masonry openings
 

masonry openings
i have some 16'-0" masonry openings. i'm providing wide flange lintels to support the masonry. these lintels also see a wind load. should these lintels be designed for an unbraced length of 16'-0" for the gravity load?
yes, the lintel should be designed for the full unbraced length equal to the span unless there is a floor or roof or other lateral support provided at the top flange of the lintel.