Did You Know? – Concrete Blocks

Date: 10th July 2017
Sector: Construction & Civil  

concrete-blocks2

The minimum strength for the use of solid masonry units (Dense and Lightweight) in Ireland is 7.5N/mm² in line with the Current building regulations Technical Guidance Documents part A – Please refer to Clause 1.1.3.5

Concrete block strength descriptions have been updated in line with IS EN 771-3. The relevant testing method is now mortar capped and dry tested. Block strength descriptions are now displayed as follows:

Solids:

Old New
5N 7.5N
10N 13N
15N 18N
20N 24N
30N 36N
Hollows:

Old New
3N 4.5N
10N 13N
15N 18N
20N 24N

Standards Required to Build a Concrete Masonry Wall in Ireland

  • Produced to:
    I.S. EN 771-3 – 2011 Aggregate Concrete Masonry Units (Dense and Lightweight)
  • Level of conformity:
    CE Level 2+ Externally certified by a notified body (i.e. NSAI)
  • Intended use:
    As common, facing or exposed masonry in load bearing or non-load bearing building and civil engineering applications when designed and built in accordance with the current Irish Building Regulations

    • TGD Part A Structure
    • TGD Part B Fire Safety: class A1
    • TGD Part E Sound: Density >1900kgs
    • Part L Energy: Roadstone Thermal Liteblock reduce the thermal bridging at key junctions & air leakage
  • Designed to: Eurocode 6
    • I.S. EN 1996-1-1 General rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures + National Annex
    • I.S. EN 1996-1-2 General rules. Structural fire design + National Annex
    • I.S. EN 1996-2:2006 Design considerations, selection of materials and execution of masonry + National Annex
  • Exposure/Durability tables and recommended Details:
    S.R. 325: 2014 Recommendations for the design of Masonry structures in Ireland to Eurocode 6.
  • Mortars and  Plasterers:
    I.S. EN 998-1 Specification for mortar for masonry – Part1: Rendering and plastering Mortar
    I.S. EN 998-1 Specification for mortar for masonry – Part2: Masonry Mortar
  • Rendering and Plastering:
    I.S. EN 13914: 2005 Pt. 1- Design preparation and application of external rendering and internal plastering – External Rendering
    I.S. EN 13914: 2005 Pt. 2- Design preparation and application of external rendering and internal plastering – Internal Plastering
  • Materials:
    • Cement: I.S. EN 197-1 : 2011
    • Aggregates: I.S. EN 12620 & SR 16 Guidance on the use of I.S. EN 12620 Aggregates for Concrete
    • Sands: I.S. EN13139 & SR 18 Guidance on the use of I.S. EN 13139 Aggregates for Mortar
    • Admixtures: I.S. EN 934-2
    • Water: I.S. EN 2008 Mixing water for concrete
  • Ancillary components:
    • I.S. EN 845-1 Specification for ancillary components for masonry –Part 1: Ties, tension straps hangers and brackets
    • I.S. EN 845-2 Specification for ancillary components for masonry –Part 2: Lintels
    • I.S. EN 845-3 Specification for ancillary components for masonry –Part 3: Bed Joint Reinforcement of steel meshwork

S.R. = Standard Recommendation for the use of standards in Ireland prepared under the direction of the NSAI (National Standards Authority Ireland)