EG-154 Conceptual Design Section 9
EG-154 Conceptual Design Section 9
Section 9:
Sustainability
of masonry &
preliminary design of
masonry structures
Dr Will Bennett
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Swansea University
EG-154 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Section 9
Introduction to masonry
Structural masonry was once very widely used in civil and structural engineering
works for monumental constructions.
It has also long been used for more typical uses such as tunnels, bridges, loadbearing
and retaining walls, drainage and sewerage systems etc..
Normally only used to carry simple compressive forces as masonry and the mortar
used to fill gaps between elements are both weak in tension.
The superior strength and cost characteristics of steel and concrete have resulted in a
decline in the use of traditional stone and brick masonry for loadbearing elements
such as walls and floors in large-scale constructions. However, concrete masonry is
very often used in modern large-scale construction and comes in a variety of forms.
EG-154 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Section 9
Sustainability of masonry
Masonry is highly durable and requires little
maintenance. At its end-of-life masonry can be
recycled into new masonry materials or aggregates.
Masonry buildings are highly adaptable, with entire
structures or the core structure being fit for re-
purpose
Masonry can often be manufactured locally,
reducing transportation requirements.
Masonry has high thermal mass, meaning that a
building can stay warmer or cooler for longer,
significantly reducing the energy usage of a
building. Masonry also possesses good acoustic, air
quality and fire resistance properties, reducing the
need for other materials to be used.
Construction requirements for masonry are
minimal. Large equipment is not necessary for
delivery or placement, and staging areas need not
be large, reducing the impact that masonry
construction has on the environment.
EG-154 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Section 9
Design of masonry
The design of masonry structures is carried out in accordance with Eurocode 6
and the corresponding UK National Annex document.
Just like the Eurocodes for concrete, steel and timber, Eurocode 6 is a Limit State
design code.
The two principal categories of limit state relevant to the design of masonry
structures are durability and strength.
Design for durability is discussed in Chapter 4 of EC6 and largely related to the
selection of masonry units and mortars for particular structure types and
exposure classes.
The design rules dealing with ultimate limit states are given in Chapter 6 of EC6.
In EG-154 we will consider the design of unreinforced masonry walls subject to
vertical loads.
EG-154 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Section 9
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EG-154 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN - Section 9
Masonry
Good inherent fire resistance Thermal expansion and contraction effects e.g. cracking if
inadequate allowance for thermal movement
Low maintenance Poor in flexure/bending
Appearance is generally popular with the Not perceived as environmentally friendly compared with
public other materials, due to use of natural materials (clay,
aggregate etc.) and high energy required during production
Labour intensive to construct