Manual 9

Detailing of
Clay Masonry

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 1

While the contents of this publication
are believed to be accurate and complete,
the information given is intended for
general guidance and does not replace
the services of professional advisers
on specific projects. Local or state
regulations may require variation from
the practices and recommendations
contained in this publication. Think
Brick Australia disclaims any liability
whatsoever regarding the contents of this
publication.

This publication, its contents and format

are copyright © 2020 of Think Brick
Australia and may not be reproduced,
copied or stored in any medium without
prior, written authorisation from Think
Brick Australia. ABN 30 003 873 309

Cover: Cornerstone Stores, Richards

and Spence. High Commendation,
Horbury Hunt Commercial Award 2018.

Manufacturer: Claypave
Brick collection: Dry Press - Red
Builder: Cru Collective
Contractor: TDM Constructions
Photography credit: Andy Macpherson
Studio

Cornerstone Stores turns its attention

away from the highway to the
neighbouring creek and nature reserve,
offering a cloistered courtyard and garden
for local residents. The choice of red bricks
references the local 1960s apartment
building vernacular. Continuing inside
and out, across walls, floors and arches,
the brickwork provides a robust finish for
people and plants, inviting the patina of
time.

First published June 2008.

Revised December 2018, June 2019,
January 2020.

PO Box 275, St Leonards NSW 1590 Australia

Suite 7.01, Level 7, 154 Pacific Highway, St Leonards
NSW 2065 Australia
Telephone +61 2 8448 5500
Technical hotline 1300 667 617
ABN 30003873309
www.thinkbrick.com.au
 Contents

1 Introduction 7
2 Roof Anchorage 8

2.1 Cavity walls 8

2.2 Veneer walls 9

2.3 Single-skin walls 9

3 Wall Supports 10

3.1 Cavity walls 10

3.2 Veneer walls 10

3.3 Single-skin walls 11

3.4 Internal walls – raft slab 11

3.5 Nibs and shelf angles 11

3.6 Wall-slab junctions 12

3.7 Tops of internal walls 12

4 Prevention of Dampness 13

4.1 Prevention of water penetration through walls 13

4.2 Damp-proof courses 13

4.3 Cavity flashings 13

4.4 Window flashings 14

4.5 Roof and Parapet flashing 14

4.6 Weepholes 15

5 Lintels 17

5.1 General 17

5.2 Definitions 17

5.3 Using the design tables 17

5.4 Design tables 18

5.5 Construction details 26

5.5.1 General 26
5.5.2 Angle lintels 26

5.5.3 Reinforced brickwork lintels 26

5.5.4 Other types of lintels 26

 5.6 Lintel design by calculation 27

5.6.1 Notation 27

5.6.2 Design assumptions 27

5.6.3 Strength calculations for lintels supporting

non-loadbearing walls 27

5.6.4 Stiffness Calculations for Lintels Supporting

Non Loadbearing Walls 28

5.6.5 Strength Calculations for Lintels Supporting

Loads Additional To the Brickwork 28

5.6.6 Stiffness calculations for lintels supporting

loads additional to the brickwork 28

5.6.7 End condition of lintels 28

6 Movement Gaps 29

6.1 Dimensional changes in clay masonry units 29

6.1.1 Thermal 29

6.1.2 Short term wetting and drying 29

6.1.3 Long term permanent expansion 29

6.1.4 Coefficient of expansion 29

6.2 Design of control gaps 30

6.2.1 General 30

6.2.2 Sources of movement 30

6.2.3 Gaps for internal walls 31

6.2.4 Gaps for external walls 31

6.3 Recommended maximum gap spacings 34

6.4 Construction details 34

6.4.1 Vertical gaps 34

6.4.2 Horizontal gaps 34

6.4.3 Gap sealing 35

6.5 Windows and Door 36

6.5.1 Brick Veneer 36

6.5.2 Cavity Brick 36

7 References 37

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 4


Figures
1. Roof – cavity wall (low wind) 8
2. Roof – cavity wall (high wind) 8
3. Roof – cavity wall (high wind and earthquake) 8
4. Roof – veneer wall 9
5. Roof – single-skin wall (low wind) 9
6. Roof – single-skin wall (high wind) 9
7. Roof – single-skin wall (high wind and earthquake) 9
8. Base of a cavity wall on a raft slab 10
9. Base of a cavity wall on a strip footing with slab on fill 10
10. Base of a cavity wall with suspended floor 10
11. Base of a veneer wall on a raft slab 10
12. Base of a single-skin wall on a raft slab 11
13. Base of a single-skin wall on a strip footing with slab on fill 11
14. Internal wall support – single storey 11
15. Internal wall support – two storey 11
16. Typical wall-slab junction 12
17. Internal wall supported by a cornice 12
18. Internal wall supported by a top plate 12
19. Typical detail for internal wall in earthquake areas – perpendicular joist 12
20. Typical detail for internal wall in earthquake areas – parallel joist 12
21. Window sill flashing – timber window in a cavity wall 14
22. Window sill flashing – timber window in a veneer wall 14
23. Window sill flashing – metal window in a cavity wall 14
24. Window sill flashing – metal window in a veneer wall 14
25. Parapet flashing – solid wall 15
26. Parapet flashing – cavity wall 15
27a. Straight flashing for tiled roof abutting a masonry wall 15
27b. Straight flashing for metal roof abutting a masonry wall 15
28a. Stepped flashing for tiled roof abutting a masonry 15
28b. Stepped flashing for metal roof abutting a masonry wall 15
29. Stepped flashing to masonry veneer wall (detailed view) 15
30. Stepped flashing tray options 15
31. Soaker details at ridge 15
32. Alternative weephole configurations 16
33. Lintel load cases 18
34. Packing of mortar behind angle lintel to prevent twisting 26
35. Assessment of loads on lintels 27
36. Recommended locations for control gaps 32
37. Brickwork supported by a nib on the slab 34
38. Brickwork supported by a shelf angle 35
39. Unacceptable detail for brickwork support by a nib on the slab 35
40. Methods of sealing vertical control gaps 35
41. External doors showing lintel and flashing details and fixing
of frames in cavity brick 36

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 5

 Figures

42. Lintel and flashing details and fixing of window frames

in cavity brick of frames in cavity brick 36
43. Window frames fitted to timber frame with brick veneer
laid around opening 38
44. Exterior lintel treatment 38
45. Exerior timber doors in brick veneer 38
46. Aluminium windows in brick veneer 39
47. Timber windows in brick veneer 39

Tables
1. Moment requirements for lintels
supporting non-loadbearing walls 19

2. Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels

supporting non-loadbearing walls 19

3. Moment requirements for lintels

supporting walls and tiled roofs 20

4. Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels

supporting walls and tiled roofs 21

5. Moment requirements for lintels

supporting walls and sheet roofs 22

6. Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels

supporting walls and sheet roofs 23

7. Moment requirements for lintels

supporting walls and timber floors 24

8. Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels

supporting walls and timber floors 24

9. Stiffness and moment capacities of common

steel lintel options 25

10. Maximum spacings for vertical control

gaps in clay masonry (m) 34

11. Maximum spacings for horizontal control

gaps in clay masonry (m) 34

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 6

1. Introduction

This manual provides guidance for the detailing of clay masonry in

buildings. The guidance is of a general nature, representing industry
recommendations for good practice. It should always be recognised
that alternative methods exist, and might be preferred in some
situations for architectural, geographical or other reasons.

In conjunction with this manual, appropriate reference should be

made to the National Construction Code (NCC)1 and the various
relevant Australian standards, including Masonry Structures (AS
3700)2 with its Commentary3, and Residential Slabs and Footings
(AS 2870)4 with its Commentary5.

Where specific dimensions are given on details in this manual,

they should be regarded as indicative only. The use of terms such as
low wind, high wind or earthquake loading should be interpreted
as necessarily vague – specific dimensions for roof tie-downs,
anchorages for earthquake resistance and so on should be designed
by a structural engineer to suit the particular circumstances, the
local loading and soil conditions, and the requirements of the local
authorities. The diagrams should not be taken as a substitute for
engineering detail drawings.

Durability considerations are not covered in this manual and are

included in TBA Manual 7: Design of Clay Masonry for Serviceability6.

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 7

2. Roof Anchorage

Roof anchorages are required to
resist not only uplift from wind
forces, but also lateral shear
from wind and earthquake
forces. Requirements vary
widely for different regions,
depending on the level of wind
and earthquake risk. Where
the term high wind is used, it
should not be taken to include
cyclonic wind conditions, but
For higher wind loads, a detail Figure 2. Roof - cavity wall (high
such as that shown in Figure wind)
2 can be used. In this detail
the tie-down strap is attached
directly to the rafter or truss
and uses a steel bar embedded
in both leaves of masonry to
mobilise a greater weight of
the wall. For very high wind
loads such as in cyclonic regions 25 x 1 mm
gal.straps at
a continuous tie-down rod 1200 crs max.
600 mm min.

only a comparatively higher carried through to the footing

level of wind than that referred
to as low wind. Some typical
arrangements are indicated for
cavity walls, veneer walls and
single-skin walls in this section.
When designing for roof
anchorage, AS 4055 Wind loads
for Housing may be used to
determine the uplift force
resulting from wind. To account
for lateral shear wind and
earthquake forces, AS 1170.2 and
AS 1170.4 are used for wind and
earthquake forces respectively.
would be required. Such a detail Strap attached
to 10 mm bar
is not shown here. embedded
50 mm min.
Where resistance to significant
earthquake forces is also
required, a detail such as
that shown in Figure 3 can
be used. This detail mobilises
both leaves of masonry for
resistance to uplift forces and
Figure 3. Roof - cavity wall (high
includes positive tying of the
wind and earthquake)
roof structure and the top plate
to the top of the wall so that
resistance to horizontal shear
forces is provided.

2.1 Cavity walls

Figure 1. Roof - cavity wall (low
wind)
For cavity walls, three common 25 x 1 mm gal.
details are shown. The detail in straps at 1200
crs max.
600 mm min.

Figure 1 is suitable for low wind Strap attached

loads and uses a galvanised to 10 mm bar
embedded
steel strap to tie the top plate 50 mm min.
in each leaf
to the masonry wall. The
roof structure must also be Strap
attached
adequately connected to the to top Chemical anchors
top plate at every truss or rafter. plate embedded 100 mm min.

Resistance against the uplift 25 x 1 mm 600 mm min.

force is provided by the weight gal. straps
at 1200 crs
of the masonry and to mobilise max.
this sufficiently the strap must
Embed
be embedded at least 600 mm 50 mm min.
down in the wall. It is usually
assumed that the weight of a
section of the masonry wall
acts against the force in the
tie-down strap, with a low level
of bond strength in the masonry
providing further resistance.

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 8

2.2 Veneer walls
For veneer walls in housing,
the building frame is assumed
to support the load of the roof
structure (including any uplift
force). Where the frame is of
timber, the only requirement for
the masonry is that a sufficient
gap should be left between the
top of the wall and the underside
of the overhanging eaves to
accommodate shrinkage of the
frame. For softwood framing this
gap should be at least 10 mm for a
single-storey building and 20 mm
for a two-storey building (with
timber floors). A typical detail is
shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Roof - Veneer wall
Clearance
10 mm min.
for single
storey
2.3 Single-skin walls Figure 5. Roof - Single-skin wall
(low wind)
For single-skin (clay block) walls,
three common details are shown.
The detail in Figure 5 is suitable
for low wind areas and uses a
reinforced bond beam at the top
of the wall to provide tying for
the roof structure. A galvanised
steel truss plate is hooked to the Gal. truss
reinforcement in the bond beam. plate hooked
to reinforcing
Alternatives might use a threaded bar in bond
beam
rod or a section of steel angle
anchored into the bond beam.
For higher wind loads a detail
such as that shown in Figure 6
might be used. In this detail the Figure 6. Roof - Single-skin wall
truss plate is attached to the (high wind)
roof structure with a galvanised
strap passing over the truss or
rafter. The longitudinal bond
beam reinforcement is tied to
the footing with a reinforcing
bar. Either the whole wall or only
the cores housing tie-down rods
might be grouted.
Gal. truss
plate hooked
Where earthquake resistance is to reinforcing
bar
also required, the detail shown in
Figure 7 might be suitable. Here
the roof structure and the top
plate are positively tied to the
bond beam, which is tied in turn
to the footing. This arrangement
ensures that horizontal shear Figure 7. Roof - Single-skin wall
forces arising from earthquakes (high wind and earthquake)
can be resisted. In this particular
example the grouting fills the
bond beam, but not the whole
wall and the tie down rod would
require corrosion protection
because it is not embedded in
grout. Such an arrangement
might not be suited to areas
Top plate
subject to cyclonic wind. bolted to
Anchor bar
bond beam
hooked over
reinforcing
bar in bond
beam
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 9
3. Wall Supports
There are many different types
of supports for walls, including
footings, slabs and shelf angles.
Requirements for residential slabs
and footings are covered by AS
2870. Typical details are shown
here for cavity walls, veneer walls,
single-skin walls, and internal
walls, support of walls on slabs
and supports for the tops of
internal walls. Some details for
the support of walls on nibs
and shelf angles are shown in
Section 6.
Weepholes (see Section 4.6)
should be provided above all
flashings. Termite protection
measures might also be required
but are omitted here for clarity.
3.1 Cavity walls
The detail shown in Figure 8 is
for supporting a cavity masonry
wall on a raft slab. The step down
at the edge of the slab can be any
convenient height but must be
at least one course of brickwork
to ensure adequate draining
of the cavity. Usually, 86 mm is
the most convenient height.
The waterproofing membrane
beneath the slab must extend
above the finished ground level.
Mortar should be packed behind
the flashing to minimise the risk
of it being punctured.
Figure 8. Base of a cavity wall on
a raft slab
Weep Mortar behind
holes at DPC
1200 crs
max. 86 mm min.
Flashing/
DPC
Compacted fill
Membrane under slab
Figure 9 shows an alternative Figure 10. Base of a cavity wall
detail for a cavity wall, supported with suspended floor
on a strip footing with a floor slab DPC
founded on compacted fill. In this Weep holes at
case the flashing does not extend 1200 crs max.
across the cavity; proper drainage
is ensured by an outward-sloping 150 mm min. Ant cap if
min. required
fill of mortar at the base of the
cavity. The damp-proof course in
the outer leaf should be at least Mortar fill
150 mm above the finished ground Strip footing in cavity
level (if not paved) and the sub-
floor membrane should extend
around the front of the slab and be
embedded beneath the inner leaf.
Figure 9. Base of a cavity wall on 3.2 Veneer walls
a strip footing with slab on fill
For a veneer wall on a raft slab, as
shown in Figure 11, the step down
Sub-floor can be any convenient dimension
DPC membrane
Weep holes
wrapped around of at least 20 mm, but the flashing
slab edge
at 1200 crs must extend up at least 150 mm
max. Compacted fill
above the base and be attached
150 mm min.
to the timber framing. The
flashing also acts as a damp-
proof course for the masonry.
Strip footing
The waterproofing membrane for
Mortar fill in cavity
the slab must extend above the
finished ground level.
The detail shown in Figure 10 is
for a cavity wall on a strip footing Figure 11. Base of a veneer wall on
with a suspended timber floor. The araft slab
important elements are similar to
the previous detail. The ant cap,
when required, can be combined
with the damp-proof course.
Timber frame
Ventilation required for the sub- Flashing/DPC
floor area is not shown. Weep holes
at 1200 crs
max. 150 mmm min.
20 mm
min.
Membrane under slab Compacted fill
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 10
3.3 Single-skin walls Figure 13. Base of a single-skin Figure 15.Internal wall support -
wall on a strip footing with slab two storey
Figure 12 shows a single-skin on fill
(clay block) wall with tie-down
reinforcing rods for high wind
resistance seated on a raft slab.
For this type of wall, there is Starter bar
hooked into Internal double-
usually no stepdown in the slab footing or slab
storey wall (brick
and waterproofing is provided by or framed)
Waterproof
an external coating on the wall, coating

which should extend down below Membrane

the level of the top slab surface.
The slab waterproofing membrane
should be wrapped around and
Compacted
exposed above the finished Strip footing
fill Membrane
ground level. Wall beam

An alternative detail for single- 3.5 Nibs and shelf angles

3.4 Internal walls - raft slab
skin walls is shown in Figure 13.
In this case the wall is seated on a When non-loadbearing masonry
For the support of internal walls,
strip footing. Pouring the slab and cladding is supported on nibs
a raft slab must be stiffened or at
grouting the lower courses of the and shelf-angles it is essential to
least strengthened. Two typical
wall are usually performed in one allow for sufficient movement
details are shown in Figure 14
operation. Other points are the to accommodate long-term
and Figure 15. With single-storey
same as for the previous detail. expansion and to provide
walls this can usually be achieved
within the slab thickness but for adequate flashing, to exclude
Engineer’s details should be water. The arrangements for
two storey construction the slab
obtained for single-skin walls that flashing of these supports are
will require additional thickening.
utilise high wind tie-down rods. shown in Section 6, where other
Engineer’s details should be
obtained for the slab. aspects are discussed.

Figure 12. Base of a single-skin Figure 14.Internal wall support -

wall on a raft slab single storey

Waterproof
coating

Internal single-
Starter bar storey wall (brick
hooked into Slab or framed)
footing strengthening

Compacted fill
Membrane
Membrane

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 11

3.6 Wall-slab junctions
A typical detail for the junction of
a slab with a cavity wall is shown
in Figure 16. As for other flashing
details, weepholes must be
provided at least every 1200 mm
to drain the flashing. A slip joint
beneath the slab edge is essential
to accommodate differential
movement.
Figure 16. Typical wall-slab
Junction
Figure 19 and Figure 20 show Figure 19. Typical detail for
details for earthquake-prone internal wall in earthquake areas -
areas that should be regarded perpendicular joist
only as typical arrangements.
These details provide enhanced
Ceiling joist fixed to top plate
resistance to lateral shear forces with framing anchor
between the roof structure
and the wall. For adequate
attachment, the chemical anchors
should penetrate at least 70
mm into the top of the masonry
Top plate fixed
wall. Engineer’s details should with chemical
anchors
be obtained for each particular
situation.

Weep holes at Figure 17. Internal wall supported

1200 crs max. by a cornice
Figure 20. Typical detail for
internal wall in earthquake areas -
Trussed roof parallel joist
Two layers of metal-
core DPC or greased
slip joint

Flashing
Cornice fixed
to ceiling Trimmer fixed to top plate Ceiling joist
Allowance for with framing anchor
truss deflection
15 mm min.
Gap to
accommodate
3.7 Tops of internal walls movement
Framing anchor
to trimmer and Top plate fixed
joist with chemical
The tops of internal walls should anchors
always be supported so that the
wall has sufficient robustness
and resistance to incidental
loads caused by pressure Figure 18. Internal wall supported
differences within the building. In by a top plate
earthquake prone regions, there is
also a requirement for resistance
to lateral forces generated by
Framed roof ceiling joist
earthquakes. The details for
providing this support vary
depending on the level of loading
and local construction practices.
Typical details for low earthquake Top plate attached
risk areas, providing support to ceiling joist and
top of wall
Cornice attached
to top plate by
against nominal wind loads, are packing piece
shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18.
The most important requirement
for these details is provision for
movement between the different
materials at the wall-ceiling
junction.

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 12

4. Prevention of Dampness
Problems relating to water
penetration into masonry
buildings happen all too often,
but they can be prevented.
Construction methods exist which
if carefully followed, will ensure
a durable and watertight building.
Where dampness or deterioration
due to water occurs in walls, it is
common to find that the cause
of failure is a poor architectural
detail, unsuitable materials, bad
workmanship or a combination
of them all. Any of these causes
might arise from a lack of
understanding of the properties of
the materials involved, although
carelessness or building down to a
price will sometimes be the cause
of bad workmanship.
The NCC (Housing Provisions)
includes various details of
construction practice for flashings
and damp-proof courses that are
deemed to be acceptable and
should be read in conjunction
with this manual.
4.1 Prevention of water
penetration through walls
Bricks and mortar both contain
fine pores or capillaries of irregular
shape and size extending for
various distances and directions.
Water lodging on one surface of
a wall made of these materials
will be drawn into the pores by
capillary force. If sufficient water
is present over a long enough
time, it may eventually penetrate
through the full thickness of the
wall to appear as dampness on
the inside. This is a possible cause
of dampness in walls with no
cavity, but capillary action will not
result in water running down the
inside face of such a wall. Most
free water found in this location
enters through gaps in the
joints due to bed furrowing, tip
jointing or other poor bricklaying
practices. Defects in flashings can
also be a cause.
Cavity wall construction operates
on the principle that the cavity
provides a break between a wet
outside leaf and a dry inside leaf.
This is usually an effective barrier
to penetration of rainwater falling
on the face of the wall unless large
gaps allow water to enter and
either blow or splash across the
cavity. The effectiveness of the
cavity will be greatly reduced if it
is bridged by mortar droppings or
poorly designed or installed wall
ties. Free drainage of the cavity
must occur if water transmission
to the inner leaf is to be avoided.
The porous nature of both
bricks and mortar contributes
significantly to the water
tightness of a wall. Their blotting
paper action of soaking up free
water considerably reduces
the load on flashings and other
waterproofing elements and
the water-holding capacity of
brickwork is seldom exceeded by
the volume of water delivered to it
during a period of rain.
4.2 Damp-proof courses
The correct locations for ground
and floor-level damp-proof
courses (DPCs) are shown in
Section 3. In some regions in the
past, it has been the accepted
practice to provide two DPCs
below timber floor level, but a
single membrane is now often
recommended. The combination
of a DPC and a termite shield in
this location will be necessary
in many regions. Where there is
any risk that surrounding ground
may be waterlogged and the brick
to be used below the floor level
DPC is not of a type known to be
highly resistant to salt attack,
the provision of an additional
DPC close to ground level is
recommended.
Membrane-type DPCs must be
laid across the full width of the
wall or leaf and should be visible
on either side when the brickwork
is completed to show that the
operation of tooling the joint has
not provided a bridge of mortar
across the membrane. If the
membrane is carried across the
cavity to form a flashing, it should
incorporate a step-up of two
courses from the outside to the
inside leaf (see Section 3).
4.3 Cavity flashings
In order to be effective, a
wall cavity must act as an
uninterrupted gap between
a wet external leaf and a dry
internal leaf. Whenever it is
bridged or interrupted by
other parts of the building, for
example by frames in openings
or structural elements such as
columns, beams, shelf angles or
haunches, special precautions
are required to prevent the
transfer of moisture across the
cavity. The flashing details given
in Section 3 and Section 6.4 (for
nibs and shelf angles) set out the
general principles applicable to
waterproofing of interruptions to
the cavity.
Weep-holes are necessary to drain
any water that may be collected by
the cavity flashings to the outside
of the wall. Particular precautions
are required in walls exposed to
high winds, because air pressure
on the external face can prevent
the water from escaping through
the weep holes. When there is
such a risk, the step across the
cavity should be increased.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 13
 Squaring-up the flashing to have at least 5 mm clearance Figure 24. Window sill flashing –
Squaring-up the flashing to follow Windows installed into lower- Figure 24. Window sill flashing –
follow the horizontal and vertical between the underside of the metal window in a veneer wall
the horizontal and vertical surfaces storey brick veneer walls of houses metal window in a veneer wall
surfaces is preferred to the sill and the top of the sill brick to
is preferred to the common (using softwood framing) must
common practice of carrying the allow for shrinkage of the timber
practice of carrying the flashing have at least 5 mm clearance
flashing across the cavity in a frame. For second-storey windows
across the cavity in a straight between the underside of at
theleast
sill
straight diagonal slope. It is most the clearance should be
diagonal slope. Itthat
important is most
all joints in the and
10 the
mm.topThisofgap
the should
sill brickbetosealed Weather strip or
Weather strip or
important that alladequately
joints in thelapped sealant
flashing are allow
withfor shrinkage
a flexible of the timber
sealant. sealant
Clearance
flashing
andare adequately
sealed, lapped
particularly atand
corners. frame. For second-storey windows Clearance
(see text)
sealed, particularly at corners. (see text)
the clearance
Typical should details
sill flashing be at least
are Sill brick projects
10shown
mm. This gap should
in Figure 21 andbe sealed
Figure 22 10Sill
mm brick
min.projects Flashing to
4.4 Window flashings 10 mm min. extend at
Flashing to
4.4 Window flashings with a flexible sealant.
for timber-frame windows and least extend at
Weep holes at 100 mm
Figure 23 and Figure 24 for metal- 1200 crs max. least
Flashing
Flashing underunder
window window sills
sills should Weep holes at beyond100 mm
Typical
framesill flashing details are
windows. 1200 crs max. each jamb
beyond
extend should
acrossextend across
the cavity andthe becavity
and be embedded across shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22 each jamb
embedded across the full widththe of full 4.5 Roof and Parapet flashing
width of thethe
window intoonethe for timber-frame windows and
the window into bed joint
bed jointthe
one course Figure 23 and Figure 24 for
course below sill brick.below
The the The recommended uses of DPCs
sill can
brick. metal-frame windows.
flashing beThe flashingthrough
embedded can be in4.5 Parapet
parapets flashing
are shown in Figure 25
embedded through the full width
the full width of the outer leaf if Figure 22. Window sill flashing – and Figure 26. Because parapets,
of the outer leaf if this will not Figure 22. Window sill flashing –
this will not affect the structural timber window in a veneer wall The recommended
free-standing uses
walls and oflike
the DPCs in
affect the structural sufficiency, timber window in a veneer wall
sufficiency, otherwise it may be are so exposed
parapets to the weather,
are shown in Figure 25
otherwise it may be embedded 25 they
embedded 25 mm into the outer andare particularly
Figure prone
26. Because to
parapets,
mm into the outer leaf. Alternative damage from water
leaf. Alternative details, such as free-standing wallspenetration
and the like are
details, such as draping the and
draping the flashing
flashing in the cavity,
in the cavity, are not
Sealant so need protection
exposed by high shear
to the weather, they
are not recommended. The flashing Clearance strength DPCs at both
are particularly pronetop and
to damage
recommended. The flashing (see text) bottom.
should extend into the cavity
should extend into the cavity by by from water penetration and need
100 mm 100to mm200tomm
200beyond
mm beyond each each protection by high shear strength
Sill brick Figure 25. Parapet flashing – solid wall
window jamb.jamb.
window projects Flashing to DPCs at both top and bottom.
Mortar
10 mm min. extend at Particular attention must be paid
weathering
least 100 mm
Figure 21. Window sill flashing – beyond each to the stability of parapets and
Weep holes at jamb
timber window
Figure in a cavity
21. Window wall
still flashing- 1200 crs max. free-standing walls because a lack
Over-flashing
timber window in a cavity wall of restraint
DPC belowmakes themtoprone
gutter to
parapet cap
sliding or overturning where the
Figure 23.
Figure Window
23. Window sillsill
flashing ––
flashing bond is broken at the DPC.
metal window
metal window inin
a cavity
a cavity wall
wall DPC to
protect
Sealant The requirements
brickwork for the DPC
Flashing to
extend at resultbelow
from two factors: the
parapet
least membrane must be sufficiently
Sill brick
100 mm
projects robust to allow it to be placed in
beyond
10 mm min.
each jamb the wall
Sealant Flashing to Figure 26.without
Parapet risk of –
flashing
Weep holes at
1200 crs max.
extend at
Weather strip Flashing to perforation
cavity wall from angular particles
least DPC
Sill brick or sealant extend at intruding into the bed and it must
100 mm sandwiched
projects least
beyond Weather strip Flashing to not extrude from the joint under
in mortar
10 mm min. Sillor
brick projects 100 mm
each jamb sealant extend at under coping
Weep holes at 10 mm min. beyond
least load
Weepfrom
holes above. The application
each
100 jamb
1200 crs max. Sill brick projects mm of a skim of mortar to flush
at 1200 crs up the
Over-flashing
10 mm min.Weep holes at beyond max.
1200 crs max. each jamb bed before placing the membraneRoof membrane

Weep holes at is advisable to reduce the risk that

Windows installed into lower
1200 crs max. itFlashing
will become perforated.
extends
storey brick veneer walls of houses beyond
face of wall
(using softwood framing) must Slip joint

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 14

Flashings have to be installed Figure 27b. Straight flashing for Figure 28b. Stepped flashing for
where masonry abuts a roof, metal roof abutting a masonry wall metal roof abutting a masonry wall
regardless of roofing material. A Anticapillary break 75 mm min. Bituminous coated or
soft zinc over flashing Anticapillary
through-flashing configuration, stepped and tapered to break
follow fall of roof
shown in Figure 27, is required.
The NCC requires that flashings
are purpose-made (e.g. collar and
apron) and that they are detailed
in accordance to Clause 9.6.2.4 in
AS 4773.2 12.

The through-flashing
configuration can consist of
a combination of straight
flashings, stepped flashings
and soaker flashings. Where the
wall/roof abutment is sloped,
a stepped ‘cascade’ flashing is
required. Acceptable flashing
configurations are shown in
Figures 27 and 28.
Straight flashings are simple
configurations, as shown in
Figure 27a:
• Be lapped at joints by a
minimum of 150 mm
• At minimum, be turned up 75
mm to the inner frame and
turned down 75 mm to the
roof or soaker flashing
• Have weepholes spaced
maximum 1.2 m apart
• If a soaker flashing is
used, overlap the soaker
by a minimum of 75 mm,
otherwise turned out a
minimum of 150 mm if no
soaker is used.
Stepped flashings are made up of
sections, called trays, and detailed Figure 29. Stepped flashing to
as shown in Figure 29 and 30. Each masonry veneer wall (detailed view)
tray shall:
• At minimum, be turned up
Weepholes
75 mm in the cavity and be
Tray flashing shall overlap the
fixed to the inner frame of tray below by 75mm min
the wall, and turned down Soaker flashing
75 mm to the roof or soaker
flashing
• Be boxed up a minimum of
40 mm at the end to allow
for the passage of water to Soaker flashings are supplementary
to the system and may not be
the tray below
required, depending on the type of
• Overlap the tray below by a stepped flashings used - see Figure
minimum of 75 mm 29.A detailing example for soaker
flashing are shown in Figure 30 and 31:
• Have weepholes nearby
which are not concealed by • Be lapped at joints by a
the tray above minimum of 150 mm
• If a soaker flashing is • At minimum, be turned up
used, overlap the soaker 75 mm 40 behind overflashing
40 min.
min.
by a minimum of 75 mm,7575min.
min. and turned out 150 mm onto
40 min.
otherwise turned out a the roof.
75 min. 7575 min.
min.
minimum of 150 mm if no
Figure 30. Stepped flashing 75 min.
tray
soaker is used.
40 min.
75 min. options
Figure 28a. Stepped flashing for
40 min.
75 min.
75 min.

tiled roof abutting a masonry (a)(a) (b)

75 min. (b) (c)(c)
Figure 27a. Straight flashing for (i) (i)
Use Use
DPCDPC between
between trays
trays (i) (i)
DPC DPC not
not required
required (i) (i)
DPCDPC require
required
(ii)(ii) Soaker
Soaker required
required (a) (ii)(ii) Soaker
Soaker required
required (b) (ii)(ii) Soaker
Soaker notnot
req
tiled roof abutting a masonry wall Step flashing min.
(i) Use DPC between trays (i) DPC not required
height 75mm 40 min. (ii) Soaker required
(a) (b)(ii) Soaker required (c)
75 min.
Over flashing cut Apron flashing min.
(i) Use DPC between trays (i) DPC not required (i) DPC required

into brick course

(a) (b) (c)
(ii) Soaker required (ii) Soaker required (ii) Soaker not required
150mm wide 75 min.
(i) Use DPC between trays (i) DPC not required (i) DPC required
Apron flashing (ii) Soaker required (ii) Soaker required (ii) Soaker not required
min. 150mm wide
Flashing upturn
min. 75mm (a) (b) (c)
(i) Use DPC between trays
(ii) Soaker required
Figure 31. Soaker details at ridge
(i) DPC not required
(ii) Soaker required
(i) DPC required
(ii) Soaker not required

Fan or lap
soaker
flashing at
ridge

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 15

4.6 Weepholes
A weephole is simply a drain hole
through a wall, but its functions
can be described as:
• To discharge the slurry
of mortar droppings and
water resulting from the
cleaning of cavities during
bricklaying.
• To drain moisture that
penetrates the outer leaf of
brickwork or the sill.
• To give some degree of cavity
ventilation.
• To discharge ground water
through retaining walls.
Weepholes are generally required
at 1200 mm maximum centres,
at the head and sill flashings of
windows over 1200 mm wide.
However, it is acceptable to omit
weepholes above and below
Figure 32. Alternative weephole configurations
A B
Open perpend (no Small weep holes
mortar on flashing) every 2 or 3 bricks
small windows, and at windows
protected by eaves, where the
amount of moisture does not
justify their placement.
Figure 30 shows four alternative
weephole configurations, which
are described below.
The simplest and most common
weephole is the open perpend
(A). However, its large size – a
brick height plus the lower
mortar bed joint – creates an
attractive nest for spiders and
can be visually unsatisfactory,
especially with light-coloured
mortar. There should be no mortar
on the flashing at the base of the
weephole. Smaller, more closely
spaced weepholes are preferable.
Alternatively, the bricklayer can
form small weepholes at the time
of laying the bed mortar, using a
10 mm rod or a square stick (B).
They should be spaced every two
or three bricks, that is, at 480 or
720 mm centres. These weepholes
C D
Blind weep hole formed Combined weep
by face tip joining holes every 3 or 4
bricks
are particularly recommended for
wind-exposed brickwork.
Blind weepholes can be used
to drain window head or sill
flashings without being visible
(C). The bricklayer simply face
tips the course of bricks on the
window flashing so that instead
of a fully-filled perpend joint,
only 15 to 20 mm of the face of
the mortar joint is formed. Care
should be taken to ensure the bed
joint mortar on the flashing is
also only face-filled at the perpend
joint.
The combined weephole is a
practical combination of the
preceding designs (D). The
bricklayer simply face tips the
perpend joint and then uses a 10
mm rod or dowel to form a small
slot or hole. Slots should be 20
to 30 mm high and spaced every
three or four bricks (720 to 960
mm centres).
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 16
5. Lintels
5.1 General
Lintels are necessary to support
brickwork over door and window
openings in walls. There are
many types of lintels and no one
type is best in all circumstances.
Questions of performance,
economy, appearance and
durability must be considered
when specifying lintels.
This section gives structural
requirements that can be used to
specify any type of commercially
made lintel. The requirements
are given in tabular form for
situations where clay brickwork is
to be supported over openings up
to 4.2 m in span and the brickwork
is either non-loadbearing or
supports domestic floor or roof
loads. The design assumptions
and methods of calculation are
described.
A full examination of the
structural behaviour of brickwork
supported by lintels is beyond
the scope of this manual and
a number of conservative
assumptions have therefore
been used. Lintel manufacturers
usually provide load tables for
their products, some of which
assume composite action
between the lintel and the
masonry. This is a very efficient
structural action, which uses the
brickwork and the lintel together
as a beam to resist the loads. This
action cannot be achieved for
all materials and has not been
assumed in the tables presented
here. When using manufacturers’
tables it is essential to check
that the underlying assumptions
are compatible with the
circumstances of the particular
building being designed.
While the methods of design used
in this note do not utilise the
moment capacity of brickwork,
the ability of brickwork to form
an arch over openings has been
allowed for. The function of the
lintel is to provide support for the
triangle of brickwork above the
opening, which does not form
part of the arch, and it must be
strong and stiff enough to prevent
separation of the triangle from
the adjoining brickwork. When
the height of brickwork over the
opening is too small to form an
arch of adequate strength, the
lintel must be able to carry all
of the loads acting above the
opening.
There is no need to create a
high shear capacity in the
brickwork because all the forces
acting through the brickwork
are resolved into compressive
stresses. Any brick and mortar
combination that is suitable for
the conditions can be used.
5.2 Definitions
A number of terms used
throughout this section have
been given specific meanings
to simplify the determination
and selection of lintels. For the
purposes of this section the terms
have the following meanings:
Stiffness (EI) – the stiffness of a
lintel is expressed in terms of the
Modulus of Elasticity (E) and the
Moment of Inertia (I) for which
the unit is kN.m2.
Strength (M) – the strength of
a lintel is expressed in terms of
bending moment capacity for
which the unit is kN.m.
5.3 Using the design tables
The design tables in Section
5.4 can be used for openings
in internal, external and gable
walls. Reference need not be
made to Section 5.6 (Design by
Calculation) unless verification
of the determined lintel size is
required. This manual considers
the support of single leaf walls
only; cavity walls should be
treated as two single-leaf walls,
each requiring support.
Point loads are not covered in
the design tables. For the design
of lintels to carry point loads,
reference should be made to
Section 5.6. It is also possible in
some circumstances where wind
loads are high and, for example, a
light metal roof is used, that net
uplift forces will occur on a lintel.
Such cases are not provided for in
the tables.
The two most significant factors
affecting the choice of lintels are
strength and stiffness. A lintel
must have both adequate strength
and stiffness and the factor
that imposes the more severe
requirement controls the choice
of lintel size. Usually the stiffness
requirement is the more severe.
To determine the required
strength and stiffness of a lintel
the following data must be known
i. The clear span of the opening
(L);
ii. The height of the brickwork
above the lintel (h); and,
iii. The type and magnitude of
the loads acting upon the
lintel.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 17
The procedure is as follows:
i. Select the appropriate tables
based on the load type.
ii. Select the appropriate row
based on the height of
brickwork above the lintel and
the load width (See Clause 6.5
of AS 4773.111) for roof and floor
loads.
iii. Select the appropriate column
based on the clear span of the
opening.
iv. Find the required moment
and stiffness.
v. Select a lintel with the
required properties.
5.4 Design tables
The tables provide the strength
and stiffness requirements for
the different lintel load types (see
Figure 28):
A. Non-loadbearing walls
– Table 1 and Table 2.
To be used where lintels carry
only the brickwork above
openings, such as in the case
of brick veneer walls and the
non-loadbearing outer leaves
of cavity walls. Type A lintels
are limited to carrying up
to 600mm of brickwork in
height.
B. Walls Supporting Tiled
Roofs – Table 3 and Table 4.
To be used where lintels
carry both the brickwork of
up to 600mm in height and
the loads due to domestic
tiled roofs and ceilings above
openings.
C. Walls Supporting Sheet Steel the centre line of the loadbearing
Roofs – Table 5 and Table 6. lintel must be included. For lintels
To be used where lintels carry in internal walls supporting roof
both the brickwork of up to loads, the load width is taken as
600mm in height and the half the sum of ceiling spans on
loads due to domestic sheet both sides of the lintel.
steel roofs and ceilings above
openings. Figure 33. Lintel load cases
D. Walls Supporting Timber
Floors – Table 7 and Table 8.
To be used where lintels
carry both the brickwork of
at least 2100mm in height
and the dead and live loads
of suspended timber floors
above openings
Type A
E. Walls supporting masonry
with height greater than
600mm - Tables 1 to 6.
To be used for any other
scenarios where lintels carry
over 600mm of brickwork.
All tables have been prepared
for limit states design using
load factors from AS 1170.07. Type A Type B
The self weight of the lintel is
not included. The tables apply
for 110 mm leaves of brickwork
and are conservative for 90 mm
thick leaves. Other cases can
be designed by calculation but
this should be carried out by a
qualified structural engineer.
The roof and ceiling dead loads
are based on a tiled roof at 22.5°
slope and a steel sheet roof at 12.5° Type C
slope, with a plasterboard ceiling,
giving total loads of 0.9 kPa for the
tiled roof and 0.4 kPa for the sheet
roof. The roof live load was taken
as 0.25 kPa. The total floor dead
load was taken as 0.5 kPa and the >600mm
floor live load as 1.5 kPa. The load Type
Type AE Type D
width is the horizontal distance,
perpendicular to the supporting
lintel, from the centre of the
ceiling span between points of
support. Any eaves overhang from Note: Ties are omitted for clarity.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 18
Table 1: Moment requirements for lintels supporting non-loadbearing walls
(Unit is kN.m)

Height of
Clear Span of opening. L (mm)
brickwork above
lintel, H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2
300 0.06 0.12 0.20 0.29 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
600 0.08 0.18 0.33 0.52 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.6 2.0 2.3 2.8 3.2
900 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 0.9 1.3 1.8 2.2 2.8 3.4 4.0 4.7
1200 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.7 3.4 4.2 5.0 5.9
1500 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.7 4.7 5.7 6.9
1800 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.1 7.5
2100 or more 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7

Table 2: Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels supporting non-loadbearing walls

(Unit is kNm2)

Height of
Clear Span of opening. L (mm)
brickwork above
lintel, H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2
300 1.9 4.7 9.4 16.6 26.6 40 57 78 105 136 188 252
600 2.1 6.5 16.0 29.7 49.1 75 109 151 203 265 367 496
900 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 63.7 101 150 212 289 381 530 720
1200 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61.0 104 177 256 355 475 670 917
1500 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61.0 104 167 254 279 543 777 1076
1800 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61.0 104 167 254 372 527 844 1188
2100 or more 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61.0 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 19

Table 3: Moment requirements for lintels supporting walls and tiled roofs
(Unit is kN.m)

Height of Clear span of opening, L (m)

Load
brickwork
width
above lintel,
(m)
H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2

1.8 0.18 0.44 0.79 1.24 1.8 2.4 3.1 4.0 4.9 5.9 7.0 8.2
3.0 0.26 0.65 1.18 1.86 2.7 3.7 4.8 6.1 7.5 9.1 10.8 12.6
300 4.2 0.34 0.86 1.58 2.49 3.6 4.9 6.4 8.2 10.1 12.2 14.5 17.0
5.4 0.42 1.07 1.97 3.12 4.5 6.2 8.1 10.3 12.7 15.3 18.3 21.4
6.6 0.50 1.28 2.36 3.75 5.4 7.4 9.7 12.4 15.3 18.5 22.0 25.8

1.8 0.08 0.18 0.53 0.99 1.6 2.3 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.1 7.4 8.7
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.66 1.30 2.1 3.1 4.2 5.5 7.0 8.6 10.4 12.4
600 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.79 1.62 2.7 3.9 5.4 7.1 9.0 11.1 13.5 16.1
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.92 1.93 3.2 4.8 6.6 8.7 11.0 13.7 16.6 19.7
6.6 0.08 0.18 1.05 2.25 3.8 5.6 7.8 10.2 13.0 16.2 19.6 23.4

1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.2 1.9 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.6 9.1
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.4 2.4 3.5 4.9 6.4 8.1 9.9 12.0
900 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.6 2.8 4.2 5.9 7.8 10.0 12.3 14.9
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.8 3.2 4.9 6.9 9.2 11.8 14.7 17.9
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.9 3.6 5.6 8.0 10.7 13.7 17.1 20.8
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.4 3.4 4.7 6.0 7.6 9.2
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.6 4.0 5.5 7.3 9.3 11.4
1200 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.8 4.5 6.4 8.6 11.0 13.6
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 3.1 5.0 7.3 9.8 12.7 15.8
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 3.3 5.5 8.1 11.1 14.4 18.0
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.1 5.6 7.3 9.1
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.4 6.3 8.3 10.6
1500 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.7 6.9 9.3 12.0
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 5.0 7.5 10.3 13.5
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 5.3 8.1 11.4 14.9
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.7 8.6
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 7.0 9.3
1800 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 7.3 10.1
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 7.7 10.8
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 8.0 11.5
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
2100 or 3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
more 5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 20

Table 4: Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels supporting walls and tiled roofs
(Unit is kNm2)

Height of Clear span of opening, L (m)

Load
brickwork
width
above lintel,
(m)
H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2

1.8 4.7 15 33 62 103 160 235 329 446 587 819 1112
3.0 6.6 21 49 92 155 240 353 496 673 888 1239 1686
300 4.2 8.4 28 64 122 206 321 472 663 901 1189 1660 2259
5.4 10.3 35 80 152 257 401 590 831 1128 1490 2081 2832
6.6 12.2 41 96 182 308 481 709 998 1356 1791 2502 3406

1.8 2.1 6.5 24 52 195 155 236 339 468 626 883 1212
3.0 2.1 6.5 29 67 126 209 320 464 645 867 1228 1690
600 4.2 2.1 6.5 34 82 157 262 405 590 822 1108 1572 2168
5.4 2.1 6.5 40 97 187 316 490 715 999 1348 1916 2646
6.6 2.1 6.5 45 112 218 369 574 841 1176 1589 2261 3123

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 79 141 227 338 478 651 932 1293
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 89 168 277 421 605 832 1200 1676
900 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 99 195 328 505 731 1012 1468 2058
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 110 222 379 588 857 1193 1735 2440
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 120 248 430 672 984 1373 2003 2822
1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 202 319 469 656 957 1347
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 219 361 545 776 1148 1633
1200 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 236 403 621 897 1339 1920
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 253 445 697 1017 1530 2207
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 270 486 773 1137 1722 2493
1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 435 633 949 1362
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 460 693 1064 1554
1500 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 486 753 1178 1745
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 511 814 1293 1936
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 536 874 1408 2127
1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 901 1332
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 939 1427
1800 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 977 1523
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 1016 1618
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 1054 1714
1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
2100 or 3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
more 5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 33 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 21

Table 5: Moment requirements for lintels supporting walls and sheet roofs
(Unit is kN.m)

Height of Clear span of opening, L (m)

Load
brickwork
width
above lintel,
(m)
H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2

1.8 0.13 0.30 0.54 0.83 1.2 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.2 3.9 4.6 5.4
3.0 0.18 0.42 0.76 1.19 1.7 2.3 3.0 3.8 4.7 5.7 6.8 7.9
300 4.2 0.22 0.54 0.98 1.55 2.2 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.2 7.5 8.9 10.4
5.4 0.27 0.66 1.21 1.91 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7 9.3 11.0 12.9
6.6 0.31 0.78 1.43 2.27 3.3 4.5 5.9 7.4 9.1 11.1 13.2 15.5

1.8 0.08 0.18 0.44 0.79 1.2 1.7 2.3 2.9 3.7 4.5 5.4 6.4
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.52 0.97 1.5 2.2 3.0 3.8 4.8 5.9 7.1 8.5
600 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.59 1.15 1.8 2.7 3.6 4.7 6.0 7.4 8.9 10.5
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.67 1.33 2.2 3.1 4.3 5.6 7.1 8.8 10.6 12.6
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.74 1.51 2.5 3.6 5.0 6.5 8.3 10.2 12.4 14.7

1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.1 1.7 2.4 3.1 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.2
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.2 1.9 2.8 3.7 4.8 6.0 7.4 8.9
900 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.3 2.2 3.2 4.3 5.6 7.1 8.7 10.5
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.4 2.4 3.6 4.9 6.5 8.2 10.1 12.2
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.5 2.6 4.0 5.5 7.3 9.3 11.5 13.9
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.2 3.1 4.1 5.2 6.5 7.8
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.4 3.4 4.6 5.9 7.4 9.1
1200 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.5 3.7 5.1 6.7 8.4 10.3
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.6 4.0 5.6 7.4 9.4 11.6
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.8 4.3 6.1 8.1 10.3 12.8
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.0 5.2 6.6 8.1
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.1 5.6 7.2 9.0
1500 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.3 5.9 7.8 9.8
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.4 6.3 8.4 10.6
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 4.6 6.7 8.9 11.5
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.4 8.1
3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.6 8.6
1800 4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.8 9.0
5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 7.0 9.4
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 7.2 9.8
1.8 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
2100 or 3.0 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
4.2 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
more 5.4 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7
6.6 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.61 1.0 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.8 4.9 6.2 7.7

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 22

Table 6: Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels supporting walls and sheet roofs
(Units is kNm2)

Height of Clear span of opening, L (m)

Load
brickwork
width
above lintel,
(m)
H (mm) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2

1.8 3.3 9.9 21.6 39.8 66 102 149 208 281 369 513 696
3.0 4.3 13.3 29.6 55.3 93 143 210 294 398 524 730 991
300 4.2 5.2 16.8 37.7 70.9 119 185 271 380 515 679 947 1287
5.4 6.2 20.2 45.8 86.4 145 226 332 466 632 834 1164 1583
6.6 7.2 23.7 53.9 101.9 172 267 393 552 750 989 1381 1878

1.8 2.1 6.5 20.1 41.3 73 117 174 248 340 451 633 865
3.0 2.1 6.5 22.8 49.1 89 144 218 313 431 575 811 1111
600 4.2 2.1 6.5 25.5 56.9 105 172 262 377 522 699 988 1358
5.4 2.1 6.5 28.1 64.6 120 199 305 442 613 824 1166 1604
6.6 2.1 6.5 30.8 72.4 136 227 349 507 705 948 1343 1850

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 72 122 190 277 386 520 737 1016
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 77 136 216 320 452 613 876 1213
900 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 82 150 242 363 517 706 1014 1410
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 87 163 268 406 582 799 1152 1607
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 93 177 294 449 647 892 1290 1804

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 190 289 414 568 818 1138
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 198 310 453 630 916 1286
1200 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 207 332 492 693 1015 1434
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 216 353 531 755 1113 1582
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 225 375 571 817 1212 1729

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 417 589 865 1224
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 430 620 925 1322
1500 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 443 651 984 1421
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 456 682 1043 1519
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 469 713 1102 1618

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 873 1262
3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 893 1311
1800 4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 913 1361
5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 932 1410
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 952 1459

1.8 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
2100 or 3.0 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
4.2 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
more 5.4 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138
6.6 2.1 6.5 15.9 32.9 61 104 167 254 372 527 786 1138

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 23

Table 7: Moment requirements for lintels supporting walls and timber floors
(Unit is kN.m)

Load
Clear Span of opening. L (mm)
width
(m) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2
1.8 0.8 1.4 2.3 3.4 4.7 6.4 8.3 10 13 16 19 23
3.0 1.2 2.2 3.6 5.2 7.2 9.6 12.4 16 19 23 28 33
4.2 1.7 3.0 4.8 7.1 9.7 12.9 16.6 21 25 31 36 43
5.4 2.1 3.9 6.1 8.9 12.2 16.2 20.7 26 32 38 45 53
6.6 2.6 4.7 7.4 10.7 14.8 19.5 24.8 31 38 45 54 63

Table 8: Stiffness requirements (EI) for lintels supporting walls and timber floors
(Unit is kNm2)

Load
Clear Span of opening. L (mm)
width
(m) 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3 3.3 3.6 3.9 4.2
1.8 14.2 35.3 72 130 215 334 495 704 971 1304 1857 2579
3.0 22.3 54.5 110 195 318 488 713 1004 1370 1823 2571 3540
4.2 30.4 73.7 147 260 421 642 932 1304 1770 2341 2385 4500
5.4 38.5 92.9 185 325 524 795 1151 1604 2169 2860 4000 5461
6.6 46.6 112.1 222 389 627 949 1370 1904 2568 3378 4714 6422

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 24

A s s u m p ti o n s:
• A Y o u n g’ s M o d ul u s of E = 2 5 0 M P a w a s t a k e n f or s t e el
• A n al y si s w a s d o n e u si n g s t e el gr a d e 2 5 0

T a bl e 9: S tiff n e s s a n d m o m e n t c a p a ci ti e s of c o m m o n s t e el li n t el o p ti o n s

S t e el S e c ti o n ( m e a s u r e m e n t s
S tiff n e s s EI ( k N m 2 ) B e n di n g C a p a ci t y M ( k N m)
i n m m) sx

75 x 8 F MS

1 0 0 x1 0 F MS

90 x 90 x 6 EA
90 x 90 x 8 EA
1 0 0 x1 0 0 x 6 E A
1 0 0 x1 0 0 x 8 E A
15 0 x 9 0 x 8 U A
1 5 0 U B 1 4. 0
1 5 0 U B 1 8. 0
1 8 0 U B 2 2. 2 49
6 m m 8 m m
75x8 F MS

8 m m

75 m m
90x90x6 E A 90 m m 90x90x8 E A
90 m m

100x10 F MS

10 m m
6 m m 8 m m

100 m m 90 m m 90 m m

6 m m 8 m m 8 m m

100x100x6 E A
100 m m 100x100x8 E A
100 m m
150x90x8 U A
150 m m

6 m m 8 m m

100 m m 100 m m 8 m m
90 m m

1 5 0 U B 1 4. 0 1 5 0 U B 1 8. 0 1 8 0 U B 2 2. 2

7 m m 9. 5 m m 10 m m

155 m m
150 m m 5 m m 6 m m 179 m m 6 m m

7 m m 9. 5 m m 10 m m
75 m m 75 m m 90 m m

D et aili n g of Cl a y M a s o nr y / 2 5
5.5 Construction details
5.5.1 General
Arch bars and angle lintels
are vulnerable to corrosion,
which may cause cracking of
the brickwork and unsightly
staining. It is recommended that
all steel lintels be either stainless
steel or hot dip galvanised after
fabrication, or receive equivalent
protection before installation.
AS 3700 specifies requirements
for corrosion protection of
accessories, including lintels,
depending on the exposure
conditions (see also TBA Manual
7: Design of Clay Masonry for
Serviceability).
There should be at least three
courses of masonry over any
lintel. Lintels should be built into
the masonry at each end for a
distance of not less than 100 mm
for spans up to 1000 mm and 150
mm for larger spans, for the loads
described in the tables above. For
larger loads the masonry should
be assessed to ensure that it is not
locally overloaded. The masonry
supporting the lintels should
be constructed in a mortar not
weaker than 1 cement: 2 lime: 9
sand by volume. The heads of all
openings in cavity brickwork must
be properly flashed.
To allow the full arching action
to develop in the masonry,
lintels should be propped during
construction until the masonry
has hardened.
5.5.2 Angle lintels
Because angles tend to twist
when loaded, they should be
carefully built-in and mortar
should be packed between the
vertical leg and the masonry
(see Figure 29). No angle with a
bottom leg less than 70% of the
width of the brick it supports
should be used and the overhang
should not exceed 25 mm.
Angles and arch-bars with a flange
thickness of 10 mm are difficult
to build into a standard bed joint
thickness and therefore it is
desirable to select members not
greater than 8 mm in thickness.
Figure 34. Packing of mortar
behind angle lintel to prevent
twisting
Pack gap
with
mortar
25 mm max.
5.5.3 Reinforced brickwork
lintels
Lintels that act compositely with
the brickwork they support, for
example reinforced brickwork
lintels, are recommended for a
number of reasons. With most
steel and concrete lintels, the
brickwork sits on top of and
is separate from the lintel.
The greater the height of the
brickwork the larger the load on
the lintel and hence the larger and
more expensive the lintel must
become.
With reinforced brickwork
lintels, the brickwork is part of
an integrated structural system
in which the brickwork becomes
the lintel beam. A small quantity
of steel is placed near the tensile
face and the brickwork carries the
compressive forces. The greater
the height of the brickwork, the
larger is the bending strength of
the brickwork lintel.
The structural advantages make
reinforced brickwork lintels
particularly suited to large spans
or where large loads must be
supported. In addition, the steel
components in reinforced lintels
are not visible when installed.
The use of any brickwork
reinforcing system should be
based on the manufacturer’s
literature.
5.5.4 Other types of lintels
A number of proprietary lintels are
made for brickwork in addition
to the common steel lintels.
They include lightweight box-
section metal lintels, reinforced
concrete lintels, prestressed
concrete lintels, prestressed
fired clay lintels and brickwork
reinforcement systems. A full
discussion of these products is
beyond the scope of this manual;
use of these lintels should be
based on the manufacturers’
literature.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 26
5.6 Lintel design by calculation
5.6.1 Notation
The notation used in this section
is as follows:
Symbol Meaning
a, b The distance from the face
of an abutment to a position
vertically below a point load
acting upon a lintel
E Modulus of elasticity of a
material (Young’s Modulus)
EI E x I, a measure of the
stiffness of a lintel
h The height of brickwork
to its highest point above a
supporting lintel
h1 The height above a lintel
to the application of a
superimposed load
G The brickwork gravity (dead)
load per unit thickness
I The Moment of Inertia of a
lintel (Second Moment of
Area)
L The clear span of a lintel
M The required or actual
bending moment capacity
of a lintel
s A subscript used for
superimposed loads
tw The actual thickness of a wall
w Load per unit length or area
W The total load acting upon
a lintel
Load factor from AS 1170.1
Δ Deflection of a lintel under
load
Consistent units should be used for all
calculations.
5.6.2 Design assumptions assumptions are illustrated in
The design methods used in Figure 30.
this manual are based upon the
following assumptions: Figure 35. Assessment of loads
on lintels
i. Brickwork forms a natural
arch, which can transfer
load to the abutments of the Uniformly distributed load
openings. The brickwork that L1 - 2h
is supported by the lintel forms
either a triangle or a trapezium h
in which the lintel is the base 45˚ 45˚
and the sides rise inwards at Load uniformly
distributed
an angle of 45°. into lintel
ii. Where L is less than 2h (the
span of the opening is less
than twice the height of the L2 < 2h L1 > 2h
brickwork above the opening) Load point
all loads uniformly applied to
the brickwork above a height h
of L/2 will be carried by arching
action in the brickwork. 45˚
Load
uniformly
distributed
iii. Where L is greater than 2h into lintel
(the span of the opening is L3 = 2h
more than twice the height
of the brickwork above the
opening) all loads uniformly
applied to the central section 5.6.3 Strength calculations
of the brickwork for a length for lintels supporting non-
of L - 2h will be uniformly loadbearing walls
distributed into the lintel and The mass of brickwork per metre
the remainder of such loads is
above the opening will be w = hGtw (kN/m)
carried by arching action in the
brickwork. Where L is greater than 2h, a
trapezoidal load is carried by the
iv. Point loads applied to the lintel. The maximum bending
brickwork are uniformly moment can be estimated by the
distributed downwards expression:
through an angle of 45° on
either side of the vertical. Mmax = w(3L2-4h2)
24
v. The total strength and stiffness
requirements are the sum Where L is less than 2h, a
of the requirements for the triangular load is carried by the
individual load components. lintel. The maximum bending
moment can be estimated by the
vi. Deflection of the lintel should expression:
not be greater than L/360 or 10
mm, whichever is the lesser. Mmax = wL2
The load distribution 12
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 27
 re
re L L is
is equalWhere
equal to
toL or less
less than
is equal
or 2h,than 2h,For
2h,
to or less
than nearly
ForFor nearly
nearly uniformly
uniformly distributed
uniformly distributed
distributed (For
and – (For
(For nearly
nearly
nearly uniformly
uniformly distribute
uniformly distribute
mass of the mass
the of the brickwork
brickwork acting acting loads
loadssuchsuch asastimber
timber joists
joists bearing distributed
loads)loads)
mass of the brickwork acting loads such as timber joists bearing loads)
upon the lintel can be estimated bearing directly onto brickwork
n the
n the lintel
lintel cancan be be estimated
estimated directly onto
directly onto brickwork
brickwork at at 450
450 mm mm
using the expression: at 450 mm centres, the resulting
g the
g the expression:
expression: centres,
centres,
applied the
the resulting
resulting
bending moment applied
applied
can be
bending
bending
estimated moment
moment using the can be
be estimated
canexpression:
estimated
using the expression:
using the expression: A simpleA and
A simple and conservative
conservative
simple and conservative
The maximum bending moment expression for determining
expression the
for determining
determining the
expression for the
acting upon the lintel can be deflection of lintels caused by
maximum
maximum bending
bending moment deflection
deflection of
of lintels caused
lintels caused by by
estimated bymoment
the expression: The total uniformly distributed point loads is:
g
g upon
upon the the lintel
lintel can
can be be superimposed load can be point
point loads
loads is: is:
mated by
mated by thethe expression:
expression: Theapproximated
The total uniformly
total uniformly distributed
usingdistributed
the
expression: load can be
superimposed
superimposed load can be
5.6.4 Stiffness calculations approximated using
approximated using the the
for lintels supporting 5.6.7
5.6.7 End End condition
condition condition
of lintels of of lintels
lintels
nonloadbearing walls
expression:
expression:
For superimposed loads h1 is 5.6.7 End
4 Stiffness
Stiffness calculations It has been
It assumed
has been in the
assumed in the
4 calculations
Where L is greater than 2h the the height above the lintel of the It has been assumed in the
calculations in Sections 5.6.3
ntels supporting
ntels supporting
deflection ofnon-non-
lintels supporting point of application of the load. calculations
calculations in
in
to 5.6.6 that lintels are simply
Sections
Sections 5.6.3 to
5.6.3 to
bearing loadbearing brickwork can beForThis
walls may be less than thehfullis the 5.6.6 that lintels
lintelsisare simply
bearingnon walls For superimposed
superimposed loads loads h11 is the supported. 5.6.6Some
thatbenefit are simply
in fact
estimated using the expression: height of the brickwork supported
re
re L L is
is greater
greater than than 2h 2h the
the height
height above
above the lintel of
of the point derivedsupported.
from the endSome
supported. restraint
Some benefit
benefit is is in
in fa
fa
by the lintel the
suchlintel
as in the the
casepoint
of
ction of of lintels
lintels supporting
supporting non non of application of the load. This may provided by building
derived from thethe lintel
end restraint
ction of application of the load. This mayinto the brickwork, but with
the first floor of a building. derived from the end restraint
bearing brickwork
bearing brickwork can can be be be less
be less than
than the the full
full height
height of of the provided by
the a relatively
provided by building
building the the lintel
lintel ii
strong lintel, the
mated
mated using using the the expression:
expression: Point loads
brickwork
brickwork
can be considered
supported
supported by the
by
in
the lintel
lintel the
theofbrickwork,
influence brickwork,
a small amount but
butofwith
with a a relati
relati
one of two ways. The load applied
such
such as
as in
in the
the case
case of
of the
the first
first floor
floor strong
strong
end restraint is lintel,
minor. the
lintel, the
In the influence
influence
case of
of aa
Where L is equal to or less than 2h to brickwork at a point can be
of arch small amount of end restraint
the deflection can be estimated of atakenof a building.
building.
to be uniformly distributed
bars, which
small amount are relatively
of end restraint ii
weak and elastic, the effect of
using the expression: downwards through an angle minor. In
minor. In the
the casecase of of arch
arch bars,
bars,
end restraint can be significant.
Point
Point loads
of 45° fromcan
loads can
the bebe considered
vertical until it in
considered in The values which
which arestrength
are
for the relatively
relatively weak and
andweak and
re L L is
is equal
equal to to or
or less
less than
than 2h 2h one meets
of two the lintel, or alternatively elastic, the effect of end restrai
re onethe two ways.
ofmoment ways. The
The load
load
induced in the
applied
applied elastic,
stiffness propertiesthe effect
of of
arch bars end restrai
eflection can can be be estimated
estimated to
to brickwork can be
be significant. The
The values
values fo
eflection lintel can beat a
a point can
can be
brickwork at point using be could becanadjusted according to
significant. fo
estimated the
g the
the expression:
expression: taken to be uniformly distributed the height
the of brickwork
strength andabove the
stiffness
g Transposing the equation and taken to
expression:be uniformly distributed the strength and stiffness
lintel and hence the degree of end
introducing a deflection value downwards through
downwards through an an angle
angle of of restraint properties
properties of arch
of
possible, provided
archthatbars could
bars could be be
leads to the required EI for the 45°
45° from
from the the vertical
vertical untiluntil it meets the baradjusted
it meets adjusted
is built into according
according
the brickwork to
to the
the heigh
heigh
lintel. In the tables of this manual
the
the lintel,
lintel, or or alternatively
alternatively the the of
of brickwork
for a distance of at least
brickwork above
100 mm.
above the
the lintel
lintel an
an
sposing the
the limiting
equation deflection
and value used
sposing is the equation and
L/360 or 10 mm, whichever is moment induced
5.6.6 Stiffness
moment induced in the
calculations
in the lintel
lintel can
can hence
hence the
the degree
degree of
of end
end restrai
restrai
ducing
ducing a athedeflection
deflection value
value for lintels supporting
be estimated
estimated using the theloads
expression: possible, provided
provided that that thethe bar
bar
lesser. be additional to using
the brickwork expression: possible,
ss to
to the
the required
required EI EI for
for the
the
Where L is greater than 2h the built into
built into thethe brickwork
brickwork for for aa
.. In
In the
the 5.6.5
tables
tables of this
of this calculations
Strength manual
manual deflection of the lintel caused by distance
distance of of at
at least
least 100
100 mm. mm.
miting
miting deflection value
value used
for lintels supporting
deflection usedloads superimposed loads, additional
360 or 10 additional
mm, to the brickwork
whichever is
360 or 10Where mm,Lwhichever is
is greater than 2h the
5.6.6
5.6.6 Stiffness
to the deflection
Stiffness calculations
caused by the
calculations
esser. strength requirements in additionfor brickwork, can be estimated using
esser. lintels
for the
lintels supporting
supporting loads loads
expression:
to that caused by the mass of additional
additional
(For uniformly to
to the
the brickwork
brickwork
distributed loads)
Strength
Strength the calculations
brickwork can, for uniformly Where L is greater than 2h the
calculations Where L is greater than 2h the
ntels distributed loads, be estimated
ntels lupporting
lupporting loads loads deflection of
deflection of the
the lintel
lintel caused
caused by by
using the expression:
tional to
tional to thethe brickwork
brickwork superimposed
superimposed loads, loads, additional
additional to to
re L
re L is
is greater
greater than than 2h 2h the
the the
the deflection
deflection caused caused by by the
the
ngth requirements
ngth requirements additional additional brickwork, can
brickwork, can be be estimated
estimated
at
at caused
caused by by the
the mass
mass of of the
the using the
using the expression:
expression:
work
work can, can, forfor uniformly
uniformly (For uniformly
(For uniformly distributed
distributed loads) loads) Detailing of Clay Masonry / 28

buted loads,
buted loads, be be estimated
estimated
6. Movement Gaps
All building materials change in
size as their temperature varies,
or as they are loaded or unloaded.
Some materials (such as concrete
and cement products) shrink as
they dry out after being placed
in position in a building and
shrink further as they cure. Clay
bricks expand slowly over a long
period of time. When different
materials are used together,
their different responses to
changing loads, temperatures
and moisture contents will lead
to size differences between
them. The resulting differential
movements must be taken
into account if damage to the
structure is to be avoided and this
is achieved through the provision
of movement gaps between parts
of the structure.
6.1 Dimensional changes in clay
masonry units
There are a number of potential
sources of dimensional change in
clay masonry. All except long-term
expansion are cyclic, reversible
changes.
6.1.1 Thermal
The thermal expansion of clay
bricks varies slightly depending
upon their colour and the method
of manufacture, but the value is
unlikely to be greater than 0.008
mm/m/ºC. Thermal expansion
can be taken into account by
calculating the spacings of
movement gaps in external
brickwork (see later) but no
particular consideration need be
given for thermal expansion in
most internal brickwork.
6.1.2 Short term wetting and
drying
All masonry units expand on
wetting and contract on drying,
but these changes are usually not
sufficient to require consideration
in clay brickwork.
6.1.3 Long term permanent
expansion
Expansion of fired clay units
begins as soon as they have cooled
after firing and takes place in all
three directions. This expansion
is due to reaction with moisture
and is sometimes referred to as
‘permanent moisture expansion’.
All fired clay products, including
bricks, are subject to chemical
reactions between water and
certain constituent minerals
that cause them to expand. The
reactions begin when bricks in
the kiln cool below about 400ºC,
they are not hastened by wetting
and, for practical purposes, are
irreversible.
Any atmosphere in which people
can live and breathe contains
sufficient water to cause clay
brick expansion and neither
the magnitude nor the rate
of expansion is measurably
changed when bricks are used
internally rather than externally.
However, total movement is made
appreciably less by the absence of
significant temperature changes
and gaps to accommodate
movements are often not required
in internal walls.
The magnitude of long-term
permanent change in the
dimensions of clay bricks (growth)
depends upon the material from
which they are made. It is now
generally accepted that the rate of
expansion diminishes with time
and can be accurately represented
by a linear relationship with the
logarithm of time.
Experience shows that if control
gaps are provided, with widths
calculated on the basis of the
coefficient of expansion of the
particular brick used in the
structure, stresses due to the
restraint of further growth are
unlikely to cause distress during
the remaining practical life of the
building.
6.1.4 Coefficient of expansion
The coefficient of expansion
is an estimate of the bricks’
growth in the first fifteen years
after they are made. Values are
generally lower than they were
in the past because of a better
understanding of the factors
influencing expansion and better
control over the manufacturing
processes, particularly the firing
temperature. When it is required,
the coefficient of expansion for
particular units can be obtained
from the manufacturer.
Coefficient of expansion is now
given the symbol em, but it was
often formerly referred to simply
as the ‘e’ value. The value is
determined by subjecting a brick
fresh from the kiln to saturated
steam at atmospheric pressure.
This expansion has been shown
to correlate well with natural
expansion over a longer period.
The test procedure is given in the
standard test procedures for clay
masonry units (AS 4456.11)8.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 29
Coefficients of expansion can be
classified as:
a. Low up to 0.8 mm/m
b. Medium exceeding 0.8 up to
1.6 mm/m
c. High exceeding 1.6 up to 2.4
mm/m
However, it must be remembered
that:
• There is no pattern in the
coefficients of expansion
based on brick colour or
manufacturing method that
enables general figures to be
produced.
• Within a single brick type
the coefficient of expansion
can vary considerably at
different production times.
In some instances, a halving
or doubling of em values has
been observed from bricks
sold under the same name
but manufactured six months
apart.
For these reasons designers
should obtain current expansion
data for the particular brick they
propose to use.
6.2 Design of control gaps
6.2.1 General
The common use of reinforced
concrete frames in buildings,
together with the availability
of a wider range of bricks, have
contributed to making the control
of movements more complex than
before. Locations and widths of
control gaps to accommodate
long-term moisture expansion
can be determined based on the
characteristic expansion of the
units. In many instances these
gaps will be in the same locations
as those needed to accommodate a framed structure it is necessary
differential movements between to give consideration to the
various parts of the structure, movements in the frame that
arising from seasonal and diurnal might affect the cladding.
thermal movements plus those a. Temperature movements
associated with foundation and The building frame will usually
footing movements. be internal and will remain
comparatively unchanged in
The Masonry Structures Code its temperature. An allowance
(AS 3700) includes overall limits of 0.35 mm/m for temperature
on joint width and movement movements due to heating
but does not specify a method of and cooling of the masonry
design for gap spacings. Such a cladding is recommended,
method is outlined in this section. to provide for temperature
differences of up to 40ºC
between the frame and its
6.2.2 Sources of movement
cladding.
Masonry units
Details on how to obtain data
b. Frame shortening
on the magnitude of growth
Modern framed structures
(coefficient of expansion) have
usually have a frame of
been given in Section 6.1.4. Note
reinforced concrete, with
that expansion takes place in the
high creep and shrinkage
height and width as well as the
characteristics, and the
length of the units.
masonry cladding is a two-leaf
wall with one leaf within
Foundation and footing
the frame. The outer leaf is
movements
connected to it only by wire
Uniform movements of the
ties across a cavity and is
footings of a building should not
carried at floor level by a
affect masonry walls. However,
concrete nib or steel shelf
differential movements due to
angle. In these circumstances
uneven settlement or moisture
it is imperative that proper
change in the foundation can lead
provision be made to
to cracking of masonry. Where
accommodate the differences
these movements are expected
between the movement of
to be significant, the structure
the frame and the cladding,
can be designed as articulated
even if the frame is made of
masonry. In general, the control
steel where frame shortening
joints incorporated by a prudent
is small.
designer to articulate brickwork
against damage from footing
For reinforced concrete frames
movement can normally also act
it is possible to use techniques
as gaps to control movements
such as those suggested by Fintel
associated with expansion of
and Khan9 to calculate column
the units. Design of articulated
shortening for the particular
masonry is covered in TBA Manual 7.
building and to use that figure in
determining gap widths.
Frame movements
In all instances where masonry is
hung as a curtain-wall to enclose
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 30
Alternatively,it is recommended
that the conservative value of
1.2 mm/m be adopted as the
allowance for shortening of a
reinforced concrete frame. If the
frame is made of steel, or if a load
bearing masonry wall supports
the outer leaf, the appropriate
conservative value is 0.5 mm/m.
c. Horizontal
concrete shrinkage
The horizontal shrinkage of
concrete beams and slabs will
act in the opposite direction
to the expansion of the clay
brickwork and the difference
between them has a potential
to cause damage. This aspect
is usually adequately dealt
with by providing slip joints
between the concrete and the
masonry.
6.2.3 Gaps for internal walls
Experience shows that where
bricks with medium to low
coefficients of expansion (em
below about 1.2 mm/m) are used
in internal walls with full-height
door openings, no expansion gaps
need be provided. Otherwise, the
formula derived below should be
used (after it has been modified to
eliminate the thermal expansion
component) to determine the gap
spacings needed to protect the
continuous masonry above the
openings.
Similarly, experience suggests
that the internal leaves of external
walls can be built without a
control gap at the top provided
the leaf of masonry is fully
supported within the frame
and any clay bricks used for this
purpose have an em value below
about 1.2 mm/m.
Where masonry is used to
partition a framed structure, it
is often considered desirable to
provide a control gap at the top
of such partitions to ensure that
they do not become load bearing.
In such an instance, the partition
can be stabilised by using a
connection that allows relative
vertical movement between the
partition and the concrete slab
above. Proprietary connectors are
available for this purpose and the
advice of the manufacturer should
be sought.
6.2.4 Gaps for external walls
Control of the movements that
have been described is best
achieved by providing vertical
gaps to accommodate horizontal
movement and horizontal gaps to
accommodate vertical movement.
These are described below.
Horizontal movement
Growth of the masonry units
themselves is all that needs to
be considered in designing for
horizontal movement. In most
walls, there are restraints that
reduce the actual expansion of
the masonry to about half the em
value of the bricks. In parapets,
however, such restraint does not
exist or is so reduced that the
full amount of expansion must
be assumed to occur. On the
other hand, in base brickwork
that is not more than about 600
mm high between ground level
and a sheet damp-proof course,
experience shows that the risk of
damage is slight if expansion gaps
are omitted.
A wall with unrestrained ends
will expand in both directions
from the centreline. Therefore,
movement into a control gap from
both sides must be allowed for. So
that disruption to other elements
in the wall is avoided, it is
generally recommended that the
maximum movement at each gap
be limited to 7 to 8 mm from the
wall section on each side of the
gap, that is a total movement at
the gap of 15 mm and a total gap
width (as constructed) of about
20 to 25 mm. AS 3700 requires the
total calculated closing movement
to be not greater than 15 mm and
the final width of the gap to be
not less than 5 mm. AS 3700 also
requires any joint to be treated
as a structural end, and the wall
supports must be designed
accordingly.
Corners and offsets are the places
most vulnerable to damage
and it is advisable to locate the
first gap as close to the corner
as possible. It should never be
further from the corner than half
the calculated gap spacing. In a
framed building, it will usually be
desirable to locate corner gaps
very close to the corner. If this
is done, the masonry on either
side of the gap can be separately
tied to the column to provide
stability to both panels. Where the
masonry is self-supporting and
not tied to a frame, it relies on the
stability provided by the bonded
corners. In these circumstances,
it is advisable that the first gap
is located at least 0.3 times, but
preferably 0.5 times the height of
the wall from the corner.
Any wall or section of wall that is
more than half the gap spacing in
length between corners, offsets or
ends should be protected by the
inclusion of a vertical control gap.
Guidelines for positioning of
control gaps are illustrated in
Figure 31.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 31
 Figure 36. Recommended locations for control gaps
Sv /2 max.
1/3 to 1/5
wall height
min.
Sv /2 max. 1/3 to 1/5
wall height min.
Consideration should also be
given to the provision of control
joints at wall openings and at
changes in wall thickness (other
than for piers, buttresses or other
members that provide support).
In developing a method for
calculating the spacing of vertical
gaps, the following notation is
used:
Sv = Maximum spacing of
vertical gaps in walls (in metres).
Svp = Maximum spacing of vertical
gaps in parapets (in metres).
em = The coefficient of expansion
of the clay unit used in the
construction (mm/m).
It has been recommended practice
for many years to design spacings
of vertical control gaps in walls
based on half the 5-year expansion
value. It is known that expansion
varies with the logarithm of time10
and the 5-year expansion is about
70% of the 15-year expansion (em).
The design movement for walls is
therefore;
Double this amount is used for
parapets.
If the spacing of vertical gaps is
Sv, the total closure at each gap
would be:
Sv Sv
Slip joint at
re-entrant
corner
Sv /2 max.
where 0.35 mm/m is the
allowance for thermal movement
in the wall.
If the closure is to be limited to 15
mm, then:
A similar approach to parapets
gives:
For example, consider a clay brick
where em = 1.6 mm/m.
Then;
and;
The first gap in the main wall
should be no more than 8 m from
the corner and, in the parapet, 5
m from the corner. However, it
is probably best to put the first
gap close to the corner and run
it through both the wall and
parapet. Then, for this example,
full-height gaps in the run of wall
and parapet would be at around
16.5 m centres, with an extra gap
in the parapet half way between
Gaps close to corner to
enable panels to be tied to
the supporting frame
each of the full-height gaps.
In many instances, it may be
convenient to locate gaps at
some line or lines occurring on
the facade, for example behind
downpipes. Wider spacing than
that calculated might be adopted
with more safety on south and
east-facing walls where the
movement from temperature
changes will be less.
A nearly invisible joint can be
provided at a re-entrant angle by
the provision of a straight joint
that permits the long wall to slide
behind the shorter return (see
Figure 31).
Vertical movement
Horizontal gaps to control vertical
movement are required only in
buildings where the external leaf
of masonry is non-loadbearing
and is supported by a frame or
floor slabs. In these situations,
provision is required for the
shortening of the supporting
frame or walls, for the growth of
the clay bricks and for movements
associated with temperature
differences between the internal
supporting structure and the
external brick cladding.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 32
In order to avoid disruption or
loss of effectiveness to wall ties
and other elements in the wall,
the gap closing movement should
be limited to 10 mm. A total gap
width of 15 mm is appropriate for
such a movement.
In calculating the maximum
spacing of horizontal control
gaps, the full amount of the
expansion of the units is assumed
to occur. This is a conservative
approach because it ignores the
possibility of shortening due to
creep in new mortar.
Where a non-loadbearing outer
leaf of clay brickwork covers a
loadbearing masonry structure,
the value of em used in calculating
the gap width under the support
for the outer leaf should be taken
as the difference in the coefficient
of expansion between the
masonry units in the inner and
outer leaves.
In developing a method for
calculating the maximum spacing
of horizontal gaps or the amount
of vertical movement to be
accommodated, the following
additional notation is used:
Sh = spacing of horizontal gaps in
walls (in metres).
Δh = closing movement in a
horizontal gap included in a wall
(mm).
For a reinforced concrete frame
building:
Where 0.35 mm/m is the This distance is less than the
allowance for thermal movement floor-to-floor centre distance (3.6
and 1.2 mm/m is the allowance for m) and hence this brick (em = 2.0
frame shortening. mm/m) cannot be conveniently
used in this building. For the gaps
If Δh is restricted to 10 mm it to be located at floor levels (Sh = 3.6
follows that Sh must not be m) a brick is required with an em
greater than: value not exceeding 1.77 mm/m.
If the frame were changed to
steel –
In this case, the brick can be
For a steel framed or a loadbearing conveniently used. By making Sh
masonry building – = 3.6 m to suit the storey height it
can be shown that a brick having
an em value as high as 2.77 mm/m
would be acceptable for the steel-
framed building.
Where 0.5 mm/m is the allowance
for frame or loadbearing wall
shortening
If Δh is limited to 10 mm, Sh must
not be greater than:
For example, consider a reinforced
concrete framed building with
a floor height of 3.6 m to be clad
with a clay brick having a high
coefficient of expansion (em) of
2.0 mm/m. It has been decided to
restrict the differential movement
between the frame and the
cladding to a maximum of 10 mm.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 33
6.3 Recommended maximum 6.4 Construction details
gap spacings
6.4.1 Vertical gaps
AS 3700 does not prescribe limits
Vertical gaps should be straight
on gap spacings, relying on
joints. Toothed gaps are nearly
designers to specify appropriate
impossible to construct in a
locations for each situation.
manner that enables them to
Table 10 and Table 11 give limits
function properly.
that are recommended as
reasonable general maxima,
In forming a vertical joint, a neat
based on closures of 10 mm or 15
parallel-sided gap, free from
mm in vertical gaps and 10 mm in
mortar droppings, will be most
horizontal gaps.
easily created if a rigid board of
suitable dimensions is built-in.
Table 10: Maximum spacings for vertical control gaps in Any material that is rigid enough
clay masonry (m) to perform this function will be
too incompressible to act as filler
Vertical gaps for Vertical gaps for or as a backing for a caulking
15mm closure 10mm closure compound seal and must be
removed before the gap is sealed.
Coefficient of Failure to remove this temporary
Walls Parapets Walls Parapets
expansion em filler will result in major problems.
(sv) (Sp) (sv) (Sp)
(mm/m) Sealing should be done using
up to 0.4 30 23 20 16 one of the methods illustrated in
Low 0.41 to 0.8 23 16 16 11 Section 6.4.3.

0.81 to 1.2 19 12 13 8
Medium 1.21 to 1.6 16 10 11 6 6.4.2 Horizontal gaps
Any element that supports
1.61 to 2.0 14 8 9 5 masonry cladding should have a
High 2.01 to 2.4 12 7 8 4 movement control gap beneath it.
Typical details of gaps and suitable
methods of providing support for
Table 11: Maximum spacings for horizontal control the cladding are given in Figure 32
gaps in clay masonry (m) and Figure 33.

Horizontal gaps for 10mm closure

Figure 37. Brickwork supported by
Coefficient of Steel frames and a nib on the slab
Reinforced
expansion em loadbearing
concrete frames
(mm/m) masonry
up to 0.4 5.5 8.9 Weep holes
Low 0.41 to 0.8 4.8 7.2 Flashing

0.81 to 1.2 4.2 6.0

Medium 1.21 to 1.6 3.8 5.1

1.61 to 2.0 3.4 4.5 Backing rod and

High 2.01 to 2.4 3.1 4.0 sealant

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 34

Figure 38. Brickwork supported
by a shelf angle
Weep holes
Flashing
Shelf angle
bolted to
Backing rod
slab/
and sealant
spandrel
beam
Concrete nibs should be used
only where they are to be
carried completely through the
wall. If this is not aesthetically
acceptable, the outer leaf should
be carried on a shelf angle. Many
troubles arising from differential
vertical movement are traceable
to the use of nibs that project only
partly into the brickwork and are
faced with biscuit bricks. This type
of detail is not recommended (see
Figure 34).
If shelf angles are adopted,
construction must be carefully
detailed and even more carefully
supervised to ensure that they
provide the maximum possible
support and that the required
gaps have been provided. Shelf
angles and their fixings should be
of stainless steel or they should
be hot-dip galvanised after
fabrication.
6.4.3 Gap sealing
Before sealing an expansion gap,
it is essential that the gap be
cleaned so that no hard materials
such as mortar droppings are
left in it to prevent its proper
functioning. Failure to ensure that
gaps are clean before sealing is
the most common cause of brick
expansion problems. Figure 38
Figure 39. Unacceptable detail for A simple means of sealing gaps
brickwork support by a nib on the is first to clean them out and
slab then to insert either a bitumen
impregnated plastic-foam strip as
the complete seal or a closed-cell
polyethylene foam circular rod as
a backing for a gun-applied butyl
caulking compound. In either
case the finished seal should be
Use of biscuit
kept well back (approximately 25
bricks is NOT mm) from the face of the wall to
recommended
avoid an unsightly squeezing out
of the compressed seal brought
about the closing of the gap (see
Figure 35).
shows typical methods of sealing
control gaps. For horizontal gaps under shelf
angles or haunches, the seal will
An expansion gap in clay usually have to be located close to
brickwork gets narrower with the face to reduce the risk of water
time, and therefore the gap sealer penetration into the brickwork
does not have to stick to the sides below (see Figure 33).
of the gap, as would be the case
with an opening gap. In these
circumstances, a comparatively Figure 40: Methods of sealing
simple caulking material, such vertical control gaps
as butyl-mastic, is usually quite
adequate. It is of paramount
importance to ensure that only
highly compressible material Impregnated
foam seal
is placed in the gap so that
potentially damaging forces are Closed cell
polyethylene
not transferred across it. rod backing
Materials such as pulp-board, cork
Caulking
or even semi-rigid foams are not compound
suitable as gap fillers for a closing
joint. If such materials are used
to form the joint, they should be
removed before the gap is sealed
because most have compressive
strengths high enough to transfer
damaging forces across the
joint. The use of joint fillers that
are too rigid is the second most
common cause of brick expansion
problems.
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 35
6.5 Windows and Doors

Design Manual
Windows and external door 3 text:Design Manual 3 text 13/12/12 11:55 AM Page 13

frames can be fixed after the

masonry is constructed but are
usually built in as bricklaying
proceeds with ties and flashings
Design Manual 3 text:Design Manual 3 text 13/12/12 11:55 AM Page 13
Figure 41: External doors showing lintel and flashing details and fixing
6.5.1 Brick Veneer of frames in cavity brick
The window or door is fitted
into the timber frame, while the Steel Gal. steel Gal. steel
Head
brickwork can simply be laid Gal. steel
door
frame
angle lintel flat lintels
flashings
flat lintel supports Boxed eave when
around the opening. Ensure that clay brick eaves
masonry do not
the cavity between the brick leaf protect
door
and the timber frame is properly head

sealed. The timber should overlap Steel Gal. steel Gal. steel
Head
door angle lintel Terrazzo
flat lintels
the brickwork by approximately Gal. steel
flat lintel
frame
supports Boxed eave
threshold
Infillflashings
slab
or framed
when
dooreaves
13 mm. Where window or door clay brick
masonry do not
Change slab edge protect
openings are larger than 900 mm Clay pavers mortared Paver
at external doors door
head
x 900 mm, articulated joints are to slab as
step

required to be located less than 1.2 Terrazzo Infill slab

m from the opening. For openings Mastic bead
Built-in
threshold or framed
Plug
door
Figure 14. and
that are less than 500 mm wide, External doors showing
Built-in
gal. wire
lug
Change slabdoor
on
edge screw
at external doors or nail
lintels are not required, however lintel and flashing details clip
Clay pavers mortared Paver
frame

and fixing of frames STEEL DOOR FRAME to slab as ALUMINIUM-FRAME SLIDING DOOR TIMBER DOOR FRAME
in all cases the opening is required step

to be adequately supported.
Gal. steel Mastic bead
Head
angle lintel Re-bars Plug
Built-in flashing
Figure 14. Built-in
lintel builtlug
intoon
and
required
Built-in screw
External
Figure 42:doors showing
Lintel and flashing
Boxed eave details
gal. wire and fixing of window
beddoor
joint
frames in when
or nail
from
framelintel there is
lintel and flashing details clip
cavityand brick
fixing of frames STEEL DOOR FRAME ALUMINIUM-FRAME SLIDING DOOR TIMBER DOOR FRAME
no eave
protection
Splayed cut Sill brick
brick sill projecting
6.5.2 Cavity Brick Splayed
Gal. steel
cut brick
with 10 mm
projection
10 mm
beyond Head
Re-bars
Because the brickwork in sill angle lintel
Brick- at lowBuilt-in
edge
lintel
Tile
builtsill
into
face of
clay brick
Timber
flashing
sill
required
on-edge bed joint
the loadbearing leaf has to Boxed eave sill from lintel
masonry when
there is
no eave
be laid around the opening, Alternative sill
Full-width protection
flashing position sill flashing
specific detailing is required. Recommended
forSplayed
exposedcut
brick sill
conditions/
Sill brick
projecting
sill flashingSplayed with 10 mm Built-in 10 mm
Particular attention must be position cut brick
high rainfall
projection lug on beyond
sill at low edge window face of Timber
given to the building in of Brick-
on-edgeFlashing
Tile sill
frame clay brick
Flashing
sill
sill 100 min. masonry
extra ties at unbonded cross- Figure 15.
100 min.
Flashing
walls intersections and at Lintel and flashing details 100 min.
Alternative sill
Full-width
sill flashing
and fixing of window frames flashing position
for exposed
discontinuities such as window Recommended conditions/
Built-in
sill flashing high rainfall
jambs and articulation joints or position lug on
window

control gaps. Typical detailing Medium-duty wall ties at 600 mm

(400 mm maximum) centres at top
Flashing
100 edge
frame
centres (maximum) in body of wall.Flashing
Ties at 300 mm average
min. around openings, at control gaps and at lateral supports
100 min.
of openings in cavity bricks are Figure 15.
Flashing
Lintel and flashing details 100 min.
shown in the following diagrams:and fixing of window frames

Window opening

Medium-duty wall ties at 600 mm centres (maximum) in body of wall. Ties at 300 mm average
(400 mm maximum) centres at top edge around openings, at control gaps and at lateral supports

Figure 16. Window opening

Cavity wall tie positioning Typical tie positions •

Control gap Lateral support (internal wall)
and spacing

12
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 36
Figure 16.
Cavity wall tie positioning
7. References

1 National Construction Code Volume 1: Class

2 to Class 9 Buildings and Volume 2: Class 1 and
Class 10 Buildings (Housing Provisions).
Australian Building Codes Board,
Canberra 2019.

2 Masonry Structures,
AS 3700–2018 Standards
Australia, Sydney, 2018
Think Brick Australia represents
3 Masonry Structures – Commentary,
AS 3700-2012 Supplement 1, Standards
Australia’s clay brick and paver
Australia, Sydney, 2012. manufacturers.

4 Residential Slabs and Footings Visit the technical section of our

– Construction, AS 2870–2011 website to download FREE TECHNICAL
Standards Australia, Sydney, 2011 MANUALS.

5 Residential Slabs and Footings – Some of our most popular FREE technical
Construction Commentary, AS 2870 manuals include:
Supp1-1996 Standards
Australia, Sydney, 1996 • The Brickwork Manual: A step-by-
step guide to installing clay bricks
6 Manual 7, Design of Clay Masonry
for Serviceability, Clay Brick and
• Manual 9: Detailing of Clay Masonry
Paver Institute, • Manual 5: Design of Clay Masonry
Sydney October 2018 Walls for Fire Resistance
7 Structural Design Actions Part 0:
General Principles, AS 1170.0–2002 • Manual 10: Construction Guidelines
Standards Australia, for Clay Masonry
Sydney, 2002

8 Masonry Units and Segmental

Pavers Methods of test, Method 11:
Determining coefficients
of expansion, AS 4456.11
Standards Australia, Sydney,2003 Manua

9 Fintel, M. & Khan, F.R. Effects

of column creep and shrinkage in Design
of
Clay Mas
tall structures – prediction of inelastic Walls fo
onry
column shortening, Journal of the r Fire
Resista
nce
American Concrete Institute V66, 1

N12, 1969, pp.957-967 23/5/19 2:59

pm

d 1
gle pages.ind
k-Manual-2019-sin
Manual20-Brickwor

10 Cole, W.F. Possible significance of

linear plots of moisture TB-MANUA
L 5-DESIGN
CLAY MASO

expansion against log of NRY WALL

S FIRE
RESIST
2018.indd
1

time function, Nature, N196, 1962,p.431 23/11/18

4:07 pm

11 Masonry in Small Buildings Part 1: Design,

AS 4773.1-2015 Standards Australia, Sydney,
2015 thinkbrick.com.au
Detailing of Clay Masonry / 37
Figure 43. Window frames fitted Figure 44. Exterior lintel treatment
to timber frame with brick veneer
laid around opening

Sarking
There should be
Flashing Plaster Board a MIN. of three
brick courses
above M.S. lintels.
Lintel Flashing
Allow
15mm
Space Timber Lintel Lintel flashing
is not required
Packing when eave depth
as shown is not
Moulding if 15mm space less than 3x’H’.
Sash Top Rail necessary
Reveals Eave Depth
Sealant Aluminium
Glass behind Frame M.S. Gal. Lintel Angle

Glass Sealant

‘Z’ overflashing folded at

ends to form a tray.
Space allowance
between frame
Sill Reveal and brick sill
according to
Space allowance text.

Brick Flashing
Sill
Weep holes at
Weep every 4th perp.
Holes

Sarking
Flashing

Figure 45. Exerior timber doors in

brick veneer

Sealant behind jambs Threshold Tiles Jambs

Sill

Broad butt hinges to allow door to swing back onto wall.

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 38

 Figure 46. Aluminium windows in Figure 47. Timber windows in
brick veneer brick veneer

Lintel Stud
wall
Packing Exterior Infill
Head Panel
Architraves Fiber-cement
infill panel
Head Reveal overlaps
window frames.
Sealant

Retain 15mm
space between
head reveal and
lintel. Don’t use
wedges or packing.
The head reveal is
straightened by the
architrave.
Fasten according
to the AWA
(Australian
Window
Association) Sealant
installation guide.

Aluminium Rebate in slab

Space allowance Sub-Sill edge.
between frames
Sill Reveal and brick sill Sill Details
according to
text.

Flashing
Weep holes
at every 4th
perp.

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 39

Notes

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 40

Notes

Detailing of Clay Masonry / 41

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