Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
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
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
4
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**
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.
More than 80 up to 90 81
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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
Calculation method; Notes *Display windows and shop entrance doors are excluded
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
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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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
65mm 0.034
8
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Table 1.8a: Cavity wall full fill 103mm brick full fill insulation block finish
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish
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
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
Table 1.8c: Cavity wall full fill 103mm brick full fill insulation block finish
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
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish
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
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish
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
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish
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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation & Surface Finish
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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation
& Surface Finish
25mm
Wallmate CW
NF DP LP DL DU
U Values (W/m2K)
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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
U Values (W/m2K)
14
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
U Values (W/m2K)
Insulation
33mm
50mm
Celotex
Wallmate CW
CW2033
U Values (W/m2K)
Surface Finish
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
215mm Toplite Standard 0.69 0.66 0.60 0.53 0.50 0.38 0.29
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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
U Values (W/m2K)
Surface Finish
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
17
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
2. Acoustic performance
19
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d 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
Unless a prescriptive
215mm Toplite Standard BBA Cert.
1, 2 or 3 with A&B
construction from building or Toplite 7 No. 97/3324
2 100mm Toplite
BBA Cert.
Standard or 7.
No. 97/3324
75mm cavity
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
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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.
1 Equivalent ties which can be shown not to reduce sound insulation performance may also be specified.
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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.
22
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster
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
Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster
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
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T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Lightweight Dense
Finish No finish Drylining
plaster plaster
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
Weighted sound
reduction index, Rw (dB)
100mm thick 47
140mm thick 50
100mm thick 47
140mm thick 50
Weathered Masonry
100mm thick 47
140mm thick 50
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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.
0.9
Absorption coefficient
0.8
100mm Echomaster
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.3
0.2
Plain dense masonry or plaster on solid background
0.1
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:
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
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.
Mortar group
Wall thickness
Mortar group
(mm)
27
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Reinforcement
or metal ties
190mm
Collar joint
390mm
100mm
28
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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.
29
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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
Height (m)
2.4 75 75 75 75 90 90 90 90 90
2.7 75 75 75 90 90 90 90 90 90
5.0 100 100 140 140 140 140 140 140 140
6.0 100 100 140 140 140 140 140 150 150
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
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)
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):
32
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
4. Movement control
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)
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
Sealant where
required Joint filler
Steel angle
providing
lateral support
Soft filler
Stop bead
35
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
36
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Bed joint
dense concrete outer leaf and
reinforcement a Toplite inner leaf.
37
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Joint filler
38
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Joint filler
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
Movement joint
225mm MAXIMUM
Sealant where
required
Lintel
Joint filler
39
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Flexible
ties at
max.
300mm
vertical
centres
Column
Fire
Fire protection protection
to column to column
Column Joint filler
Topblock
blocks
225mm max.
Outer leaf
Topblock
blocks
Topblock
blocks Flexible
ties at
max.
300mm
vertical
centres
Joint filler
Topblock
blocks
40
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
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
Compressible
joint filler
Continuous
support
angle
Compressible
joint filler
Flat section
metal ties
Facing
with de-bonding
brickwork
sleeves at
450mm centres
Topblock
blocks
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
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);
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
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.
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
46
T o p b l o c k D e s i g n G u i d e
Block laying:
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.
General Recommendations for block types (eg below DPC and party walls);
Finishes to blockwork;
Sitework.