The Ontario Building Code | Amount of Reinforcement
9.20.15.1. Amount of Reinforcement
(1) Where reinforcement is required in this Section, masonry walls shall be reinforced horizontally and vertically with steel having a total cross-sectional area of not less than 0.002 times the horizontal cross-sectional area of the wall, so that not less than one-third of the required steel area is installed either horizontally or vertically and the remainder in the other direction.
In Plain Language
Reinforced masonry needs a minimum amount of reinforcement as set out in this article, ensuring adequate strength where reinforcing steel is required.
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.