to be constructed of single, open, or closed-cell concrete blocks, 8 inches “ 8 inches “ 16 inches, when the design capacity of the block is not exceeded.

(2) The frame piers must be installed so that the long sides are at right angles to the supported I–beam, as shown in Figure A to this section.

(3) The concrete blocks must be stacked with their hollow cells aligned vertically and must be positioned at right angles to the footings.

(4) Horizontal offsets from the top to the bottom of the pier must not exceed one-half inch.

(5) Mortar is not required, unless specified in the installation instructions or required by a registered professional engineer or registered architect.

(1) All frame piers between 36 inches and 67 inches high and all corner piers over three blocks high must be constructed out of double, interlocked concrete blocks, as shown in Figure B to this section, when the design capacity of the block is not exceeded. Mortar is not required for concrete block piers, unless otherwise specified in the installation instructions or required by a professional engineer or registered architect.

(2) Horizontal offsets from the top to the bottom of the pier must not exceed one inch.