BRITISH STANDARD BS 8103-2:

1996

Structural design of
low-rise buildings —
Part 2: Code of practice for masonry
walls for housing
BS 8103-2:1996

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical

Committee B/525, Building and civil engineering structures, upon which the
following bodies were represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

British Cement Association
British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd.
British Masonry Society
Building Employers’ Confederation
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Construction Directorate)
Department of Transport
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
National Council of Building Material Producers
Royal Institute of British Architects
Timber Research and Development Association

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Association of Building Engineers

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association
Brick Development Association
British Ceramic Research Ltd.
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
Calcium Silicate Brick Association Limited
Concrete Block Association
Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland
Institute of Building Control
National House-building Council
Scottish Office

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board for
Building and Civil Engineering,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 January 1996
Amd. No. Date Comments
© BSI 12-1998

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/525
Draft for comment 90/11766 DC

ISBN 0 580 23232 8

 BS 8103-2:1996

Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Field of application 3
5 Materials and components 7
6 Conditions relating to the wall 7
7 Horizontal lateral support by roof and floors 19
8 Masonry chimneys 19
9 Parapet walls 19
Annex A (normative) External walls of small single storey
non-residential buildings and annexes 21
Annex B (informative) Design provisions for movement in masonry 25
Figure 1 — Field of application 2
Figure 2 — Walls with a difference in ground level on opposite sides 4
Figure 3 — Map of United Kingdom showing basic wind speed (in m/s) 5
Figure 4 — Maximum height of building 7
Figure 5 — Measuring wall heights 8
Figure 6 — Maximum plan areas 9
Figure 7 — Building size and shape 9
Figure 8 — Minimum wall thickness for external and separating walls 10
Figure 9 — Minimum wall thickness for external and separating
walls with storey heights A and d 11
Figure 10 — Compressive strength of masonry units for buildings 12
Figure 11 — Lintel spanning in the plane of the wall 14
Figure 12 — Lintel spanning at right angles to the wall 14
Figure 13 — Spacing of wall ties 16
Figure 14 — Internal buttressing walls 17
Figure 15 — Piers and chimneys providing restraint 17
Figure 16 — Size and position of openings and recesses 18
Figure 17 — Sizes of chases 19
Figure 18 — Sizes of chimneys 20
Figure 19 — Sizes of parapet walls 20
Figure A.1 — Size and shape of buildings or annexes 22
Figure A.2 — Location of openings 23
Figure A.3 — Wall thicknesses 24
Figure A.4 — Horizontal lateral restraint at roof level 25
Figure B.1 — Movement joint at change in external wall height 26
Figure B.2 — Offsets 26
Figure B.3 — Movement joints in terraced housing 26
Table 1 — Maximum heights of buildings on normal level sites
within the scope of this code 6
Table 2 — Maximum heights of buildings on steeply sloping sites
within the scope of this code 7
Table 3 — British Standards for materials and components listed 10
Table 4 — Minimum bearing length for lintels 14
Table 5 — Selection of types and lengths of wall ties 15
Table 6 — Value of X 18
List of references Inside back cover

© BSI 12-1998 i
BS 8103-2:1996

Foreword

This Part of BS 8103 has been prepared under the direction of the Technical
Committee B/525, Building and civil engineering structures.
A large proportion of the national building programme is concerned with new
housing and alterations in both the public and private sectors where traditional
methods of construction are used for the majority of houses, and it is to these that
this code is applicable.
BS 8103 is published in four Parts:
— Part 1: Code of practice for stability, site investigation, foundations and
ground floor slabs for housing;
— Part 2: Code of practice for masonry walls for housing;
— Part 3: Code of practice for timber floors and roofs for housing;
— Part 4: Code of practice for concrete suspended floors for housing.
This code is written for those with expertise in building construction but not
necessarily in structural engineering design. Low-rise buildings constructed
within the limitations stated in the relevant clauses will not require additional
specialist advice. For any conditions outside the limitations of this code,
appropriate specialist advice should be obtained. It should not be expected that
the recommendations made in this Part can be proved by calculation as they are
based on traditional prescriptive guidance substantiated by long experience.
In formulating the guidance of this code, the worst combination of circumstances
likely to arise was taken into account. It may be appropriate to consider a minor
departure from the recommendations of this Part and show adequacy by
calculation. However, in cases where the recommendations of clause 6 for
conditions relating to a wall are not able to be met or are inappropriate then
reference should be made to BS 5628-1.
When using this code it is important to assess that the overall stability of the
building is achieved, and that the work of any specialist engaged is properly
co-ordinated. BS 8103-1 covers the stability aspect of low-rise housing.
The recommendations in this code are intended to provide safe designs without
the need for calculations of loading and strength criteria.
The figures in this code support the text. They do not show all constructional
details and are not intended to illustrate compliance with any other requirements
or recommendations. They are not necessarily to scale and should not be used as
working details.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 26, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 12-1998

1 Scope
This Part of BS 8103 gives recommendations for
walls above ground level damp-proof course (dpc)
and walls between ground floor level and top of
foundation level in the following range of buildings
of traditional construction:
a) low-rise housing comprising detached,
semi-detached and terraced houses and flats
(with not more than four self-contained dwelling
units per floor accessible from one staircase) of
not more than three storeys above ground,
intended for domestic occupation;
b) certain small single storey non-residential
buildings, e.g. domestic garages and annexes to
residential buildings not exceeding 36 m2 in floor
area (see annex A). For such buildings all clauses
of the code are applicable except for 4.2, item a)
of 4.3, 6.1, 6.7.3 and 6.8.
For the purposes of this code, additional habitable
accommodation in the roof space constitutes a
storey of the house. This code does not include the
design of basements, but providing the basement is
of one level only and is designed to provide a firm
platform at ground level the provisions of this code
may apply to the superstructure.
The structural design recommendations described
in this code are not intended to cover other
considerations such as fire resistance, thermal and
sound insulation, resistance to damp penetration
and durability for which reference should be made,
for example to BS 5628-3.
Proprietary housing systems and houses of timber,
steel or concrete framed constructions are not
covered by this code.
NOTE Annex B gives guidance on design provisions for
movement.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
This Part of BS 8103 incorporates, by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are made
at the appropriate places in the text and the cited
publications are listed on the inside back cover. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies; any
subsequent amendments to or revisions of the cited
publication apply to this Part of BS 8103 only when
incorporated in the reference by amendment or
revision. For undated references, the latest edition
of the cited publication applies, together with any
amendments.
© BSI 12-1998
BS 8103-2:1996
2.2 Informative references
This Part of BS 8103 refers to other publications
that provide information or guidance. Editions of
these publications current at the time of issue of this
standard are listed on the inside back cover, but
reference should be made to the latest editions.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
definitions in BS 6100 apply in general, together
with the following.
3.1
annexe
single storey adjunct to a residential building with
dimensions of the adjunct not exceeding those given
in annex A
NOTE Examples are a porch, verandah, loggia, conservatory,
greenhouse, garage, tool shed, fuel store, water closet, lavatory,
wash-house.
3.2
traditional construction
buildings constructed as follows:
a) roofs:
1) timber rafter and purlin;
2) timber truss and purlin;
3) timber trussed rafter;
4) timber flat roof.
b) ground floors:
1) timber suspended;
2) concrete ground-supported;
3) concrete precast suspended;
4) concrete in situ reinforced suspended.
c) intermediate floors:
1) timber suspended;
2) concrete precast suspended.
d) walls of masonry construction.
where loads do not exceed those given in other Parts
of BS 8103
3.3
thickness (of walls)
space allocated to masonry units taking into account
their allowed dimensional deviations. In the case of
non-loadbearing walls, this includes the thickness of
any applied finish to the wall
1
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Figure 1 — Field of application

2 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

4 Field of application 4.2 Dimensions

NOTE When checking whether this code applies to a particular The recommendations given in this code are
building, reference should be made to Figure 1. governed by the following limiting dimensions.
4.1 Limiting loads and dimensions a) The maximum length of loadbearing wall
4.1.1 Vertical dead loads between vertical lateral supports, i.e. between
centre-lines of buttressing walls, piers, return
The recommendations given in this code are based
walls etc., should be 9 m (see 6.7).
on the assumption that all floors and roofs
supported by the walls conform to BS 8103-3 for b) No part of a wall or roof should be higher
timber elements and BS 8103-4 for concrete floors. than 15 m above the lowest adjacent ground level
(see Figure 4).
4.1.2 Vertical imposed loads
c) The maximum external wall height (H1, H2, or
The recommendations given in this code are based H3, measured in accordance with Figure 5)
on the assumption that the imposed loads on the should be 12 m.
floors supported by the walls, given in type 1 of
d) The maximum clear span of any roof should
Table 51) in BS 6399-1:1984 will not be exceeded.
be 12 m.
4.1.3 Lateral imposed loads
e) The maximum clear span of any floor should
4.1.3.1 Ground levels either side of walls be 6 m.
Where a wall is subjected to a lateral load from f) No opening in a loadbearing wall should have a
retained material due to a difference in ground clear span greater than 3.0 m.
levels on opposite sides, the difference in level above g) The maximum floor area for stability should be
fully compacted backfill should not exceed the as shown in Figure 6.
dimensions shown in Figure 2. The rules given in
h) The maximum height from top of foundation to
Figure 2 b) do not apply where there is an adjacent
top of ground floor (see Figure 5) should be:
roadway on the upper level, used other than by
private cars, and where the roadway for such 1) 2.7 m where the floor provides lateral
vehicles is closer than a distance equivalent restraint to the wall; and
to 1.25 times the retained height. Such situations 2) 1 m for all other cases.
are outside the scope of this code. i) For maximum storey height see Figure 5.
NOTE Figure 2 does not apply to free-standing walls.
4.1.3.2 Wind loading
The maximum wind forces to which a building is
liable to be exposed will vary with its geographical
location in the country, the degree of exposure, and
the height of the building. The scope of this code is
based on a limited building shape (see 4.3), building
height (see 4.2), and storey height (see 4.2).
It will normally be possible to establish the
applicability of this code by reference to the basic
wind speeds shown in Figure 3 and listed in
Table 1 and Table 2. If the proposed building falls
outside the maximum building height in these
tables or where doubt exists, a separate design
check in accordance with CP 3:Chapter V-2 should
be carried out. If the design wind speed
exceeds 44 m/s this code does not apply and the
design should be carried out in accordance with
BS 5628-1.

1)
Residential occupancy class, self-contained dwelling units.

© BSI 12-1998 3
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BS 8103-2:1996
© BSI 12-1998

Figure 2 — Walls with a difference in ground level on opposite sides

 BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 3 — Map of United Kingdom showing basic wind speed (in m/s)

© BSI 12-1998 5
BS 8103-2:1996

Table 1 — Maximum heights of buildings on normal level sites within the scope of this code
Basic wind Maximum building height for ground roughness category (in m)
speed
Open countryside with Open countryside with Country with many Surface with large and
no obstructions scattered windbreaks windbreaks, small towns, frequent obstructions,
outskirts of large cities city centres
m/s
36 15 15 15 15
38 15 15 15 15
40 15 15 15 15
42 15 15 15 15
44 15 15 15 15
46 11 15 15 15
48 9 13 15 15
50 7 10 15 15
52 6 9 15 15
54 4.5 8 14 15
56 3 7 13 15
NOTE These data apply to normal level or slightly sloping sites and are based on S1 = 1.0 as given in CP 3:Chapter V-2, which can
be referred to for further guidance on applicability of data to particular sites.

6 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

Table 2 — Maximum heights of buildings on steeply sloping sites within the scope of this code
Basic wind Maximum building height for ground roughness category (in m)
speed
Open countryside with Open countryside with Country with many Surface with large and
no obstructions scattered windbreaks windbreaks, small towns, frequent obstructions,
outskirts of large cities city centres
m/s
36 8 11 15 15
38 6 9 15 15
40 4 7.5 14 15
42 3 6 12 15
44 5 10 15
46 4 8 15
48 Outside 3 6.5 14
50 the scope 5 12
52 of this code 4 10
54 3 8.5
56 7.0
NOTE These data apply to very exposed hill slopes or crests and are based on S1 = 1.36 as given in CP 3:Chapter V-2 which can
be referred to for further guidance and applicability of the data to particular sites.

5 Materials and components

Materials and components should conform to the
appropriate British Standards as listed in Table 3.

6 Conditions relating to the wall

Figure 4 — Maximum height of building
4.3 Conditions relating to the size and shape of
the building of which the wall forms part
To achieve adequate stability for residential
buildings of not more than three storeys against
wind forces the building dimensions, as illustrated
in Figure 7, should not exceed the following values.
a) The height of the main building (h1) should be
not greater than twice the width of the building.
The width should be taken as w1 if p1 is equal to,
or less than w3, or as w3 if p1 is greater than w3.
b) The width of the annexe (w2) should be not less
than half the height of the annexe (h2) if its
length (p2) is greater than twice its width (w2).
6.1 Thickness of walls (external and
separating)
External and separating walls should have a
minimum thickness in accordance with Figure 8.
However, under certain circumstances of use
relating to wall height, these thicknesses should be
increased to the values shown in Figure 9. These
situations occur for:
a) the ground storey height, if the ground floor
does not provide effective lateral support to the
wall;
b) the top storey height, for walls which include a
gable where lateral support is given to the gable
only along the roof slope.
6.2 Thickness of internal non-loadbearing
masonry walls
Internal non-loadbearing masonry walls should
have a minimum thickness of 75 mm (including
plaster finish, but excluding dry lining) and should
be adequately restrained at the head.

© BSI 12-1998 7
BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 5 — Measuring wall heights

8 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 6 — Maximum plan areas

Figure 7 — Building size and shape

© BSI 12-1998 9
BS 8103-2:1996

6.3 Thickness of internal loadbearing masonry 6.4 Compressive strength of masonry units
walls (see Figure 10) Masonry units when tested in accordance with the
The minimum thickness of internal loadbearing British Standards listed in Table 3 should have a
walls should be 90 mm. In two or three storey compressive strength not less than the values given
buildings the minimum wall thickness should be in Figure 10.
either 140 mm in blockwork or 215 mm in
brickwork where the wall supports either:
a) two upper storeys and is greater than 1 m in
height; or
b) three storeys.
Table 3 — British Standards for materials and components listed
Material or component British Standard to be Other recommendations
conformed to
Clay brick BS 3921 or BS 6649 Compressive strength should be in accordance
Calcium silicate brick BS 187 or BS 6649 with 6.4, i.e. minimum compressive strengths
should be 5 N/mm2, 7 N/mm2 and 15 N/mm2 for
Concrete brick BS 6073-1
bricks or 2.8 N/mm2 and 7 N/mm2 for blocks,
Concrete block
depending on circumstances
Square dressed natural BS 5390 —
stone
Reconstructed stone BS 6457 —
masonry units
Mortar BS 5628-3 Designation (iii) mortar should be used unless
Ready mixed mortar BS 4721 otherwise shown in Table 13 of BS 5628-3:1985
Wall ties BS 1243 Other ties of equivalent performance may be used
(see DD 140-2)
In conditions of severe exposure austenitic stainless
steel or non-ferrous ties as recommended in Table 9
of BS 5628-3:1985 should be used
Bricks of special shapes BS 4729 —
and sizes

Figure 8 — Minimum wall thickness for external and separating walls

10 © BSI 12-1998
© BSI 12-1998

BS 8103-2:1996
Figure 9 — Minimum wall thickness for external and separating walls with storey heights A and D (see Figure 5)
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Figure 10 — Compressive strength of masonry units for buildings

12 © BSI 12-1998

6.5 Lintel bearings
Supported leaves should not overhang lintels by
more than 10 mm.
The length of bearing for lintels
(see Figure 11 and Figure 12) should be not less
than the limiting dimensions given in Table 4.
6.6 Cavity wall ties
6.6.1 Spacing
6.6.1.1 General
The leaves of a cavity wall should be tied together by
wall ties embedded to a minimum depth of 50 mm
and at a maximum spacing of 900 mm horizontally
and 450 mm vertically (density of 2.5 ties/m2). They
should normally be in a staggered pattern
(see Figure 13).
6.6.1.2 Increased tie density
Additional ties should be provided within 225 mm of
the vertical edge of all openings so that there is at
least one tie for each 300 mm of height of the
opening as shown in Figure 13. For the purposes of
this recommendation the following apply.
a) Vertical unreturned edges should be tied as for
openings.
b) Sloping unreturned edges, such as the roof
verge, should be tied as openings, i.e. they should
be provided with at least one tie for each 300 mm
of vertical height and within 225 mm of the
edges.
c) The masonry adjacent to vertical movement
joints in the outer leaf should be tied as for
openings using ties tolerant of some horizontal
movement.
6.6.2 Type
Tie types should be selected which are adequately
stiff to transmit axial loads but sufficiently flexible
to allow some relative movement of the two leaves.
Traditional tie types should conform to the
specifications in BS 1243 and non-traditional types
should meet the performance specifications of
DD 140-2. Table 5 lists appropriate types.
© BSI 12-1998
BS 8103-2:1996
6.7 Vertical lateral restraint
6.7.1 Buttressing walls, piers and chimneys
The ends of every loadbearing wall should be bonded
or otherwise securely tied throughout the full height
of the wall to a buttressing wall, pier or chimney.
Long walls may be provided with intermediate
buttressing support, effectively dividing the wall
into distinct lengths, each length being defined as a
structural wall in terms of the recommendations
and definitions given in this code. Any buttressing
wall, pier or chimney should provide support from
the base to the full height of the supported wall
(see Figure 14).
6.7.2 Internal buttressing walls providing
restraint
The buttressing wall should be bonded or securely
tied to the wall, or loadbearing leaf of a cavity wall,
which it is supporting. The other end of the
buttressing wall should also be bonded or securely
tied to a buttressing wall, pier or chimney. In the
case of a connection between a loadbearing wall on
foundations and a non-loadbearing wall supported
on a ground-bearing slab, it is preferable to tie, not
bond the walls. This will reduce the risk of cracking
due to differential vertical movement.
The position and size of openings or recesses in a
buttressing wall should not impair the vertical
support which is being provided by the buttressing
wall (see Figure 14).
In dwelling houses, a non-loadbearing masonry wall
can be used as a buttressing wall to provide support
to other walls. The thickness of such a wall should
not be less than 75 mm if the supported wall does
not as a whole exceed 6 m in height or 9 m in length.
In all other cases, the thickness of a buttressing wall
should be not less than 90 mm.
6.7.3 Piers and chimneys providing restraint
Piers should be at least three times the thickness of
the supported wall and chimneys should be at least
twice the thickness of the supported wall, measured
at right angles to the wall. The thickness of the
supported wall to be used in assessing these pier
and chimney proportions is the wall thickness
recommended for stability from 6.1. Piers should
have a minimum width of 190 mm (see Figure 15).
The sectional area on plans of chimneys (excluding
openings for fireplaces and flues) should be not less
than the area recommended for a pier in the same
wall.
The buttressing pier or chimney should provide
support to the full height of the wall from base to top
of wall.
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BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 11 — Lintel spanning in the plane of the wall

Figure 12 — Lintel spanning at right angles to the wall

Table 4 — Minimum bearing length for lintels

Situation Minimum length of bearing B (in mm)
Lintel spanning in plane of Lintel spanning at right angles to the support wall
(parallel to) the supporting (see Figure 12)
wall (see Figure 11)
1. Lintel not supporting 150 (but see also 3 100
a concrete floor below)
— — where d is to be less where d is to be greater
than 200 than or equal to 200, or no
openings
2. Lintel supporting a Y/10 or 150 whichever is Y/10 or 150 whichever is Y/15 or 100 whichever is
concrete floor the greater (but see the greater the greater
also 3 below)
3. Thickness of Value from 1 or 2 above —
supporting wall or width multiplied by 100/wall
of lintel less thickness or 100/lintel
than 100 mm width as appropriate
(but see also 4 below)
4. Where minimum unit Value from 1, 2 or 3 —
compressive strength above × 0.8, but not less
of 3.5 N/mm2 is used than 150
instead of 2.8 N/mm2

14 © BSI 12-1998
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Table 5 — Selection of types and lengths of wall ties

Least leaf thickness Nominal cavity Permissible type of tie Tie lengthb
(one or both) width

Shape namea Type numbera

BS 1243 DD 140-2
mm mm mm
90 75 or less Butterfly, double triangle or 1, 2, 3 or 4 200
vertical twist
90 76 to 90 Double triangle or vertical twist 1, 2, 3 or 4 225c
90 91 to 100 Double triangled or vertical twist 1, 2, 3 or 4 225
90 101 to 125 Vertical twist 1, 2, 3 or 4 250
90 126 to 150 Vertical twist 1, 2, 3 or 4 275
a
The strength and stiffness of masonry/masonry ties to DD 140-2 ranges from type 1, the stiffest, to type 4 the least stiff. For ties
to BS 1243 the vertical twist is the stiffest and the butterfly the least stiff.
b
This column gives the tie lengths, in 25 mm increments, that best meet the performance recommendation that the embedment
depth will be not less than 50 mm in both leaves, after taking into account all building and material tolerances, but that also the
ties should not protrude from the face. The designers may vary these in particular circumstances provided that they meet the
performance recommendations.
c
The minimum length recommendation exceeds the maximum specified under BS 1243 but 225 mm double triangle format ties,
which otherwise conform to the requirements of BS 1243 should be suitable.
d Double triangle ties of shape similar to those in BS 1243, having a strength to satisfy type 2 of DD 140-2 are manufactured.
Specialist tie manufacturers should be consulted if 225 mm long double triangle format ties are needed for 91 mm to 100 mm
cavities.

© BSI 12-1998 15
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BS 8103-2:1996
Figure 13 — Spacing of wall ties
© BSI 12-1998
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Figure 14 — Internal buttressing walls

Figure 15 — Piers and chimneys providing restraint

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BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 16 — Size and position of openings and recesses

Table 6 — Value of X
Nature of roof span Maximum roof Minimum thickness Span of floor is Span of timber Span of
span of wall inner leaf parallel to wall floor into wall concrete floor
into wall
max. max. max. max.
4.5 m 6.0 m 4.5 m 6.0 m
m mm Value of X
Roof spans Not applicable 100 6 6 6 6 6
parallel to wall
90 6 6 6 6 5
Timber roof 12 100 6 6 5 4 3
spans into wall
90 6 4 4 3 3

18 © BSI 12-1998

6.8 Limitations on size and position of
openings and recesses
The number, size and position of openings and
recesses should not impair the stability of a wall in
which they are included or the lateral support
afforded by a buttressing wall to a supported wall
(see 6.7.2). Construction over openings and recesses
should be adequately supported.
The position of openings and recesses above the
ground floor should be in accordance with Figure 16.
Openings should be not greater than 3 m in width.
No openings should be provided in walls below
ground floor except for small holes for services and
ventilation etc., which should be limited to a
maximum area of 0.1 m2 at not less than 2 m
centres.
The clear height of an individual opening should be
not greater than 0.9 times the clear floor to ceiling
height, and the depth of the lintel including any
masonry over the opening should be not less
than 150 mm.
6.9 Chases
Chases should be kept to a minimum and not be so
positioned as to impair the stability of the wall,
particularly where hollow or cellular blocks and
perforated bricks are used. Where hollow blocks are
used, 15 mm of block material should be retained
between the void and back of the chase.
Vertical chases should be not deeper than 1/3 of the
wall thickness or, in cavity walls, 1/3 of the
thickness of the leaf (see Figure 17).
All other chases should be avoided if possible but in
any case should be not deeper than 1/6 of the wall
thickness or, in cavity walls, 1/6 of the thickness of
the leaf (see Figure 17).
Figure 17 — Sizes of chases
© BSI 12-1998
BS 8103-2:1996
7 Horizontal lateral support by roof
and floors
Walls in each storey of a building should extend to
the full height of that storey, and have effective
horizontal lateral supports to restrict movement of
the wall at right angles to its plane.
Floors and roofs should:
a) be capable of transferring lateral forces from
walls to buttressing walls, piers or chimneys; and
b) be secured to the supported wall by effective
connections recommended in BS 8103-1.
8 Masonry chimneys
Where a chimney is not supported adequately by
ties or restrained securely in any way, its height,
measured from the highest point of intersection
with the roof surface, gutter, etc. to the top of any
chimney pot or other flue terminal, Hc, should not
exceed 4.5 Wc, where Wc is the least horizontal
dimension of the chimney measured at the same
point of intersection (see Figure 18).
The density of masonry for chimneys should be not
less than 1 500 kg/m3.
9 Parapet walls
The minimum thickness and maximum height of
parapet walls should be as given in Figure 19.
Masonry parapet walls sized by these
recommendations should be used only where access
is limited, e.g. for occasional maintenance.
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BS 8103-2:1996

Figure 18 — Sizes of chimneys

Figure 19 — Sizes of parapet walls

20 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

Annex A (normative) A.2 Size and location of openings

External walls of small single storey A.2.1 One or two major openings not more
non-residential buildings and annexes than 2.1 m in height are permitted in one wall of the
building or annexe only. The width of a single
NOTE The recommendations given in item i) of A.1 and in A.4
are of particular importance. opening or the combined width of two openings
should not exceed 5 m.
A.1 General A.2.2 The only other openings permitted in a
The recommendations contained in this annex apply building or annexe are for windows and a single leaf
in the following circumstances. door. The size and location of these openings should
be in accordance with Figure A.2.
a) The floor area of the building or annexe does
not exceed 36 m2. A.3 Wall thickness and recommendations for
b) The walls are solidly constructed in brickwork piers
or blockwork using materials which comply with
A.3.1 The walls should have a minimum thickness
Table 3.
of 90 mm.
c) Where the floor area of the building or annexe
A.3.2 Walls which do not contain a major opening
exceeds 10 m2 the walls have a surface mass of
but exceed 2.5 m in length or height should be
not less than 130 kg/m2.
bonded or tied to piers for their full height at not
NOTE There is no surface mass limitation recommended for
floor areas of 10 m2 or less.
more than 3 m centres as shown in Figure A.3 a).
Walls which contain one or two major openings
d) Access to the roof is only for the purposes of
should in addition have piers as shown in
maintenance and repair.
Figure A.3 b) and Figure A.3 c). Where ties are used
e) The only lateral loads are wind loads to connect piers to walls they should be
(see 4.1.3.2). flat, 20 mm × 3 mm in cross section, be in durable
f) The maximum length or width of the building metal, or be galvanized, be placed in pairs and be
or annex does not exceed 9 m. spaced at not more than 300 mm centres vertically.
g) The height of the building or annexe does not
A.4 Horizontal lateral restraint at roof level
exceed the lower value derived from
Figure A.1 or 4.1.3.2. Walls should be tied horizontally at no more
h) The roof is braced at rafter level, horizontally than 2 m centres to the roof structure at eaves level,
at eaves level and at the base of any gable by roof base of gables and along roof slopes with straps fixed
decking, rigid sarking or diagonal timber bracing, in accordance with Figures 15 to 17 in BS 8103-1.
as appropriate, in accordance with BS 8103-3. Where straps cannot pass through a wall they should
be adequately secured to the masonry using suitable
i) Walls are tied to the roof structure vertically and
fixings. Isolated columns should also be tied to the
horizontally in accordance with BS 8103-1 and
roof structure (see Figure A.4).
with horizontal lateral restraint at roof level in
accordance with A.4 of this standard.
j) The roof structure of an annexe is secured to the
structure of the main building at both rafter and
eaves level.

© BSI 12-1998 21
BS 8103-2:1996

Figure A.1 — Size and shape of buildings or annexes (see also A.1 i) and A.4)

22 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

Figure A.2 — Location of openings

© BSI 12-1998 23
BS 8103-2:1996

Figure A.3 — Wall thicknesses

24 © BSI 12-1998

Figure A.4 — Horizontal lateral restraint at roof level
Annex B (informative)
Design provisions for movement in
masonry
B.1 General
Joints in masonry walls to accommodate movement
are not normally required for low-rise buildings.
However where walls have long unbroken runs, the
inclusion of movement joints should be considered
as recommended below. Where such joints are
incorporated in a design according to this code of
practice the designer should consider whether, in
view of the breaks of continuity introduced, a more
detailed structural design is required to ensure its
structural stability is not affected.
Dimensional changes in masonry walls arise due to
both moisture and temperature changes. Clay
brickwork tends to expand and calcium silicate
brickwork, concrete brickwork and blockwork tends
to shrink.
Movement joints are not normally required to
continue below ground level dpc except at changes of
level.
Detailed guidance on the design of movement joints
can be found in BS 5628-3.
© BSI 12-1998
BS 8103-2:1996
B.2 Spacing of movement joints for different
masonry materials
For clay brickwork, movement joints should be
considered at between 12 m and 15 m centres.
For calcium silicate brickwork, movement joints
should be considered at between 7.5 m and 9 m
centres.
For concrete brickwork and blockwork, movement
joints should be considered at approximately 6 m
centres.
B.3 Examples of design features requiring
consideration of movement joints
B.3.1 Change of height
Movement joints should be provided where there is
a change in height in the external walling
(see Figure B.1).
B.3.2 Offsets
Consideration should be given to the provision of a
movement joint where an offset is produced (on
plan) which is less than 675 mm (see Figure B.2).
25
BS 8103-2:1996

B.3.3 Terraced housing B.4 Bed joint reinforcement

Movement joints should be provided in the external
walling of terraced housing at the spacing given
in B.2 (see Figure B.3).
Bed joint reinforcement can be used around
openings in external leaves to resist local cracking
in walls made from concrete or calcium silicate
units. Stainless steel reinforcement is recommended
in external leaves.
Reference should also be made to BS 5628-3.

Figure B.1 — Movement joint at change in external wall height

Figure B.2 — Offsets

Figure B.3 — Movement joints in terraced housing

26 © BSI 12-1998
 BS 8103-2:1996

List of references (see clause 2)

Normative references

BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 187:1978, Specification for calcium silicate (sandlime and flintlime) bricks.

BS 1243:1978, Specification for metal ties for cavity wall construction.
BS 3921:1985, Specification for clay bricks.
BS 4721:1981, Specification for ready-mixed building mortars.
BS 4729:1990, Specification for dimensions of bricks of special shapes and sizes.
BS 5390:1976, Code of practice for stone masonry.
BS 5628, Code of practice for use of masonry.
BS 5628-1:1992, Structural use of unreinforced masonry.
BS 5628-3:1985, Materials and components, design and workmanship.
BS 6073, Precast concrete masonry units.
BS 6073-1:1981, Specification for precast concrete masonry units.
BS 6100, Glossary of building and civil engineering terms.
BS 6457:1984, Specification for reconstructed stone masonry units.
BS 6649:1985, Specification for clay and calcium silicate modular bricks.
BS 8103, Structural design of low-rise buildings.
BS 8103-1:1986, Code of practice for stability, site investigation, foundation and ground floor slabs for
housing.
BS 8103-3:1995, Code of practice for timber floors and roofs.
CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.
CP 3:Chapter V, Loading.
CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972, Wind loads.
DD 140, Wall ties.
DD 140-2:1987, Recommendations for design of wall ties.

Informative references

BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London

BS 6399, Loading for buildings.

BS 6399-1:1984, Code of practice for dead and imposed loads.
BS 8103, Structural design of low-rise buildings.
BS 8103-4:1995, Code of practice for concrete suspended floors.

© BSI 12-1998
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