How high can hollow masonry unit (CMU) piers be if they are filled?

Hollow masonry unit (CMU) piers filled with concrete can be constructed with specific height limitations relative to their minimal thickness to ensure structural integrity. The acceptable height is typically set at 10 times the minimal thickness of the CMU.

This guideline is grounded in engineering principles that maintain stability and prevent potential failure due to buckling or shear stress. By adhering to this ratio, the design accounts for the unit's ability to carry vertical loads while also ensuring that lateral stability is sufficient to withstand various forces acting on the structure, including wind and seismic activity.

In practice, going beyond this height-to-thickness ratio could compromise the pier's strength and durability, making it prone to failure. Therefore, the specified limit of 10 times the minimal thickness is a critical aspect of safe masonry design when working with filled CMUs.