4.1 This guide is intended to provide information and guidance for designers, specifiers, manufacturers, contractors and users that are considering the use of prefabricated masonry elements. This guide identifies situations when prefabrication could be considered where other prefabricated systems are used, as a viable alternative to in-place masonry construction, or to achieve masonry designs that are not possible or practical with conventional masonry. The guide also identifies issues and special considerations associated with common prefabricated uses of masonry.

4.2 Situations where prefabrication may be considered:

4.2.1 To mitigate material and workmanship issues for masonry installed during extreme weather conditions or when other difficult exterior environmental conditions exist.

4.2.2 To allow masonry to be constructed in controlled working conditions permitting increased productivity, faster completion, or improved quality control.

4.2.3 To reduce construction schedules by beginning construction of certain elements before masonry is typically ready to be installed.

4.2.4 To reduce storage on site when staging areas are limited.

4.2.5 To facilitate masonry construction in areas where site access is difficult (such as masonry elements installed with a crane).

4.2.6 To allow the use of jigs or templates that can be reused multiple times to create recurring or repetitive masonry elements.

4.2.7 To avoid the need for centering and temporary shoring or formwork for lintels and arches.

4.2.8 To create special architectural designs that are easier to fabricate in an orientation different than the final position on the building.

4.2.9 To allow masonry elements to contain fewer masonry connection points thereby reducing thermal bridging.

4.2.10 Where reduction in waste, noise, or dust on a jobsite is important.

4.2.11 When safety precautions for onsite masonry construction are difficult to incorporate on a jobsite.

This specification covers the structural design and quality control of fabrication for load-bearing and non-load-bearing prefabricated masonry panels. Structural design of panels shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of the applicable local building code and the requirements specified. A quality control test shall be made in accordance with the specified requirements.