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CI/SfB

Ff
November 1997

Design Guide
Concrete block masonry
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Design Guide
concrete block masonry

The blockwork solutions presented


T his Topblock Design Guide
contains detailed information
on the design and performance of
here incorporate the latest research
into concrete blockwork
constructions using Topblock performance. Five key aspects of
products. It draws upon Topblocks blockwork masonry performance
unrivalled experience, making it an are dealt with:-
invaluable reference document. thermal performance,
The guide will assist in the design acoustic performance,
of blockwork to meet project
requirements, in compliance
structural design,
with building regulations, movement control,
British Standards and
durability.
industry codes of practice.
It includes guidance on the safe
handling of blocks for both the
specification and sitework phases
of projects.

Detailed product information,


including the performance
characteristics
of Topblock products, is
given in the individual
product brochures.

2
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Contents

1. Thermal performance 4
1.1 Requirements of Building Regulations 4
1.2 Heat Loss 4
1.3 Thermal bridging 7
1.4 Limiting air infiltration 8
1.5 Calculating U values 8
1.6 Wall solutions 8
1.7 Floor solutions 17

2. Acoustic performance 19
2.1 Introduction 19
2.2 Internal layout 19
2.3 Sound insulation 19
2.4 Sound absorption 25

3. Structural design 26
3.1 Design principles 26
3.2 Unreinforced walls 26
3.3 Reinforced walls 31
3.4 Diaphragm walls 32

4. Movement control 33
4.1 The causes of movement 33
4.2 Provision for movement 33
4.3 Summary 38

5. Durability 43
5.1 Frost resistance 43
5.2 Sulphate resistance 43

6. Block handling 45
6.1 Regulations and guidance 45
6.2 Safe handling of blocks 45

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1. Thermal performance

1.1 Requirements of 1.2 Heat loss


Building Regulations 1.2.1 Dwellings
Building Regulation L1 requires There are two main exclusions from Regulation 14A of the Building
reasonable provision be made for the requirements: Regulations requires the
the conservation of fuel and power preparation of an energy rating for
1.Buildings intended to have low
in buildings. The Approved all dwellings which are new build or
levels of heating do not have to
Document to Regulation L1 sets out created by the material change of
comply with the requirements:
ways of meeting the requirements use of an existing building: the
low level heating is defined as an
for energy efficiency for new build rating must be calculated using the
output of:
and refurbishment projects. Those Standard Assessment Procedure
aspects which affect the design and not more than 50W/m2 floor
(SAP). Guidance on calculating SAP
specification of blockwork include: area for industrial or storage
ratings is given in Approved
buildings;
insulation of the building fabric; Document L, Appendix G.
not more than 25W/m2 floor
thermal bridging at openings; There are three methods for
area for buildings other than
demonstrating compliance with the
limitation of air infiltration. dwellings.
requirement to limit heat loss
The thermal performance (Where the eventual level of through the building fabric:-
requirements apply to: heating is not known at the time
Elemental method;
of construction, the building must
dwellings;
be designed to comply with the Target U value method;
other buildings with total floor requirements.)
Energy Rating method:
area exceeding 30m2.
2.For a small extension not any one of those methods may
exceeding 10m2 in total floor area, be used.
reasonable provision is deemed to
be achieved if it reaches the same
level of effectiveness as the
existing construction.

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1.2.1.1 Elemental method Table 1.1: Standard U values (W/m2K) for dwellings
To demonstrate compliance using For SAP energy ratings of
this method elemental U values
Element 60 or less: (a) over 60: (b)
must not exceed those given in
table 1.1. The U values shown in Exposed walls 0.45 0.45
column (a) apply to dwellings with
Exposed floors and ground floors 0.35 0.45
a SAP Energy Rating of 60 or less.
Where the SAP rating exceeds 60, Roofs* 0.20 0.25**

the U values in column (b) should


Semi-exposed walls and floors 0.60 0.60
be used.
Windows, doors and rooflights*** 3.00 3.30

Notes *Any part of a roof having a pitch of 70 or more may have the same
1.2.1.2 Target U value as a wall.
**For rooms in the roof, or flat roof construction a U value of 0.35W/m2K
U value method is acceptable to dwellings.
***The U values given for windows, doors and rooflights (3.0 or
To demonstrate compliance using 3.3W/m2K) are based on a combined area not exceeding 22.5% of total
floor area. However, some flexibility is possible, for example, if improved
this method the average U value of performance units are used a corresponding increase in area is permitted.

the dwelling must not exceed the


calculated Target U value.

The Target U value is calculated as:

Total floor area x 0.57


+ 0.36 1.2.1.3 Energy Rating method
Total area of exposed elements
To demonstrate compliance using
for dwellings with SAP Rating of 60 this method the SAP rating of the
or less dwelling must not be less than the
appropriate value shown in
and as
table 1.2.
Total floor area x 0.64
+ 0.40 Table 1.2: SAP values for the
Total area of exposed elements
Energy Rating method
for dwellings with SAP Energy Dwelling floor area (m2) SAP Energy Rating

Rating of more than 60 80 or less 80

More than 80 up to 90 81

The average U value is calculated More than 90 up to 100 82


as:
More than 100 up to 110 83
Total heat loss
Total area of exposed elements More than 110 up to 120 84

More than 120 85


This method allows designers to
trade-off the thermal performance
of different elements and to take
account of benefits from improved
heating efficiency and solar gains.

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1.2.2 Buildings other than Table 1.4: Basic allowance for windows, doors and rooflights
dwellings Building type Windows and doors Rooflights

There are three methods for Residential including hotels and


30% exposed wall area
institutional buildings
demonstrating compliance with the
requirement to limit heat loss Places of assembly, offices and shops 40% exposed wall area*
20% of roof area
through the building fabric:- Industrial and storage buildings 15% exposed wall area

Elemental method; Vehicle access doors As required

Calculation method; Notes *Display windows and shop entrance doors are excluded

Energy Use method:


any one of those methods may 1.2.2.2 Calculation method 1.2.2.3 Energy Use method
be used To demonstrate compliance using To demonstrate compliance using
this method the rate of heat loss this method the annual energy use
from a proposed building must be of the proposed building must be
1.2.2.1 Elemental method no greater than that from a notional no more than a similar building
To demonstrate compliance using building of the same size and shape which has been shown to comply
this method elemental U values which has been shown to comply using the Elemental method.
must not exceed those given in using the Elemental method. This permits the designer to use
table 1.3. This allows greater flexibility than any valid energy conservation
The area of glazing must not exceed the Elemental method as the measure and to take account of
the values given in table 1.4 unless U values of elements may be varied solar and internal heat gains.
there is a compensating within the prescribed limits
improvement in the performance (see 1.2.3).
of the glazed units.

1.2.3 Limiting
U values
Table 1.3: Standard U values (W/m2K) for For compliance methods other than
buildings other than dwellings
the Elemental method, the U values
Element U-value of exposed building elements must

Exposed walls 0.45


not exceed the limiting values
shown in table 1.5.
Exposed floors and ground floors 0.45

Roofs* 0.25** Table 1.5: Limiting U values for


exposed elements
Semi-exposed walls and floors 0.60
Limiting U values (W/m2K)

Windows, doors and rooflights 3.30


Walls Floors Roofs

Vehicle access and similar large doors 0.70


Dwellings 0.7 0.7 0.35
Notes *Any part of a roof having a pitch of 70 or more may have Residential
the same U value as a wall. 0.7 0.7 0.45
buildings
**To buildings comprising a flat roof or insulated sloping
roof with no loft space, a U value of 0.45W/m2K will be Other
acceptable or 0.35W/m2K for residential buildings. buildings 0.7 0.7 0.7

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1.3 Thermal bridging Approved Document L shows a A method of calculating the effect
number of recommended methods of thermal bridging is given in
Thermal bridging can occur around
of avoiding thermal bridging BRE Information Paper 12/94
windows and doors, increasing heat
(reproduced in figure 1.1) as well Assessing condensation risk
loss and leading to localised surface
as a number of alternatives and heat loss at thermal bridges
condensation.
(see Appendix D of the around openings.
Approved Document).

Insulating blockwork 1

Internal insulation

Partial cavity fill 2

Full cavity fill 2

Figure 1.1 Reducing


Notes 1 The thermal conductivity of the blockwork should not exceed 0.16W/mK (eg Toplite Standard)
thermal bridging
around openings and the frame should overlap the blockwork by at least 30mm for drylining or alternatively
55mm for lightweight plaster.
2 The internal faces of metal lintels should be covered with at least 15mm of lightweight plaster;
alternatively they can be drylined

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1.4 Limiting air 1.5 Calculating 1.6 Wall solutions


infiltration U values The following tables cover the
Approved Document L contains U values may be calculated by using constructions most likely to be
recommendations for limiting the the tabular method given in used in the design of external walls.
infiltration of cold external air into Approved Document L,
Where U values have been shown
buildings: they consist mainly of Appendix A, or by the proportional
with no finish (NF) the tables assume
sealing potential gaps in the area method given in Appendix B.
the use of Paint Quality or Fair Face
construction. Dry linings to walls Both methods take account of the
blocks, where those form part of the
should be sealed at the perimeters effects of repeating thermal bridges.
product range: Toplite blocks are
of openings and at floors and We recommend calculation on the
available only in a keyed finish.
ceilings by using continuous bands basis of known material sizes and
Hemelite and Topcrete blocks may
of plaster or fixing adhesive. properties as this will result in a more
be solid, cellular or hollow.
economical construction.
The U values have been calculated
The bridging effect of mortar joints
following the recommendations of
in blockwork need be considered
Approved Document L and using
only when the difference in thermal
the material and airspace values
resistance between block and mortar
shown in table 1.6 and 1.7
is greater than 0.1m2K/W. Thus for
respectively. All blocks are assumed
Table 1.6: Conductivities calculation purposes, walls of
to have a face size of 440 215mm
of materials Topcrete or of certain sizes of
with 10mm thick mortar joints.
Thermal Hemelite and Lignacite may be
conductivity
(W/mK) treated as homogeneous leaves.

General materials Ground floor U values may be


calculated using the Perimeter/
Facing brick 0.84
Area method (see Approved
Mortar 0.80 Document L, Appendix C).
Render 0.50 The area of the floor should be
measured between the finished
Dense plaster 0.50
internal faces of the building
Lightweight plaster or and should include non-usable
0.16
plasterboard
space such as stairwells and
Insulation
builders ducts.
Crown Dritherm 50mm 0.033
full-fill

65mm 0.034

75mm 0.036 Table 1.7: Resistance values of airspaces


Thermal
Rockwool cavity batts 0.036 Cavities and airspaces
resistance(m2K/W)

Jablite cavity partial fill 0.037 Cavity high emissivity 0.18

Rockwool HP partial fill 0.033 Cavity low emissivity 0.35

10mm airspace behind


Wallmate CW 0.025 0.14
plasterboard
25mm airspace behind
Celotex double-R CW2000 0.019 0.35
foil-backed plasterboard

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Key to LP Lightweight plaster Notes Rendered blockwork may be used as an alternative


tables NF No finish DL Drylining on dabs to facing brick. The U values will be equivalent or
DP Dense plaster (9.5mm plasterboard) better than the values shown.

Table 1.8a: Cavity wall full fill 103mm brick full fill insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

50mm 65mm 75mm


Rockwool Batts Rockwool Batts Rockwool Batts
= 0.036 = 0.036 = 0.036

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

100mm Toplite GTI 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.29

115mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.35 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.28

125mm Toplite GTI 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.28 0.28

140mm Toplite GTI 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.27

100mm Toplite Standard 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.31

140mm Toplite Standard 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.29

100mm Toplite 7 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.32

140mm Toplite 7 0.42 0.41 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.30

100mm Hemelite 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.48 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36

140mm Hemelite 0.51 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35

100mm Lignacite 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.48 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36

140mm Lignacite 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35

100mm Topcrete 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.51 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37

140mm Topcrete 0.54 0.54 0.53 0.50 0. 44 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.37

Table 1.8b: Cavity wall full fill 103mm brick full fill insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

50mm 65mm 75mm


Injected cavity Injected cavity Injected cavity
insulation insulation insulation
= 0.039 = 0.039 = 0.039

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

100mm Toplite GTI 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31

115mm Toplite GTI 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.29

125mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.29

140mm Toplite GTI 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.28

100mm Toplite Standard 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33

140mm Toplite Standard 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.38 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.30

100mm Toplite 7 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.44 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34

140mm Toplite 7 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.32

100mm Hemelite 0.56 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.46 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38

140mm Hemelite 0.54 0.54 0.52 0.49 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37

100mm Lignacite 0.57 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.40 0.38

140mm Lignacite 0.55 0.54 0.52 0.49 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37

100mm Topcrete 0.59 0.59 0.57 0.53 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40

140mm Topcrete 0.58 0.57 0.56 0.52 0.47 0.47 0.46 0.43 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Key to LP Lightweight plaster


tables NF No finish DL Drylining on dabs
DP Dense plaster (9.5mm plasterboard)

Table 1.8c: Cavity wall full fill 103mm brick full fill insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K) Notes


Insulation & Surface Finish
Rendered blockwork may
be used as an alternative
to facing brick. The U values
50mm 65mm 75mm will be equivalent or better
Crown Crown Crown than the values shown.
Dritherm batt Dritherm batt Dritherm batt Denotes U values
= 0.033 = 0.034 = 0.036 exceeding 0.70W/m2K

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

100mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.29

115mm Toplite GTI 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.28

125mm Toplite GTI 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.28 0.28

140mm Toplite GTI 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.31 0.30 0.29 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.27

100mm Toplite Standard 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.37 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.31

140mm Toplite Standard 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.30 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.29

100mm Toplite 7 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.32

140mm Toplite 7 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.30

100mm Hemelite 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.45 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36

140mm Hemelite 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35

100mm Lignacite 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.45 0.42 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36

140mm Lignacite 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35

100mm Topcrete 0.52 0.52 0.50 0.47 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37

140mm Topcrete 0.51 0.51 0.49 0.47 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.37

Table 1.9a: Cavity wall partial fill


103mm brick 50mm residual clear cavity insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

25mm 40mm 50mm


Jablite Jablite Jablite
= 0.037 = 0.037 = 0.037

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

115mm Toplite GTI 0.48 0.47 0.45 0.43 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.33

125mm Toplite GTI 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.32

140mm Toplite GTI 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.31

100mm Toplite Standard 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.51 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.38

140mm Toplite Standard 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.45 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.35

100mm Toplite 7 0.61 0.60 0.58 0.54 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.40

140mm Toplite 7 0.54 0.53 0.52 0.49 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.37

100mm Hemelite 0.70 0.65 0.57 0.56 0.55 0.52 0.49 0.49 0.48 0.45

140mm Hemelite 0.70 0.69 0.67 0.62 0.55 0.54 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.44

100mm Lignacite 0.70 0.65 0.57 0.56 0.55 0.52 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.45

140mm Lignacite 0.69 0.67 0.62 0.55 0.54 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.44

100mm Topcrete 0.69 0.60 0.60 0.58 0.54 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.47

140mm Topcrete 0.67 0.58 0.58 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.50 0.49 0.46

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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Key to LP Lightweight plaster


tables NF No finish DL Drylining on dabs
DP Dense plaster (9.5mm plasterboard)

Table 1.9b: Cavity wall partial fill


103mm brick 50mm residual clear cavity insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

30mm 40mm 50mm


Rockwool Rockwool Rockwool
= 0.033 = 0.033 = 0.033

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

115mm Toplite GTI 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.32

125mm Toplite GTI 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31

140mm Toplite GTI 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30

100mm Toplite Standard 0.50 0.49 0.48 0.45 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35

140mm Toplite Standard 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33

100mm Toplite 7 0.53 0.52 0.51 0.48 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37

140mm Toplite 7 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.41 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.35

100mm Hemelite 0.63 0.63 0.61 0.56 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.48 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.42

140mm Hemelite 0.60 0.60 0.58 0.54 0.51 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.41

100mm Lignacite 0.64 0.63 0.61 0.56 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.48 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42

140mm Lignacite 0.61 0.60 0.58 0.54 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.41

100mm Topcrete 0.67 0.66 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.51 0.47 0.47 0.46 0.44

140mm Topcrete 0. 65 0.65 0.63 0.58 0.54 0.54 0.53 0.50 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.43

Table 1.9c: Cavity wall partial fill


103mm brick 50mm residual clear cavity insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

25mm 30mm 40mm


Wallmate CW Wallmate CW Wallmate CW
= 0.025 = 0.025 = 0.025

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

115mm Toplite GTI 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.35 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.31

125mm Toplite GTI 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.30

140mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.29

100mm Toplite Standard 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.37 0.36 0.36 0.34

140mm Toplite Standard 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.32

100mm Toplite 7 0.51 0.50 0.49 0.46 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.36

140mm Toplite 7 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.34

100mm Hemelite 0.60 0.59 0.57 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.52 0.49 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.41

140mm Hemelite 0.57 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.51 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.40

100mm Lignacite 0.60 0.59 0.57 0.54 0.54 0.53 0.52 0.49 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.41

140mm Lignacite 0.58 0.57 0.55 0.52 0.52 0.51 0.50 0.47 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.40

100mm Topcrete 0.63 0.63 0.61 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42

140mm Topcrete 0. 61 0.61 0.59 0.55 0.55 0.54 0.53 0.50 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.41

11
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.9d: Cavity wall partial fill


103mm brick 50mm residual clear cavity insulation block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish

17mm 25mm 29mm


Celotex CW2000 Celotex CW2000 Celotex CW2000
= 0.019 = 0.019 = 0.019

NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL NF DP LP DL

115mm Toplite GTI 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.34 0.34 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.30

125mm Toplite GTI 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.30 0.29

140mm Toplite GTI 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.32 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.29 0.28

100mm Toplite Standard 0.46 0.45 0.44 0.42 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33

140mm Toplite Standard 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.33 0.32 0.32 0.31

100mm Toplite 7 0.49 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.35

140mm Toplite 7 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.32

100mm Hemelite 0.57 0.57 0.56 0.52 0.46 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39

140mm Hemelite 0.55 0.55 0.53 0.50 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38

100mm Lignacite 0.58 0.57 0.56 0.52 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39

140mm Lignacite 0.56 0.55 0.53 0.50 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38

100mm Topcrete 0.61 0.60 0.58 0.55 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.44 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.40

140mm Topcrete 0.59 0.59 0.57 0.53 0.47 0.47 0.46 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.42 0.40

Table 1.9e: Cavity wall partial fill


16mm render 100mm Toplite Standard
50mm residual clear cavity 25mm Jablite block finish
Key to
U Values (W/m2K) tables NF No finish
Insulation DP 13mm Dense plaster
& Surface Finish LP 13mm Lightweight plaster
DL Drylining on dabs
(9.5mm plasterboard)
25mm DU Duplex plasterboard
Jablite (9.5mm plasterboard)*

Notes *foil faced Duplex plasterboard


NF DP LP DL DU on 25mm thick x 38mm wide
vertical battens at 400mm
100mm Toplite GTI 0.40 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.35 horizontal centres

115mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.33

125mm Toplite GTI 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.32

140mm Toplite GTI 0.36 0.35 0.35 0.33 0.31

150mm Toplite GTI 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.32 0.30

100mm Toplite Standard 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.40 0.38

140mm Toplite Standard 0.40 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.34

150mm Toplite Standard 0.39 0.38 0.38 0.36 0.34

100mm Toplite 7 0.47 0.46 0.45 0.43 0.39

140mm Toplite 7 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.39 0.36

150mm Toplite 7 0.42 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.36

12
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.9f: Cavity wall partial fill


16mm render 100mm Hemelite Standard 50mm residual
clear cavity 25mm Wallmate CW block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation
& Surface Finish

25mm
Wallmate CW

NF DP LP DL DU

100mm Toplite GTI 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.38 0.35

115mm Toplite GTI 0.39 0.39 0.38 0.36 0.34

125mm Toplite GTI 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.35 0.33

140mm Toplite GTI 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.34 0.32

150mm Toplite GTI 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.31


Key to
100mm Toplite Standard 0.45 0.45 0.44 0.41 0.38 tables NF No finish
DP 13mm Dense plaster
LP 13mm Lightweight plaster
140mm Toplite Standard 0.41 0.40 0.40 0.38 0.35 DL Drylining on dabs
(9.5mm plasterboard)
150mm Toplite Standard 0.40 0.39 0.39 0.37 0.34 DU Duplex plasterboard
(9.5mm plasterboard)*
100mm Toplite 7 0.48 0.47 0.46 0.44 0.40
Notes *foil faced Duplex plasterboard
140mm Toplite 7 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.40 0.37 on 25mm thick x 38mm wide
vertical battens at 400mm
150mm Toplite 7 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.40 0.37 horizontal centres

Table 1.10a: Cavity wall Toptherm Super


plastered or drylined finish

U Values (W/m2K)

103mm facing 100mm Hemelite block


brick outer leaf outer leaf with 16mm
& internal finish of render & internal
Toptherm Super blocks finish of

Thickness
Grade DP LP DL DP LP DL
(mm)
135 0.44 0.42 0.39 0.42 0.40 0.38
Hemelite Standard
175 0.42 0.41 0.38 0.40 0.39 0.36

135 0.45 0.43 0.40 0.43 0.41 0.39


Topcrete Standard
175 0.44 0.41 0.40 0.42 0.40 0.38

13
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.10b: Cavity wall Toptherm Super


direct paint or fair-face

U Values (W/m2K)

103mm facing 100mm Hemelite


Toptherm Super blocks brick outer leaf block with 16mm
& internal paint or render outer leaf
Thickness fair-face finish & internal paint or
Grade fair-face finish
(mm)

Hemelite 135 0.45 0.43


Paint Quality
175 0.45 0.41

Topcrete 135 0.46 0.44


Paint Quality
175 0.44 0.42

135 0.45 0.43


Lignacite Fair Face
175 0.43 0.41

Table 1.11: Cavity wall clear cavity


103mm facing brick 50mm clear cavity block finish
Key to
tables DP 13mm Dense plaster
U Values (W/m2K) LP 13mm Lightweight plaster
Surface Finish DL Drylining on dabs
(9.5mm plasterboard)
DU Duplex plasterboard
(9.5mm plasterboard)*
DP LP DL TB1 TB3
TB1 22mm Gyproc
Thermal board LD
100mm Toplite GTI 0.68 0.55 0.31 TB2 35mm Gyproc
Thermal board Plus
115mm Toplite GTI 0.69 0.63 0.52 0.30 TB3 40mm Gyproc
Thermal board Super
125mm Toplite GTI 0.68 0.66 0.60 0.50 0.29
Notes *foil faced Duplex plasterboard
140mm Toplite GTI 0.64 0.62 0.56 0.47 0.28 on 25mm thick x 38mm wide
vertical battens at 400mm
150mm Toplite GTI 0.61 0.59 0.54 0.46 0.28 horizontal centres
A 10mm airspace is assumed
100mm Toplite Standard 0.63 0.34 behind plasterboard and
plasterboard laminates
140mm Toplite Standard 0.66 0.55 0.31

150mm Toplite Standard 0.70 0.64 0.53 0.30

100mm Toplite 7 0.68 0.35

140mm Toplite 7 0.60 0.33

150mm Toplite 7 0.58 0.32

100mm Hemelite 0.40

140mm Hemelite 0.38

150mm Hemelite 0.38

100mm Lignacite 0.40

140mm Lignacite 0.39

150mm Lignacite 0.38

100mm Topcrete 0.41

140mm Topcrete 0.40

150mm Topcrete 0.40

Notes Denotes U values exceeding 0.70W/m2K

14
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.12: Cavity wall profile sheet steel cladding


50mm residual clear cavity insulation block no finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation

33mm
50mm
Celotex
Wallmate CW
CW2033

100mm Hemelite Paint Quality 0.40 0.45

140mm Hemelite Paint Quality 0.39 0.43

100mm Lignacite Fair Face 0.40 0.45

140mm Lignacite Fair Face 0.39 0.44

100mm Topcrete Paint Quality 0.41 0.47 (0.41)*

140mm Topcrete Paint Quality 0.41 0.46 (0.41)*


Notes *Bracketed figures are for 38mm Celotex and assume a
ventilated cavity.

Table 1.13: Solid wall


16mm render solid block finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Surface Finish

DP LP DL DU TB1 TB2 TB3

190mm Toplite GTI 0.61 0.59 0.54 0.48 0.45 0.34 0.27

200mm Toplite GTI 0.59 0.56 0.52 0.46 0.44 0.34 0.27

215mm Toplite GTI 0.56 0.53 0.49 0.44 0.42 0.32 0.26

190mm Toplite Standard 0.66 0.58 0.54 0.40 0.31

200mm Toplite Standard 0.70 0.64 0.56 0.52 0.39 0.30

215mm Toplite Standard 0.69 0.66 0.60 0.53 0.50 0.38 0.29

190mm Toplite 7 0.66 0.61 0.44 0.33

200mm Toplite 7 0.64 0.60 0.43 0.33

215mm Toplite 7 0.70 0.61 0.57 0.42 0.32

190mm Hemelite 0.59 0.41

215mm Hemelite 0.58 0.41

190mm Lignacite 0.60 0.42

215mm Lignacite 0.58 0.41

190mm Topcrete 0.65 0.44

215mm Topcrete 0.65 0.44

Notes Denotes U values exceeding 0.70W/m2K

15
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.14a: Solid wall semi-exposed


Toplite GTI finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Surface Finish

12.5mm foil-
12.5mm
22mm Gyproc backed 13mm
plasterboard 13mm
Thermal plasterboard Lightweight
on 25mm Dense Plaster
board LD on 25mm Plaster
timber battens
timber battens
115mm Toplite GTI 0.59

125mm Toplite GTI 0.57 0.60

150mm Toplite GTI 0.51 0.54 0.60

190mm Toplite GTI 0.44 0.46 0.51 0.60 0.57

Notes Plasterboard laminate of equivalent performance may be used.

Table 1.14b: Solid wall semi-exposed


Toplite Standard finish

U Values (W/m2K)
Surface Finish

27mm Gyproc 30mm Gyproc


Thermal Thermal 9.5mm
Board Plus Board LD plasterboard

100mm Toplite Standard 0.59

150mm Toplite Standard 0.50 0.54

215mm Toplite Standard 0.42 0.45 0.59

Notes Plasterboard laminate of equivalent performance may be used.

Table 1.14c: Solid wall semi-exposed


Hemelite/Topcrete finish
U-Values Key to
(W/m2K) tables NF No finish
Surface Finish DP 13mm Dense plaster
LP 13mm Lightweight plaster
DL Drylining on dabs
30mm Gyproc (9.5mm plasterboard)
Thermal board DU Duplex plasterboard
Super on 25mm (9.5mm plasterboard)*
timber battens
Notes *foil faced Duplex plasterboard
on 25mm thick x 38mm wide
100mm Hemelite Standard 0.56
vertical battens at 400mm
horizontal centres
100mm Topcrete Standard 0.59

Notes Plasterboard laminate of equivalent


performance may be used.

16
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

1.7 Floor solutions


Table 1.15 shows U values for beam
and block suspended ground floors
with different infill blocks.
The table also shows the improved
performance which can be obtained
by using Toplite Foundation blocks
as edge insulation at the perimeter
of the floor.

Table 1.15: Ground floor U values


18mm Chipboard 18mm Chipboard
50mm screed
and 25mm Jablite and 50mm Jablite

Infill block Without With Without With Without With


Ratio of P/A Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation
type
block block block block block block
Toplite 0.33 0.27 0.25 0.22 0.22 0.19
0.20 Hemelite 0.36 0.29 0.28 0.24 0.24 0.20
Topcrete 0.36 0.30 0.29 0.24 0.24 0.21
Toplite 0.39 0.32 0.29 0.25 0.24 0.21
0.25 Hemelite 0.43 0.35 0.32 0.27 0.26 0.23
Topcrete 0.44 0.36 0.33 0.28 0.27 0.24
Toplite 0.44 0.36 0.32 0.27 0.26 0.23
0.30 Hemelite 0.49 0.39 0.35 0.30 0.29 0.25
Topcrete 0.51 0.40 0.36 0.31 0.29 0.25
Toplite 0.44 0.37 0.34 0.29 0.27 0.24
0.35 Hemelite 0.55 0.44 0.38 0.33 0.31 0.27
Topcrete 0.57 0.45 0.40 0.34 0.31 0.27
Toplite 0.53 0.43 0.36 0.31 0.29 0.25
0.40 Hemelite 0.61 0.48 0.41 0.35 0.32 0.28
Topcrete 0.64 0.50 0.43 0.36 0.33 0.29
Toplite 0.57 0.46 0.38 0.32 0.30 0.26
0.45 Hemelite 0.67 0.52 0.44 0.37 0.34 0.30
Topcrete 0.70 0.54 0.46 0.38 0.35 0.30
Toplite 0.62 0.50 0.40 0.34 0.31 0.28
0.50 Hemelite 0.73 0.57 0.47 0.39 0.35 0.31
Topcrete 0.77 0.59 0.48 0.41 0.36 0.32
Toplite 0.65 0.52 0.41 0.35 0.32 0.28
0.55 Hemelite 0.78 0.60 0.48 0.41 0.37 0.32
Topcrete 0.83 0.63 0.50 0.42 0.38 0.33
Toplite 0.68 0.54 0.42 0.36 0.32 0.29
0.60 Hemelite 0.82 0.62 0.50 0.42 0.37 0.33
Topcrete 0.87 0.65 0.52 0.43 0.39 0.34
Notes The U values have been calculated in accordance with BRE Information Paper IP7/93.
Floor beams assumed at 515mm centres.
Foundation blocks are Toplite and taken as 275mm thick to a depth of 675mm below ground floor level. U values for
alternative thicknesses and depth available on request.
Uninsulated cavity walls below damp-proof course are assumed when foundation blocks are not used.

17
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 1.15: Ground floor U values


18mm Chipboard 18mm Chipboard
50mm screed
and 25mm Jablite and 50mm Jablite

Infill block Without With Without With Without With


Ratio of P/A foundation foundation foundation foundation foundation foundation
type
block block block block block block
Toplite 0.71 0.57 0.43 0.37 0.33 0.30
0.65 Hemelite 0.87 0.66 0.52 0.44 0.38 0.34
Topcrete 0.93 0.69 0.54 0.45 0.40 0.35
Toplite 0.74 0.58 0.44 0.38 0.34 0.30
0.70 Hemelite 0.91 0.68 0.53 0.44 0.39 0.34
Topcrete 0.97 0.71 0.56 0.46 0.41 0.35
Toplite 0.77 0.60 0.45 0.39 0.34 0.30
0.75 Hemelite 0.95 0.70 0.55 0.45 0.40 0.35
Topcrete 1.02 0.74 0.57 0.47 0.41 0.36
Toplite 0.79 0.62 0.46 0.40 0.35 0.31
0.80 Hemelite 0.99 0.73 0.56 0.47 0.41 0.35
Topcrete 1.06 0.77 0.58 0.48 0.42 0.36
Toplite 0.81 0.62 0.47 0.40 0.35 0.31
0.85 Hemelite 1.02 0.74 0.57 0.47 0.41 0.36
Topcrete 1.10 0.78 0.60 0.49 0.43 0.37
Toplite 0.83 0.63 0.47 0.40 0.36 0.31
0.90 Hemelite 1.05 0.75 0.58 0.47 0.42 0.36
Topcrete 1.13 0.79 0.61 0.49 0.43 0.37
Toplite 0.85 0.65 0.48 0.41 0.36 0.32
0.95 Hemelite 1.08 0.77 0.59 0.48 0.42 0.36
Topcrete 1.17 0.81 0.62 0.50 0.44 0.37
Toplite 0.86 0.65 0.48 0.41 0.36 0.32
1.00 Hemelite 1.10 0.77 0.59 0.48 0.42 0.36
Topcrete 1.19 0.81 0.62 0.50 0.44 0.37
Notes The U values have been calculated in accordance with BRE Information Paper IP7/93.
Floor beams assumed at 515mm centres.
Foundation blocks are Toplite and taken as 275mm thick to a depth of 675mm below ground floor level. U values for
alternative thicknesses and depth available on request.

5m 10m
1.7.1 Example calculation
From the table determine the
3m
U value of the beam and block
ground floor shown, using Hemelite 9m
infill blocks, finished with 25mm 6m
Jablite and 18mm chipboard, with
Toplite Foundation blocks as
edge insulation.
15m

Solution
(i) Calculate the floor perimeter, P: P = 10+9+15+6+3+5 = 48m
(ii) Calculate the floor area, A: A = (6 x 5) + (10 x 9) = 120m2
(iii) Ratio of P/A P/A = 48/120 = 0.40
(iv) Find U value of insulated floor from table: P/A = 0.40, U value = 0.35W/m2K

18
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

2. Acoustic performance

2.1 Introduction 2.2 Internal layout 2.3 Sound insulation


Acoustic design generally involves Where possible arrange the internal 2.3.1 Separating
introducing measures to: layout of a building to separate (party) walls
noisy and quiet areas. The distance 2.3.1.1 Regulations
control the level of sound in
between those areas can be Building Regulation E1 (England
particular parts of a building;
increased by forming buffer zones and Wales) stipulate separating
limit the transmission of from rooms such as kitchens, store walls between dwellings or between
unwanted noise. rooms and corridors, which do not dwellings and other parts of
The objectives can be obtained have critical levels of sound buildings must resist the direct
through a combination of careful transmission. transmission of airborne sound.
consideration of building layout As the amount of sound transmitted Guidance on meeting those
(see section 2.2) and the through a wall is related to its area, requirements is contained in
specification of building fabric consider minimising the shared wall Approved Document E
with the appropriate acoustic area between critical rooms by (England and Wales).
performance. adopting alternative shapes and In each case there are three
Fabric performance is affected by orientations. Introducing steps methods of demonstrating
two important criteria. Sound and/or staggers can also help compliance:
insulation is usually the main reduce the shared wall area.
Adopt one of the separating wall
consideration and in some cases is CIRIA report 127 Sound control constructions given in the
covered by building regulations for homes includes typical guidance documents, observing
(see section 2.3). Sound absorption measures which can be the specifications for flanking wall
is the key consideration where the advantageous. constructions.
control of reflected sound is
essential, for example in theatres Demonstrate by testing of actual
or concert halls (see section 2.4). walls or prototypes that the
specified levels of sound insulation
Concrete blockwork has long been
have been achieved or can be
recognised to combine good
achieved by a similar method
acoustic performance with
of construction.
structural, thermal and fire resisting
properties. The use of Topblock Provide a recognised technical
products enables the acoustic approval for the proposed
requirements of many situations construction, for example an
to be met in a practical and cost Agrment Certificate.
effective manner.

19
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

The elements adjoining or flanking


the separating wall form indirect
paths for noise transmission and
may be critical to the overall level
of sound insulation provided.
Relevant guidance on flanking
wall construction is given in
Approved Document E.

2.3.1.2 Requirements
Table 2.1 shows the Topblock Table 2.1: Recommended separating wall solutions
solutions for separating walls, the Flanking wall options
Approval route
approval route employed and from table 2.2

any additional requirements for Solid wall plastered

flanking walls. Table 2.2 gives 215mm Topcrete Standard


solid (100mm blocks laid flat
guidance on the requirements is the preferred solution) 1 or 2 with A&B
*AD-E (Type 1B)
or 3 with A,B&C
for flanking walls. 195mm Topcrete SPW

Unless a prescriptive
215mm Toplite Standard BBA Cert.
1, 2 or 3 with A&B
construction from building or Toplite 7 No. 97/3324

regulations is being specified we


Solid wall drylined
recommend approval for the
215mm Topcrete Standard
chosen separating and flanking solid (100mm blocks laid flat
is the preferred solution) 1 or 2 with A&B
wall construction is obtained AD-E (Type 1D)
or 3 with A,B&C
before building work starts. 195mm Topcrete SPW

Topblocks Technical Services Cavity wall plastered


Department can advise on the
2 100mm Topcrete
suitability of constructions not Standard solid. AD-E (Type 2B)
50mm cavity
featured in the tables.
2 100mm Hemelite
Standard solid. AD-E (Type 2C) 1, 2 or 3 with A&B
75mm cavity

2 100mm Toplite
BBA Cert.
Standard or 7.
No. 97/3324
75mm cavity

Cavity wall drylined

2 100mm Hemelite
AD-E (Type 1D) 1, 2 or 3 with A&B
Standard solid.
75mm cavity
Additional constructions for use when dwellings are stepped
or staggered by at least 300mm (plastered or drylined)
2 90mm Hemelite
Standard solid.
75mm cavity
AD-E (Type 2D) 1, 2 or 3 with A&B
2 100mm Hemelite
Standard solid or cellular.
75mm cavity

Notes For solutions in Scotland please consult Topblock Technical Services.


*AD-E Approved Document E.

20
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 2.2: Flanking wall options Use joist hangers where joists
Option Flanking leaf Approval Additional requirements are supported by Toplite
separating walls.
Leaf of block of minimum
A.Flanking wall bonded or
120kg/m2
tied to separating wall. Where the flanking wall
90mm Hemelite or
1 AD-E
Topcrete Standard solid
100mm Hemelite or
B. Cavity stopped with construction includes a cavity
flexible closer (unless
Topcrete Standard cellular ensure a flexible cavity closer is
cavity is fully filled with a
Leaf of block less than 120kg/m2 suitable insulant).
2 100mm Toplite Standard
BBA Cert. both specified and installed.
No.97/3324
or 7 C. External walls should
Leaf of block less than
have openings on both Wherever possible avoid placing
sides of separating walls
120kg/m2 electrical and television sockets on
at all storeys which are at
100mm Toplite GTI with BBA Cert.
3 least 1m high and no
plaster finish No.97/3323
more than 700mm from
the separating wall. Otherwise
115mm Toplite GTI with dry
face of the separating wall. ensure there is at least one block
lined finish
length between sockets on
opposite sides of the wall.

Cavity stopped with Wherever possible avoid


flexible closer
penetration of the wall by
structural members and services.
Where this is not possible, carry
out full sealing during
construction.

2.3.2 Other walls,


partitions and floors
There is often a design requirement
to provide good levels of noise
Figure 2.1 Junction of separating and flanking walls control within those parts of
buildings which are not covered by
building regulations: the acoustic
performance of walls, partitions and
2.3.1.3 Design and Connect the leaves of cavity floors should be considered in any
workmanship separating walls with the specification. Particular attention
The performance of separating minimum number of butterfly should be given to walls between:
walls should be ensured by pattern ties1 required for structural
offices and production areas
observing the following points: integrity. Maintain the cavity to
in factories;
the underside of the roof covering.
Fully fill all vertical and horizontal
bedrooms and public areas
joints with mortar. Fill the joint between the in hotels;
separating wall and the roof:
the method used for fire stopping bedrooms/living rooms and
is suitable. kitchens/bathrooms in dwellings.

1 Equivalent ties which can be shown not to reduce sound insulation performance may also be specified.

21
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

2.3.2.1 Specification Table 2.3: Suggested minimum airborne


requirements sound insulation performance of walls and floors

The required level of noise control Situation Minimum Typical solutions


DnT,w (dB)
will depend upon:
Minimum 100mm Topcrete, 140mm Hemelite or
Walls around a
48 150mm Toplite Standard or Toplite 7, plastered
the type of building; quiet room*
or drylined.

Walls around
the mix of uses; other domestic 38 Minimum 75mm block wall, plastered or drylined.
rooms
any local planning requirements
Floors above
for controlling transmission of Beam and block floor incorporating 100mm
or below a 46
Topcrete or Hemelite blocks with screed finish.
quiet room
noise whether from outside to
Floors above or
inside or inside to outside. below other 38
Beam and block floor incorporating 100mm
Topcrete or Hemelite blocks with screed finish.
domestic rooms
Noise control requirements are
Notes *A quiet room for either study or noisy activities is now frequently regarded as a
usually specified in terms of the desirable feature for many dwelling types.

Weighted Sound Reduction Index


(Rw), which represents the airborne
sound insulation performance of a
building element, or the Weighted
Standardised Level Difference
(DnT,w) as defined in BS 5821.
Both are expressed in decibels.

Table 2.3 shows suggested Topblock


solutions for constructions to meet
the minimum performance
recommendations for walls and
floors given in CIRIA Report 127
Sound control for homes; further
examples may be found in
BS 8233. Table 2.4 gives a selection
of Rw values for a range of
Topblock products.

22
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 2.4a: Sound reduction values, Hemelite


Weighted sound reduction index, Rw (dB)

Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster

Single leaf wall

75mm solid 42 43 44 44

90mm solid 44 44 46 45

100mm solid 45 45 47 45

140mm solid 47 48 49 48

150mm solid 48 49 49 49

190mm solid 50 51 51 51

200mm solid 50 51 51 51

215mm solid 52 52 52 52

100mm cellular 43 44 45 46

140mm cellular
45 46 47 46
or hollow

190mm cellular 48 49 49 49

Notes Finishes to wall are assumed to be applied to both faces.


The performance values of walls with finishes is applicable to Standard grade
and Paint Quality blocks. The performance of walls with no finish assumes the
use of Paint Quality blocks.

Table 2.4b: Sound reduction values, Topcrete

Weighted sound reduction index, Rw (dB)

Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster

Single leaf wall

75mm solid 44 46 47 47

90mm solid 46 47 48 48

100mm solid 47 48 49 48

140mm solid 50 51 52 51

150mm solid 51 52 52 52

190mm solid 53 54 54 54

215mm solid 54 55 55 55

100mm cellular 45 46 47 46

140mm cellular 46 51 52 51
or hollow

215mm hollow 50 53 54 53

Notes Finishes to walls are assumed to be applied to both faces.


The performance values of walls with finishes is applicable to Standard grade
and Paint Quality blocks. The performance of walls with no finish assumes the
use of Paint Quality blocks.

23
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 2.4c: Sound reduction values, Toplite


Weighted sound reduction index, Rw (dB)

Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster

Single leaf wall

100mm GTI 37 41 43 43

140mm GTI 42 44 46 45

190mm GTI 45 47 48 47

215mm GTI 47 48 49 48

100mm Standard 40 43 45 45

140mm Standard 44 46 48 47

190mm Standard 48 49 50 49

215mm Standard 49 50 51 50

100mm 7 42 44 45 45

140mm 7 46 47 48 47

190mm 7 49 50 50 49

215mm 7 50 51 51 50

Notes Finishes to walls are assumed to be applied to both faces.

Table 2.4d: Sound reduction values, Fair Face


solid blockwork walls without finishes

Weighted sound
reduction index, Rw (dB)

Topcrete Fair Face

100mm thick 47

140mm thick 50

Lignacite Fair Face

100mm thick 47

140mm thick 50

Weathered Masonry

100mm thick 47

140mm thick 50

Notes The performance of walls not featured is available


on request.

24
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

2.4 Sound absorption Topblock has developed the 2.4.3 Noise barrier walls
Echomaster range of blocks as a
2.4.1 Absorption Concrete blockwork barrier walls
cost effective route to sound
Coefficient can be very effective in controlling
absorption without the need for an
external noise, particularly that
The degree of sound absorption additional absorbent finish.
generated by roads and railways.
provided by a material is expressed Echomaster blocks incorporate a
They have the additional benefit
as an Absorption Coefficient for a pattern of slots and voids, which are
of forming an attractive visual
range of frequencies or a series of packed with mineral wool to extend
screen. Many products from the
octave bands, with a value between the sound absorption performance
Topblock range are suitable for
0 and 1 (where 1 is perfect across a wider range of frequencies.
this application.
absorption). The performance Figure 2.2 shows the absorption
required of a wall can be quoted in performance of Echomaster The performance of noise barrier
terms of the Absorption Coefficient blockwork between 100 and walls can be improved by including
once the use and layout of the 5000Hz. The blocks provide a a degree of sound absorption; for
building have been considered. robust surface and combine sound example, cellular blocks laid flat
absorption with good structural, with their voids exposed, provide
sound insulation, fire resistance and resonant absorption and offer an
2.4.2 Internal and attractive finish. They have proved
aesthetic properties. Further details
external walls very effective in applications such
are given in the Echomaster
Many rooms and enclosed areas, brochure. as underpass walls.
such as theatres, concert halls,
cinemas and sports halls, require a
degree of sound absorption to
reduce unwanted echo effects
resulting from sound being
reflected from the walls.

Figure 2.2 Comparison of the acoustic performance


of Echomaster masonry against plain dense masonry

0.9
Absorption coefficient

0.8
100mm Echomaster
0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4 140mm Echomaster

0.3

0.2
Plain dense masonry or plaster on solid background
0.1

100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2500 4000


125 200 315 500 800 1250 2000 3150 5000

Frequency (Hz)

25
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3. Structural design

3.1 Design principles 3.2 Unreinforced Where blocks are laid flat, with a

Building Regulation A12 requires walls unit aspect ratio between 0.4 and
0.5 as for example, in party walls
buildings to be constructed so the 3.2.1 Characteristic
the fk values in table 3.2 should be
combined dead, imposed and wind compressive strength
used. Consult table 3.3 for the fk
loads are sustained and transmitted of blockwork
value of double-leaf collar jointed
safely, without causing deflection The aspect ratio of a block walls. The fk value of Topcrete SPW
or deformation in any part of the ratio of height to thickness blockwork built using group (iii)
the building. affects the characteristic mortar is 6.0N/mm2.
Many masonry structures can be compressive strength of the
designed to meet those blockwork masonry, termed fk.
requirements by using prescriptive The values for fk given in table 3.1a
rules in Building Regulations and and table 3.1b apply to Topblock
British Standards, without the need products laid in normal aspect.
for detailed structural calculations.
Those rules apply to:

Houses and other small buildings


up to three storeys in height; see
Approved Document A3 (1992 Table 3.1a: Characteristic compressive strength of
edition) and BS 8103: Part 2: 1996 blockwork, fk , using solid blocks
Code of practice for masonry Characteristic compressive
strength, fk , (N/mm2)
walls for housing.
Compressive strength
of unit (N/mm2) 2.8 3.5 7.0 10.0 15.0 20.0
Non-loadbearing partitions:
determination of thickness Block thickness (mm)
according to panel length and 75mm 3.5 6.4
height is contained in BS 5628:
90mm 3.5 6.4 8.2 (10.0) (11.6)
Part 3.
100mm 2.8 3.5 6.4 8.2 10.0 11.6
For structures outside the scope of 115mm 2.7 (3.3) (6.1)
those rules, design methods are 125mm 2.5 (3.1) 5.8 (7.4) (9.0) (10.4)
contained in BS 5628: Code of 130mm 2.5 (3.1) (5.6)
practice for use of masonry which
140mm 2.3 2.9 5.3 6.8 8.3 9.7
consists of the following parts:
150mm 2.2 2.8 5.1 6.5 8.0 9.2

Part 1: Structural use of 190mm 1.9 2.4 4.4 5.7 (6.9) (8.0)
unreinforced masonry 200mm 1.9 2.3 4.3 (5.5) (6.7) (7.8)

Part 2: Structural use of reinforced 215mm 1.8 2.2 4.1 5.3 (6.4) (7.4)

and prestressed masonry Notes Blocks have a face size 440 x 215mm and are laid in normal aspect.
All values shown are for blockwork built with designation (iii)
mortar. Values for other blockwork built with mortar of other
Part 3: Materials and components, designations may be determined from BS 5628: Part 1.
Values shown in brackets are not stock block products but can be
design and workmanship made to order.
2 For Scotland refer to Building Standards (Scotland) Regulation 11
3 For Scotland refer to the Small Buildings Guide for compliance with Part C of the Technical Standards.

26
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

The compressive strength of cellular Table 3.1b: Characteristic compressive strength


or hollow blocks is based on their of blockwork, fk , using cellular or hollow blocks
Characteristic
gross area: no allowance need be compressive strength,
made for the voids. Where the fk , (N/mm2)
Compressive strength
voids will be completely filled with of unit (N/mm2) 3.5 7.0 10.0 15.0

concrete in-situ the compressive


Block thickness (mm)
strength should be calculated on
100mm 3.5 5.4 (5.5) (5.7)
the net area of the block, provided
140mm 2.9 4.7 (5.0) (5.5)
the 28 day cube strength of the
infilling is not less than the 150mm (2.8) (4.5) (4.9) (5.4)

strength of the block. 190mm 2.4 4.0 (4.6) (5.3)

215mm 2.2 3.8 (4.5) (5.2)

Notes Blocks have a face size 440 x 215mm and are laid
in normal aspect.
All values shown are for blockwork built with
designation (iii) mortar. Values for other
blockwork built with mortar of other
designations may be determined from
BS 5628: Part 1.
Values shown in brackets are not stock block
products but can be made to order.

Table 3.2: Characteristic compressive strength


of blockwork, fk , using solid blocks laid with
aspect ratios between 0.4 and 0.5
Characteristic compressive
strength, fk , (N/mm2)
Compressive strength
of unit (N/mm2) 3.5 7.0 10.0 15.0 20.0

Mortar group

(i) 2.8 5.4 6.2 8.4 10.4

(ii) 2.8 5.3 6.0 7.7 9.3

(iii) 2.8 5.1 5.7 7.0 8.1

Notes Values established by the Concrete Block Association.

Table 3.3: Characteristic compressive strength of


blockwork, fk , for collar jointed walls
Characteristic compressive
strength, fk , (N/mm2)

Compressive strength of unit (N/mm2) 3.5 7.0 10.0 15.0 20.0

Wall thickness
Mortar group
(mm)

190 2.4 4.7 6.1 8.3 10.2


(i)
215 2.2 4.4 5.7 7.7 9.5

190 2.4 4.6 5.9 6.5 9.1


(ii)
215 2.2 4.3 5.5 7.1 8.5

190 2.4 4.4 5.7 6.9 8.0


(iii)
215 2.2 4.1 5.3 6.4 7.5

Notes Face size of units 440 215mm.


Values established by the Concrete Block Association.

27
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3.2.2 Blockwork 215mm


construction options
Laying blocks flat is an effective
way of constructing 190 215mm
440mm
wide solid walls with good strength
and sound insulation whilst keeping
the unit weight to a minimum.
There are three options:
100mm
lay 440 215 100mm blocks flat
(aspect ratio 0.46) to construct
215mm wide masonry (see
Figure 3.1 215mm wall constructed with
figure 3.1 and table 3.2); 100mm thick blocks laid flat

use Topcrete SPW blocks (aspect


ratio 0.33) to construct 195mm 195mm

wide masonry (see figure 3.2);

lay 390 190 100mm blocks flat


(aspect ratio 0.53) to construct
440mm
190mm walls (see figure 3.3).

The use of heavy units can also be


avoided by using a double-leaf 65mm
collar jointed wall. This is
particularly suited to constructing Figure 3.2 195mm walls constructed
190mm or 215mm wide walls with using Topcrete SPW

both faces built fair (see figure


3.4 and table 3.3).

Reinforcement
or metal ties
190mm

Collar joint

390mm

100mm

Figure 3.3 190mm walls constructed


with 100mm thick blocks laid flat Figure 3.4 Double-leaf collar jointed wall

28
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3.2.3 Partial safety factors


Topblock products are
manufactured under an ISO 9002
quality assurance system and
conform to the Special Category
Table 3.4: Partial safety factors using
of Manufacturing Control Topblock products
requirements specified in BS 5628: Category of
construction control
Part 1. Consequently, the partial
safety factors for material Special Normal

strength given in table 3.4 may Partial safety factor


(m) 2.5 3.1
be employed.

3.2.4 Laterally
loaded walls
Recommendations for walls subject
to lateral loading are given in
BS 5628: Part 1. Such loading
must be taken into account when
the lateral load is the predominant
one and when the wall must
be designed to resist
accidental damage.

The flexural strength of blockwork,


Table 3.5: Section properties
fkx, is given in BS 5628: Part 1:
of blockwork
table 3 and relates broadly to the
Section Modulus
Block thickness
compressive strength of the units (mm)
(Z), per metre
length (cm3/m)
(water absorption is not a relevant
90mm 1,350
factor). The values apply to walls
100mm 1,667
built with solid, cellular and
125mm 2,604
hollow blocks.
140mm 3,267
Section properties of blockwork
150mm 3,750
are shown in table 3.5: when
190mm 6,017
calculating section properties no
200mm 6,667
account need be taken of the voids
215mm 7,704
in cellular and hollow units.

29
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3.2.5 Non-loadbearing Table 3.6: Minimum block thickness


walls restrained at both ends
internal walls
Block thickness (mm)
The limiting dimensions for
internal walls not required to Length (m) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
support imposed lateral or vertical
Height (m)
loading are given in BS 5628:
Part 3. Wall thickness is 2.4 90 100 140 140 140 190 190 190 190

determined by the length and 2.7 90 100 140 140 150 190 190 190 190

height of the panel and by the 3.0 90 100 140 140 150 190 190 190 200

nature and extent of any vertical 3.3 90 100 140 140 150 190 190 200 215

and/or horizontal restraint 4.0 100 140 140 140 190 190 190 200 215
provided (see tables 5.0 100 140 140 150 190 190 190 215 215
3.6 to 3.8). 6.0 140 140 140 190 190 190 200 215

It may be necessary to modify the


thickness to take account of:

openings; Table 3.7: Minimum block thickness


walls restrained at both ends and top
fire resistance;
Block thickness (mm)
sound insulation.
Length (m) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Height (m)

2.4 75 75 75 75 90 90 90 90 90

2.7 75 75 75 90 90 90 90 90 90

3.0 75 75 75 90 90 90 100 100 100

3.3 75 75 90 90 90 100 100 140 140

4.0 90 90 90 100 100 140 140 140 140

5.0 100 100 140 140 140 140 140 140 140

6.0 100 100 140 140 140 140 140 150 150

Table 3.8: Minimum block


thickness walls restrained at top only
Minimum block
Height (m) thickness (mm)

2.2 75

2.7 90

3.0 100

4.2 140

4.5 150

5.7 190

6.0 200

6.4 215

30
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3.3 Reinforced walls 450mm

Adding reinforcement to blockwork


improves both the vertical
loadbearing capacity and the
bending resistance of the masonry.

Reinforced blockwork should be


constructed in accordance with the
recommendations of BS 5628:
Part 2. Further guidance for
reinforced free-standing walls is
Figure 3.6 Reinforcement:
given in BRE Good Building Guide grouted-cavity masonry
(GBG) 19, and for reinforced
retaining walls in GBG 27.
Mortar mixes for reinforced 3.3.1 Cover to
There are two common methods of blockwork should be designation (i) reinforcement
forming reinforced blockwork: or (ii) according to BS 5628: Part 2.
When determining fire resistance
However, designation (iii) mixes
placing reinforcement and the block may be considered as
concrete in the cores of hollow may be used if the lateral load
forming part of the cover to the
blocks (see figure 3.5). resistance is enhanced by bed
reinforcement, in accordance with
joint reinforcement.
BS 8110: Part 2. However, when the
placing reinforcement and
concrete in the cavity between Concrete infill should be a durability of the reinforcement is

two leaves of blockwork: this minimum of grade 25 as described being assessed only the thickness of

construction is known as grouted- in BS 5328; alternatively the the concrete infill can be considered

cavity masonry (see figure 3.6). following volume proportions as forming the cover to the
may be used: 1:1/4:3:2 reinforcement (see figure 3.7).
cement:lime:sand:aggregate using The minimum concrete cover
aggregate not greater than 10mm. required for durability under a
range of exposure conditions is
given in BS 5628: Part 2: Table 14.

(2)
Concrete infill

(1)

Figure 3.7 Determination of cover


for fire resistance and durability

Notes (1) Thickness of cover for determination of fire resistance.


(2) Thickness of cover for determination of durability.

Figure 3.5 Reinforcement:


hollow blockwork

31
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

3.4 Diaphragm walls Diaphragm walls derive their For high lateral loads, such as those
strength from the series of occurring in retaining walls,
A diaphragm wall consists of two
connected boxes or I sections which prestressing can be used to improve
parallel leaves of blockwork each
have high resistance to vertical and the performance of the wall.
usually 100mm thick connected
horizontal loads: table 3.9 compares The wide cavity of a diaphragm
with cross ribs of blockwork which
the properties of a 440mm wide wall will easily accommodate a
may be bonded or tied according to
diaphragm wall with conventional post-tensioning system using
the requirements of the design
cavity and solid walls. The section unbonded reinforcing bars.
(see figure 3.8).
modulus, and potentially
Topblock products for the
the lateral bending
Minimum construction of diaphragm walls
440mm strength, of walls of the
should be selected from the
area shown in the table, is
relevant product brochures taking
Metal tie
over eight times that of a
into account the strength and
250mm wide cavity wall.
surface finish required. Fair Face
The roof of a building blocks can be used in both leaves
may be used to prop the of a diaphragm wall.
top of the external walls
Further details on the design of
and so keep wall thickness
concrete diaphragm blockwork
to a minimum. Wind
walls can be found in two design
loading can be transferred
guides which incorporate research
Figure 3.8 into the roof structure by
Diaphragm walls carried out at University of
using a reinforced
Manchester Institute of Science
concrete capping beam.
and Technology (UMIST):

The Design of concrete blockwork


diaphragm walls;

The Design of prestressed


concrete blockwork diaphragm
walls.

Copies of these guides are available


Diaphragm walls are particularly on request.
suitable to tall, single storey
Table 3.9: Properties of cavity, solid and diaphragm walls
buildings as they do not require a
Length = 1300mm
separate structural frame. They can
Section
be designed for high lateral and Type of wall
Plan area
modulus
(m2)
vertical loading conditions and are (cm3)
100
straightforward to construct, Cavity 0.260 4330
100
providing the structure, cladding
and internal finish. Solid block 215 0.280 10000

Diaphragm 440 0.284 35660

32
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

4. Movement control

4.1 The causes of 4.2 Provision for 4.2.1 Joints to


movement movement accommodate horizontal
movement
All buildings undergo small The amount of movement to be
movements and dimensional expected is related to the moisture Movement joints should be
changes from various causes; content of the materials, and the considered at the following
those which most affect concrete ambient temperature during locations:
masonry are: construction. Longitudinal at regular spacings in long runs
movement in loadbearing masonry of walling;
changes in moisture content of the
is likely to be less than that in non-
blockwork (reversible);
loadbearing masonry because of the
changes in temperature restraint provided by the structure.
(reversible);
Whilst it is possible to calculate the
carbonation of the concrete likely level of movement and then
(non-reversible); to design for it, the number of
variables involved make calculation above and below openings;
movement of the adjoining
structure (reversible or complex; it is more usual to:-
non-reversible);
divide masonry into a series of
There is a general tendency for discrete panels, separated by joints
concrete masonry to contract as it which allow movement of the
dries to equilibrium moisture panels, and/or
content and the concrete
to restrict movement by using bed
carbonates. Clay masonry, by joint reinforcement.
contrast, expands as the masonry
Internal walls in single occupancy at changes in wall height;
matures and adsorbs water.
dwellings do not normally require
Unless proper provision is made to movement joints; any small
allow such movements to take place movement cracks are made good
in a controlled manner, cracking after the building has dried out.
may occur: such cracking presents However, if the length of internal
little hazard, but can be unsightly. walls exceeds three times their
The advice given here is based at changes in wall thickness;
height then provision for movement
upon the recommendations of may need to be considered.
BS 5628: Part 3 and long-term
experience.

33
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

at junctions with dissimilar 4.2.2 Formation of Suitable joint fillers include flexible
materials; movement joints cellular polyethylene, cellular
polyurethane or foam rubber.
Joints to accommodate horizontal
Internal joints which generally only
movement should be straight,
need to allow for contraction, may
10mm wide butt joints built in as
be filled with fibreboard or weak
work proceeds and filled with
mortar: the latter should be
compressible filler (see figure 4.2).
confined to joints carried
Wider joints may be required where
to coincide with movement joints through plasterwork.
they pass through the whole
in other parts of the construction.
structure. In some situations, for Structural continuity across
example internal walls, a butt joint movement joints, and at junctions
may be used without filler. of masonry with the structural
frame, is achieved by using metal
ties with one end de-bonded (for
Joint filler example by a plastic sleeve) in
alternate masonry bed joints
(see figure 4.3).

Joint
Movement joint spacings for filler
Flat tie to
alternate
Topblock products in walling are Sealant where courses
required
given in table 4.1. Where end
restraint is provided, such as at Figure 4.2 Typical
movement joint
bonded corners, the recommended
spacings should be halved. Long,
low panels those with length to
height ratios greater than 3:1
should have joints at reduced
spacings. In such cases, bed
reinforcement may be a
Sealant where
better solution as this will avoid required
an excessive number of
movement joints.
Table 4.1: Recommended Figure 4.3 Movement joint
movement joint spacings with flat-strip metal ties

Joint spacing
Product (m)

Hemelite 7.0 - 8.0

Topcrete 7.0 - 8.0

Toplite 6.0

Lignacite 7.0

Weathered
7.0 - 8.0
masonry

34
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Joints exposed directly to the 4.2.3 Vertical and lateral


elements, such as those in fair-faced movement
work, should be finished with
In non-loadbearing walls a gap,
suitable sealants such as one or
usually packed with soft filler, is left
two part polysulphides. Sealants
at the soffit to allow for vertical
can be obtained in colours
movement. Lateral restraint can be
matching or contrasting with the
provided by lengths of steel angle
masonry, and should be installed in
fixed to the soffit on either side of
accordance with the manufacturers
the masonry after the wall has been
instructions regarding priming
constructed (see figure 4.5).
and sealant depth.
Alternatively, sliding ties may be
Movement joints must be built into masonry perpend joints
continuous through applied rigid and fixed to the soffit: the use of
finishes such as plaster or render ties which do not permit movement
(see figure 4.4). The use of a may cause dislodgement of the
proprietary plaster/render stop top course of masonry.
bead will give the best results,
although knifing through the
plaster may be an acceptable
alternative in some cases.

Sealant where
required Joint filler

Steel angle
providing
lateral support
Soft filler
Stop bead

Figure 4.5 Lateral restraint


of non-loadbearing walls
Figure 4.4 Movement joint continued
through rigid finishes

Further construction details for


movement joints are given in
figures 4.10 4.21.

35
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Loadbearing masonry does not 4.2.4 Bed joint


generally require provision for reinforcement
vertical movement. However,
Movement may also be controlled
thermal movements in concrete
using prefabricated wire
roofs bearing directly onto
reinforcement in mortar bed joints
concrete masonry may produce
to distribute stresses throughout the
lateral pressure in the masonry:
immediate area of the wall
the introduction of slip planes will
(see figure 4.7). This will prevent
help prevent dislodgement of the
major cracking.
top course of blockwork
Bed joint reinforcement may
(see figure 4.6). Slip planes should
be used:
be formed with double layers of
polyethylene sheeting or damp at stress concentrations around
proof membrane material. door and window openings
(see figure 4.8);
Concrete
roof deck
in long panels where movement
joints are impractical
(see figure 4.9);

to increase the spacing of


movement joints beyond
that recommended for
unreinforced masonry.

Slip planes Reinforcement

Figure 4.6 Slip planes

Figure 4.7 Bed joint


reinforcement

36
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Bed joint reinforcement 4.2.7 Differential


movement
Differential movement may occur
when designs combine materials
with differing physical
characteristics. This is not usually a
Figure 4.8 Bed joint reinforcement
at openings problem when various types of
concrete masonry are combined;
for example only a small amount
of differential movement will be
produced between a Topcrete

Bed joint
dense concrete outer leaf and
reinforcement a Toplite inner leaf.

However, allowance must be made


for differential movement when
Figure 4.9 Bed joint reinforcement
in long panels concrete and clay masonry are
used in adjoining leaves and the
use of rigid wall ties should be
avoided. When concrete and clay
units are built into the same panels,
4.2.5 Mortar 4.2.6 Sills and copings
slip planes and/or more closely
A significant proportion of the Fractures in one-piece sills resulting
spaced movement joints may be
overall shrinkage of masonry is from building settlement may be
necessary to allow for the
due to the mortar. The effect of avoided by bedding the sill only
differential movement.
the shrinkage can be reduced by under the jambs and mullions,
ensuring mortar joints are weaker leaving the intervening sections
than the masonry units; this reduces clear. Those portions are then 4.2.8 Site practice
the stresses by allowing pointed when the building has
The risk of excessive movement
redistribution of forces within the undergone its initial settlement
caused by drying shrinkage can be
wall. However, the mortar must still and the mortar in the masonry
reduced by protecting both stacked
be compatible with the strength has matured.
blocks and partially complete work
and durability requirements of
Copings may require additional from rain and snow. The tops of
the masonry.
provision for movement to allow stacked blocks should be protected
for the greater dimensional changes by waterproof sheeting. Blocks can
produced by solar absorption. be supplied shrink-wrapped: once
packs have been opened the blocks
should be protected during adverse
weather. During very hot conditions
partially completed blockwork
should be protected from
rapid drying out.

37
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Joint filler (and sealant


4.3 Summary where required)

Flat metal tie


Internal walls in single occupancy with one end
de-bonded
dwellings do not normally require
movement joints.

Movement joints in unreinforced


masonry should normally be
6.0 8.0m apart, for normal
storey height walls.

Unrestrained or lightly loaded


Figure 4.10a
walls with length/height ratios Movement joints
greater than 3:1, such as low to walls
incorporating
horizontal panels or parapet walls, solid blocks
need either frequent movement
joints or reinforcement.
Flat metal tie with one
end de-bonded
Use bed joint reinforcement to Joint filler (and sealant
control movement at stress where required)

concentrations such as window


and door openings, or to extend Voids filled with
stiff mortar to
the spacing of movement joints. support tie

Allow for movement at the tops


of walls.

Avoid mortars which are


too strong. Figure 4.10b Movement
joints to walls incorporating
Take care when mixing materials hollow blocks
of different compositions, such as
clay or concrete, in the same wall.
Introduce movement joints and
slip planes as appropriate.
6mm diameter metal
rods with one end
de-bonded

Sealant where required

Joint filler

Joint filler (and


sealant where
required)

300 x 25 x 3mm flat section metal tie Figure 4.10c Movement


with one end de-bonded at 450mm
vertical centres
joints to walls incorporating
hollow blocks

Figure 4.11 Movement joints


at an intersecting wall

38
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

300 x 25 x 3mm flat section metal


Wall ties at maximum tie with one end de-bonded at
300mm vertical centres 450mm vertical centres

Sealant where required 25mm clear

Joint filler

Wall ties at maximum


300mm vertical centres Inner leaf

225mm max 225mm max

225mm max 225mm max

Outer leaf
Figure 4.12 Movement joint to
the inner leaf of a cavity wall
Joint filler

Render
Render stop
beads
25mm x 3mm flat
section metal tie with Sealant
both ends de-bonded
(length to suit) at
450mm vertical centres
Figure 4.14 Movement joint to a
rendered outer leaf
Joint filler

Outer leaf

Vertical movement joint


continued up to top of wall Flat section metal tie
with one end de-bonded
at 450mm vertical centres
MINIMUM 100mm
EMBEDMENT

Movement joint
225mm MAXIMUM

Sealant where
required

Wall ties at maximum


300mm vertical centres
Elevation
Figure 4.13 Movement joint at external
wall junction to separating wall

Lintel

Lintel bearing bedded


and jointed on DPC or
two layers of DPM

Joint filler

Figure 4.15 Movement joint to the


side of door openings

39
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Sealant where required


Joint filler 75mm min.

Flexible
ties at
max.
300mm
vertical
centres

Column

Fire
Fire protection protection
to column to column
Column Joint filler

Figure 4.16 Movement joint to


blockwork at internal steel column

Flat section metal ties with


de-bonding sleeves at 450mm
vertical centres. Allow a
minimum 100mm embedment.
Ties fixed to column (eg shot
fited).

Topblock
blocks
225mm max.

40mm min. Wall ties at maximum


300mm vertical centres

Outer leaf

Topblock
blocks

Figure 4.17 Movement joint to blockwork Sealant where


required
supported by a steel frame Joint filler

Topblock
blocks Flexible
ties at
max.
300mm
vertical
centres

Joint filler

Topblock
blocks

Figure 4.18 Movement joint to blockwork


supported on a steel frame with internal pier

40
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

In-situ floor formed


from composite
steel decking and
Cavity reinforced concrete
tray

Weep
hole
Steel channel and
column (provide
Sealant fire protection
where and thermal
required insulation as
required)
Compressible
joint filler

Continuous
support
angle

Compressible
joint filler

Topblock Reinforced
blocks concrete
Topblock floor
Fair Face

Figure 4.19 Movement joint to blockwork


Cavity
supported on a steel frame tray
Weep
hole

Metal lathing welded


to bearing of support
angle to improve
mortar bond
Cast in
anchor
Sealant on
sealant backer

Compressible
joint filler

Continuous
support
angle

Compressible
joint filler

Flat section
metal ties
Facing
with de-bonding
brickwork
sleeves at
450mm centres

Topblock
blocks

Figure 4.20 Movement joint with top restraint


to blockwork supported on a concrete frame

41
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Sealant where
required

Concrete
column

150 x 25 x 3mm
Flat section metal ties
with de-bonding
sleeves at 450mm
vertical centres.
Dovetail channel
cast into column

Joint filler Concrete


column

Figure 4.21 Movement joint at


reinforced concrete column

42
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

5. Durability

Concrete masonry is inherently All products from the Topblock 5.2 Sulphate
durable and able to resist aggressive range are suitable for use in those resistance
environmental conditions such as positions: advice on the selection of
The presence of sulphates in the
frost and sulphate soils. units for other applications is given
ground has a detrimental effect
in table 5.1. Further guidance can
upon concrete: when site trials
5.1 Frost resistance be found in BS 5628: Part 3, or
reveal more than modest levels of
obtained from Topblock.
Concrete masonry is resistant to sulphates there may be concern that
frost attack: when built fair, units blocks will be susceptible to attack.
will experience little more than BRE Digest 363 Sulphate and acid
slight surface weathering, provided resistance of concrete in the ground
they have been selected on the gives guidance on the specification
basis of the recommendations of in-situ and precast concretes
of BS 5628: Part 3. for such conditions and classifies
soils on the basis of the amount of
There is little or no risk of frost
sulphates present, with 1 indicating
attack when units are used:
little or no sulphates and 5 high
internally, above or below the sulphate content.
damp-proof course (dpc);

externally, above dpc when


protected by cladding or render.

Table 5.1: Selection of units for frost resistance

Application

Earth
External
Unprotected Freestanding Freestanding retaining
walls below Parapets
walls above walls with walls with walls with
dpc/ or near (unrendered)
Recommended dpc copings cappings coping or
ground level
products capping

Hemelite
Foundation

Hemelite
7.0N/mm2
Topcrete
Toplite Standard
Toplite
Foundation

Toplite 7
Fair Face
Range

43
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

In practice, blocks have been used 5.2.1 Specification Externally, above dpc and
below ground in all kinds of guidance unprotected by render or
sulphate conditions for many years cladding: levels of sulphates in the
When specifying blocks for sites
before a potential problem with atmosphere or precipitation are not
where sulphates are present, always
sulphates was identified; there has sufficient to present a risk of
determine whether:
been no report of any failure. sulphate attack for any
Recent research supports the
4 the conditions found relate to the Topblock product.
depth at which the concrete units
long term empirical evidence
Externally, below dpc: the
are to be used: very few sites have
and suggests the guidance in BRE
following units are suitable for use
sulphate concentrations greater
Digest 363 is too conservative.
in class 1, 2 and 3 sulphate
than class 1 in the first metre
The research supports the BRE
conditions:
of soil.
view that carbonation imparts
sulphate resistance to concrete: ground water is likely to be Hemelite Foundation
precast masonry units have a more present at the depths at which Hemelite 7.0N/mm2
open texture than concrete cast units are to be used: the risk of
Topcrete
in-situ and are more readily sulphate attack in dry conditions
able to surface carbonate. is minimal. Toplite Standard

The following recommendations are Toplite Foundation


made on the basis of BRE Digest Toplite 7
363 and long-term research4.

Internally, above or below dpc:


no risk of sulphate attack.

Externally, above dpc, protected


by render or cladding: no risk of
sulphate attack.

4 Sulphate resistance of aggregate concrete blocks: Pettit G. Harrison W. Littleton I. Proceedings of the 15th International Congress of the
Precast Concrete Industry July 1996.

44
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

6. Block Handling

6.1 Regulations and 6.2 Safe handling of Options for constructing walls from
guidance blocks 75 to 215mm thickness are given in
tables 6.1 and 6.2. Solid walls 190
Increased awareness of Health and 6.2.1 Design
or 215mm thick may be formed in
Safety issues has focused attention considerations
one of two ways:
on building materials, including The majority of Topblock products,
consideration of manual handling. including all 100mm thick units and if a finish is required to both faces,
The over-riding need is to ensure lay blocks flat;
most 140mm solid units, fall within
a safe environment and good the guidance for single-person if both faces are to be built fair,
working conditions for the repetitive handling specified in lay 90 or 100mm units back to
construction team. Construction Sheet 37. Unit weights back to form a collar jointed wall.
Two items of legislation are relevant are given in tables in the relevant
Using blocks in different aspect
to the manual handling of blocks: product brochures.
ratios may affect the characteristic
Manual Handling Operations Where the proposed walling compressive strength of the
Regulations (1992), places duties involves the use of blocks weighing blockwork (the fk value). Please
on employers to carry out a risk more than 20kg, there are two ways refer to section 3.2.1 for further
assessment on all manual to deal with the identified risk: details of these constructions.
handling tasks;
Change the block specification.
Construction (Design and You may be able to:
Management) Regulations (1994),
select a lighter solid unit, or
imposes mandatory Health and
Safety requirements on clients,
select a cellular or hollow unit
instead of a solid unit, without
designers and contractors.
compromising essential
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.
Construction Sheet 37 Handling
Building Blocks gives guidance on
Change the construction details.
meeting the requirements of those
regulations. It advises there is a
high risk of injury in the single-
person repetitive handling of units
heavier than 20kg. Units heavier
than 20kg should be handled
mechanically or by two man teams.

Single-person handling of a small


number of heavier units such as
quoins and reveal blocks is not
identified as posing a high risk
of injury.

45
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

Table 6.1: Options for constructing blockwork walls 6.2.2 Site handling
Wall thickness Construction options Block options 6.2.2.1 Handling by crane
75mm 1 75mm single leaf Any 75mm block Do not lift packs of blocks over

100mm 1 100mm single leaf Any 100mm block


the workforce when using
crane off-load vehicles and low
140mm Hemelite solid 3.5 or 7.0N/mm2
level cranes. Packs to be raised
140mm Hemelite cellular or hollow
by tower crane and high level
140mm 1 140mm single leaf 140mm Topcrete cellular or hollow
crane should be netted or
140mm Toplite GTI, Standard or 7
placed in cages
140mm Lignacite solid
before lifting.
190mm Hemelite cellular or hollow
1 190mm single leaf 6.2.2.2 Packaging
190mm Toplite GTI, Standard or 7
Topblock offer a range of
190mm 1 190mm single leaf, 390 190 100mm Hemelite or
units laid flat Topcrete solid units packaging options to suit
2 90mm leaves, 90mm Hemelite or Topcrete individual site requirements:
collar jointed solid units

1 215mm single leaf


215mm Hemelite hollow units packs on pallets;
215mm Toplite GTI, Standard or 7
packs with voids for fork-lift
215mm 1 215mm single leaf, 440 215 100mm Hemelite or
units laid flat Topcrete solid units handling (not available for
2 100mm leaves, 100mm Hemelite or Topcrete fair-faced or paint quality
collar jointed solid units
products);

packs for handling by grab.

Table 6.2: Options for constructing walls for special requirements

Wall thickness Construction options Block options

100mm Sound absorbing walls 100mm Echomaster

140mm Sound absorbing walls 140mm Echomaster

195mm Separating walls 195mm Topcrete SPW

255mm Solid foundations Hemelite Foundation

260mm Solid foundations Toplite Foundation 3.5N/mm2

275mm Solid foundations Toplite Foundation 3.5N/mm2

290mm Solid foundations Hemelite Foundation

300mm Solid foundations Toplite Foundation 3.5N/mm2

46
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e

6.2.3 Site practice raise scaffolding to keep


Always consider health and safety blockwork below shoulder height.
matters during design and raise mortar boards to a
construction stages and adopt convenient working height to
good working practices. avoid bending.
Observe the following points:
use eye protection and dust
Site organisation: suppression or extraction

minimise manual handling by measures when cutting or


delivering units as close to the chasing blocks.
point of laying as safety Further information on health and
considerations permit. safety issues may be found in our

move blocks in packs and by Health and Safety data sheet.


mechanical means wherever
possible.

store blocks on a clean, level and


firm base.

avoid stacking blocks above head


height, unless they are to be
moved by mechanical means.

provide protective equipment


including safety helmets, safety
footwear and suitable gloves
and ensure it is used.

ensure the blocklayers work area


is clear of obstruction and
properly organised.

Block laying:

use eye protection whilst cutting


the banding on packs.

ensure blocks do not fall when


packaging is removed.

load blocks out to above


knee height.

handle blocks close to the body.

47
Topblock
Tarmac Topblock, the UKs leading block manufacturer, offers a comprehensive range which
includes aircrete, dense and lightweight concrete blocks. The breadth of range coupled with
long experience of the construction industry, enables Topblock to supply blocks which meet
the demands made of todays building materials.
Backed by the resources of Tarmac Heavy Building Materials (UK), Topblock has developed a
network of modern factories and depots which give a good geographical coverage, and are
supported by Topblocks national sales and technical advisory service.
The Company has a policy of continuous improvement and product development.
Therefore information contained in this literature is subject to alteration without notice.

Technical services
A comprehensive technical advisory service is available to specifiers and users of
our products.

Thermal U-value calculation and condensation risk analysis;

Movement Appraisal of movement joint and bed joint reinforcement


requirements;

Structural Calculations to support the use of blockwork under vertical loading;


Recommended sizes for non-loadbearing walls;

General Recommendations for block types (eg below DPC and party walls);
Finishes to blockwork;
Sitework.

Topblocks technical staff are available to answer telephone or written


enquiries:
Tarmac Topblock Limited
Technical Services Department,
Ford Airfield Industrial Estate,
Ford, Arundel, BN18 0HY
Telephone: 01903 723 333
Fax: 01903 730 884

Topblocks Specifier Services provides project designers with advice


on the selection and use of Topblocks products from the initial
design concept through to project completion.

Tarmac Topblock Limited


Specifier Services, The Building Centre,
26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT
Telephone: 0171 631 0730
Fax: 0171 631 1635

Tarmac Topblock Limited


Wergs Hall, Wergs Hall Road,
Wolverhampton, WV8 2HZ

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