Design
Designing masonry construction is straightforward with much technical guidance available. For many situations structural design can rely on simple, readily available tables. The inherent properties of masonry – robustness, acoustic qualities, fire resistance – allows masonry itself to perform many functions without necessarily relying on subsequent finishes.
This makes masonry structures more forgiving to adaptation and alteration throughout their lifetime – In other words providing performance during and after building works that might otherwise compromise acoustic or fire performance.
BIM is the process of creating information models or data sets formed of graphical and non-graphical information which are shared between project stakeholders in a digital space known as a common data environment. read more ...
Building regulations set minimum standards for design and construction for a range of criteria including the safety and health of people in or about buildings, energy conservation and for facilities for access and movement inside buildings. The most relevant parts of building regulations that effect the use of masonry are ...
BS 8103-2 Structural design of low rise buildings – Part 2 Code of Practice for Masonry Walls for housing provides guidance on wall design, block and mortar strength, movement joints etc for housing for common layouts and for up to three storeys. read more ...
Engineering design of masonry to comply with Part A Structural Safety can be achieved for simple common structures through published tables such as available in BS 8103-2. read more about Eurocode 6 ...
Masonry walls can be used for external building envelope, separating walls, internal partitions , and industrial fire walls, but also infill walls in structural frames, basement construction and external structures such as garden walls and retaining walls.
An important aspect of building performance is the detailing of construction elements and the junctions between them. Help is available for U-values, thermal bridging at junctions, fire compartmentation and acoustic separation. In many cases, a single detail may be required to satisfy a combination of these needs.
About Modern Masonry
Modern Masonry is a body that seeks to ensure developers and designers, customers and occupants understand the benefits of masonry solutions. It provides guidance on design of masonry and furnishes government and influencing organisations with the evidence of how masonry can contribute to a sustainable built environment. It is supported by the Aircrete Products Associaton, Concrete Block Association and MPA Mortar.
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To join Modern Masonry
If you are interested in joining Modern Masonry, contact us via telephone: +44 (0) 116 232 5170 or email: masonry@britishprecast.org