Masonry Design Guide: Structural, Fire and Acoustics Victoria Book 1

BORAL MASONRY
Build something great™
Masonry Design Guide

STRUCTURAL, FIRE AND ACOUSTICS VICTORIA BOOK 1
www.boral.com.au/masonry Updated February 2009

Victoria Book 1 A
PAGE
PAGE
A Introduction
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Products @ a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4
Fast Find Product & Application Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6
B Structural Design
Introduction to the Structural Design of Masonry . . . . . . . . B2 Movement (Control Joints) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6
Robustness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7
Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Reinforced Masonry Lintels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8
Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Design of Core Filled & Steel Reinforced

Masonry Retaining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9
Shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6
Structural Design Guidelines for
Durability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6 Core Filled & Steel Reinforced
Masonry Retaining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B11
C Fire Design
Masonry Design for Fire Resistance (FRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2 Effect of Chases on Fire Rated Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4
Masonry Design for Structural Adequacy FRL . . . . . . . . . . . C2 How to Select Boral Masonry Units for
Fire Rated Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C5
Masonry Design for Integrity FRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3
Structural Adequacy Selection Graphs & Tables . . . . . . . . . . C8
Masonry Design for Insulation FRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4
Index to Structural Adequacy Selection Graphs . . . . . . . . . . C8
D Acoustic Design
Acoustic Performance Ratings (STC & Rw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D2 Guidelines for Optimum Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D4
Designing Masonry Walls for Acoustic Performance On-site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5

Acoustic Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3
Home Cinema Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D6
E Fire & Acoustic Systems

Finding Acoustic Systems & Scoria Quick Brick (SB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E10
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E2
FireLight Quick Brick (FL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E12
Fire Rated Block - Scoria Blend (SB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E4
Acousticell™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E14
Standard Ash Grey Block (AG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E6
Concrete-Basalt Bricks (B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E8
The information presented herein is supplied in good faith and to the best of our knowledge was accurate at the time of preparation. No responsibility can be accepted by
Boral or its staff for any errors or omissions. Users are advised to make their own determination as to the suitability of this information in relation to their particular purpose
and specific circumstances. Since the information contained in this document may be applied under conditions beyond our control, no responsibility can be accepted by us
for any loss or damage caused by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this information.
A2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Victoria Book 1 A
The quickest way to find a Boral Masonry Structural, Fire or Acoustic Wall Solution.
Simply follow the FAST FIND GUIDE on the right hand side of the table.
BORAL
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NLB = Non-loadbearing
LB = Loadbearing
NLB LB NLB LB NLB LB NLB LB NLB LB a Boral
Scoria Blend (SB) – – E4 – E4 – E4 – – – Solution
Select your application
Standard Ash Grey Block (AG) – – E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 – – 1 criteria from the top of
the table
Core Filled Block E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6

2 Go straight to the
section letter and page
Acousticell E14 – – – – – E14 – – – number indicated at the
intersection of product
rows and application
Designer Block ➁ ➁ – – – – – – – – columns (e.g. Section E,
Page E6 in this example)
Concrete-Basalt Brick (B) – – E8 E8 E8 E8 E8 E8 – – ➀ Best performance is achieved
with plasterboard lining
➁ Please refer to MDG Book 2, Boral
Scoria & FireLight Bricks – – E10 – E10 – E10 – – – Masonry Block & Brick Guide
➀ ➀ ➀
For technical support and sales office details please refer to the outside back cover
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 A3

Victoria
Vi
Vicctttor
oriiaa BBook
ooook 1 A
Boral Engineered Blocks

for Structural, Fire & Acoustic Wall Systems
• Standard Ash Grey Block (AG) • Scoria Blend High Fire Rated Block
Hollow Concrete Block suitable for loadbearing Manufactured in a unique Scoria Blend material
and non-loadbearing applications. Basalt content offering High Fire Performance, ideal for
is >45% allowing the higher slenderness ratios high rise buildings with reinforced concrete
of AS3700, table 6.1 to be used. frames or portal frame buildings. Suitable for
non-loadbearing walls. If used for light load
• Back-up Block
construction, the lower slenderness ratios of
Ash Grey Concrete Block in 162mm height
Designer Block apply.
(equivalent to 2 courses of standard brick).
Designed for cost effective construction of the
‘back-up’ leaf in face brick veneer walls.

Victoria
V
Vic
icttor
oria
ia Book
BBoo
Bookk 1 A
Boral Engineered Bricks

for Structural, Fire & Acoustic Wall Systems
• Core Fill Block • FireLight Quick Brick (FL)

Ash Grey Concrete Block or Designer Block coloured FireLight Quick Brick for non-loadbearing fire
and textured finishes for reinforced retaining walls and and/or acoustic systems where weight saving
loadbearing walls requiring increased robustness. is important. Quick Brick format (162mm height)
for faster, more cost effective construction.
• Acousticell™
Engineered block for premium sound absorption and • Scoria Quick Brick (SB)
attenuation of industrial and commercial noise. Medium weight Scoria Quick Brick for non-
loadbearing fire and/or acoustic systems. Quick
• Concrete-Basalt Brick (B)
Brick format (162mm height) for faster, more
Standard Size and Quick Brick (162mm height) in
cost effective construction.
Concrete-Basalt material for good fire performance and
loadbearing characteristics.
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 A5

Victoria Book 1 A
Boral Masonry This guide has been prepared as a comprehensive Boral

Commercial Construction Solutions Product Reference Guide. It does not attempt to cover all the
requirements of the Codes and Standards which apply to
Boral Masonry Victoria offers a comprehensive range of proven
masonry construction for structural, fire or acoustic applications.
products and systems including Masonry Blocks, Masonry
All structural, fire and acoustic detailing should be checked
Bricks, Fire and Acoustic Wall Systems, Segmental Block
and approved by appropriately qualified engineers before
Retaining Walls and Segmental Paving Products.
construction. Boral reserves the right to change the contents
What’s in this Guide of this guide without notice.
The Boral Masonry Structural, Fire & Acoustic guide (this Please note that this guide is based on products available at the
book), provides a summary of important design information time of publication from the Boral Masonry Victorian sales
for structural, fire and acoustic masonry applications and an region. Different products and specifications may apply to Boral
extensive range of fire and/or acoustic systems to cater for products sourced from other regions.
many design scenarios.
Additional Assistance & Information
Section B – Structural Design • Contact Details: Please refer to the outside back cover of
Section B discusses design issues relevant to the selection of this publication for Boral Masonry contact details.
Boral Masonry products for structural adequacy, based on
• Colour and Texture Variation: The supply of raw materials
appropriate wall design criteria.
can vary over time. In addition, variation can occur between
Section C – Fire Design product types and production batches. Also please recognise
the printed colours in this brochure are only a guide. Please,
Section C discusses the relevant design processes for the
always ask to see a sample of your colour/texture choice
selection of Boral Masonry Products for fire rated applications.
before specifying or ordering.
This section includes a step-by-step selection guide and a series
of selection graphs which can greatly speed up the preliminary • Terms and Conditions of Sale: For a full set of Terms
selection and comparison of suitable designs and products. and Conditions of Sale please contact your nearest Boral
Masonry sales office.
Section D – Acoustic Design
Section D provides a brief overview of acoustic rating methods,
relevant considerations for acoustic design and guidelines for
good acoustic design and detailing methods.
Section E – Fire & Acoustic Systems

Section E of this guide provides an extensive range of fire and
acoustic wall system solutions supported by test results and
acoustic performance estimates.

BORAL MASONRY

B STRUCTURAL DESIGN
1 B
Victoria Book 1 B
Introduction to the Structural Legend to Symbols used in Robustness Calculations:

H = the clear height of a member between horizontal
Design of Masonry lateral supports, in metres;
The following design information is based on Australian Standard = for a member without top horizontal support, the
AS3700:2001 Masonry structures’. Reference to ‘Clauses’ and overall height from the bottom lateral support, in
‘Formulae’ are those used in AS3700. This information is metres
provided as a guide only to the processes involved in designing
masonry. All masonry should be designed by a suitably qualified tr = the minimum thickness of the member, in metres
structural engineer. = in cavity-wall construction, the minimum thickness
of the thicker leaf
Robustness or two thirds the sum or thicknesses of the two leaves,
AS3700, Clause 4.6.1 requires walls to have an adequate degree whichever is greater, in metres
of ‘Robustness’. Robustness is a minimum design requirement, or in diaphragm wall construction, the overall thickness
and may be overridden by Fire, Wind, Snow, Earthquake, Live of the wall, in metres
and Dead Load requirements.
kt = a thickness coefficient, values as given in AS3700
In robustness calculations, there are height, length, and panel Table 7.2 (see the end of this section)
action formulae. By reworking the standard formulae provided
and inserting known data, it is possible to determine whether Cv,Ch = robustness coefficient, values as given in AS3700
a chosen design and Boral masonry product will provide Table 4.2 (see end of this section) for edge restraints
adequate robustness. Should the initial product/design chosen at top, bottom and vertical sides (either separately
not provide a suitable solution, then a thicker Boral masonry or in combination)
product more suited to the application should be evaluated, or Lr = the clear length of the wall between vertical lateral
alternatively, add extra restraints or reinforcement. supports, in metres; or
The following section is laid out with AS3700 formulae and = for a wall without a vertical support at one end or at
explanation in the left hand column, while worked examples a control joint or for walls containing openings, the
can be found in the adjacent right hand column. length to that unsupported end or control joint or
edge of opening, in metres.
B2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Victoria Book 1 B
Formulae and Explanation Worked Examples
Isolated Piers Aim: To determine the Maximum Wall

Formula 4.6.2 (1) is used for isolated piers. Masonry with Height of an Isolated Pier
a length less than one fifth of its height and ‘free’ ends, is Example 1: Minimum wall thickness tr = 230mm
considered to be an ‘isolated pier’. A single leaf structure, unreinforced, then
Formula (1) is: H Cv = 13.5
≤ Cv
tr H ≤ 0.23 x 13.5
H ≤ 3.105m (maximum wall height)
By re-working formula (1), the maximum height for an
isolated pier can be determined: Example 2: Minimum wall thickness, tr = 140mm
H ≤ tr x Cv A single leaf structure, reinforced, then
Cv = 30
Where Cv is obtained from AS3700 Table 4.2 (Refer to Page
B5). H ≤ 0.14 x 30
H ≤ 4.200m (maximum wall height)
Wall with Free Ends Aim: To determine the Maximum Height of

Formula 4.6.2 (2) is used for walls spanning vertically (i.e. a Wall with Free Ends
wall with free ends). Criteria: Minimum wall thickness, tr = 110mm
kt = 1 (wall without piers)
Formula (2) is: H
≤ Cv Example 1: If wall is freestanding, then Cv=6
kt x tr
(must be checked by an engineer for
By re-working formula (2), the maximum wall height is: wind loads etc.)
H ≤ 1.0 x 0.11 x 6
H ≤ kt x tr x Cv. H ≤ 0.660m
Where kt is obtained from AS3700 Table 7.2 (Refer to Page B5) Example 2: If wall is laterally restrained along its top,
or then Cv=27
H ≤ 1.0 x 0.11 x 27
By re-working formula (2), the minimum wall thickness is: H ≤ 2.970m
H Example 3: If wall is laterally restrained along its top
kt x tr ≥
Cv and supports a slab, then Cv=36
H ≤ 1.0 x 0.11 x 36
H ≤ 3.960m
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 B3

Victoria Book 1 B
Wall with Restraint at End or Ends Aim: To determine the Maximum Length
Formula 4.6.2 (3) is for walls spanning horizontally [i.e. of a Wall with Restraint at End or
restrained end(s)]. Walls that have one or both ends laterally Ends
restrained and Criteria: Wall thickness tr = 110mm
L
≤ Ch Example 1: If wall is restrained along one end, then
tr
Ch = 12
i.e. L ≤ tr x Ch L ≤ 0.11 x 12
Where Ch is obtained from AS3700 Table 4.2. (Refer to L ≤ 1.320m
Page B5) Example 2: If wall is restrained along both ends, then
Ch = 36
H
tr
= no limit L ≤ 0.11 x 36
L ≤ 3.960m
NOTE: This means that although the wall height is not NOTE: If the wall exceeds the permitted length, then a
limited by its thickness, the wall length is limited. Stair thicker wall is required or formula 4.6.2 (4) governs and H
wells and chimneys work to this formula. will be limited. (See below).
Wall with Restraint at Top and End or Ends Aim: To determine the Maximum Height of
Formula 4.6.2 (4) is for walls spanning vertically and a Wall with Restraint at Top and End
horizontally (i.e. with restraint along the top and one or two or Ends
ends) and length L tr x Ch. Criteria: Wall thickness tr = 110mm
Where Ch is obtained from AS3700 Table 4.2. (Refer to Wall length = 2m
Page B5) Example 1: If wall supports a slab, then Cv = 36, and if
Formula (4) is: H Ch restrained along one end, then Ch = 12
Cv +
tr Lr – Chtr
By re-working formula (4), the maximum wall height is:

H≤ ( 36 + 2 – 1212x 0.11 ) 0.11
H≤ ( C + L C– C t ) t
v
r
h
hr
r H ≤ 5.9m
NOTE: Control joints, and openings greater than one fifth

of wall height are treated as free ends unless specific
measures are taken to provide adequate lateral support.

Victoria Book 1 B
Table B1 (Extract from AS3700 : Table 4.2)

Strength
Cv
Top and bottom edge Compressive strength is resistance to load, measured by the
restraints to wall panels Vertically Vertically reinforced
unreinforced or prestressed amount of pressure to crush a masonry unit. The pressure, usually
12 with measured in megapascals (MPa), is the force in kilonewtons (kN)
Free
reinforcement x 1000, divided by the loaded area in square mm.
6 continuous into
SUPPORT support. Otherwise Unconfined compressive strength is compressive strength,
6.
multiplied by an aspect ratio, Ka (see AS4456.4, Table 1). The
Load other than
concrete slab or no load unit height divided by its thickness is used to determine the
Lateral 27 36 aspect ratio.
Support
SUPPORT
A solid brick will give a lower compressive strength if crushed
Concrete Slab on its end rather than on its flat, as normally laid. In theory,
Lateral
the aspect ratio will convert both tests to the same unconfined
Support 36 48
compressive strength.
SUPPORT
The strength of hollow blocks is calculated by dividing the force
ISOLATED PIERS by the face shells only. A 90mm hollow and 90mm solid block
Lateral are both 10MPa, but since the area of the face shells on the
Support 13.5 30 hollow block is about half the area of the solid block, the hollow
SUPPORT will only carry half the load of the solid.
Characteristic Unconfined Compressive Strength of

Ch
Edge restraints on
Horizontally masonry UNITS is ƒ ’ uc.
vertical sides of Horizontally reinforced or
wall panels unreinforced prestressed ƒ’uc is the average of crushing forces divided by loaded areas,
24 with multiplied by the aspect ratio, minus the standard deviation x
SUPPORT
reinforcement 1.65.
12 continuous past
support. Characteristic Compressive Strength of a masonry
Otherwise 16
WALL is ƒ ’ m.
ƒ ’ m is the square root of ƒ ’ uc, multiplied by Km (a mortar
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
36 48 strength factor), multiplied by Kh (a factor for the amount of

mortar joints) as per AS3700, 3.3.2.
The Km factor is 1.4 for M3 mortar on solid and cored units

Table B2 (Extract from AS3700 : Table 7.2) and is 1.6 for the face shells of hollow units. For the richer M4
Thickness Coefficient (kt) for Walls Stiffened by mortar it is 1.5 (Table 3.1).
Monolithically Engaged Piers
Pier Spacing/Pier Width Thickness Coefficient (kt)

The Kh factor is 1 for 76mm high units with 10mm mortar
(Refer to Note 1) Pier Thickness Ratio (twp/t) beds and is 1.3 for 190mm units with 10mm mortar beds.
1 2 3
In other words, a wall of 190mm high units is 30% stronger
6 1.0 1.4 2.0
8 1.0 1.3 1.7 than a wall of 76mm high units of the same ƒ ’ uc.
10 1.0 1.2 1.4
15 1.0 1.1 1.2
20 or more 1.0 1.0 1.0 Bending
NOTES: 1. Pier spacing is taken as the distance between centrelines of piers.
Characteristic Flexural Tensile Strength is ƒ ’mt.
2. Linear interpolation may be used.
Masonry is good in compression but poor in tension. Mortar
twp t
joint strength is generally zero or 0.2MPa for loads from wind,
Wall Leaf earthquake etc. Higher bending forces may require masonry
Pier Width to be partially reinforced.
Pier Spacing

Victoria Book 1 B
Shear Even if they are well away from the coast, they may be subjected
to acidic or alkaline soils. In any case, moisture in the ground
Characteristic Shear Strength is ƒ ’ms. is absorbed into the masonry, creating an environment ideal
At damp course, it is zero unless tested. Elsewhere, mortar for bacteria, which feeds lichens and algae which can eventually
joints have ƒ ’ ms values of between 0.15 and 0.35MPa. be detrimental.
As with tension, high shear loads may require partially AS/NZS4456.10 gives methods of testing and definitions for
reinforced masonry. durability (salt tests). An alternative to testing is a history of
survival in a marine environment. Concrete masonry has been
used for Surf Club construction around Australia for decades.
Durability
Masonry designed for ‘Durability’ is deemed to satisfy when it
meets the requirements of AS3700 Section 5, which details
Movement
what areas require Exposure, General Purpose and Protected In general, concrete units contract as they cure while clay units
grades. Assessment of these grades is defined in will expand. They both expand as they take up water and
AS/NZS4456.10 Resistance to Salt Attack. contract as they dry. They both expand as they get hot and
contract as they cool.
AS3700 defines the usage of each of these grades as:
Protected Grade (PRO) Curing Movement in Concrete Units

Elements above the damp-proof course in non-marine exterior AS/NZS4456.12 gives methods for determining coefficients of
environments. Elements above the damp-proof course in other curing contraction and coefficients of drying contraction for
exterior environments, with a waterproof coating, properly concrete units.
flashed junctions with other building elements and a top covering Drying Contraction
(roof or coping) protecting the masonry.
The drying contraction test on masonry units is an indication of
General Purpose Grade (GP) their maximum amount of movement from totally saturated to
Suitable for use in an external wall excluding severe marine ambient dry. A typical result is 0.5mm/m but can be as high as
environment. 1mm/m for lightweight units that are more absorptive. For example,
a drying contraction of 0.5mm/m, in an 8m panel of masonry, has
Exposure Grade (EXP) the potential to shrink 4mm from saturated condition to dry.
Suitable for use in external walls exposed to severe marine
environments, i.e. up to 100m from a surf coast or up to 1km External Control Joints
from a non surf coast. The distances are specified from mean AS3700, Clause 4.8 requires control joint spacing to limit panel
high water mark. movement to:-
Mortar mix requirements for durability are detailed in AS3700 • 10mm maximum for opening of control joints,
Table 10.1. Mortar joints must be ironed.
• 15mm maximum for closing of control joints, and
Salt attack is the most common durability problem. The salt in
• 5mm minimum when closed.
salt water is in solution. It can be absorbed into masonry or at
least, its mortar joints. When the water evaporates, it migrates The Australian Masonry Manual recommends control joints at
towards the outside face taking the salt with it until the amount 8m centres for concrete units, 6m centres for lightweight
of water left is saturated. It can no longer hold all the salt in (<1600kg/m3) units and at potential points of cracking such
solution and salt crystals begin to form. as at openings and at steps in the masonry.
The salt crystals then take up space, sometimes more than the The Concrete Masonry Association of Australia Design Manual
texture of the masonry will allow. The crystal then ‘pops’ a piece permits 16m spacing for bond beams and for panels with
of the outer surface off to make room and salt attack begins. horizontal and vertical reinforcement.
Walls below damp course also require greater durability. Spacing should be measured around corners, not from corners.
Ideally, the control joint is located near the corner, concealed
behind a down pipe.

Victoria Book 1 B
External control joints should be finished with a flexible sealant. Options for Increasing R values
Control joints create a ‘free end’ in terms of ‘robustness’ and The insulating properties of masonry walls may be increased
FRLs for structural adequacy, so their positioning is critical to by the following means:
the overall design of the structure. • The addition of polyester or glasswool insulation between
In portal frame construction, the control joint is positioned at studs for masonry veneer construction.
a column so that both ends can be tied to the column flanges. • The addition of polystyrene sheets between wall ties for
The mason and renderer must keep the control joint clean, cavity masonry construction.
otherwise, bridging mortar or render will induce cracks from
those points as the masonry moves. If ties are used over control • The addition of polyester or glasswool insulation behind
joints, they must be sleeved to allow movement. plasterboard, between battens on inside face of masonry.
(Battens eliminate the need for chasing for plumbing and
Adding extra cement to mortar or render causes more shrinkage. electrical services).
Lightweight units are only 5MPa, so are susceptible to cracking
if laid in rich mortar or rendered with a cement-rich mix. • Incorporating reflective insulation within the cavity.
Internal Control Joints • Incorporating foam insulation, pumice or vermiculite within

the cores of the units or in the cavity.
The Australian Masonry Manual specifies the spacing of internal
control joints for concrete units at 12m maximum. • Using masonry units with a rough surface. (This traps a
thicker air film at the surface).
Energy Efficiency • Using masonry units made from less dense material. (Tiny
air pockets within the material disrupt the flow of heat energy
As of May 2005, the BCA requires energy efficiency through the wall).
performance for houses and home units in Victoria to achieve
a 5 star rating for houses and an average of 5 stars for all • Using thicker walls.
units in the building and a minimum of 3 stars for each
unit of a Class 2 building. For a Class 4 sole occupancy unit,
a minimum of 4 stars is required. The rating is assessed by
a person accredited in the use of NatHERS or FirstRate
software or complies with “Practice Note: 2005-55” at
www.buildingcommission.com.au.
For Class 3 and 9c buildings, the annual energy consumption

must be within the allowances of Table JV2 (VIC JV2) or be
within the allowance for a reference building (VIC JV3).

Victoria Book 1 B
Reinforced Masonry Lintels

Moment and Shear Capacities for Series 150 Blocks (140mm leaf)
NOTES
Vertical Vertical
Vc = Shear capacity (kN)
Bars Vc Mc Bars Vc Mc
Mc = Moment capacity (kNm)
N12 5.1 2.6 N12 12.5 9.3
N16 6.3 2.6 N16 13.7 16.0 Mortar type, M3
Block characteristic compressive strength,
ƒ ’ uc = 15MPa
Horizontal Grout compressive strength,
ƒ ’ c = 20MPa
Bars Vc Mc
N12 5.1 2.0 Cut on-site Cement content min. (Grout) = 300kg/m3
N16 6.3 2.9
100
Horizontal
300
15.15 Bars Vc Mc
N12 10.2 4.0
70 N16 12.6 4.7
15.12
70
Moment and Shear Capacities for Series 200 Blocks (190mm leaf)
Vertical Vertical
N12 7.9 3.6 N12 6.4 2.9
N16 10.2 3.6 N16 7.6 3.6
N20 13.1 3.6 N20 9.1 3.6
Horizontal Horizontal
100 100 N12 6.4 2.9
N12 8.2 4.0
N16 9.3 6.9 N16 7.6 5.0
N20 10.6 9.9 N20 9.1 6.5
20.12 20.12
129 (N12 bars)
127 (N16 bars) 95
125 (N20 bars)
Vertical Vertical
N12 17.9 18.0 N12 16.4 9.5
N16 20.2 30.2 N16 17.6 16.6
N20 23.1 32.2 N20 19.0 24.4
20.20 or 20.20 or
20.01 cut 20.01 cut
on-site on-site
Horizontal Horizontal
300 300
N12 16.4 8.0 N12 12.9 5.7
N16 18.6 13.4 N16 15.2 9.5
N20 21.3 17.2 N20 18.1 9.9
20.12 20.12
129 (Y12 bars)
127 (Y16 bars) 95
125 (Y20 bars)

Victoria Book 1 B
Design of Core Filled & Boundary
Steel Reinforced Masonry

Retaining Walls
Introduction
Backfill
The information presented here is supplied in good faith and to
the best of our knowledge was accurate at the time of preparation.
However, from time to time, additional or modified data may be
released by the CMAA. Any such information will supersede
the information presented in this guide.
This section provides specifications, design tables and typical

details for a range of reinforced concrete masonry retaining
Ground level
walls and their associated reinforced concrete bases. It is
Base Type 1
intended as a general guide for suitably qualified and
experienced professional engineers, who for any particular Foundation
proposed retaining wall, must accept the responsibility for
carrying out a comprehensive site investigation, determining Fig B1 – Typical Wall Layout for Base Type 1
the soil characteristics and other design parameters of the
particular site, and for designing and detailing the structures.
Boundary
It is important for the professional engineer to determine the
strength and stability of the foundation material and the drainage
system required to ensure there will not be a build up of
hydrostatic pressure behind the wall.
Backfill
All designs are based on:
• Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures – AS3700 : 2001

SA Masonry Code.
• Reinforced Concrete Base – AS3600 : 1988 Concrete

Structures.
• Reinforcement – AS1302 : 1982 Steel Reinforcing Bars for

Concrete. Ground level
Base Type 2
• Concrete Blocks – AS4455 : 1997 Concrete Masonry Units.
Wall Types Foundation
Design tables in this section are given for walls up to 3.4 metres Fig B2 – Typical Wall Layout for Base Type 2
high and for two base types:
Loading Conditions
Construction
These tables cover:
Recommendations
• Sloping backfill (up to 1 in 4) without any surcharge
General
or
Recommendations specifically applicable to reinforced masonry
• Level backfill with a 5kPa surcharge retaining walls include:
Since typical cases only are presented, these tables may not • The provision of clean-out openings in the bottom course to
provide an ideal solution for a particular application. permit removal of mortar droppings and other debris and

Victoria Book 1 B
to allow vertical reinforcement to be positioned and tied. Impermeable

layer sloping
These openings should be closed (generally done with to drain
formwork) before grouting. Drain
• The use of H blocks above the first course. These blocks are
easier to fill with grout which provides the required
continuous protection to the reinforcement. If rebated flush-
ended blocks are used in lieu of H blocks, they should be
laid with alternate courses inverted to provide grout cover Backfill
to horizontal reinforcement, which should be supported

20mm clear of the webs of flush-ended blocks.
• The forming of weepholes by leaving out mortar in the vertical

joints at the required locations. Where H blocks are used, and
weepholes are required, they may be provided by placing
25mm diameter PVC pipes through the vertical joint at the
required locations. Alternatively, flush-ended blocks may be
placed on either side of the required weephole location so a Fig B3 – Sealing Backfill Surface
mortar-free joint may be formed.
Continuous Drainage Within the Backfill
• The accurate positioning of reinforcement to give a minimum
This can be achieved by placing free-draining gravel or crushed
of 55mm of cover to the face of the bar and its secure tying
stone to a width of approximately 300mm immediately behind
before placing concrete or grout.
the wall with a continuous agricultural pipe located at the base
• The removal of mortar dags protruding into cores before of the wall. The outlets of the pipe must be beyond the ends of
grouting. the wall unless the pipe is connected to a proper stormwater
drainage system.
• The use, whenever available, of ready-mixed grout to workability
specifications given in AS3700 should be used. Site-mixed
Vertical layer of
grout, if used, should be mixed thoroughly in a tilting-drum mixer granular material
to the same specification as ready-mixed grout.
• The filling of all cores with grout, whether reinforced or not.

This is essential to bond and protect horizontal reinforcement,
To prevent clay or
to provide a full barrier against water penetration and to silt infiltrating the
drainage system a
give maximum weight for stability. geofabric material
Continuous may be wrapped
agricultural pipe around the gravel
• The thorough compaction of the grout so voids are not left. drain surrounded and/or the pipe
by free-draining
Compaction may be achieved with a high-frequency pencil gravel or crushed
stone
vibrator, used carefully. (The main vertical reinforcing bars
should not be used to compact the grout). Control joints
should be built into the masonry at all points of potential
cracking.
Backfill Drainage Fig B4 – Continuous Drainage Within the Backfill

It is essential that steps be taken to prevent the backfill behind Walls with Base Type 1
the wall from becoming saturated. These steps should include: For higher walls, or in cases where excessive groundwater
exists, it may be necessary to provide another agricultural pipe
Sealing Backfill Surface
drain at mid-height of the wall.
To prevent saturation of backfill by surface run-off, the surface
of the backfill should be sealed by covering it with a compacted Care must be taken to ensure that clay and silt do not infiltrate
layer of low permeability material. The surface should be sloped the drainage material or agricultural pipe. The use of a geofabric
towards an open drain. envelope around the gravel and/or a geofabric sock over the
pipe will assist.

Victoria Book 1 B
Backfill Free draining

granular material
Locate the
continuous drain
at the bottom of Free-draining
the base gravel or stone
Weepholes
between
blocks
Drain
Fig B5 — Continuous Drainage Within the Backfill

Walls with Base Type 2
Fig B7 — Continuous Drainage Within the Backfill
Walls with Base Type 1
Water Penetration
If it is considered necessary to reduce the passage of moisture
through the wall, for aesthetic or other reasons such as
Extra aggressive groundwater, the earth face of the wall should be
agricultural
pipe drain treated with an appropriate sealer such as water-resistant
render or water-resistant paint, or by tanking with bituminous
materials.
Structural Design Guidelines

Acceptable Soil Combinations
• For retaining walls founded on sand (Type A soil), the
retained material must be similar and with a friction angle
of 38° or greater, eg Type A soil — clean sand or gravel.
Fig B6 — Continuous Drainage for High Walls
and/or Excessive Groundwater • For retaining walls founded on other soils, the retained
material must be a free draining material with a friction
Weepholes
angle of 27° or greater, eg Type A soil — clean sand or gravel,
Weepholes should be provided above the finished ground
Type B soil — coarse grained with silt or some clay.
level. A drain should be provided in front of the wall to
prevent saturation of the ground.
The horizontal spacing of the weepholes depends on the

55mm cover to
provisions made for directing water towards the holes. wall reinforcement
The simplest, but most effective, method is to place one

or two buckets of free-draining gravel or crushed stone
around the intake end of each hole. In this case, the
Clean-out
horizontal spacing should not exceed 1.5 metres. If the course
30mm
layers of draining material are continuous for the full
length of the wall, weephole spacing may be increased to
an extent depending on the quantity of water expected.
50mm cover to all
base reinforcement
Note: For walls higher than 2200mm, a second row of
weepholes may be required. However, staining of the
wall could result.
Fig B8 — Typical Set-out Detail

Victoria Book 1 B
Sloping backfill
Optional or surcharge
capping
Longitudinal
reinforcement: N12 in
Sloping alternate courses
190 backfill or commencing from top
surcharge course. Omit on top of
Optional clean-out block
capping
Height
of
190mm Vertical reinforcement:
Longitudinal reinforcement: N12 @400 cts
N12 in alternate courses Longitudinal blocks
commencing from top course. reinforcement: 190
Omit on top of clean-out block N12 in
alternate
courses
Sloping commencing
140 backfill or from top 450
surcharge course. Omit H = 2200 min
on top of to 3400 lap
clean-out
block
N12 @400
Optional cts K Bars
capping
H = 1400
to 2000
H = 800 290
to 1200 N12 @400
cts
Height of
290mm
blocks V Bars
600 V Bars
450 V Bars min
min lap
X Bars X Bars X Bars
lap
200 250 300

350 400
550
N12 @400 N16 @400

180 N16 @400
230
B
B 330
B
Fig B9 — Construction Guidelines for Reinforced & Core Filled Retaining Walls with Base Type 1
Table B3 — Design Guidelines for Reinforced & Core Filled Retaining Walls with Base Type 1
Wall Height Reinforcement Base Dimensions

Total
Height Height of Blockwork X-Bars Width, B (mm)
(mm) 150 200 300 and with following backfill conditions
H Series Series Series V-Bars K-Bars Level Max 1 in 4 Slope
800 800 — — N12 at 400 — 800 1000
1000 1000 — — N12 at 400 — 1000 1200
1200 1200 — — N12 at 400 — 1100 1500
1400 — 1400 — N12 at 400 — 1300 1700
1600 — 1600 — N16 at 400 — 1400 2000
1800 — 1800 — N16 at 400 — 1600 2200
2000 — 2000 — N16 at 200 — 1700 2500
2200 — 1400 800 N16 at 400 N16 at 400 1900 2800
2400 — 1600 800 N16 at 400 N16 at 400 2000 3100
2600 — 1600 1000 N20 at 400 N20 at 400 2200 3300
2800 — 1800 1000 N20 at 400 N20 at 400 2400 3600
3000 — 2000 1000 N16 at 200 N16 at 200 2600 3900
3200 — 2000 1200 N20 at 200 N16 at 200 2800 4200
3400 — 2000 1400 N20 at 200 N16 at 200 2900 4500

Victoria Book 1 B
Surcharge or
sloping backfill
(1 in 4 max.)
Optional
capping
Surcharge or
sloping backfill N16 in top course only
(1 in 4 max.) 190
Height of
Optional 190mm
capping blocks N12@400 cts
Longitudinal
reinforcement Longitudinal reinforcement:
N12@400cts. N16 in top N12@400
commencing from course only
top course. Omit on
top of clean-out 190
Surcharge or
sloping backfill course
Longitudinal 600
(1 in 4 max.) 140 min.
reinforcement
N12@400 cts. H = 2200 lap
Optional Omit on top of to 3400
capping clean-out course
Longitudinal reinforcement
2 x N12@400cts. Omit on
N12@400 cts top of clean-out course
H = 1400
to 2000 290
H = 800 N12@400 cts
K Bars
to 1200 Height of
V Bars V Bars 290mm
blocks V Bars
600
450 min.
min. lap
lap SL72 Fabric SL72 Fabric SL72 Fabric
250 250 300

D D D
N16@400 N16@400
N16@400
N12@400
N12@400
W W W
B B B
Fig B10 — Construction Guidelines for Reinforced & Core Filled Walls with Base Type 2
Table B4 — Design Guidelines for Reinforced & Core Filled Walls with Base Type 2
Wall Height Reinforcement Base Dimensions

Max. 1 in 4
Total Level Backfill Sloping Backfill
Height Height of Blockwork Heel Width Base Width Heel Depth Base Width Heel Depth
(mm) 150 200 300 (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
H Series Series Series V-Bars K-Bars W B D B D
800 800 — — N12 at 400 — 450 600 500 800 500
1000 1000 — — N12 at 400 — 450 800 500 1000 500
1200 1200 — — N12 at 400 — 450 1000 500 1200 600
1400 — 1400 — N16 at 400 — 450 1200 500 1400 600
1600 — 1600 N16 at 400 — 450 1400 600 1600 700
1800 — 1800 N16 at 400 — 450 1600 700 1800 800
2000 — 2000 N16 at 200 600 1800 700 2000 800
2200 — 1400 800 N16 at 400 N16 at 400 600 2000 800 2200 900
2400 — 1600 800 N16 at 400 N16 at 400 600 2200 900 2400 1000
2600 — 1600 1000 N20 at 400 N20 at 400 900 2400 900 2600 1000
2800 — 1800 1000 N20 at 400 N20 at 400 900 2600 900 2800 1100
3000 — 2000 1000 N16 at 200 N16 at 200 900 2800 1000 3000 1200
3200 — 2000 1200 N20 at 200 N16 at 200 900 3000 1100 3200 1300
3400 — 2000 1400 N20 at 200 N16 at 200 900 3200 1200 3400 1500

Victoria Book 1 B
190
Floor slab reinforcement Starter bar to match

N12 at 200 cts wall reinforcement
above
One-course bond
beam with N12 bar
20.20 knock-out block

saw-cut at floor soffit level
Series 200
blocks
Horizontal Note:
2700 max. reinforcement, Wall blocks and
N12 at 400 cts reinforcement as
for 'Typical Details'
Tanking to back face of wall

e.g. Bituminous coating
Vertical
reinforcement:
N16 @400 cts, False wall
central
Floor slab
reinforcement Drained cavity
200 200
55mm N12 @400 cts N16 @400 cts or

cover N12 at 200 cts Ag. drain Ag. drain
1000
Fig B11 — Typical Details — Fig B12 — Alternative Details —

Fully Propped Wall Fully Propped Wall

Victoria Book 1 B
290
190
140
190
Timber floor
Timber floor
One-course
bond beam using
20.20 knock-out block
with 1xN12 bar
Pole plate fixed

65mm cover to to bond beam
back face
Vertical reinforcement
N16 at 400 cts, central
2700 max.
Natural
soil
Note:
Series 200 Reinforcement as
blocks for ‘Typical Details’
Horizontal reinforcement, Tanking to

N12 at 400 cts back face 290
of wall
Series 300 65mm cover

1200 blocks to back face
False wall
Clean-out
course Natural
soil
Floor slab Drained cavity
reinforcement
300
300
N12 at 400 cts N16 at 200 cts

1500
or N20 at 400 cts Ag. drain
55mm cover Ag. drain
Fig B13 — Typical Details — Fig B14 — Alternative Details —

Unpropped or Partially Propped Wall Unpropped or Partially Propped Wall
NOTE: Backfill must be completed prior to construction of timber floor.

Victoria Book 1 B
Note:
Retaining wall shall be propped prior to
190 backfilling and remain in place for a
minimum of 7 days after placing floor slab
Floor slab reinforcement

to suit site conditions
450
lap
Vapour barrier and
sand bedding under slab
Knock-out block
saw-cut at floor
soffit level N12 at same spacing as
vertical reinforcement
(spacing 'S')
N12 at same spacing as vertical
reinforcement (spacing 'S')
lapped 450 in wall and floor
Horizontal
reinforcement,
N12 at 400 cts
Free-draining gravel
Vertical
reinforcement:
N12 at spacing 'S', 'H' (2200 max.)
centrally placed
Natural soil
Ag. drain 65mØ
fall at 1:100 to
Use Double-U or H outlet
blocks for
sub-floor wall
section
Bars
450 lap
Clean-out course
Note:
Starter bars, Footing size and
N12 @ spacing 'S', 450 min. 600 min. reinforcement to suit
centrally placed site conditions
Fig B15 — Typical Details — Subfloor Retaining Walls
Vertical Reinforcement Spacing

Height H(mm) Spacing S(mm)
1500 600
> 1500 2200 400

BORAL MASONRY

C FIRE DESIGN
1 C
Victoria Book 1 C
Masonry Design for Masonry Design for

Fire Resistance Structural Adequacy FRL
Fire Resistance Levels (FRL) Legend for the following formulae
FRL come from the Building Code of Australia’s (BCA) tables Srf = the slenderness ratio in design for fire resistance for
for Type A, B or C construction. The Type of construction depends structural adequacy. See table C2 on page C7 for
on the Class of building and the number of stories or floors. maximum Srf.
There are 3 figures in the Fire Resistance Level. avf = 0.75 if the member is laterally supported along its top edge.
eg: FRL 60/120/120 meaning Structural Adequacy for 60 = 2.0 if the member is not laterally supported along its
minutes / Integrity for 120 minutes / Insulation for 120 minutes. top edge.
Structural Adequacy H = the clear height of a member between horizontal lateral

This governs the wall height, length, thickness and restraints. supports; or
Masonry unit suppliers do not control the wall height, length = for a member without top horizontal support, the overall
or restraints, therefore do not control Structural Adequacy. height from the bottom lateral support.
However, information that is useful in the design of masonry
walls is the maximum Slenderness ratio (Srf). Boral Masonry t = the overall thickness of the member cross-section
provides Srf information for all of its masonry units, and its use perpendicular to the principal axis under consideration;
is discussed in more detail later. for members of cavity wall construction, the wall
thickness assessed is in accordance with Clause 6.3.2.1(a)
Integrity and (b).
This is the resistance to the passage of flame or gas. To provide
ah = 1.0 if the member is laterally supported along both its
‘integrity’, masonry walls must be structurally adequate because
vertical edges.
cracks that form when it bows can allow flame through the
wall. Since the masonry unit supplier does not control Structural = 2.5 if the member is laterally supported along one vertical
Adequacy, they cannot control ‘integrity’ either. edge.
Insulation L = The clear length of a wall between vertical lateral

This is resistance to the passage of heat. Insulation is governed supports; or
by the type and thickness of the material used to produce the = for a wall without vertical support at one end or at a
masonry unit. This is controlled by the masonry unit manufacturer. control joint or for walls containing openings, the length
In relation to FRL, masonry must always provide ‘Insulation’ to to that unsupported end or control joint or edge of
an equal or better level than is required for ‘Integrity’. opening.
NOTE: A control joint in a wall, or an edge to an opening in a

wall, shall be regarded as an unsupported edge to the wall
unless specific measures are taken to provide adequate lateral
support at the edge.
Structural Adequacy may be overridden by design for

robustness; wind; live or earthquake loads.
A fire on one side of a wall will heat that side, making it expand
and lean towards the fire. When the lean or bow reaches half
the thickness of the original wall, the wall becomes structurally
inadequate. The formulae in AS3700, Clause 6.3.2.2 limits
masonry panel size, depending on its restraints and thickness.
C2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Victoria Book 1 C
The Slenderness ratio (Srf) of the proposed wall is calculated For cavity walls, two thirds of the total thickness can be used
as per Clause 6.3.2.2. If this value is less than the maximum for t, provided that BOTH leaves are restrained in the same
Srf in Table 6.1 [or the Srf calculated from Fire Tests and Clause positions (eg: external leaf stops at slab also). If the external
6.3.3(b)(ii)], then the wall complies. If the Srf of the wall is leaf is a veneer to the slab edge, the internal leaf must provide
greater than the maximum permissible, it is recalculated for an the Structural Adequacy FRL on its own.
increased thickness and/or extra restraints.
For reinforced masonry, the Srf of 36, from Table 6.1 may be
There are 4 formulae for calculating Srf: 6.3.2.2 (1) and (2) used. Reinforcement can be horizontal, as bond beams when
are the HEIGHT formulae. spanning between columns. Reinforcement can be vertical, as
avf H filled cores when spanning between slabs. In either case,
FORMULA 1 and 2 is: Srf =
t reinforcement can be spaced up to 2m apart, depending on
span. This reinforcement stiffens the masonry and resists
bowing. Reinforced walls with Srf < 36 have a 240 minute FRL
6.3.2.2 (3) is the PANEL ACTION formula.
for Structural Adequacy.
√
FORMULA 3 is: 0.7 avf H ah L
Srf = All calculations should be checked by an engineer. Other loads
t
may supersede Structural Adequacy requirements.
6.3.2.2 (4) is the LENGTH formula.
FORMULA 4 is: L Masonry Design for

Srf = ah
t Integrity FRL
(The resistance to the passage of flame or gas).
The actual Srf is the lesser of the resulting figures.
It is impractical to provide test results for all possible masonry
Formula (1) and (2) always govern where there is no end
wall designs, and therefore ‘Integrity’ must be proved in some
restraint, and often govern where walls are long, relative to their
other way. With masonry wall design, the most practical way
height. Projects with multiple wall lengths (eg: home units)
to prove ‘Integrity’ is to prove ‘Structural Adequacy’ and
can use this formula as a ‘one size fits all’ method of calculating
‘Insulation’ equal to or better than the ‘Integrity’ requirement.
the masonry thickness.
(Logically, if the wall is designed to minimise ‘bowing’ it will
Formula (3) allows a wall to exceed the height given by formula not crack and therefore resist the passage of flame and gas for
(1) and (2) provided at least one end is restrained as well as the specified time).
the top.
This method is also the best way to prove ‘integrity’ even when
Formula (4) governs the wall length, often where there is no a wall may not be required to comply with a ‘structural adequacy’
top restraint (eg: portal frame factories) and where walls are FRL value, such as is the case with non loadbearing walls. eg:
short, relative to their height (eg: a lift well or vent shaft). if the BCA requires an FRL of -/90/90, the wall has no actual
‘structural adequacy’ requirement, but to prove integrity of 90
From a suppliers perspective, it is helpful to be able to calculate
minutes, the wall must be structurally adequate for 90 minutes.
the maximum height* for a given thickness (masonry unit),
Srf x t
eg: H =
Avf
and calculate the thickness from a given wall size.

Avf x H
t =
Srf
where ‘t’ is the OVERALL thickness, whether the units are solid
or hollow.
NOTE:* Refer to the Structural Adequacy Selection Graphs on

pages C9 to C15 for maximum height values.
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 C3

Victoria Book 1 C
Masonry Design for Effect of Chases on Fire Rated

Insulation FRL Masonry
Insulation is the one FRL component that a masonry unit Structural Adequacy FRL
manufacturer does control. It is governed by the ‘type of material’ To assess the effect of chases on Structural Adequacy FRLs,
and the ‘material thickness’. the direction in which the wall spans must be taken into account.
‘Material thickness’ is defined in AS3700, Clause 6.5.2 as the Walls spanning vertically may be chased vertically. The
overall thickness for solid and grouted units and units with horizontal chase is limited to 4 times the wall thickness.
cores not more than 30% of the unit’s overall volume.
Walls spanning vertically and horizontally may be chased
For hollow units (cores > 30%), the material thickness is the horizontally up to half the wall length. Horizontal chases should
net volume divided by the face area. be kept to a bare minimum. Walls spanning vertically and
horizontally may be chased vertically up to half the wall height.
For cavity walls, t = the sum of material thicknesses in both
leaves. (not two thirds as for the Structural Adequacy FRL). If these limits are exceeded, the masonry design thickness
must be reduced by the depth of the recess or, in the case of
Options for Increasing FRLs
vertical chases, designed as 2 walls with unsupported ends at
The Structural Adequacy FRL can be increased by adding wall the chase.
stiffeners, by increasing the overall thickness, by adding
reinforcement or by protecting the wall with Boral Plasterboard Integrity and Insulation FRLs
‘FireStop’ board, fixed to furring channels (on both sides of the Maximum depth of recess is 30mm. Maximum area is
wall if a fire rating is required from both sides). 1,000mm2. Total maximum area on both sides of any 5m2 of
wall is 100,000mm2
Integrity FRLs are increased by increasing the other two FRL
values to the required Integrity FRL. If these limits are exceeded, the masonry design thickness
must be reduced by the depth of the recess.
Insulation FRLs can be increased by core filling, by adding
another leaf of masonry, by rendering both sides of the wall if Refer to the Boral Masonry Design Guide, (MDG Book 1) for
the fire can come from either side. NOTE: Only ONE thickness more details.
of render is added to the material thickness and that must be
on the ‘cold’ side because the render on the exposed face will Recesses for Services
drop off early in a fire). Recesses that are less than half of the masonry thickness and
are less than 10,000mm2 for both sides within any 5m2 of the
Boral ‘FireStop’ plasterboard on furring channels can increase
masonry, do not have an effect on fire ratings.
the Insulation FRL from either side. Unlike render, the Boral
FireStop and furring system does not drop off the hot side so If these limits are exceeded, the masonry design thickness
quickly due to the board’s fire resistance, the mechanical fixing must be reduced by the depth of the recess.
of the board to furring and the furring to the wall.

Victoria Book 1 C
How to Select Boral Masonry Units for Fire Rated Walls

All design information, table data and graphs in this guide are Tables and graphs assume all walls are built on concrete slabs
derived from formulae in AS3700 : 2001 Masonry Structures, or broad footings and have adequate restraints. Piers, cavity
Part 6.3 for Structural Adequacy Fire Resistance Levels (FRL) walls, freestanding walls, earthquake, wind and other loads are
and Part 4.6 for Robustness. not addressed in this guide. All fire rated walls should be
designed by a suitably qualified engineer.
Step 1 Example
Determine required wall FRL from the Building Code
of Australia (BCA).
The Building Code of Australia (BCA), Section C defines the eg: 120/60/60
CLASS and TYPE of building and designates the required Insulation
Fire Resistant Level (FRL) in terms of three criteria. See Integrity
adjacent example. Structural Adequacy
NOTE: For masonry wall design, the FRL for any given wall eg. If the BCA required FRL is: –/120/60
must comply with:
Then the chosen wall design must have an
Structural Adequacy ≥ Integrity ≤ Insulation actual FRL of: 120/120/120 or better.
Refer to the section ‘Design for Integrity’ on page C3 for

additional explanation.
Worked Example
A 6m high, 6m long fire rated, non-loadbearing wall in a 3
storey warehouse. BCA specifies Class 7, Type b Construction.
BCA Section C1.1, Table 4 specifies an FRL 240/240/240.

Victoria Book 1 C
Step 2 Worked Example

Select an appropriate Boral Masonry Unit based on From Table C1, the following units all achieve 240 minutes
the FRL ‘Insulation Requirement’. FRL for ‘Insulation’:–
The third figure in an FRL rating is the ‘Insulation’.
• Fire Rated Block 12.401, 15.401, 15.483 and 20.401
Table C1 provides the ‘Insulation’ values for the various Boral
• Grout Filled Masonry (190mm) 20.42 and 20.48. (However,
units.
the use of Scoria Blend may be more cost effective).
Check the ‘Materials Attributes’ (see notes below the table)
to ensure the selection is fit for its purpose.
Table C1 – FRL Insulation Values for Boral Masonry Units (Victoria)

Fire INSULATION FRL (minutes)
Test 30 60 90 120 180 240 Material Product Code/Type*
Yes Scoria Blend (SB) 15.01SC
Yes Scoria Blend (SB) 15.301; 10.331; 10.383
Yes Scoria Blend (SB) 12.401; 15.401; 15.483; 20.401
Yes Scoria Blend (SB) Scoria Quick Brick
Yes FireLight (FL) FireLight Quick Brick
d.t.s.. +render Ash Grey (AG) & Designer Block 10.01; 10.201
d.t.s.. Ash Grey (AG) & Designer Block 15.01; 15.201
d.t.s.. Ash Grey (AG) & Designer Block 20.01;
d.t.s.. +render Ash Grey (AG) & Designer Block Brick B1, Quick Brick Solid or Cored
d.t.s.. +render Grout Filled Masonry 140mm 15.01; 15.42; 15.48
d.t.s. Grout Filled Masonry 190mm 20.01; 20.42; 20.48
d.t.s. Grout Filled Masonry 290mm 30.48
d.t.s. ‘deemed to satisfy’. +render = 10mm render both faces
* Product Codes listed are for the ‘Full Size Unit’. Fractional size blocks in the same range have the same FRL rating.
Material Attributes (Victoria) Designer Block. ƒ ’ uc = 10MPa.

Scoria Blend – High Fire Rated Block – ƒ ’ uc = 8 MPa. Blocks provide a 60 or 90 minute Insulation FRL. Suitable for
Offers excellent Insulation and Structural Adequacy FRLs for NON- LOADBEARING applications.
LOADBEARING fire rated walls. 10% lighter than Standard Ash Standard Ash Grey (AG) ƒ ’ uc = 10MPa. Basalt ≥45%
Grey units. Scoria Blend is hard, durable and suitable for paint or Offers excellent Srf values for Structural Adequacy FRL. Suitable
render. Acoustic performance with plasterboard linings is excellent. for LOADBEARING walls. Acoustic performance with plasterboard
Acoustic performance with render is medium range. is excellent. Acoustic performance with render is excellent.
Scoria Quick Brick (SB) – ƒ ’ uc = 5 MPa Reinforced Grout Filled Masonry. ƒ ’ uc = 15MPa.
Insulation FRL of 240 minutes. High slenderness ratio (Srf) for AS3700 allows an Srf value of 36 for reinforced masonry. This
Structural Adequacy FRL. Suitable for NON LOADBEARING fire in turn allows for the largest walls to be built using the thinnest
rated walls. Light weight, 20% lighter than Standard Ash Grey masonry option. Suitable for LOADBEARING applications. Grout
units. Acoustic performance with plasterboard linings is excellent. strength to be 20MPa.
FireLight Quick Brick (FL) – ƒ ’ uc = 3 MPa
Insulation FRL of 120 minutes. High slenderness ratio (Srf) for
Structural Adequacy FRL. Suitable for NON LOADBEARING fire
rated walls. Light weight, 35% lighter than Standard Ash Grey
units. Acoustic performance with plasterboard linings is excellent.

Victoria Book 1 C
Step 3 Worked Example

Check the ‘Structural Adequacy’ of the selected units. The calculated Srf value for your wall design MUST NOT
EXCEED the value from the accompanying table.
The Slenderness ratio (Srf) of a fire rated wall is calculated
as per AS3700 : 2001, Clause 6.3.2.2, and must not exceed See following page for an explanation on using the Boral Srf
the Srf values given in AS3700 or calculated from Fire Tests. graphs to assist preliminary selection.
Table C2 provides the maximum Srf values for Boral masonry eg. Fire Rated Block - Scoria Blend (SB) required to provide
units. Structural Adequacy for 240 minutes has an Srf = 19.7. (refer
to page C11).
Also refer to the previous explanation and AS3700 for Srf

calculation methods.
In this example, the 6 x 6m wall, with lateral restraint on 4

sides, 190mm thick has an Srf = 19.2. as per formula 6.3.2.2 (3).
Alternatives are 20.401 (SB) and 20.48 with reinforcement

and core filling.
As the wall in this example is non-loadbearing, the Scoria

Blend 20.401 is the more economical solution.
Table C2 – Maximum Srf Values for Boral Masonry Units

Srf Values
Fire FRL (minutes) for Structural Adequacy
Test 30 60 90 120 180 240 Material Condition of use
Yes 22.6 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 Scoria Blend (SB) Non loadbearing ONLY
Yes 22.6 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 Scoria Quick Brick Non loadbearing ONLY
Yes 29 29 26.9 24.9 22.2 20.3 FireLight Non loadbearing ONLY
d.t.s. 25 22.5 21 20 18 17 Standard Ash Grey (AG) and Basalt Quick Brick Any
d.t.s. 19.5 18 17 16 15.5 15 Designer Block Any
d.t.s. 36 36 36 36 36 36 Reinforced & Grout Filled Masonry Any
d.t.s.= deemed to satisfy, as per AS3700 : 2001, Table 6.1.

Victoria Book 1 C
Boral Structural Adequacy Selection Graphs & Tables

To assist with the preliminary selection of Boral masonry IMPORTANT
units for fire rated walls, a graphical selection method based The following selection graphs are based on Specific
on Srf values has been developed. Products manufactured at Victorian Boral Plants.
Should these units be sourced from other plants, the
The following pages provide graphs and tables for a selection
specification should be checked with the respective
of Boral masonry units where at least one end of the wall
supply plant.
has lateral restraint.
Additional tables are provided for walls with no end restraint

and for reinforced/grout filled masonry, following these
graphs.
How to Use the Boral Structural Adequacy FRL Graphs
Fire Rated Block - Scoria-Blend (SB) Worked Example
1. Select the appropriate page and graph for the
chosen masonry unit material.
SUPPORT
Structural Adequacy
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
2. Select the appropriate graph with Structural

180 minutes FRL
Laterally supported Adequacy for the required minutes. (180
both ends and top SUPPORT minutes for this example).
9
Leaf
Thickness
8
3. Select the appropriate graph for the chosen wall
restraint (support) criteria. (Support on both
7
sides, top and bottom for this example).
6
Height of wall between supports (m)
190mm
4. Plot the intersection of the Wall Height and the
5 Wall Length on the graph. (For this example 6m
height x 6m length).
4 140mm
110mm 5. The result MUST FALL BELOW the coloured line

3
90mm indicated for the chosen masonry unit thickness.
2 In this example, the result is above the line for
1 140mm units but below the line for 190mm
units. Therefore 190mm units would be suitable.
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(140mm units would not be suitable for this
Length of wall between supports (m) example).
Index to Structural Adequacy FRL Graphs & Tables

Product Group FRL Minutes (Structural Adequacy) Page
Scoria Blend (SB) & Scoria Quick Brick 60 — 120 C9
Scoria Blend (SB) & Scoria Quick Brick 180 C10
Scoria Blend (SB) & Scoria Quick Brick 240 C11
FireLight Quick Brick (FL) 90 C12
FireLight Quick Brick (FL) 120 C13
Standard Ash Grey (AG) 60 C14
Standard Ash Grey (AG) 90 C15
Designer Block 60 C16
Designer Block 90 C17
Walls Restrained at Top (Unrestrained Ends) 60 — 240 C18
Reinforced & Grout Filled Masonry Walls 60 — 240 C18

Victoria Book 1 C
Scoria Blend (SB) High Fire Rated Block - Srf = 22.6

Structural Adequacy for 60-120 minutes Fire Resistant Level (FRL)
SUPPORT
Structural Adequacy Structural Adequacy
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
60 – 120 minutes FRL 60 – 120 minutes FRL
Laterally supported Laterally supported
both ends and top SUPPORT both ends, top free SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

190mm
5 5
140mm
4 4
110mm
3 3
90mm
2 190mm
2
140mm
110mm
1 1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Length of wall between supports (m) Length of wall between supports (m)
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

one end and top SUPPORT one end top free SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
110mm
3 3
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C

Structural Adequacy for 180 minutes Fire Resistant Level (FRL)
SUPPORT
Structural Adequacy SUPPORT Structural Adequacy
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
180 minutes FRL 180 minutes FRL
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
3 110mm 3
90mm 190mm
2 2
140mm
1 110mm
1
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
3 110mm 3
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

5 190mm 5
4 4
140mm
3 3
110mm
90mm 190mm
2 2
140mm
1 110mm
1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 190mm 5
4 4
140mm
3 110mm 3
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
FireLight Quick Bricks (FL) - Srf = 26.9

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 190mm 8
7 7
6 6

5 140mm 5
4 4
110mm
100mm
3 90mm 3 190mm
2 2 140mm
110mm
100mm
1 1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

one end and top SUPPORT one end, top free SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
110mm 3
3 100mm
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90/100mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
FireLight Quick Bricks (FL) - Srf = 24.9

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
190mm
6 6

5 5
140mm
4 4
110mm
100mm
3 90mm 3
190mm
2 2 140mm
110mm
100mm
1 1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
110mm 3
3 100mm
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90/100mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
Ash Grey (AG) Srf = 22.5 (Basalt 45%)

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

190mm
5 5
140mm 4
4
110mm
3 3
90mm
2 2 190mm
140mm
110mm
1 1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
3 110mm 3
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
Ash Grey (AG) Srf = 21.0 (Basalt 45%)

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
3 110mm 3
90mm
2 2 190mm
140mm
1 110mm
1 90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
190mm
5 5
4 140mm 4
3 110mm 3
90mm
2 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
Designer Block™ Srf = 18.0

SUPPORT
Structural Adequacy SUPPORT Structural Adequacy
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

5 5
190mm
4 4
140mm
3 3
110mm
90mm 2
2 190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
190mm
4 4
140mm
3 3
110mm
90mm 2
2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
Designer Block™ Srf = 17.0

SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6

5 5
190mm
4 4
3 140mm 3
110mm
2 90mm 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
SUPPORT

9 9
Leaf Leaf
Thickness Thickness
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
190mm
4 4
3 140mm 3
110mm
2 90mm 2
190mm
140mm
1 1 110mm
90mm
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Victoria Book 1 C
Walls Restrained at Top (Unrestrained Ends) SUPPORT

Walls without restraint to the ends, but with lateral restraint along their top have
maximum heights irrespective of their length as detailed in the following table. (Most
doorways and windows create free ends).
SUPPORT
Material Thickness Maximum Wall Height (metres)
Structural Adequacy (FRL minutes)
60 90 120 180 240
90mm 2.430 2.430 2.430 2.430 2.364
Fire Rated Block - Scoria Blend (SB) 110mm 2.970 2.970 2.970 2.970 2.889
&
140mm 3.780 3.780 3.780 3.780 3.677
Scoria Quick Brick (SB)
190mm 5.130 5.130 5.130 5.130 4.991
FireLight Quick Brick (FL) 110mm 2.970 2.970 2.970 2.970 2.970
90mm 2.430 2.430 2.400 2.160 2.040
Ash Grey (AG) 110mm 2.970 2.970 2.933 2.640 2.493
140mm 3.780 3.780 3.733 3.360 3.173
190mm 5.130 5.130 5.067 4.560 4.307
90mm 2.160 2.040 1.920 1.860 1.800

Designer Block
140mm 3.360 3.173 2.987 2.893 2.800
190mm 4.560 4.307 4.053 3.927 3.800
Reinforced & Grout Filled* 140mm 5.040 5.040 5.040 5.040 5.040
190mm 6.840 6.840 6.840 6.840 6.840
*Governed by Robustness. Can be higher if supporting a slab. These heights can be exceeded when one or both ends are restrained as well as the top.
Reinforced Masonry Walls

Reinforced cores spanning vertically, Reinforced bond beams spanning horizontally,
ie. restraint top and bottom ie. restraint bottom and both ends
Lateral support along top
SUPPORT Lateral support at both ends
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
Single Steel reinforced Single Steel reinforced and

and fully grouted cores Core fill fully grouted bond beams
spacing Bond beam spacing
Slab or broad footing SUPPORT Slab or broad footing SUPPORT

Maximum Leaf Maximum Leaf
Wall Height Core Fill Thickness Wall Length Bond Beam Thickness
(metres) Steel Spacing (metres) (mm) (metres) Steel Spacing (metres) (mm)
4.000 N12 Every 10th core — (2m) 140 4.000 N12 Every 10th course — (2m) 140
6.840 N16 Every 8th core — (1.6m) 190 6.840 N16 Every 8th course — (1.6m) 190
Maximum vertical load on wall = 11.25 H kN/m where H is in metres.

BORAL MASONRY

D ACOUSTIC DESIGN
1 D
Victoria Book 1 D
Acoustic Performance Ratings Masonry with Plasterboard Systems

Daub-fixed Plasterboard
STC and Rw. The cornice cement daubs, used to fix plasterboard to
STC (Sound Transmission Class) and Rw (Weighted Sound masonry, create a small cavity in which resonances can
Reduction Index) are similar in that they are a single number occur. The more dense, smooth and impervious the masonry
evaluation of STL (Sound Transmission Loss) measurements is the more it will ‘bounce’ or resonate the sound, allowing
over 16 frequencies. the plasterboard to re-radiate the sound.
The use of STC was changed to Rw in BCA Amendment 6, Tests on linings with extra daubs (spacing was halved)
issued in January 2000. gave lower performances, presumably due to extra ‘bridges’
The lowest frequency measured in Rw is 100Hz. (STC through the daubs.
started at 125Hz). Concrete masonry has a coarser texture and is more porous
The highest frequency measured in Rw is 3150Hz. (STC than clay.
finished at 4000 Hz). The noise energy that gets through the wall and ‘bounces’
AS1276 gives a set contour that is positioned over the STL off the plasterboard is re-absorbed into the concrete, where
results so that the total of points above the results and below it dissipates, as a tiny amount of heat.
the contour (deficiencies) does not exceed 32. Lightweight concrete masonry performs relatively poorly
Rw is then read off where the contour crosses the 500Hz when bare. When lined, it gives a vast improvement.
line. The maximum 8dB deficiency, which pulled the STC Higher density concrete units improve the Rw of the bare
contour down, is not used for Rw. wall, but when plasterboard is daub fixed, the amount
of improvement decreases as the concrete units begin to
Instead, there are two numbers after Rw, eg: Rw45 (-1; -5). behave similarly to clay.
The first figure in the brackets is an indication of deterioration
due to high frequency noise (eg. a blender). The second figure Masonry with Plasterboard on Furring
indicates deterioration due to low frequency noise (eg. low Channels
speed trucks, bass guitar, or home cinema speakers). Furring channels are rollformed galvanised metal battens to
which plasterboard can be fixed, using self tapping screws.
Impact Sound Resistance
Popular products include Rondo rollformed steel furring
From May 2004, the BCA requires impact rated walls to be channel (N 129 which is 28mm deep) or (N 308 which is
of ‘discontinuous construction’. 16mm deep).
An impact rating is required for walls where a wet area Furring channels increase the gap between masonry and
(including a kitchen) is opposite a habitable room in an plasterboard, making it harder for resonating energy to build
adjoining apartment. up pressure on the board.
Masonry with Render Plumbing and electrical services can be fitted into this gap,
Acoustic performance with single leaf rendered masonry avoiding the need to “chase” recesses into the masonry.
follows the ‘Mass Law’. The acoustic performance of these
A further increase of 3 or 4dB can be achieved with Tontine
walls depends on their mass. More mass gives better
TSB3 polyester (or equivalent) insulation in the cavity
performance. The relationship is logarithmic: If a 110mm
between the plasterboard and masonry.
wall gives Rw45, a 230mm wall of the same brick may give
Rw57, and a 450mm wall may give Rw63. Another increase of 3 to 5dB can be achieved with a second
layer of plasterboard, fixed with grab screws to the first
Cavity walls behave differently. Sound waves can resonate
layer, (and no gaps).
in cavities. The narrower the cavity becomes, the more
resonance occurs. Insulation in the cavity helps absorb Boral Plasterboard now make ‘SoundStop’, a higher density board.
resonating sound. Narrow cavities should have bond breaker
board to prevent mortar from providing a bridge for sound to
travel between leaves.
D2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Victoria Book 1 D
Masonry with Plasterboard on Stud How loud is noise?

Framing
In this system, vibrations are isolated by the gap between
the masonry and the stud frame.
Plasterboard is screw fixed to the outside of a stud wall,

which is positioned 20mm from one face of the masonry.
An extra 6dB can be gained by placing Tontine TSB5 insulation

between the studs. The other side of the masonry can be lined
with daub fixed plasterboard or rendered. 13mm render can
add an extra 1dB more than daub fixed board.
This system complies with the BCA requirement of

‘discontinuous construction’ for impact rated walls.
Designing Masonry Walls for

Acoustic Performance
Building acoustics is the science of controlling noise in
buildings, including the minimisation of noise transmission
from one space to another and the control of noise levels and
characteristics within a space. The term ‘building acoustics’
embraces sound insulation and sound absorption. The two Sound Insulation
functions are quite distinct and should not be confused. Any wall system that separates one dwelling from another,
or that separates one room from another, should be selected
Noise has been defined as sound which is undesired by
to provide a sufficient level of insulation against noise.
the recipient, but it is very subjective and it depends on
the reactions of the individual. However, when a noise is There are two types of noise transfer through partitions,
troublesome it can reduce comfort and efficiency and, if airborne transfer, and structure-borne transfer. Both may need
a person is subjected to it for long enough periods, it can to be considered in order to achieve the desired result.
result in physical discomfort or mental distress.
Noise sources, such as voices, televisions and musical
In the domestic situation, a noisy neighbour can be one of instruments, generate noise in the air in one room, and this
the main problems experienced in attached dwellings. The noise passes through the partition and into the room on the
best defence against noise must be to ensure that proper other side. This is known as airborne noise.
precautions are taken at the design stage and during
As we know, some partitions are better than others at
construction of a building. This means that the correct
isolating airborne noise. In order to simply compare the
acoustic climate must be provided in each space and that
isolating performance of partitions Rw rating was developed.
noise transmission levels are compatible with the usage.
A partition with a high Rw rating isolates sound better than a
Remedial measures, after occupation, can be expensive and
partition with a low Rw rating. If we compare two partitions,
inconvenient. Ideally, the sound insulation requirements
and one has an Rw which is 10 rating points higher, then
for a building should take into account both internal and
the noise passing through the wall with the higher Rw will
external sound transmission.
be about half the loudness when compared with the noise
passing through the wall with the lower Rw.
The Rw ratings are obtained from tests carried out in

certified laboratories, under controlled conditions. When
identical partitions are part of buildings and tested in-
situ, it is often found that the actual Rw rating obtained,
usually called the Weighted Standardised Level Difference
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 D3

Victoria Book 1 D
(Dnt,w), is lower than the laboratory Rw. This reduction in Boral Acousticell blocks have extremely high absorption
performance can be due to flanking paths (that is to say rates (90%) at low frequency. Refer to Acousticell product
that noise also passes through other parts of the building) page in this guide and the Boral Masonry Block Guide.
or may be due to poor detailing such as incorrect installation
The porous surface and lightweight aggregates in lightweight
of pipes, power points etc.
masonry give it high sound absorption values (> 50%) across
Structure-borne Noise & Weighted Normalised all frequencies. Refer to the ‘Lightweight’ product page in
Impact Sound Pressure Level (L’n,w) the Fire Rated Walls section of this guide.
When a building element is directly, or indirectly, impacted Sound Isolation Criteria

or vibrated then some of the energy passes through the
From May 2004, the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
partition and is re-radiated as noise to the room on the other
specifications for minimum levels of sound isolation have
side. This is called structure-borne noise or impact noise.
been increased. These increased specifications are:
For walls, the most common sources of structure-borne noise are:
• Unit to corridor or stairs Rw 50
• Cupboard doors, fixed to party walls, being closed
• Unit to unit Rw + Ctr 50
• Kitchen appliances being used on benches touching walls
• Where a wet area of one unit adjoins a habitable room
• Plumbing fittings, particularly taps, being connected to walls in another unit, the wall construction must ‘be of a
discontinuous type.’
• Light switches being turned on and off, and
• Dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers etc. touching walls

Guidelines for Optimum
Walls satisfy ‘impact’ or structure-borne noise isolation either by
conforming to the ‘deemed to satisfy’ provisions of the Building
Performance
Code of Australia ‘Impact Sound’ or ‘Test of Equivalence’, using To achieve the optimum performance for a wall system, the exact
a single number description for impact insulation or the Opinion construction as specified including perimeter sealing must
of a suitably qualified acoustic engineer. be adopted.
The generally accepted test for impact is Weighted Any variations from the systems detailed in this guide should
Normalised Impact Sound Pressure Level or L’n,w. In this be approved by the project acoustic consultant as it can
method of interpreting impact sound resistance, lower increase or decrease the acoustical isolation of wall systems.
values represent better impact insulation.
Installation
Another single number description used for impact is the Unless careful attention to installation detail is followed,
Impact Insulation Class or IIC. When used for walls it may significant reductions in sound isolation can occur,
be called WIIC for laboratory testing or WFIIC for field particularly with high performance walls. The following
testing. Unfortunately, as there are different test methods need to be taken into account.
used to obtain the impact rating for walls, results cannot
always be directly compared. Perimeter Acoustical Sealing
It should be noted that as the sound isolation performance
The larger the value of the WIIC the better the impact insulation.
of a partition increases, then the control of flanking paths
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) becomes more critical. Consequently, the perimeter sealing
Designers of theatres, music rooms and power transformer requirements for a low sound rating wall, such as Rw30,
enclosures etc may often choose materials which have an are much less than for a high sound rating wall, such
efficient sound absorption value and incorporate them as Rw60. However, it is neither necessary, nor is it cost
within the building design. The level of sound absorption for effective, to provide very high perimeter acoustic sealing
material is stated as the NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient). for a low rating Rw wall. The perimeter isolation for each
This value is derived as a result of acoustic testing on leaf must be commensurate with the acoustic isolation of
the material, and determined by calculation from the the leaf. It cannot be over emphasised, however, that for high
average amount of sound energy absorbed over a range of performance walls, the sealing of each leaf must be virtually
frequencies between 250Hz and 2000Hz. airtight.

Victoria Book 1 D
For a sealant to be effective at controlling noise passing IMPORTANT: The use of expanding foam sealants is not acceptable.
through gaps, it must have the following properties.
Reference should be made to the manufacturer to ensure the
• Good flexibility, elastic set particular type or grade of sealant is suitable for the purpose.
• Low hardness
Noise Flanking
• Excellent adhesion, usually to concrete, timber, plaster
It is beyond the scope of this manual to provide full details
and galvanised steel
for control of all flanking paths. However, flanking can
• Minimal shrinkage (less than 5%) significantly reduce the perceived isolation of a wall system
• Moderate density (greater than 800kg/m3), and and should therefore be given careful consideration.
• Fire rated where required (All walls required by the BCA Typical flanking paths are shown in the Fig D1.
to be sound rated also have fire ratings)
All of the above properties must be maintained over the

useful life of the building, that is, greater than 20 years.
Acoustic Performance On-Site
Laboratory Test results are achieved under ideal controlled
Examples of a suitable sealant include:
conditions, and estimates are calculated from known
• Bostik Findley — Fireban One performance, experience and computer simulation programs.
• Boral Plasterboard Fyreflex To repeat the performance in the field, attention to detail
in the design and construction of the partition and its
• Boral Plasterboard WR Sealant
adjoining floor/ ceiling and associated structure is of prime
• Tremco synthetic rubber acoustical sealant importance. Even the most basic principles, if ignored, can
• Some silicone sealants and seriously downgrade the sound insulation performance of
• Some acrylic latex sealants a building element.
Through ventilation Through windows, doors,

and service ducts gaps and air leaks
Through
ceilings and the
above ceiling
cavity
Through
perimeter joints
between the wall
and floor, or the
wall and ceiling
(or underside of
the floor slab) or
wall junctions
Through back to
back cupboards
Through light
switches, or GPO's,
located in the wall,
poor sealing at
penetrations
Through floors
and the below
floor crawl
space
Through shared building elements such as floor boards, floor

joists, continuous plasterboard walls, continuous plasterboard
ceilings, and even continuous concrete walls and floors
Fig D1 — Flanking Paths
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 D5

Victoria Book 1 D
Boral Masonry cannot guarantee that field performance Appliances

ratings will match laboratory or estimated opinions. However, In cases where sound insulation is important, noise
with careful attention during erection of the wall, correct producing fixtures or appliances such as water closets,
installation to specification and proper caulking/sealing, cisterns, water storage tanks, sluices, dishwashers, washing
the assembly should produce a field performance close to machines and pumps should be repositioned or isolated from
and comparable with tested or estimated values. Apart the structure with resilient mountings and flexible service
from installation procedures, workmanship and caulking, leads and connections.
the following items can also affect the acoustic performance
Where fittings are duplicated on opposite sides of partitions,
on site.
they should be offset.
Doors
Electrical Outlets & Service Pipes
Hollow, cored and even solid doors generally provide
Electrical outlets, switch boxes and similar penetrations
unsatisfactory sound insulation between rooms. Doors can
should not be placed back to back. If power outlets are
also provide direct air leaks between rooms thus having a
installed back-to-back, they will create a flanking path or
bad effect on the overall sound insulation of the partition
sound leak. Seal backs and sides of boxes and the perimeter
in which they are inserted. The higher the insulation of the of all penetrations with acoustic sealant.
partition, the worse is the effect of doors.
Penetrations should be avoided where sound insulation is
Where sound insulation is important, specialised important. This includes recessed fittings or ducts such as
heavyweight doors or, preferably, two doors separated by skirting heating, electrical or telephone wiring trunking,
an absorbent lined airspace or lobby should be used. light fittings, inter-communication systems and alarms,
medical and laboratory gas outlets. Plumbing connections
Lightweight Panels Above Doors
between fittings or appliances on opposite sides of a
These are often incorporated for aesthetic reasons, however, partition offer a path for transmission of sound and should
the performance of a partition with good sound insulation be sealed. If possible introduce discontinuity in the pipework
can be considerably degraded by lightweight panels. between fittings, such as a flexible connection within or on
the line of a partition.
Air Paths Through Gaps, Cracks or Holes
Gaps, cracks or openings, however small, readily conduct
airborne sounds and can considerably reduce the sound Home Cinema Rooms
insulation of a construction.
Boral Masonry and Plasterboard divisions have a number
of high performance wall systems which have been
specifically developed for home cinema applications.
Noise paths
through vents Please contact Boral Masonry for additional assistance and
or lightweight
decorative panels information on the available solutions, or visit the website:
www.boral.com.au/cinemazone for solutions using Boral
masonry products.
Noise paths
through lightweight
panel doors
Noise paths
through vents
Noise paths
through gaps
Fig D2 — Flanking Paths
Fig D3 — Acoustic Performance Overview

BORAL MASONRY

E FIRE AND ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS
1 E
Victoria Book 1 E
Boral Fire & Acoustic Masonry Wall Systems

This section of the Boral Masonry Design Guide contains The following illustration details typical page layouts and
detailed information on the fire and acoustic performance the type and location of information you may need to
of Boral masonry products, and provides System Solutions complete your product selection and wall design.
for fire and acoustic wall designs.
Finding Acoustic Systems &

Technical Specifications
Product
Name Product Introduction
and Application Product Specific
Information Acoustic Test Results
Product Icons with
and Wall Lining System
dimensions for
Information
products available
in your region/state Product Identification
Fire & Acoustic Systems Fire & Acoustic Systems

PAGE
PAGE
BOOK
BOOK
Victoria Book 1 E Victoria Book 1 E
1 E12 1 E13
162
162
FireLight Quick Brick (FL) Acoustic Systems - 110mm Quickbrick
Quickbrick FireLight
FireLight (FL)
(FL)
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION FIRE
FIRE DESIGN
DESIGN ACOUSTIC
ACOUSTIC
230 Boral
Boral Masonry
Masonry Victoria
Victoria is
is constantly
constantly CONSIDERATIONS 110mm
110mm
110
110 230 CONSIDERATIONS RATING
RATING WALL LINING
LINING LIGHTWEIGHT WALL LINING
LINING
developing
developing new new andand innovative
innovative FireLight Quick Brick
FireLight Quick Brick is
is aa fire
fire tested
tested WALL LIGHTWEIGHT WALL
FireLight RRww (c,
(c, ctr)
ctr)
FireLight Quick
Quick Brick
Brick (FL)
(FL) products. FireLight Quick Brick lightweight QUICK BRICK
BRICK (FL)
(FL)
products. FireLight Quick Brick (FL) lightweight concrete
concrete which
which is is unique
unique Boral Test
Boral Test Nº
Nº QUICK
(FL) utilises
utilises a unique
a unique low-density
low-density blended to
to Boral,
Boral, and
and provides
provides excellent
excellent firefire
blended
concrete concrete
material material which
which provides rating characteristics.
rating characteristics. •• 11 xx 13mm
13mm Boral
Boral Plasterboard
Plasterboard daub
daub fixed
fixed
45
45 at 500mm
500mm centres.
centres.
provides high fire rated performance (-1, -5)
-5) at
high fire rated performance together (-1,
ACOUSTIC
ACOUSTIC DESIGN
DESIGN T621-05s33 •• Suits
Suits vents
vents inin habitable
habitable rooms.
rooms.
together with minimum
weight. weight. T621-05s33
with minimum CONSIDERATIONS •• Rw
Rw ++ ctr
ctr == 40
40 126mm
CONSIDERATIONS 126mm
FireLight
FireLight Quick
Quick Brick
non-loadbearing
Brick is
is ideal
non-loadbearing applications
ideal for
applications such
for
such
FireLight
FireLight Quick
recommended
Quick Brick
recommended for
Brick is
for cement
is not
not
cement rendered
rendered
47
47 •• 11 xx 13mm
13mm Boral
Boral Plasterboard
Plasterboard daub
daub fixed
fixed •• 11xx13mm
13mmBoral
BoralPlasterboard
Plasterboarddaub
daubfixed
fixed
Wall Cross
(-1, -6)
-6)
as
as walls
walls in
buildings
in concrete
concrete framed
and
framed office
high-rise
office acoustic
acoustic walls,
walls, but
but gives
gives excellent
excellent
(-1,
T621-05s32
T621-05s32
at 500mm
at 500mm centres
centres
142mm
142mm
at500mm
at 500mmcentres
centres
section Icon
buildings and high-rise home home
units. sound
sound resistance
resistance with
with aa wide
wide variety
variety
units.
FireLight Quick Brick is 230mm long
of tested board-lining
of tested board-liningsystems.
systems.
51
51 •• 11 xx 13mm
13mm Boral
Boral Plasterboard
Plasterboard daub
daub fixed
fixed
•• 11xx13mm
•• 28mm
13mmBoral
BoralPlasterboard
28mmfurring
Plasterboardscrew
furringchannel
screwfixed
channelatat600mm
fixed
600mmcentres
centres
and Overall
(-2, -8)
-8)
FireLight
by 162mm Quick
long by 162mm
standard
Brick
high, equal
brick with
to 2iscourses
high,
230mm
equal
mortar,
of
to 2
making
The
The 1st
for
1st test
for walls
test on
on page
page E13
walls enclosing
E13 qualifies
qualifies
vent shafts
enclosing vent shafts in
in aa
(-2,
T621-05s31
T621-05s31
at 500mm
at 500mm centres
centres • Standard Clips
169mm • Standard Clips
169mm • Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity
• Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity
System
courses
mortar,
of standard
them a highly
making them
effective construction
brick
efficient and with
cost-
a highly
component.
habitable room:RRww++CCtrtr40.
habitable room: 40. 60
60
(-3, -9) • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard
• 70mm pine studs
• 70mm pine studs
Thickness
The (-3, -9)
efficient and cost-effective The 3rd
3rd test
test qualifies
qualifies for
for unit-to-
unit-to- T621-05s30
T621-05s30
at 500mm centres
at 500mm centres • 20mm clear of masonry
229mm • 20mm clear of masonry
corridor walls:RRw50.50. ✓IIC 229mm • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity
construction component. corridor walls: w ✓IIC • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity
The 62
The 4th,
4th, 5th
5th and and 6th 6th tests
tests qualify
qualify 62
(-4, -12) • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard •
1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard
for • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard • 64mm metal studs
f o r unit-to-unit
u n i t - t o - u n i t walls
w a l l s where
(-4, -12) • 28mm furring channel • 64mm metal studs
where Option based
Option based • 28mm furring channel • 20mm clear of masonry
R
Rw +C 50 and impact ratings • Standard clips 250mm • 20mm clear of masonry
w + Ctr
on Test T621-
tr 50 and impact ratings on Test T621- • Standard clips 250mm • Tontine TSB6 in cavity
05s25 • Tontine TSB3 in cavity • Tontine TSB6 in cavity
are
are required
required and and cancan also
also be be used
used 05s25 • Tontine TSB3 in cavity
✓IIC
Availability in dry-to-dry,wet-to-dry
in dry-to-dry,
to-wet areas.
wet-to-dryand and wet-
wet-to-
✓IIC
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard

wet areas. 63
information 63
(-4, -11)
(-4, -11)
T621-05s29
•
•
•
•
•
1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard
16mm furring channel
16mm furring channel
Standard Clips
Standard Clips
• 70mm pine studs
• 70mm pine studs
• 20mm clear of masonry
T621-05s29 244mm • 20mm clear of masonry
for your ✓IIC
✓IIC •
•
TSB2 insulation in cavity
TSB2 insulation in cavity
244mm • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity
region/state
Availability
Availability
• No minimum order quantities apply.
• Lead time 0-2 weeks.
Specifications
Specifications
‡ Maximum Slenderness Ratio (Srf) Rw (Estimate or *Tested)
Unit Nº Nº Insulation (minutes) With Lining System
Product
Product
ƒ ’ uc
ƒ’ uc
Wt
Wt
per
per
per
per
FRL (minutes)
FRL (minutes)
①
① ② ② ③ ③ ④ ④ ➄⑤ ➅ ⑥
Code TxLxH (mm) MPa kg m22 Pallet 60 90 120 180 240 ✓IIC
Code TxLxH (mm) MPa kg m Pallet 60 90 120 180 240 ✓IIC
FireLight 110x230x162 3 4.524.2 250 29 26.9 24.9 22.2 20.3 — 47 54 58 56 60
FireLight 110x230x162 3 4.524.2 250 29 26.9 24.9 22.2 20.3 — 47 54 58 56 60
Quick Brick (FL) 120
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ Refer to Lining Systems on Page E3. ✓IIC = Complies with BCA requirement for Impact Sound Resistance. IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE ✓IIC = Systems comply with BCA requirements for IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE.
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ Refer to Lining Systems on Page E3. ✓IIC = Complies with BCA requirement for Impact Sound Resistance. IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE ✓IIC = Systems comply with BCA requirements for IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE.
‡ = Quantity may vary from plant to plant.
E12 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 E13
Acoustic Acoustic Test Lining, Framing and

Performance Result (Rw) and Insulation Description for
Fire Performance Data Impact Isolation each side of the wall
Data Information (IIC)
Product
Specifications
E2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Victoria Book 1 E
When information is provided in the table, it is tabulated,

Acoustic Systems Data
under the System Headings of ①, ②, ③, ④, ⑤ and ⑥.
Acoustic performance information for six of the most popular
The following Table details the wall lining and insulation
wall lining systems may be provided within the Product
information for these six systems, and provides thickness
Specification Tables on the following product pages.
information to assist wall thickness calculation.
Alternatively, you may be referred to more detailed test
Acoustic performance estimates have been calculated by
information and alternative lining systems.
Wilkinson Murray (Acoustic Consultants).
LINING BORAL MASONRY

SYSTEM WALL LINING BRICK OR BLOCK WALL LINING
Refer to
As per product pages
product pages
① • 13mm Render Masonry

Thickness
+26mm
• 13mm Render
② • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed Masonry

Thickness
+32mm
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed
③
• 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed Masonry • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
Thickness
+71mm • Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity

Masonry or 1 x 6mm Villaboard™ screw fixed over
Thickness
④
+84mm • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed or • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
+77mm
• Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed
⑤
• 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
• Standard Clips at 1200mm centres Masonry • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
Thickness
• Tontine TSB2 insulation in cavity +98mm • Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity

• 51mm steel studs at 600mm centres
⑥
• 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
• 20mm gap
• Standard Clips at 1200mm cts Masonry
• Tontine TSB2 insulation in cavity Thickness • Tontine TSB5 insulation in cavity
+127mm
Acousti
c Estim
ate s with
these L
ining System
Fire & Acoustic Systems
s
Victoria Book 1 E
PAGE
BOOK
1 E4
Fire Rated
Fire Rated Block
Block -- Scoria
Scoria Blend
Blend (SB)
(SB)
Series 100,
Series 100, 120,
120, 150
150 & & 200
200
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Fire Rated
Fire Rated Block
Block (SB)
(SB) is
from aa scoria-blend
from
is manufactured
manufactured
scoria-blend material
material which
which
Fire Rated
Fire
in
Rated Block
in 90,
90, 110,
to suit
to suit most
Block (SB)
110, 140
140 and
most types
(SB) is
and 190mm
types of
is manufactured
of fire
manufactured
190mm thicknesses
thicknesses
fire and/or
and/or acoustic
acoustic
ACOUSTIC DESIGN
ACOUSTIC
CONSIDERATIONS
CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Rated
Fire
DESIGN
Rated Block
Block (SB)
(SB) provides
provides excellent
excellent
Read off
reduces the
the block
block weight
weight and
and increases
increases wall construction.
construction. sound resistance
resistance with
with aa wide
wide variety
variety of
of
reduces
the fire
the
Fire
fire performance
performance characteristics.
Fire Rated
Rated Block
Block (SB)
characteristics.
(SB) is
is ideal
ideal for
for non-
non-
wall
FIRE DESIGN
FIRE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Rated
CONSIDERATIONS
Rated Block
Block (SB)
(SB) utilises
utilises aa
sound
board-lining systems.
board-lining
Please refer
Please
systems.
refer to
to the
the acoustic
acoustic performance
performance
Acoustic
Fire
Performance
loadbearing walls
loadbearing walls of
of commercial,
commercial, characteristics in
characteristics in the
the specifications
specifications
unique scoria-blend
unique scoria-blend material,
material, which
which
industrial and
industrial and high-rise
high-rise buildings
buildings table.
table.
has been
has been shown
shown through
through fire
fire testing
testing
with concrete
with concrete andand portal
portal framed
framed
to provide
to provide excellent
excellent fire
fire insulation
insulation FRACTIONAL SIZE
FRACTIONAL SIZE BLOCKS
BLOCKS
structures.
structures.
(Rw) from
characteristics.
characteristics. Boral Masonry
Boral Masonry Victoria
Victoria manufactures
manufactures
Fire Rated
Fire Rated Block
Block (SB)
(SB) is
is also
also suitable
suitable an extensive
an extensive range
range of
of special
special purpose
purpose
Please refer
Please refer to
to the
the fire
fire performance
performance
for loadbearing
for loadbearing walls,
walls, however
however the
the S
Srf
rf blocks and
blocks and fractional
fractional size
size blocks
blocks toto
characteristics in
characteristics in the
the specifications
specifications
values from
from Designer
Designer Block
Block masonry
masonry complement thethe products
products detailed
detailed on
on
intersection
values table. complement
units apply.
apply. Refer
Refer to
to Section
Section CC of
of this
this table. this page. Please refer to the
the Boral
Boral
units this page. Please refer to
guide for
guide for more
more information.
information. Block &
Block & Brick
Brick Guide
Guide (MDG
(MDG Book
Book 2)
2) for
for
Availability additional information.
additional information.
Availability
Specifications
of product
Specifications
Unit
Unit Nº
Nº Nº
Nº
Maximum Slenderness
‡ Maximum
‡
Slenderness Ratio
Ratio (S
Insulation (minutes)
Insulation (minutes)
FRL (minutes)
(minutes)
(Srf))
rf
Rw (Estimate
R
① ②
w
(Estimate or
With Lining
With
② ③ ③ ④
or *Tested)
④ ⑤
*Tested)
Lining System
System
⑤ ⑥ ⑥
row and
Product
Product ƒ’’ uc
ƒ uc
Wt
Wt per
per per
per FRL ①
Code
Code
10.331
10.331
Type
Type
Full Solid
Full Solid
MPa
MPa
8
8
kg
kg
13.1
13.1
m22
m
25
25
Pallet 60
Pallet
139 22.6
139
60 90
90
22.6 22.6
120 180
120
22.6 22.6
180
180
180 240
22.6 21.5
240
21.5 19.7
19.7 46 46 4848 53 53 5858 56
✓IIC
✓IIC
56 59 59 lining system
10.383
10.383
12.401
12.401
Half Height
Half Height
Full Cored
Full Cored
8
8
8
8
6.0
6.0
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
234
234
120
120
22.6
22.6
22.6
22.6
22.6
22.6
22.6
180
180
22.6
22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6
21.5
21.5
21.5
21.5
19.7
19.7
19.7
19.7
46
46
45
45
48
48
46
46
53
53
50
50
58
58
55
55
56
56
53
53
59
59
56
56
column
240
240
15.01SC
15.01SC Full Hollow
Full Hollow 8
8 11.1
11.1 12.5
12.5 120
120 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 21.5
21.5 19.7
19.7 46
46 47
47 52
52 57
57 55
55 58
58
120
120
15.301
15.301 Full Hollow
Full Hollow 8
8 12.6
12.6 12.5
12.5 120
120 22.6
22.6 22.6 22.6
22.6 22.6 21.5
21.5 19.7
19.7 48
48 49
49 54
54 59
59 57
57 60
60
180
180
15.401
15.401 Full Hollow
Full Hollow 8
8 14.3
14.3 12.5
12.5 120
120 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 21.5
21.5 19.7
19.7 48
48 49
49 54
54 59
59 57
57 60
60
240
240
15.483
15.483 Half Height
Half Height 8
8 9.3
9.3 25
25 192
192 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 21.5
21.5 19.7
19.7 48
48 49
49 54
54 59
59 57
57 60
60
240
240
20.401
20.401 Full Hollow
Full Hollow 8
8 15.3
15.3 12.5
12.5 90
90 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 22.6
22.6 21.5
21.5 19.7
19.7 48
48 49
49 54
54 59
59 57
57 60
60
240
240
①②
① ②③
③④④⑤
⑤⑥⑥ Refer
Refer to
to Lining
Lining Systems
Systems on
on Page
Page E3.
E3.
✓IIC == Complies
✓IIC Complies with
with BCA
BCA requirement
requirement for
for Impact
Impact Sound
Sound Resistance.
Resistance.
‡ == Quantity
‡ Quantity may
may vary
vary from
from plant
plant to
to plant.
plant.
BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 E3

Victoria Book 1 E
Fire Rated Block - Scoria Blend (SB)

Series 100, 120, 150 & 200
INTRODUCTION Fire Rated Block (SB) is manufactured ACOUSTIC DESIGN
Fire Rated Block (SB) is manufactured in 90, 110, 140 and 190mm thicknesses CONSIDERATIONS
from a scoria-blend material which to suit most types of fire and/or acoustic Fire Rated Block (SB) provides excellent
reduces the block weight and increases wall construction. sound resistance with a wide variety of
the fire performance characteristics. board-lining systems.
FIRE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Rated Block (SB) is ideal for non- Please refer to the acoustic performance
Fire Rated Block (SB) utilises a
loadbearing walls of commercial, characteristics in the specifications
unique scoria-blend material, which
industrial and high-rise buildings table.
has been shown through fire testing
with concrete and portal framed
to provide excellent fire insulation FRACTIONAL SIZE BLOCKS
structures.
characteristics. Boral Masonry Victoria manufactures
Fire Rated Block (SB) is also suitable an extensive range of special purpose
Please refer to the fire performance
for loadbearing walls, however the Srf blocks and fractional size blocks to
characteristics in the specifications
values from Designer Block masonry complement the products detailed on
table.
units apply. Refer to Section C of this this page. Please refer to the Boral
guide for more information. Block & Brick Guide (MDG Book 2) for
Availability additional information.
Specifications
Product ƒ ’ uc Wt per per FRL (minutes) ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥
Code Type MPa kg m2 Pallet 60 90 120 180 240 ✓IIC
10.331 Full Solid 8 13.1 25 139 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 46 48 53 58 56 59
180
10.383 Half Height 8 6.0 12.5 234 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 46 48 53 58 56 59
180
12.401 Full Cored 8 12.5 12.5 120 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 45 46 50 55 53 56
240
15.01SC Full Hollow 8 11.1 12.5 120 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 46 47 52 57 55 58
120
15.301 Full Hollow 8 12.6 12.5 120 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 48 49 54 59 57 60
180
15.401 Full Hollow 8 14.3 12.5 120 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 48 49 54 59 57 60
240
15.483 Half Height 8 9.3 25 192 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 48 49 54 59 57 60
240
20.401 Full Hollow 8 15.3 12.5 90 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 48 49 54 59 57 60
240
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ Refer to Lining Systems on Page E3.

✓IIC = Complies with BCA requirement for Impact Sound Resistance.

Victoria Book 1 E
Fire Rated Block - Scoria Blend (SB)

Series 100 Series 120
Full Height Solid Half Height Solid Full Height
190 190
90
390 390 390

90 90 110
10.331 10.383 12.401

Full Solid Half Height Full
(1 in every 5 blocks is
universal solid)
Series 150
Full Height Full Height Thick Wall Half Height Solid
190 190 190

90
390 390 390 390

140 140 140 140
15.01SC 15.301 15.401 15.483

Full Full Full Half Height
Series 200
Full Height
190
390
190
20.401
Full

Victoria Book 1 E
Ash Grey Block (AG) Standard & Core Fill

INTRODUCTION fire performance, and known acoustic ACOUSTIC DESIGN
Boral Ash Grey (AG) blocks have been an performance values which will satisfy CONSIDERATIONS
integral part of Australia’s construction many common BCA requirements. Standard Ash Grey (AG) being of a
industry for more than 3 decades, and relatively dense material provide
Standard Ash Grey (AG) blocks are
continue to provide cost effective, inherent sound resistance. This
manufactured in 90, 110, 140, 190,
practical and engineered solutions performance may be sufficient for many
and 290mm thicknesses to suit most
for the full spectrum of construction applications without enhancement.
wall construction applications.
applications. Where higher performance is required,
FIRE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS the addition of render is effective while
All ‘Standard Ash Grey Block (AG)’
The fire resistance performance of board-lining systems using furring
and ‘Core Fill Block’ products are
Boral concrete blocks is determined systems and Boral Impact Clips or
manufactured to AS/NZS4455
as per AS3700 : 2001 Section 6. These plasterboard on light-weight studs
‘Masonry units and segmental pavers
products can provide adequate fire and polyester insulation materials
1997’ using modern high pressure
performance for many common fire can provide high acoustic insulation.
moulding techniques and controlled
rated wall applications. Please also Please refer to acoustic test/ estimate
dense-weight concrete materials.
refer to fire performance graphs and data for appropriate systems.
All Standard Ash Grey (AG) blocks have design information in Sections A and
FRACTIONAL SIZE BLOCKS
inherent fire and acoustic performance B of this guide for additional selection
Boral Masonry Victoria manufactures
properties which automatically allocates information.
an extensive range of special purpose
them ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ values for
blocks and fractional size blocks to
Availability complement the products detailed on
• Please refer to the Boral Masonry Blocks & Bricks
Guide (MDG Book 2) for detailed availability this page.
information on these products.
Specifications
Code Type MPa kg m2 Pallet 60 90 120 180 240 ✓IIC
10.01 Full Hollow 10 11.6 12.5 149 22.5 21 20 18 17 46 46 52 57 55 58
10.201 Full Hollow 10 10.1 14.5 172 60 ①
10.31 Solid 10 14.3 12.5 139 60 ① 47 47 53 58 56 59
12.01 Full Hollow 10 14.0 12.5 120 22.5 21 20 18 17 46 46 52 57 55 58
90 ①
15.01 Full Hollow 10 13.0 12.5 120 22.5 21 20 18 17 47 47 53 58 56 59
15.201 Full Hollow 10 11.0 14.5 120 60
20.01 Full Hollow 10 15.9 12.5 90 22.5 21 20 18 17 48 48 54 59 57 60
90
15.48 Core Filled 15 13.9 12.5 120 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 53 51 58 63 61 64
& reinforced 120 ①
20.48 Core Filled 15 14.7 12.5 90 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 56 55 62 67 65 68
& reinforced 240
30.48 Core Filled 15 18.3 12.5 60 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 59 59 66 71 69 72
& reinforced 240
① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ Refer to Lining Systems on Page E3. ✓IIC = Complies with BCA requirement for Impact Sound Resistance.
① Additional Insulation with ① Lining System (13mm render both sides). ‡ = Quantity may vary from plant to plant.

Victoria Book 1 E
Ash Grey Block (AG) Standard & Core Fill

Series 100 Series 120
Full Height Back-up Full Height Solid Full Height
190 190 190

162
390 390 390

390 90 110
90 90
10.01 10.201 10.31 12.01

Full Full Full Solid Full
(1 in every 5 blocks is universal
solid)
Series 150
Full Height Back-up Core Fill Block
190
162 190
390 390
140 390
140 140
15.01 15.201 15.48

Full Full ‘H’ Block
Series 200
Full Height Core Fill Block
190 190
390 390
190 190
20.01 20.48
Full ‘H’ Block
Series 300
Core Fill Block
190
290 390
30.48
‘H’ Block

Victoria Book 1 E
Concrete-Basalt (B) Bricks

INTRODUCTION BORAL CONCRETE-BASALT ACOUSTIC DESIGN
Boral Masonry Victoria Concrete-Basalt QUICK BRICK CONSIDERATIONS
Bricks have an ƒ’uc of 12MPa, making Quick Brick (Victoria only) is 230mm The mass of the Concrete-Basalt
them excellent for loadbearing or non- long by 162mm high, equal to 2 courses material is 7% heavier than Clay
loadbearing applications. They provide of standard brick with mortar, making therefore walls from Concrete-Basalt
good fire performance and acoustic them a highly efficient and cost- products perform slightly better.
performance characteristics where effective construction component.
Its texture is coarser and its porosity is
minimising weight is not a primary
FIRE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS higher than Clay, so it performs better
consideration.
These products are manufactured from with plasterboard, particularly when
Concrete-Basalt Bricks are a popular a Concrete-Basalt blend which provides daub-fixed.
choice for walls in domestic applications good fire performance characteristics
Please refer to acoustic test/estimate
and high-rise units where they are in loadbearing conditions.
data in this guide for appropriate
commonly used with a rendered
Please refer to the fire performance systems.
finish. They are also commonly used
characteristics in the specifications
for loadbearing walls in 3-storey unit
table.
construction with plasterboard or
render finish.
Availability
Specifications
B1 Brick 110x230x76 12 3.8 48.4 450 22.5 21.0 20.0 18.0 17.0 48 46 51 59 57 60
90 ①
Quick Brick 110x230x162 12 7.9 24.2 250 22.5 21.0 20.0 18.0 17.0 48 46 51* 59 57 60
Cored 90 ①
Quick Brick 110x230x162 12 8.9 24.2 200 22.5 21.0 20.0 18.0 17.0 48 46 51 59 57 60
Solid 90 ①
① ② ③④⑤⑥ Refer to Lining Systems on Page E3. ✓IIC = Complies with BCA requirement for Impact Sound Resistance.
① Additional Insulation with ① Lining System (13mm render both sides). ‡ = Quantity may vary from plant to plant.

Victoria Book 1 E
Concrete-Basalt (B) Bricks
162 162
76
230 110 230 230

110 110
Brick (B1) Quick Brick (B) Cored Quick Brick (B) Solid
(1 in every 7 bricks supplied is
solid for corner applications)
Acoustic Systems - Quick Brick (B)

ACOUSTIC
110mm
RATING
WALL LINING QUICK BRICK (B) WALL LINING
Rw (c, ctr)
(CORED)
Boral Test Nº
46
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed
Opinion
142mm
48
• 13mm Render • 13mm Render
Opinion
136mm
49 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed

(-2, -8)
• 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
RMIT
• Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
1211/705 181mm
51 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed

(-3, -9) • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
RMIT • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
1211/706 172mm • 38mm Glasswool insulation in cavity
52 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed
(-5, -12)
• 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
RMIT
• Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
1211/708 220mm
57 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed
(-4, -11) • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
RMIT • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres • Boral Impact Clips at 1200mm centres
1211/707 • Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity 220mm • Tontine TSB3 insulation in cavity
IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE ✓IIC = Systems comply with BCA requirements for IMPACT SOUND RESISTANCE.

Victoria Book 1 E
162 Scoria Quick Brick (SB)

INTRODUCTION FIRE DESIGN
110 230 Boral Masonry Victoria is constantly CONSIDERATIONS
developing new and innovative Scoria Quick Brick is a fire
Scoria Quick Brick (SB)
products. Scoria Quick Brick (SB) tested lightweight concrete
utilises a unique low-density which is unique to Boral, and
blended concrete material which provides excellent fire rating
provides high fire rated performance characteristics.
together with minimum weight. ACOUSTIC DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS
Scoria Quick Brick is ideal for non-
Scoria Quick Brick is not
loadbearing applications such as
recommended for cement rendered
walls in concrete framed office
acoustic walls, but gives excellent
buildings and high-rise home
sound resistance with a wide variety
units.
of tested board-lining systems.
Scoria Quick Brick is 230mm long
The 2nd test on page E11 qualifies
by 162mm high, equal to 2 courses
for walls enclosing vent shafts in a
of standard brick with mortar,
habitable room: Rw + Ctr 40.
making them a highly efficient
and cost-effective construction The 3rd test qualifies for unit-to-
component. corridor walls: Rw 50.
The 4th and 5th tests qualify for unit-

to-unit walls where Rw + Ctr 50
and impact ratings are required.
Availability
Specifications
Scoria 110x230x162 5 5.9 24.2 250 22.6 22.6 22.6 21.5 19.7 47 48* 56 59 57 60
Quick Brick (SB) 240

Victoria Book 1 E
Acoustic Systems - Scoria Quick Brick (SB)

ACOUSTIC
110mm
RATING WALL LINING WALL LINING
QUICK BRICK (SB)
Rw (c, ctr)
48 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed at • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed
(-1, -6) at 500mm centres
500mm centres
T621-05S22
142mm
47 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed at

(-1, -6) • Bare Wall (vent)
500mm centres one side only
T621-05S21
126mm

55 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed at • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
(-4, -10) 500mm centres • Standard Clips at 1200mm centres
T621-05S20
169mm
61 • 1 x 13mm Wet Area Boral Plasterboard

(-4, -11) • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed at screw fixed to 70mm pine studs 20mm
T621-05S19 500mm centres clear of masonry
✓IIC 229mm
62 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard screw

(-4, -10) • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres fixed to 70mm pine studs 20mm clear of
T621-05S17 • Standard Clips at 1200mm centres masonry
✓IIC • Tontine TSB2 insulation in cavity • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity
256mm

Victoria Book 1 E
162 FireLight Quick Brick (FL)

INTRODUCTION FIRE DESIGN
110 230 Boral Masonry Victoria is constantly CONSIDERATIONS
developing new and innovative FireLight Quick Brick is a fire tested
FireLight Quick Brick (FL)
products. FireLight Quick Brick (FL) lightweight concrete which is unique
utilises a unique low-density blended to Boral, and provides excellent fire
concrete material which provides rating characteristics.
high fire rated performance together
ACOUSTIC DESIGN
with minimum weight.
CONSIDERATIONS
FireLight Quick Brick is ideal for FireLight Quick Brick is not
non-loadbearing applications such recommended for cement rendered
as walls in concrete framed office acoustic walls, but gives excellent
buildings and high-rise home units. sound resistance with a wide variety
of tested board-lining systems.
FireLight Quick Brick is 230mm long
by 162mm high, equal to 2 courses of The 1st test on page E13 qualifies
standard brick with mortar, making for walls enclosing vent shafts in a
them a highly efficient and cost- habitable room: Rw + Ctr 40.
effective construction component.
The 3rd test qualifies for unit-to-
corridor walls: Rw 50.
The 4th, 5th and 6th tests qualify

for unit-to-unit walls where
Rw + Ctr 50 and impact ratings
are required and can also be used
in dry-to-dry, wet-to-dry and wet-to-
wet areas.
Availability
Specifications
Product ƒ ’ uc Wt per per FRL (minutes) ① ② ③ ④ ➄ ➅
FireLight 110x230x162 3 4.5 24.2 250 29 26.9 24.9 22.2 20.3 — 47 54 58 56 60

Victoria Book 1 E
Acoustic Systems - 110mm Quickbrick FireLight (FL)

ACOUSTIC
110mm
RATING
WALL LINING LIGHTWEIGHT WALL LINING
Rw (c, ctr)
QUICK BRICK (FL)
Boral Test Nº

45 at 500mm centres.
(-1, -5) • Suits vents in habitable rooms.
T621-05s33
• Rw + ctr = 40 126mm
47 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed
(-1, -6) at 500mm centres at 500mm centres
T621-05s32
142mm

51 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed • 28mm furring channel at 600mm centres
(-2, -8) at 500mm centres
169mm
• Standard Clips
T621-05s31
60 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard

(-3, -9) • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard daub fixed • 70mm pine studs
T621-05s30 at 500mm centres • 20mm clear of masonry
229mm
✓IIC • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity
62 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard

(-4, -12) • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard
• 64mm metal studs
Option based • 28mm furring channel
• 20mm clear of masonry
on Test T621- • Standard clips 250mm
• Tontine TSB6 in cavity
05s25 • Tontine TSB3 in cavity
✓IIC
63 • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard • 1 x 13mm Boral Plasterboard

(-4, -11) • 16mm furring channel • 70mm pine studs
T621-05s29 • Standard Clips • 20mm clear of masonry
244mm
✓IIC • TSB2 insulation in cavity • Tontine TSB6 insulation in cavity

Victoria Book 1 E
Acousticell™
INTRODUCTION SOUND ABSORPTION
190
Boral Acousticell is a purpose Boral Acousticell blocks combine
designed block which combines the high transmission loss
excellent acoustic absorption characteristics generally associated
and sound transmission loss with a dense, non-porous material
characteristics. (concrete block) with efficient
absorption of sound, resulting in
390
Boral Acousticell has been
a very low radiated sound level
140 successfully integrated into a wide
and effective control of both high
variety of industrial and commercial
Acousticell frequencies and troublesome low
Full acoustic applications, providing
frequency noise. Boral Acousticell
both acoustic performance and
blocks provide maximum absorption
unique and attractive aesthetic
in the frequency range of 80Hz to
qualities.
500Hz, peaking at 1.0 at 200Hz
The face slots and closed core and providing absorption of 0.6 at
base of the Boral Acousticell block 100Hz.
form ‘Helm-Holtz’ absorbers which
Where high frequency noise is to be
control low frequency noise where
absorbed, fibreglass insulation pads
other walling materials reflect
can be inserted into the ‘Helm-Holtz’
noise, adding to the original noise
cells. In this case, absorption of low
source.
frequency noise drops slightly, but
Typical applications include absorption of other frequencies
auditoria, theatres, radio, television improves. (Note: Fibreglass is not
and cinema studios, churches, suitable for external use. Carbon
schools, canteens, plant rooms, fibre pads are more suitable in
factories and workshops, sports external situations).
centres, multi-purpose centres and
Refer to accompanying absorption
Availability wherever sound reverberation can
• All Acousticell blocks are made-to-order graph for application results.
• Lead time 6-8 weeks. cause problems.
• Minimum quantities may apply. COLOURS
• Part size blocks are best cut/bolstered on-site to maintain Boral Acousticell Blocks are
colour consistency. Part size blocks can be cut-to-order. Boral Acousticell Block is ‘Made-
• Contact Boral Masonry for further details. compatible with Series 150 bond
to-Order’ and can therefore be
beams and part size blocks.
Essential Colours manufactured in any of the Boral
Designerblock colours. Minimum
order quantities apply to all
colours.
Alabaster Almond Natural Grey
Pearl Grey Charcoal
Accent Colours
Sandune Paperbark Terrain Specifications

Code Product Description MPa Wt kg N /Pallet
Rust Wilderness Midway 150mm Acousticell Full 10 14.0 120

Victoria Book 1 E
Acousticell™ Acoustic Performance

Sound Transmission Loss for Acousticell is similar to Boral Acousticell has also been shown to provide a
standard dense-weight concrete masonry. Refer to Fig E1. proven and practical solution for Transformer Sub-Station
Rw Contour Line Enclosures.
Acousticell Test Results The test results from one such installation are shown in
60 Fig E3, and comments from the project acoustic engineers
50 are provided below the figure.
Sound Transmission Loss (dB)
40 Before construction of Boral Acousticell enclosure
After construction of Boral Acousticell enclosure

30 70
20
60
10
Sound pressure level in dB

50
0
125 250 500 1K 2K 5K
Centre Frequency of Octave Band (Hz) 40
Fig E1 — Sound Transmission Characteristics of
Boral Acousticell Block
30
It is the absorption characteristics of Acousticell that make

20
the difference where noise is to be controlled within a room
or prevented from ‘bouncing’ around an enclosure wall and 10
4 8 16 31.5 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K 32K
escaping over the top.
Octave band centre frequency Hz (CPS)
Boral Acousticell is an excellent choice for generator, Fig E3 — Octave Band Analysis of Noise Level from
pump and plant rooms, as it offers maximum absorption in large distribution transformer before and after fitting
Boral Acousticell Masonry Enclosure
the frequency region 80Hz to 500Hz (which is also peak
acoustical range for most diesel engines) providing better COMMENTS ON THE RESULTS.
noise reduction than that offered by alternative construction The measurement results show a dramatic reduction
systems. Refer to Fig E2. in noise level from the transformers, especially under
conditions when the internal cooling fans, together with
as
1.1 secondary ventilation fans fitted into the enclosure were
1.0 operating.
0.9
The result is a situation where there is now negligible
Sound Absorption
0.8
annoyance to surrounding residences from the transformers.
0.7
0.6
Previously the level of low frequency noise was such that
0.5
special double glazing of both doors and windows would
0.4 have been necessary to achieve acceptable community
0.3 noise levels.
0.2
Louis A Challis and Associates Pty Ltd.
0.1
Consulting Acoustical and Vibration Engineers.
0
4 8 16 31.5 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K
1/3 Octave Band Centre Frequency Hz (CPS)
Fig E2 — Sound Absorption Characteristics of

Boral Acousticell Block
Because the transmission loss through the main wall

structure is typically 44 STC or greater, noise reductions
as high as 40 decibels or more can be readily designed and
achieved in practice.

eBC 04021 February 2009
Customer Support New South Wales

1. Stock colours Colours other than stock colours are made to order. Not all colours displayed in this brochure are available in all states.
(Contact your nearest Boral Masonry office for your area’s stock colours.) A surcharge applies to orders less than
the set minimum quantity.
2. Brochure colours The printed colours in this Masonry Design Guide are only a guide. Please ask to see a sample of your colour/texture
before specifying or ordering.
3. Colour and texture variation The supply of raw materials can vary over time. In addition, variation can occur between product types and
production batches.
4. We reserve the right to change the details in this publication without notice.
5. For a full set of Terms and Conditions of Sale please contact your nearest Boral Masonry sales office.
6. Important notice Please consult with your local council for design regulations prior to the construction of your wall. Councils in general
require those walls over 0.5m in height and/or where there is loading such as a car or house near the wall be designed and certified by a
suitably qualified engineer.
Technical Enquires
Specifier Line 1300 360 255
Internet www.boral.com.au/masonry
Orders, Product Samples and Sales Enquires

Victoria Level 1 Port IT, 63-85 Turner Street, Port Melbourne, 3207 T: (03) 9363 1944
F: (03) 9363 6008
Other Regional Sales Offices

NSW Clunies Ross Street, Prospect, 2148 T: (02) 9840 2333
F: (02) 9840 2344
231 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby 2250 T: (02) 4340 1008
F: (02) 4340 1308
ACT 16 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick, 2609 T: (02) 6239 1029
F: (02) 6280 6262
South Australia Main North Road, Pooraka, 5095 T: (08) 8262 3529
F: (08) 8260 3011
Queensland 62 Industrial Ave, Wacol, 4076 T: (07) 3271 9292
F: (07) 3271 1581
North Queensland:
Cairns 8 Palmer Street, Portsmith, 4870 T: (07) 4035 1888
F: (07) 4035 1208
Townsville 360 Bayswater Road, Garbutt, 4814 T: (07) 4725 6285
F: (07) 4725 6043
Mackay David Muir Street, Slade Point, 4740 T: (07) 4955 1155
F: (07) 4955 4130
™ Acousticell, Designer Block and FireLight are registered trademarks of Boral Masonry.
® Keystone and Gardenwall are each registered trademarks of Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
under licence by Boral Masonry Limited. ABN 13 000 223 718
© Boral Masonry - all rights reserved 2004.

Masonry Design Guide: Structural, Fire and Acoustics Victoria Book 1

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BORAL MASONRY

Build something great™

Masonry Design Guide

www.boral.com.au/masonry Updated February 2009

Fast Find Product & Application Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3 About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6

Robustness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B2 Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7

Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Reinforced Masonry Lintels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8

Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B5 Design of Core Filled & Steel Reinforced

Designing Masonry Walls for Acoustic Performance On-site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5

E Fire & Acoustic Systems

Concrete-Basalt Bricks (B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E8

A2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Core Filled Block E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6 E6

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 A3

Boral Engineered Blocks

A4 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Boral Engineered Bricks

• Core Fill Block • FireLight Quick Brick (FL)

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 A5

Boral Masonry This guide has been prepared as a comprehensive Boral

Section E – Fire & Acoustic Systems

A6 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Masonry Design Guide

Introduction to the Structural Legend to Symbols used in Robustness Calculations:

B2 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Formulae and Explanation Worked Examples

Isolated Piers Aim: To determine the Maximum Wall

Formulae and Explanation Worked Examples

Wall with Free Ends Aim: To determine the Maximum Height of

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 B3

Formulae and Explanation Worked Examples

Formulae and Explanation Worked Examples

By re-working formula (4), the maximum wall height is:

NOTE: Control joints, and openings greater than one fifth

B4 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Table B1 (Extract from AS3700 : Table 4.2)

Characteristic Unconfined Compressive Strength of

36 48 strength factor), multiplied by Kh (a factor for the amount of

The Km factor is 1.4 for M3 mortar on solid and cored units

Pier Spacing/Pier Width Thickness Coefficient (kt)

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 B5

Protected Grade (PRO) Curing Movement in Concrete Units

B6 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Internal Control Joints • Incorporating foam insulation, pumice or vermiculite within

For Class 3 and 9c buildings, the annual energy consumption

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 B7

Reinforced Masonry Lintels

B8 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE

Design of Core Filled & Boundary

Steel Reinforced Masonry

This section provides specifications, design tables and typical

• Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures – AS3700 : 2001

• Reinforced Concrete Base – AS3600 : 1988 Concrete

• Reinforcement – AS1302 : 1982 Steel Reinforcing Bars for

Wall Types Foundation

BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE | February 2009 B9

to allow vertical reinforcement to be positioned and tied. Impermeable

formwork) before grouting. Drain

to horizontal reinforcement, which should be supported

• The forming of weepholes by leaving out mortar in the vertical

• The filling of all cores with grout, whether reinforced or not.

Backfill Drainage Fig B4 – Continuous Drainage Within the Backfill

B10 February 2009 | BORAL MASONRY DESIGN GUIDE