The Ontario Building Code | Support of Beams and Columns
9.20.8.4. support of Beams and columns
(1) Beams and columns supported on masonry walls shall be supported on pilasters where the thickness of the masonry wall or wythe is less than 190 mm.
(2) Not less than 190 mm depth of solid masonry or concrete shall be provided under the beam or column referred to in Sentence (1).
(3) Pilasters required in Sentence (1) shall be bonded or tied to masonry walls.
(4) Concrete pilasters required in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 50 mm by 300 mm.
(5) Unit masonry pilasters required in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 100 mm by 290 mm.
In Plain Language
Beams and columns supported by masonry must meet the requirements set out in this article, similar in purpose to the general bearing requirements but specific to these concentrated-load elements.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.