Replacement of lintels at openings in masonry structures

Thread Content

According to Article 3.0.7 of the Code for Acceptance of Construction Quality of Masonry Works (GB50203-2002), a lintel should be provided above openings with a width exceeding 300 mm. The purpose is to support various loads transmitted from the masonry above the opening and to transfer these loads. The general specifications for the civil engineering design of a certain thermoelectric main plant state that: “When the opening width exceeds 600 mm, a lintel should be used; when the opening width is greater than 600 mm, it should be supported by two steel bars with a diameter of 6 mm.” This is clearly in contradiction with **mandatory norms; how to explain it? Conflicts between design documents and standards are common; I would appreciate your advice. In standard regulatory provisions, when it is specified that strict compliance with the standards is required in order to meet them accurately, the auxiliary verb used is: for affirmative statements, “ Should” (shall) is employed ； The negative form uses “should not” or “shall not”.