Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. Introduction to Eurocode 6
Eur Ing, Prof.
Revision 2
J J Roberts BSc(Eng), PhD, CEng, FIStructE, FICE, FIMS, FCMI, MICT O Brooker BEng, CEng, MICE, MIStructE
Introduction
This publication is part of a series of three
guides entitled How to design masonry structures
using Eurocode 6. The aim is to make the use of
Eurocode 6, Design of masonry structures as easy
as possible by drawing together in one place key
information and commentary required for the
design of typical masonry elements.
Guidance on Eurocode 6
The purpose of this series of guides is to introduce designers to the basic
approach adopted in Eurocode 6. This is the first guide in the series of three
and provides:
A brief outline of the scope of Eurocode 6.
An introduction to design, including fire resistance and movement.
Assessment of actions and combination of actions using Eurocode*.
How to specify mortar and masonry units.
Glossary of Eurocode 6 terms.
The second guide in the series, Vertical resistance1, explains how to design
for vertical actions, whilst the third guide, Lateral resistance2, covers the
design of laterally loaded masonry panels. Further information on Eurocode 6
can be found at www.eurocode6.org.
Eurocode 6
Eurocode 6 comprises the following parts:
Part 11, General rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures3.
Part 12, Structural fire design4.
Part 2, Design considerations, selection of materials and execution of masonry5.
Part 3, Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry structures6.
Each part also has a National Annex (NA) which provides the Nationally
Determined Parameters (NDPs) to be used in the application of Eurocode 6 in
the UK. The UK NDPs have been used throughout this guide. In addition
PD 6697 contains useful guidance complementary to Eurocode 67.
This series concentrates on Eurocode 6, Part 11 but includes material from
Part 2 to explain the exposure and durability requirements. The scope and
content of Part 12 and Part 3 are also briefly explained.
Eurocode 6 is intended to be used with Eurocode*: Basis of structural design8,
Eurocode 1: Actions on structures9 and, where appropriate, the other Eurocodes
and relevant European Standards. The guide Introduction to Eurocodes10
provides more information on the Eurocode family.
Eurocode 6 has been developed to enable the designer to use the following
types of masonry unit: clay, calcium silicate, aggregate concrete, autoclaved
aerated concrete (aircrete), manufactured stone and natural stone. European
standards for these materials have been published by BSI and form part of an
array of standards relating to masonry produced under the auspices of the
European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), committee TC/125 (Masonry).
*BS EN 1990 is entitled Eurocode, but is often referred to as Eurocode 0.
Basis of design
Masonry structures are required to be designed in accordance with the
general rules given in Eurocode, which requires that:
Ed Rd
where
Ed = design value of the effect of actions
Rd = design value of the resistance
The basic requirements of Section 2 of Eurocode are deemed to be
satisfied for masonry structures when the following are applied:
Limit state design in conjunction with the partial factor method
described in Eurocode.
Actions as given in Eurocode 1. (See Assessment of actions below.)
Combination rules as given in Eurocode.
The principles and application rules given in Eurocode 6.
Thus using the partial factor method, the design value for a material
property is obtained by dividing its characteristic value by the relevant
partial factor for materials as follows:
R
Rd = g k
where
Rd = design value of resistance
Rk = characteristic value of the resistance
gM = partial factor for a material property
The partial factors for use with masonry are given in Table NA.1 of
the National Annex to Eurocode 6, Part 11 and shown here as Table
1. Two levels of attestation of conformity are recognized, Category I
and Category II and this will be declared by the manufacturer of the
masonry units. There are also two classes of execution control that are
recognized: 1 and 2.
Supporting standards
Assessment of actions
Scope of PD 6697
1. Introduction to Eurocode 6
Table 1
Values of gM for ultimate limit state
Material
Class of execution
control gM
1a
2a
Masonry
When in a state of direct or flexural compression
Unreinforced masonry made with:
Units of category I
2.3 b
Units of category II
2.6 b
Reinforced masonry made with mortar M6 or M12:
Units of category I
2.0 b
Units of category II
2.3 b
When in a state of flexural tension
Units of category I and II but in
2.3 b
laterally loaded wall panels when
removal of the panel would not affect
2.0 b
the overall stability of the building
When in a state of shear
Unreinforced masonry made with:
Units of category I and II
2.5 b
Reinforced masonry made with mortar M6 or M12:
Units of category I and II
2.0 b
Steel and other components
Anchorage of reinforcing steel
1.5 d
Reinforcing steel and prestressing steel
1.15 d
Ancillary components wall ties
3.0 b
Ancillary components straps
1.5 e
Lintels in accordance with EN 845-212
See NA to
BS EN 8452f
2.7 b
3.0 b
c
c
2.7 b
2.4 b
2.5 b
c
c
c
3.0 b
1.5 e
See NA to
BS EN 8452f
Key
a
Class 1 of execution control should be assumed whenever the work is carried out
following the recommendations for workmanship in BS EN 19962, including
appropriate supervision and inspection, and in addition:
i the specification, supervision and control ensure that the construction is
compatible with the use of the appropriate partial safety factors given in
BS EN 199611;
ii the mortar conforms to BS EN 998-2, if it is factory made mortar. If the
mortar is site mixed, preliminary compressive strength tests, in accordance
with BS EN 1015-2 and 1015-11, are carried on the mixture of sand, lime (if
any) and cement that is intended to be used (the proportions given in Table
NA.2 may be used initially for the tests) in order to confirm that the strength
requirements of the specification can be met; the proportions may need to
be changed to achieve the required strengths and the new proportions are
then to be used for the work on site. Regular compressive strength testing
is carried out on samples from the site mortar to check that the required
strengths are being achieved.
Class 2 of execution control should be assumed whenever the work is carried out
following the recommendations for workmanship in BS EN 19962, including
appropriate supervision.
b When considering the effects of misuse or accident these values may be halved.
c
Accompanying
variable action
gQ,i c0,i Qk,i
Exp. (6.10a)
gG,j,sup Gk,j,sup
gG,j,inf Gk,j,inf
Exp. (6.10b)
jgG,j,sup Gk,j,sup
gG,j,inf Gk,j,inf
gQ,1 Qk,1
Notes
Gk = characteristic value of a permanent load
Qk = characteristic value of the variable action
gG,sup = partial factor for permanent action upper design value
gG,inf = partial factor for permanent action lower design value
gQ = partial factor for variable actions
c0 = factor for combination value of a variable action
j = reduction factor/distribution coefficient
Where a variable action is favourable Qk should be taken as 0.
Table 3
Recommended combination values of variable actions (c0) buildings
(from UK National Annex to Eurocode)
Action
c0
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
1.0
0.7
0.7
Category H: roofs a
0.7
When considering the effects of misuse or accident these values should be taken as 1.0.
For horizontal restraint straps, unless otherwise specified, the declared ultimate
load capacity depends on there being a design compressive stress in the masonry
of at least 0.4 N/mm2. When a lower stress due to design loads may be acting,
for example when autoclaved aerated concrete or lightweight aggregate concrete
masonry is used, the manufacturers advice should be sought and a partial safety
factor of 3 should be used.
Yet to be published.
Key
Leading
variable
action
gQ,1 Qk,1
0.7
0.5
0.6
Imperfections
Eurocode 6 also recognizes that imperfections should be taken into
account in design and requires that, at the ultimate limit state, the
horizontal forces to be resisted at any level should be the sum of 1
and 2 below.
1. The horizontal load due to the vertical load being applied to a
structure with the following notional inclination angle v to the
vertical:
1
v=
radians
100 Rhtot
where
htot = the total height of the structure in metres.
Each vertical action therefore produces a horizontal action to
which the same load factor and combination factor as the vertical
load apply.
2. The wind load derived from Eurocode 1, Parts 14 multiplied by
its partial factor and distributed across the elements resisting the
load in proportion to their stiffness.
Mortar
The way in which mortar is specified is shown in Table 5. The primary
method of designation for mortar is the strength grade. Thus an M12
mortar should have a minimum compressive strength of 12 N/mm2
at 28 days. Eurocode 6 recognises three types of masonry mortar:
general purpose, thin layer and lightweight mortar, and they may all
be either designed or prescribed (see Glossary).
The use of mortars should be in accordance with the recommendations
given in Eurocode 6, Part 2. For site made mortars, the mixing of the
mortar should be in accordance with Part 2 (PD 66977 provides more
detailed information). For factory made, semi-finished factory made
and pre-batched masonry mortars, BS EN 998213 applies.
Table 4
Design values of actions derived for UK design, ultimate limit state
Combination Permanent actions
Leading
Accompanying
expression
variable action variable actions
Unfavourable Favourable (unfavourable) (unfavourable)
reference
Combination of permanent actions and one variable action
Exp. (6.10)
1.35 Gka
1.0 Gka
Exp. (6.10a)
1.35 Gka
1.0 Gka
Exp. (6.10b)
1.5 Qkb
Durability of materials
Eurocode 6, Part 2 gives the basic rules for selection of mortar
and masonry units for durability. Exposure conditions are defined in
CI 2.1.2(3) of Part 2, with further guidance given in Annexes A, B
and C. The UK NA to Part 2 advises that Annexes B and C should not
be used because the information is not as extensive as that given in
PD 6697; this advice is included in Table 6.
Suitable
for use in
environmental
condition
M12
1 : 0 to : 3 1 : 3
Not
suitable
Not
suitable
(i)
Severe(S)
M6
1 : : 4 to
4
1 : 3 to 4
1 : 2 to
3
1:3
(ii)
Severe(S)
M4
1 : 1: 5 to 6 1 : 5 to 6
1 : 4 to 5
1 : 3 to 4 (iii)
Moderate(M)
M2
1 : 2: 8 to 9 1 : 7 to 8
1 : 5 to
6
1 : 4
Passive(P)
1.5 c0-1 b Qk
1.5 Qk
Combination of permanent actions, wind load (Qk,W) and imposed load (Qk,I)
Exp. (6.10)
Case 1
1.35 Gka
1.0 Gka
1.5 Qk,W
1.05 c Qk,I
Exp. (6.10)
Case 2
1.35 Gka
1.0 Gka
1.5 Qk,I
0.75 d Qk,W
(iv)
Key
a The number following the M is the compressive strength for the class at 28 days
in N/mm2 that may be assumed for the proportions given in columns 2 to 4; site
compressive strength testing is not required for these traditional mixes. Checking of
prescribed mortars should only be done by testing the proportions of the constituents.
b Cement or combinations of cement (which include CEM I and many CEM IIs) in accordance
with NA.2.3.2, except masonry cements
c Masonry cement in accordance with NA.2.3.2, (inorganic filler other than lime)
d Masonry cement in accordance with NA.2.3.2 (lime)
Key
Notes
a Where the variation in permanent action is not considered significant Gk,j,sup and Gk,j,inf
may be taken as Gk
b Where a variable action is favourable Qk should be taken as 0
c The value of c0 has been taken as 0.7, for storage loads c0 = 1.0 and a factor of 1.5
must be used
d The value of c0 has been taken as 0.5
When the sand portion is given as, for example, 5 to 6, the lower figure should be used
with sands containing a higher proportion of fines whilst the higher figure should be used
with sands containing a lower proportion of fines.
For Class 2 of execution control site compressive strength testing is not required for these
traditional mixes and checking of prescribed mortars should only be done by testing the
proportions of the constituents.
1. Introduction to Eurocode 6
Table 6
Durability of masonry in finished condition
Masonry condition
or situationa
Aggregate concrete
and autoclaved aerated
concrete blocks
Compressive strength
16.5 N/mm2 or above in M4
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
As for A1 in M6
B1 In buildings
Not suitable
Not suitable
Not suitable
Not suitable
Not suitable
Not suitable
As for A1 in M6 or M4
B Masonry d.p.c.s
C Unrendered external walls (other than chimneys, cappings, copings, parapets and sills)h
C1 Low risk of saturation
HD F1 or F2 and S1 or S2 in M12, M6 or
M4
Compressive strength
7.3 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4 or M2
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
18 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4
Compressive strength
7.3 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4 or M2
D Rendered external walls (other than chimneys, cappings, copings, parapets, sills)ij
Rendered external walls
HD F1 or F2 and S1 or S2 in M12, M6 or M4
E Internal walls and inner leaves of cavity walls above d.p.c level
Internal walls and inner leaves
of cavity walls
Any in M4 or M2
HD F1 or F2 and S1 or S2 in M12, M6 or
M4
Compressive strength
22 N/mm2 or above in M4
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
22 N/mm2 or above in M4
As for F1 in M6
HD F1 or F2 and S2 in M12, M6 or M4 or
HD F1 or F2 and S1 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
7.3 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4
HD F1 or F2 and S1 or S2 in M12, M6 or
M4
Compressive strength
12 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
16.5 N/mm2 or above in M4
H3 Rendered
HD F1 or F2 and S2 in M12, M6 or M4 or
HD F1 or F2 and S1 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
7.3 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4
Compressive strength
33 N/mm2 or above in M6
H Chimneysn
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12
J Freestanding boundary and screen walls (other than cappings and copings)
J1 With coping
HD F1 or F2 and S1 in M12 or M6 or HD
F1 or F2 and S2 in M12, M6 or M4
Compressive strength
16.5 N/mm2 or above in M4
Any in M4
J2 With capping
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
22 N/mm2 or above in M4
HD F1 or F2 and S1 or S2 in M12 or M6
Compressive strength
16.5 N/mm2 or above in M6
HD F2 and S1 or S2 in M12
Compressive strength
33 N/mm2 or above in M12
or M6
Compressive strength
22 N/mm2 or above in M4
Not suitable
Not suitable
Key
3
4
LD - clay masonry unit with a low gross dry density for use in protected masonry.
HD - clay masonry unit for unprotected masonry as well as clay masonry
unit with a high gross dry density for use in protected masonry.
Categories used for clay masonry for freeze/thaw
are as follows:
F0 Passive exposure
F1 Moderate exposure
F2 Severe exposure.
Reinforced and
prestressed masonry
Eurocode 6, Part 11 contains information relating to the design of
reinforced masonry, but provides no application rules on the design of
prestressed masonry. Annex J of Part 1-1 provides additional guidance
for reinforced masonry when subjected to shear. PD 6697 extends the
information provided in Part 1-1 for both reinforced and prestressed
masonry as well giving guidance on the use of bed joint reinforcement
to enhance resistance to lateral loads.
Masonry movement
The potential for movement in completed masonry needs to be
allowed for in design, and Eurocode 6, Part 2 makes recommendations
for controlling differential movements; for example, the use of
movement tolerant ties between the leaves of a cavity wall.
Movement joints need to be provided to deal with the effects of
moisture, temperature and movement caused by other agents. The
position of movement joints needs to be considered with care to
ensure that the structural integrity of the wall is maintained. Factors
affecting the location of joints include:
The type and group of masonry unit.
The geometry of the structure.
The degree of restraint.
The effect of loading, thermal and climatic conditions.
Requirements for fire, sound and thermal performance.
The presence of reinforcement.
Movement joints that pass through the full thickness of the wall should
be provided. The maximum horizontal distance, lm, between vertical
movement joints for use for all walls in the UK (in the absence of other
guidance from the manufacturer) is shown in Table 7.
Execution of masonry
Eurocode 6, Part 2 gives guidance on the execution of masonry including:
Permissible deviations.
Jointing and pointing.
Storage, preparation and use of materials on site.
Masonry protection during execution.
Further detail on the first two points is given in the following paragraphs.
Permissible deviations
The permissible deviations of the constructed masonry from the
position in which it is intended to be built should form part of the
design specification. The permissible deviations should not normally be
greater than the values shown in Table 8 for structural imperfections.
Mortar pointing
Most masonry is constructed in such a way that the bedding mortar also
forms the tooled surface of the finished mortar joint. If it is necessary to
point the mortar joint the unhardened mortar should be raked out to a
depth not less than 15 mm, but no more than 15% of the wall thickness.
1. Introduction to Eurocode 6
Simplified calculation
methods
historically, been used in the UK, unlike some European countries. In the
UK guidance on the Building Regulations1618 and BS 8103219 provide
a very effective and economic set of simple rules for low rise masonry
and it is anticipated that these will continue to be the primary method
of demonstrating compliance for many small buildings.
Table 8
Permissible deviations for structural design purposes
Table 7
Maximum horizontal distance between vertical movement joints in
walls (in the absence of other guidance from the manufacturer)
Type of masonry
lm (m)
15a
9b
9b
9b
20 c
Position
Maximum deviation
Verticality
In any one storey
20 mm
50 mm
Vertical alignment
20 mm
Straightness a
In any one metre
10 mm
In 10 metres
50 mm
Thickness
Of wall leaf b
5 mm or 5 % of the leaf
thickness, whichever is the greater
Key
10 mm
The value for clay masonry walls containing bed joint reinforcement may be greater
a
than 15 m subject to expert advice.
This value applies when the ratio, length to height of panel, is 3 to 1 or less. It should
b
be reduced for long horizontal panels of masonry which lie outside this ratio.
When using this figure, movement joints should be located at not more than 8 m
c
from the corner.
Key
Deviation from straightness is measured from a straight reference line between any
a
two points.
Excluding leaves of single masonry unit width or length, where the dimensional
b
tolerances of the masonry units govern the leaf thickness.
References
1 ROBERTS, J J & Brooker, O How to design masonry structures using Eurocode 6: Vertical resistance (TCC/03/36). The Concrete Centre, 2013.
2 ROBERTS, J J & Brooker, O How to design masonry structures using Eurocode 6: Lateral resistance (TCC/03/37). The Concrete Centre, 2013.
3 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 199611: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. General rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry
structures. BSI, 2005. Including NA to BS EN 1996-1-1:2005+A1:2012.
4 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 199612: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. General rules. Structural fire design. BSI, 2005.
Including NA to BS EN 1996-1-2:2005:2007.
5 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 19962: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. Design considerations, selection of materials and
execution of masonry. BSI, 2006. Including NA to BS EN 1996-2:2006:2007.
6 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 19963: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry
structures. BSI, 2006. Including NA to BS EN 1996-3:2006:2007.
7 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. PD 6697. Recommendations for the design of masonry structures to BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2. BSI, 2010.
8 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 1990: Eurocode Basis of structural design. BSI, 2002. Including NA to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005:2004.
9 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 1991: Eurocode 1 Actions on structures. BSI (10 parts). Including their NAs.
10 NARAYAN, R S & BROOKER, O. How to design concrete structures using Eurocode 2: Introduction to Eurocodes (TCC/03/16). The Concrete Centre, 2005.
11 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 771: Specification for masonry units. BSI, 2011 (6 Parts).
12 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 8452: Specification for ancillary components for masonry Lintels. BSI, 2013.
13 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 9982: Specification for mortar for masonry: Masonry mortar. BSI, 2013.
14 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 10152: Methods of test for mortar for masonry: Bulk sampling of mortars and preparation of test mortars. BSI, 1999.
15 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 101511: Methods of test for mortar for masonry: Determination of flexural and compressive strength of
hardened mortar. BSI, 1999.
16 DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Building regulations (England and Wales) Approved Document A (2004). DCLG, revised 2006.
17 SCOTTISH BUILDING STANDARDS AGENCY. Scottish building standards technical handbooks: domestic for compliance with 'Building Scotland
regulations 2004'. SBSA, 2007.
18 THE STATIONERY OFFICE. The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 Technical Booklet D: Structure. TSO, 2000.
19 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS 81032: Structural design of low-rise buildings Code of practice for masonry walls for housing. BSI, 2005.
20 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS 772: Methods of test for masonry units. BSI (20 parts).
1. Introduction to Eurocode 6
The effect of mortar developing a tensile or shear resistance at the contact surface of masonry units.
Units with a declared compressive strength with a probability of failure to reach it not exceeding 5%.
This may be determined via the mean or characteristic value.
Units not intended to comply with the level of confidence of Category 1 units.
Confined masonry
Masonry provided with reinforced concrete or reinforced masonry confining elements in the vertical and
horizontal direction. (Not usually used in the UK.)
A mortar whose composition and manufacturing method is chosen in order to achieve specified properties
(performance concept).
Griphole
A formed void in a masonry unit to enable it to be more readily grasped and lifted with one or both hands or
by machine.
Group designations for masonry units, according to the percentage, size and orientation of holes in the units
when laid. Note: The group designation will normally be declared by the manufacturer. Historically only Groups
1, 1s and 2 units have been used in the UK. Group 1s is referred to in BS EN 199612.
Hole
A formed void which may or may not pass completely through a masonry unit.
Designed masonry mortar with a dry hardened density below a prescribed figure.
Normalized compressive
strength of masonry units
The compressive strength of masonry units converted to the air dried compressive strength of an equivalent
100 mm wide x 100 mm high masonry unit (see BS EN 772-120).
Orthogonal ratio, m
The ratio of the flexural strength of masonry when failure is parallel to the bed joints to that when failure is
perpendicular to the bed joints.
Mortar made in predetermined proportions, the properties of which are assumed from the stated proportions
of the constituents (recipe concept).
Shell
The peripheral material between a hole and the face of a masonry unit.
A wall in which the masonry units are bedded on two or more strips of mortar, two of which are at the
outside edge of the bed face of the units.
Designed masonry mortar with a maximum aggregate size less than or equal to a prescribed figure.
Web
Acknowledgements
All advice or information from MPA The Concrete Centre (TCC) et al is intended only for use in the UK by those who will evaluate the
significance and limitations of its contents and take responsibility for its use and application. No liability (including that for negligence) for
any loss resulting from such advice or information is accepted by TCC or their subcontractors, suppliers or advisors. Readers should note that
the publications from TCC et al are subject to revision from time to time and should therefore ensure that they are in possession of the
latest version.
2. Vertical resistance
Eur Ing, Prof.
Revision 2
J J Roberts BSc(Eng), PhD, CEng, FIStructE, FICE, FIMS, FCMI, MICT O Brooker BEng, CEng, MICE, MIStructE
Introduction
This publication is part of a series of three
guides entitled How to design masonry structures
using Eurocode 6. The aim is to make the use of
Eurocode 6, Design of masonry structures as easy
as possible by drawing together in one place key
information and commentary required for the
design of typical masonry elements.
The Concrete Centre (and, originally, The Modern
Masonry Alliance) recognised that effective
guidance was required to ensure that the UK
design profession was able to use Eurocode 6
quickly, effectively, efficiently and with confidence.
Therefore a steering group, with members from
across the masonry industry (see back cover for a
list of members), was established to oversee the
development and publication of the original guides.
This second revision addresses the publication of
PD6697 in 2010 and revised National Annex to
BS EN 1996-1-1 in 2013. It was overseen by a
reconstituted steering group from industry (see
back cover).
Design procedure
This guide explains how to determine the design resistance for a vertically loaded
wall. The first guide in the series, Introduction to Eurocode 6, should be referred to
so that the design load can be determined. In essence, when using the Eurocodes
the designer should check that the resistance is greater than or equal to the
effect of the actions. A flow chart for the design of masonry walls to resist vertical
actions is shown as Figure 1.
Compressive strength
Eurocode 6 introduces some new concepts when dealing with the design of
masonry for vertical loads. The first of these relates to the way the compressive
strength of the masonry units is expressed. For design purposes the normalized
compressive strength, fb, of the masonry units is used. This is the compressive
strength of the units converted to the air-dried compressive strength of an
equivalent 100 mm wide by 100 mm high masonry unit. The detail is contained
in Part 1 of BS EN 772, Methods of test for masonry units4. The advantage to the
designer is that the normalized strength is independent of the size and shape of
the units used in the final construction.
The characteristic
compressive strength of
masonry
The characteristic compressive strength of masonry (other than
shell bedded masonry) is determined from the results of tests in
accordance with BS EN 105215. The tests are carried out on small
wallette specimens rather than the storey-height panels used in the past.
The designer has the option of either testing the units intended to be
used in a project or using the values determined from a database. Values
from a large database are provided in the UK NA to Eurocode 6, Part 11
in the form of the constants to be used in the following equation:
fk = K fba fmb
where
fk = characteristic compressive strength of the masonry, in N/mm2
K = constant see Table 1 and Figure 2
a, b = constants see Table 2
fb = normalized mean compressive strength of the units, in the
direction of the applied action effect, in N/mm2
fm = compressive strength of the mortar, in N/mm2
Figure 1
Flow chart for the design of masonry walls to resist vertical actions
Determine normalized
compressive strength, fb.
Check Ed NRd
Check complete
2. Vertical resistance
purpose mortar, with or without the collar filled with mortar, the unit
shape factor correction to obtain the normalized strength should use the
width of the wall as the unit width and the height of the masonry units.
Where action effects are parallel to the direction of the bed joints, the
characteristic compressive strength may be determined from
Equation (3.1) with fb derived from BS EN 7721, where the direction
of application of the load to the test specimens is in the same
direction as the direction of the action effect in the masonry, but with
the shape factor, d, as given in BS EN 7721 taken to be no greater
than 1.0. For Group 2 and 3 units, K should then be multiplied by 0.5.
Table 1
Values of K to be used with equation (3.1)
Masonry
unit
General
purpose
mortar
Thin layer
mortar
(bed joint
0.5 mm and
3 mm)
Lightweight mortar
of density (kg/m3)
800 < rd
600 rd
800
1300
Clay
Group 1
0.50
0.75
0.30
0.40
Group 2
0.40
0.70
0.25
0.30
Group 3 and 4 a
Calcium silicate
Group 1
0.50
0.80
Group 2
0.70
0.90
0.45
0.45
Group 1 c
0.50 d
(units laid flat)
Group 2
0.70
0.70d
0.40d
0.40d
0.76
0.45
0.45
Group 3 and 4 a
0.45
0.45
Manufactured stone
Group 1
0.75
0.40
Aggregate concrete
Group 1
0.75
0.90
The characteristic
compressive strength of
shell bedded masonry
Shell bedding provides two strips of mortar rather than a full mortar bed.
It serves to improve rain penetration resistance but reduces the strength
of the masonry. A typical shell bedded unit is shown in Figure 3.
For Group 1 and Group 4 units the procedure above may be used to
obtain the characteristic compressive strength of the masonry.
Figure 2
Modifications to K for units laid with general purpose mortar
Key
a Group 3 and 4 units have not traditionally been used in the UK, so no values are available.
b T hese masonry unit and mortar combinations have not traditionally been used in
the UK, so no values are available.
c If Group 1 aggregate concrete units contain formed vertical voids in the normal direction,
multiply K by (100 n) /100, where n is the percentage of voids, maximum 25%.
Masonry
thickness
d W
hen aggregate concrete masonry units are to be used laid flat the normalised strength
of the unit should be calculated using the width and height of the unit in the upright
position along with the compressive strength of the unit tested in the upright position.
Note
Where a mortar joint is parallel to the face of the wall K should be modified (see Figure 2)
Figure 3
Table 2
Shell bedding
Values to be used
a = 0.7 and b = 0.3
a = 0.7 and b = 0.3
a = 0.85 and b = 0
a = 0.7and b = 0
provided that:
The width of each strip of mortar is at least 30 mm.
The thickness of the masonry wall is equal to the width or length
Effective height
The effective height of a masonry wall is obtained by applying a factor
to the clear height of the wall such that:
hef = rn h
where
hef = effective height of the wall
h = clear storey height of the wall
rn = reduction factor, where n = 2, 3 or 4, depending upon the
edge restraint or stiffening of the wall
The reduction factor to be applied depends upon the restraint offered
by adjoining elements. Masonry walls may be stiffened by a number
of rigid structural elements such as floors, roofs and other walls.
Stiffening walls should have a length of at least 1/5 of the clear height
Effective thickness
For a single-leaf wall, a double-leaf wall (with ties at a density of
2.5 per m2 or greater), a faced wall, a shell bedded wall and a grouted
cavity wall, the effective thickness, tef, is taken as the actual thickness
Figure 4
Figure 5
1.0
Stiffened wall
Stiffening wall
r2 = 1.0
0.9
>h/5
h1
h2 (window)
h2(door)
Reduction factor, r3
0.8
0.7
r2 = 0.75
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0
1 (h1+ h2)
5
>t
3
Ratio hef /tef
2. Vertical resistance
of the wall (t), provided this is greater than the minimum thickness,
tmin. The value of tmin for a loadbearing wall should be taken as 90 mm
for a single-leaf wall and 75 mm for the leaves of a cavity wall.
For a cavity wall the effective thickness is determined using the
following equation:
tef = 3R t13 + t23 t2
Assessment of eccentricity
When a wall is subjected to actions that result in an eccentricity at
right angles to the wall, Eurocode 6 requires the resistance of the wall
to be checked at the top, mid-height and bottom. The eccentricity at
top or bottom of the wall is:
Mid
ei =
where
t1 = actual thickness of the outer or unloaded leaf
t2 = actual thickness of the inner or loaded leaf
Note that the effective thickness of the unloaded leaf should not be
taken to be greater than the thickness of the loaded leaf and that ties
should be provided at a density of 2.5 per m2 or greater.
When a wall is stiffened by piers the effective thickness is enhanced by
using the following equation:
tef = rtt
where
tef = effective thickness
rt = coefficient obtained from Table 3
t = thickness of the wall
Nid
where
Mid = design value of the bending moment at the top or the
bottom of the wall resulting from eccentricity of the floor
load at the support
Nid = design value of the vertical load at the top or the bottom of
the wall
ehe = the eccentricity at the top or bottom of the wall resulting
from the horizontal loads
einit = initial eccentricity for construction imperfections, which
may be taken as hef/450, with a sign that increases the
absolute value of ei and em as appropriate
t = thickness of the wall
The mid-height eccentricity, emk, is:
emk = em + ek 0.05t
Slenderness ratio
The slenderness ratio of the wall is obtained by dividing the effective
height by the effective thickness and should not be greater than 27 for
walls subjected to mainly vertical loading. Note also that the effects of
creep may be ignored in walls with a slenderness ratio up to 27.
Figure 6
1.0
ek
r2 = 1.0
0.8
Reduction factor, r4
0.9
where
Mmd
em =
+ ehm + einit
Nmd
0.7
0.6
Table 3
r2 = 0.75
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0
3
Ratio h/l
1.0
1.4
2.0
10
1.0
1.2
1.4
20
1.0
1.0
1.0
Note
Linear interpolation is permitted in this Table.
Concentrated loads
For a Group 1 unit (not shell bedded) the vertical load resistance is:
NRdc = b Ab fd
where
b
= 1 + 0.3
where
F = capacity reduction factor allowing for the effects of
slenderness and eccentricity of loading
1.5 1.1
Ab
hc
Aef
= e nhancement factor for load that should not be less
than 1.0 nor taken to be greater than:
a
1.25 + 1 or 1.5, whichever is the lesser
2hc
NRd = F tfd
a1
Figure 8
Figure 7
Moments from calculation of eccentricities
Eccentricity =
1.0
0.05t
0.9
N1d
h2
Nmd
Mmd
(at mid-height
of wall)
h
h2
N2d
M2d
(at top of floor)
0.10t
0.8
Capacity reduction factor, Fm
M1d
(at underside
of floor)
0.15t
0.7
0.20t
0.6
0.25t
0.5
0.30t
0.4
0.35t
0.3
0.40t
0.2
0.1
0.0
0
a) Section
10
15
20
Ratio, hef /ltef
25
Values of Fm at the mid-height of the wall against slenderness ratio for different
eccentricities, based on E =1000 fk
30
2. Vertical resistance
a1
Effect of chases
Eurocode 6 recognises that chases and recesses should not impair
the stability of a wall and provides appropriate guidance. Further
explanation is given in the third guide in this series, Lateral resistance3.
Figure 9
Figure 10
NEdc
NEdc
NEdc
1.6
a1
60o
Enhancement factor, b
1.5
60o
60o
hc/2
1.4
2a1 = 1
hc
1.3
lefm
lefm
+ +
lefm
a1 = 0
a) Elevation
1.2
NEdc a
1
1.1
NEdc
Ab
60o
hc
1.0
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
t /4
t
lefm
Ratio, Ab / Aef
b) Section
c) Plan
d) Section
2. Vertical resistance
Selected symbols
Symbol Definition
Symbol Definition
a1
Distance from the end of the wall to the nearer edge of the loaded area
Ab
Loaded area
Aef
ehe
ehm
Nid
Design value of the vertical load at the top or the bottom of the wall
ei
Nmd
einit
Initial eccentricity
em
Load eccentricity
NRd
emk
NRdc
fb
fd
t2
fm
tef
Effective thickness
fk
tmin
fvk
VRd
fvd
a and b
hc
hef
htot
K
lc
lefm
Mid
Design value of the bending moment at the top or the bottom of the
wall resulting from eccentricity of the floor load at the support
Mmd
t1
gM
rn
Length of the compressed part of the wall, ignoring any part of the
wall that is in tension.
rt
Stiffness coefficient
References
1
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 1996: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. BSI (4 parts). Including their NAs.
ROBERTS, JJ & Brooker, O. How to design masonry structures to Eurocode 6: Introduction to Eurocode 6. The Concrete Centre, 2013.
ROBERTS, JJ & Brooker, O. How to design masonry structures to Eurocode 6: Lateral resistance. The Concrete Centre. 2013.
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 7721: Methods of test for masonry units Determination of compressive strength. BSI, 2011.
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 10521: Methods of test for masonry Determination of compressive strength. BSI, 1999.
Acknowledgements
All advice or information from MPA The Concrete Centre (TCC) et al is intended only for use in the UK by those who will evaluate the
significance and limitations of its contents and take responsibility for its use and application. No liability (including that for negligence) for
any loss resulting from such advice or information is accepted by TCC or their subcontractors, suppliers or advisors. Readers should note that
the publications from TCC et al are subject to revision from time to time and should therefore ensure that they are in possession of the
latest version.
3. Lateral resistance
Eur Ing, Prof.
Revision 2
J J Roberts BSc(Eng), PhD, CEng, FIStructE, FICE, FIMS, FCMI, MICT O Brooker BEng, CEng, MICE, MIStructE
Introduction
This publication is part of a series of three guides
entitled How to design masonry structures using
Eurocode 6. The aim is to make the use of
Eurocode 6, Design of masonry structures as easy as
possible by drawing together in one place key
information and commentary required for the
design of typical masonry elements.
The Concrete Centre (and, originally, The Modern
Masonry Alliance) recognised that effective
guidance was required to ensure that the UK
design profession was able to use Eurocode 6
quickly, effectively, efficiently and with confidence.
Therefore a steering group, with members from
across the masonry industry (see back cover for a
list of members), was established to oversee the
development and publication of the original guides.
This second revision addresses the publication of
PD6697 in 2010 and revised National Annex to
BS EN 1996-1-1 in 2013. It was overseen by a
reconstituted steering group from industry (see
back cover).
MEd2 = a
2 WEd l2 when the plane of failure is perpendicular to the bed
joints
where
a1 = bending moment coefficient parallel to the bed joints
(= a2, see Table 2)
a2 = bending moment coefficient perpendicular to the bed
joints (see Table 2)
WEd = design wind load per unit area (g Q Wk)
l = length of panel between supports
= orthogonal ratio (fxk1/fxk2)
Figure 1 shows a flow chart for lateral load design. The designer needs
to assess the panel support conditions (or assume a free edge) and
decide whether these provide simple or continuous (fully restrained)
support. Care also needs to be exercised in considering the effect of
dpcs, movement joints, openings in walls, etc. There are handbooks
that provide further guidance on these aspects4,5.
where
fxk1 = characteristic flexural strength of masonry bending about an
Figure 1
Flow chart for the design of masonry walls to resist lateral actions
h
Determine requirements
for mortar strength and
durability. See tables 5 & 6
of Introduction to Eurocode 6
Obtain height, h
Obtain thickness, t
Characteristic vertical
actions
f
MRd1 = gxk1 + s d Z
M
MRd2 = gxk2 Z
M
Check shear
3. Lateral resistance
Cavity walls
In a cavity wall, the design lateral load per unit area, WEd , may be
apportioned (either according to capacity or stiffness) between the
two leaves, provided that the wall ties are capable of transmitting the
actions that result from the apportionment.
Table 1
Characteristic flexural strength of masonry, fxk1 and fxk2, in N/mm2
Values of fxk1
Plane of failure parallel to
bed joints
M6 & M4 M2
80
0.5
0.4
2.0
1.5
1.2
Between 7%
0.5
& 12%
0.4
0.35
1.5
1.1
1.0
Over 12%
0.3
0.25
1.1
0.9
0.8
0.4
Calcium silicate
brick-sizedb
0.3
Ratio h/t
50
0.9
0.6
masonry units
0.2
0.9
0.6
0.25
0.2
7.3
0.4
0.4
0.45
0.4
0.6
0.5
0.25
0.2
3.6
0.25
0.2
0.35
0.3
10.4
40
17.5
0.15
0.1
0.25
0.2
0.75
0.6
0.9f
0.7f
Key
Permissible range
a Tests to determine the water absorption of clay masonry units are to be conducted in
accordance with BS EN 77277.
20
10
0
0.2
brick-sizedb
60
30
0.3
masonry units
7.3
70
M6 & M4 M 2
Figure 2
M12
Aggregate concrete
Values of fxk2
Plane of failure
perpendicular to bed joints
Ratio l/t
e Linear interpolation may be used to obtain the values of fxk1 and fxk2 for:
1) wall thicknesses greater than 100 mm and less than 250 mm;
2) compressive strengths between 2.9 N/mm2 and 7.3 N/mm2 in a wall of
given thickness.
l
Key
h
d The thickness should be taken as the thickness of the wall, for a single-leaf wall, or the
thickness of the leaf, for a cavity wall.
Simply supported
or with full continuity
f When used with flexural strength in the parallel direction, assume the orthogonal ratio
= 0.3.
Table 2
Bending moment coefficient, a2, in single-leaf laterally loaded wall panels of thickness 250 mm
a2
a2
a1 = ma2
a1 = ma2
Key
Free edge
Simply supported edge
Fully restrained continuous edge
Notes
1 m is the orthogonal ratio (fxk1/fxk2).
2 Linear interpolation may be used.
3 Walls having an h/l ratio of less than 0.3 will tend to span vertically.
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.031
0.032
0.034
0.035
0.038
0.040
0.043
0.045
0.048
0.050
0.054
0.060
0.069
0.082
0.50
0.045
0.047
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.056
0.061
0.064
0.067
0.071
0.075
0.080
0.087
0.097
h/l
0.75
0.059
0.061
0.064
0.066
0.069
0.073
0.077
0.080
0.082
0.085
0.089
0.093
0.098
0.105
1.00
0.071
0.073
0.075
0.077
0.080
0.083
0.087
0.089
0.091
0.094
0.097
0.100
0.104
0.110
1.25
0.079
0.081
0.083
0.085
0.088
0.090
0.093
0.095
0.097
0.099
0.102
0.104
0.108
0.113
1.50
0.085
0.087
0.089
0.091
0.093
0.095
0.098
0.100
0.101
0.103
0.105
0.108
0.111
0.115
1.75
0.090
0.092
0.093
0.095
0.097
0.099
0.101
0.103
0.104
0.106
0.108
0.110
0.113
0.116
2.00
0.094
0.095
0.097
0.098
0.100
0.102
0.104
0.105
0.107
0.109
0.111
0.113
0.115
0.117
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.024
0.025
0.027
0.028
0.030
0.031
0.034
0.035
0.037
0.039
0.043
0.047
0.052
0.060
0.50
0.035
0.036
0.037
0.039
0.042
0.044
0.047
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.056
0.059
0.063
0.069
4 Walls having an h/l ratio of more than 2.0 will tend to span horizontally.
5 Data based on tables presented in Concrete masonry designers handbook 4.
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.020
0.021
0.022
0.023
0.024
0.025
0.027
0.029
0.030
0.032
0.034
0.037
0.041
0.046
0.50
0.028
0.029
0.031
0.032
0.034
0.035
0.038
0.039
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.046
0.048
0.052
0.75
0.037
0.038
0.039
0.040
0.041
0.043
0.044
0.045
0.046
0.048
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.055
1.00
0.042
0.043
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.055
0.057
1.25
0.045
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.052
0.053
0.054
0.055
0.056
0.058
1.50
0.048
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.053
0.054
0.054
0.055
0.056
0.057
0.059
1.75
0.050
0.050
0.051
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.054
0.054
0.055
0.056
0.056
0.057
0.058
0.059
2.00
0.051
0.052
0.052
0.053
0.053
0.054
0.055
0.055
0.056
0.057
0.058
0.059
0.059
0.060
0.75
0.029
0.031
0.032
0.033
0.035
0.037
0.039
0.040
0.041
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.049
0.053
1.00
0.035
0.036
0.038
0.039
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.050
0.052
0.055
1.25
0.040
0.040
0.041
0.043
0.044
0.045
0.047
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.054
0.056
1.50
0.043
0.043
0.044
0.045
0.046
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.054
0.055
0.057
1.75
0.045
0.046
0.047
0.047
0.048
0.050
0.051
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.054
0.055
0.056
0.058
2.00
0.047
0.048
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.053
0.054
0.055
0.056
0.057
0.059
h/l
0.75
0.046
0.047
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.055
0.057
0.059
0.061
0.062
0.065
0.067
0.070
0.074
1.00
0.053
0.055
0.056
0.058
0.059
0.061
0.063
0.065
0.066
0.068
0.069
0.071
0.074
0.077
1.25
0.059
0.060
0.061
0.062
0.064
0.066
0.067
0.068
0.070
0.071
0.072
0.074
0.076
0.079
1.50
0.062
0.063
0.065
0.066
0.067
0.069
0.070
0.071
0.072
0.073
0.074
0.076
0.078
0.080
1.75
0.065
0.066
0.067
0.068
0.069
0.071
0.072
0.073
0.074
0.075
0.076
0.077
0.079
0.081
2.00
0.068
0.068
0.069
0.070
0.071
0.072
0.074
0.074
0.075
0.077
0.078
0.079
0.080
0.082
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.013
0.014
0.015
0.016
0.017
0.018
0.020
0.022
0.023
0.025
0.027
0.030
0.034
0.041
0.50
0.021
0.022
0.023
0.025
0.026
0.028
0.031
0.032
0.034
0.035
0.038
0.040
0.043
0.048
3. Lateral resistance
h/l
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.012
0.014
0.017
0.018
0.020
0.023
0.026
0.032
0.039
0.054
0.018
0.019
0.021
0.023
0.025
0.028
0.032
0.035
0.038
0.042
0.046
0.053
0.062
0.076
0.030
0.032
0.035
0.037
0.040
0.044
0.049
0.052
0.055
0.059
0.064
0.070
0.078
0.090
0.042
0.044
0.046
0.049
0.053
0.057
0.062
0.064
0.068
0.071
0.076
0.081
0.088
0.098
0.051
0.054
0.056
0.059
0.062
0.066
0.071
0.074
0.077
0.080
0.084
0.089
0.095
0.103
0.059
0.062
0.064
0.067
0.070
0.074
0.078
0.081
0.083
0.087
0.090
0.094
0.100
0.107
0.066
0.068
0.071
0.073
0.076
0.080
0.084
0.086
0.089
0.091
0.095
0.098
0.103
0.109
0.071
0.074
0.076
0.078
0.081
0.085
0.088
0.090
0.093
0.096
0.099
0.103
0.106
0.110
0.30
0.008
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.013
0.015
0.016
0.018
0.020
0.023
0.027
0.032
0.043
0.50
0.016
0.017
0.018
0.020
0.022
0.024
0.027
0.029
0.031
0.034
0.037
0.042
0.048
0.057
0.75
0.026
0.027
0.029
0.031
0.033
0.036
0.039
0.041
0.044
0.046
0.049
0.053
0.058
0.066
1.00
0.034
0.036
0.037
0.039
0.042
0.044
0.048
0.050
0.052
0.054
0.057
0.060
0.064
0.070
1.25
0.041
0.042
0.044
0.046
0.048
0.051
0.054
0.055
0.057
0.060
0.062
0.065
0.068
0.073
1.50
0.046
0.048
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.056
0.058
0.060
0.062
0.063
0.066
0.068
0.071
0.075
1.75
0.051
0.052
0.054
0.055
0.057
0.059
0.062
0.063
0.065
0.066
0.068
0.070
0.073
0.077
2.00
0.054
0.055
0.057
0.058
0.060
0.062
0.064
0.066
0.067
0.069
0.070
0.072
0.074
0.078
0.30
0.007
0.008
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.013
0.014
0.016
0.018
0.020
0.023
0.027
0.035
0.50
0.014
0.015
0.016
0.017
0.019
0.021
0.023
0.025
0.026
0.028
0.031
0.034
0.038
0.044
0.75
0.022
0.023
0.024
0.026
0.028
0.030
0.032
0.033
0.035
0.037
0.039
0.042
0.045
0.050
1.00
0.028
0.029
0.031
0.032
0.034
0.036
0.038
0.039
0.041
0.042
0.044
0.046
0.049
0.053
1.25
0.033
0.034
0.035
0.037
0.038
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.049
0.052
0.055
1.50
0.037
0.038
0.039
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.045
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.050
0.051
0.053
0.056
1.75
0.040
0.041
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.052
0.053
0.055
0.057
2.00
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.045
0.046
0.048
0.049
0.050
0.051
0.052
0.054
0.055
0.057
0.058
0.30
0.005
0.006
0.006
0.007
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.013
0.014
0.016
0.019
0.023
0.031
0.50
0.011
0.012
0.013
0.014
0.015
0.017
0.019
0.021
0.022
0.024
0.027
0.030
0.034
0.041
0.75
0.015
0.016
0.017
0.019
0.020
0.022
0.024
0.026
0.028
0.030
0.032
0.035
0.039
0.045
1.00
0.021
0.022
0.023
0.025
0.026
0.028
0.031
0.032
0.034
0.036
0.038
0.041
0.044
0.049
1.25
0.026
0.027
0.028
0.030
0.031
0.033
0.035
0.037
0.038
0.040
0.042
0.044
0.047
0.052
1.50
0.030
0.031
0.032
0.033
0.035
0.037
0.039
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.045
0.047
0.050
0.053
1.75
0.033
0.034
0.035
0.037
0.038
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.049
0.052
0.055
2.00
0.036
0.037
0.038
0.039
0.041
0.042
0.044
0.045
0.046
0.048
0.050
0.051
0.054
0.056
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.009
0.010
0.012
0.013
0.015
0.018
0.021
0.024
0.027
0.032
0.038
0.048
0.065
0.106
0.50
0.023
0.026
0.028
0.032
0.036
0.042
0.050
0.055
0.062
0.071
0.083
0.100
0.131
0.208
0.75
0.046
0.050
0.054
0.060
0.067
0.077
0.090
0.098
0.108
0.122
0.142
0.173
0.224
0.344
1.00
0.071
0.076
0.083
0.091
0.100
0.113
0.131
0.144
0.160
0.180
0.208
0.250
0.321
0.482
1.25
0.096
0.103
0.111
0.121
0.135
0.153
0.177
0.194
0.214
0.240
0.276
0.329
0.418
0.620
1.50
0.122
0.131
0.142
0.156
0.173
0.195
0.225
0.244
0.269
0.300
0.344
0.408
0.515
0.759
1.75
0.151
0.162
0.175
0.191
0.211
0.237
0.272
0.296
0.325
0.362
0.413
0.488
0.613
0.898
2.00
0.180
0.193
0.208
0.227
0.250
0.280
0.321
0.347
0.381
0.428
0.488
0.570
0.698
0.959
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.012
0.014
0.016
0.019
0.021
0.024
0.028
0.033
0.040
0.053
0.080
0.50
0.021
0.023
0.025
0.028
0.031
0.035
0.041
0.045
0.050
0.056
0.064
0.077
0.096
0.136
0.75
0.038
0.041
0.045
0.049
0.054
0.061
0.069
0.075
0.082
0.091
0.103
0.119
0.144
0.190
1.00
0.056
0.060
0.065
0.070
0.077
0.085
0.097
0.104
0.112
0.123
0.136
0.155
0.182
0.230
1.25
0.074
0.079
0.084
0.091
0.099
0.109
0.121
0.129
0.139
0.150
0.165
0.184
0.213
0.260
1.50
0.091
0.097
0.103
0.110
0.119
0.130
0.144
0.152
0.162
0.174
0.190
0.210
0.238
0.286
1.75
0.108
0.113
0.120
0.128
0.138
0.149
0.164
0.173
0.183
0.196
0.211
0.231
0.260
0.306
2.00
0.123
0.129
0.136
0.145
0.155
0.167
0.182
0.191
0.202
0.217
0.234
0.253
0.279
0.317
0.75
0.029
0.032
0.034
0.038
0.042
0.048
0.055
0.060
0.066
0.073
0.084
0.098
0.121
0.164
1.00
0.044
0.047
0.051
0.056
0.061
0.068
0.078
0.084
0.092
0.101
0.114
0.131
0.156
0.204
1.25
0.059
0.063
0.067
0.073
0.080
0.089
0.100
0.108
0.116
0.127
0.141
0.159
0.186
0.235
1.50
0.073
0.078
0.084
0.090
0.098
0.108
0.121
0.129
0.138
0.150
0.165
0.184
0.212
0.260
1.75
0.088
0.093
0.099
0.106
0.115
0.126
0.139
0.148
0.158
0.170
0.185
0.205
0.233
0.281
2.00
0.102
0.107
0.114
0.122
0.131
0.142
0.157
0.165
0.176
0.190
0.206
0.226
0.252
0.292
h/l
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.50
0.009
0.010
0.010
0.011
0.013
0.014
0.016
0.017
0.019
0.021
0.023
0.026
0.031
0.038
h/l
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.004
0.004
0.005
0.005
0.006
0.007
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.011
0.013
0.016
0.020
0.027
h/l
h/l
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.75
0.018
0.019
0.020
0.022
0.024
0.025
0.028
0.029
0.031
0.033
0.035
0.038
0.042
0.047
1.00
0.024
0.025
0.027
0.028
0.030
0.032
0.034
0.036
0.037
0.039
0.041
0.043
0.047
0.051
1.25
0.029
0.030
0.032
0.033
0.035
0.036
0.039
0.040
0.041
0.043
0.045
0.047
0.050
0.053
1.50
0.033
0.034
0.035
0.037
0.038
0.040
0.042
0.043
0.044
0.046
0.047
0.049
0.052
0.055
1.75
0.036
0.037
0.038
0.040
0.041
0.043
0.045
0.046
0.047
0.048
0.049
0.051
0.053
0.056
2.00
0.039
0.040
0.041
0.042
0.043
0.045
0.047
0.047
0.049
0.051
0.052
0.053
0.054
0.056
1.00
0.90
0.80
0.70
0.60
0.50
0.40
0.35
0.30
0.25
0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.30
0.006
0.007
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.012
0.014
0.016
0.018
0.021
0.025
0.031
0.041
0.064
0.50
0.015
0.017
0.018
0.021
0.023
0.027
0.032
0.035
0.039
0.044
0.052
0.061
0.078
0.114
80
70
qlat,d = fd
( lt )
where
t = thickness of the wall
fd = design compressive strength of the masonry in the direction
of the arch thrust (BS EN 199611 Cl. 3.6.1)
la = length or height of wall between supports capable of
resisting the arch thrust
Note the following:
The slenderness ratio should not exceed 20.
The design value of vertical stress should not be less than 0.1 N/mm2.
Any dpc must be capable of transmitting the horizontal forces.
60
Ratio h/t
Where the deflection is small the lateral strength, qlat,d, is given by the
following:
50
40
30
Permissible range
20
10
0
Ratio l/t
Key
Simply supported
or with full continuity
Figure 4
Limiting height and length to thickness ratios of walls restrained at
the vertical edges and at the bottom edge, but not the top edge
80
70
60
Ratio h/t
Masonry units
50
40
30
Permissible range
Clay
20
Ratio l/t
M12
0.30
General
purpose
mortar
Calcium silicate
M2
0.10
M12
0.20
M4 & M6 0.15
M2
Key
M4 & M6 0.20
10
0
Strength
class of
general
purpose
mortar
Simply supported
or with full continuity
Thin layer
Lightmortar (bed
weight
joint 0.5 mm mortar
and 3 mm)
0.30
0.15
0.40
0.15
0.30
0.15
0.10
Aggregate concrete,
M12
0.20
autoclaved aerated
concrete, manufactured M4 & M6 0.15
stone and dimensioned
M2
0.10
natural stone
3. Lateral resistance
tch,v (mm)
Min. wall
thickness
after chase
formed (mm)
Maximum
width (mm)
Maximum
width (mm)
75 89
30
75
60
300
90 115
30
100
70
300
116 175
30
125
90
300
176 225
30
150
140
300
226 300
30
175
175
300
30
200
215
300
> 300
Notes
1 T he maximum depth of the recess or chase should include the depth of any hole
reached when forming the recess or chase.
2 V
ertical chases which do not extend more than one third of the storey height
above floor level may have a depth up to 80 mm and a width up to 120 mm, if
the thickness of the wall is 225 mm or more.
3 T he horizontal distance between adjacent chases or between a chase and a
recess or an opening should not be less than 225 mm.
4 T he horizontal distance between any two adjacent recesses, whether they occur
on the same side or on opposite sides of the wall, or between a recess and an
opening, should not be less than twice the width of the wider of the two
recesses.
where
fvd = design value of the shear strength ( fvk /gM)
t = thickness of the wall
lc = length of wall under compression
Effect of chases
Eurocode 6 requires that chases and recesses should not impair the
stability of all walls, whether designed for vertical or lateral actions, and
provides guidance on the value of the depth of a vertical chase, tch,v , at
which the reduction in performance (vertical, shear and flexural) may
be neglected. Similarly, limits for horizontal and inclined chases, tch,h , are
also provided, but there is an overriding requirement that such chases
should be positioned above or below a floor within of the clear height
of the wall. It is also a requirement for horizontal and inclined chases that
the eccentricity in the region of the chase is less than t/3, where t is the
thickness of the wall.
The values for the maximum depth of vertical chases and recesses
allowed without calculation, tch,v , are given in table NA.11 and shown
in Table 4.
The values for the maximum depth of a horizontal or inclined chase
allowed without calculation, tch,h, are given in table NA.12 and shown
in Table 5.
Table 5
Value of tch,h , the maximum depth of a horizontal or inclined chase
allowed without calculation
Thickness of singleleaf wall or loaded
leaf of a cavity wall
(mm)
Unlimited chase
length (mm)
75 115
116 175
15
176 225
10
20
226 300
15
25
20
30
> 300
tch,h
Notes
1 T he maximum depth of the chase should include the depth of any hole reached
when forming the chase.
2 T he horizontal distance between the end of a chase and an opening should not
be less than 500 mm.
3 T he horizontal distance between adjacent chases of limited length, whether they
occur on the same side or on opposite sides of the wall, should be not less than
twice the length of the longest chase.
5 T he cumulative width of vertical chases and recesses should not exceed 0.13
times the length of the wall.
4 In walls of thickness greater than 175 mm, the permitted depth of the chase
may be increased by 10 mm if the chase is machine cut accurately to the
required depth. If machine cuts are used, chases up to 10 mm deep may be cut
in both sides of walls of thickness not less than 225 mm.
5 The width of chase should not exceed half the residual thickness of the wall.
3. Lateral resistance
Selected symbols
Symbol Definition
Symbol Definition
da
lc
fb
MEd
fd
MRd
fvd
Nad
fk
q lat,d
fvk
Arch rise
fvko
tch,v
fxk1
tch,h
fxk2
WEd
a1, 2
sd
la
References
1
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 1996: Eurocode 6 Design of masonry structures. BSI (4 parts). Including their NAs.
ROBERTS, J J. & BROOKER, O. How to design masonry structures to Eurocode 6: Introduction to Eurocode 6. The Concrete Centre, 2013.
ROBERTS, J J. & BROOKER, O. How to design masonry structures to Eurocode 6: Vertical resistance. The Concrete Centre, 2013.
ROBERTS, J J, Tovey, A K & Fried, A. Concrete masonry designer's handbook. Taylor & Francis, 2001.
KENNEDY, G & GOODCHILD, C. Practical yield line design. The Concrete Centre, 2004.
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN 7727: Methods of test for masonry units Determination of water absorption of clay masonry damp proof
course units by boiling in water. BSI, 1999.
Acknowledgements
All advice or information from MPA The Concrete Centre (TCC) et al is intended only for use in the UK by those who will evaluate the
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