The Eurocode explicitly defines the minimum amount of
reinforcement needed to give ductility to the masonry and prevent cracking. In
this sense, it determines the vertical separation between reinforced rows will
not surpass 60cm and the area of steel will not be less than 0.03% of the area
of the wall. The measure is preventative, and given that it is explicitly
stated in the Eurocode it can help deal with the civil responsibility derived
from pathological processes produced by cracking in the walls. However this
measure by itself does not guarantee 100% of the absence of fissures. What is
really effective to avoid cracking is a good constructive design solution to
avoid risk situations.
