Masonry Design Example

7: WALLS SUBJECT TO VERTICAL LOADS
When a masonry wall or a pier is subjected to vertical loads, either from the superstructure
weight and/or the vertical components of overturning loads, it is necessary to determine the
compressive capacity of the wall or pier, i.e. the resistance to these loads. The principal factors
affecting the compressive capacity of a wall or pier are its slenderness ratio, its cross-sectional
properties, compressive strength, and the magnitude and direction of the applied moments.
AS 3700 provides two alternative approaches to the design for compression:
Design by simple rules (Simplified Design), which uses a combined factor to cover
lateral buckling and crushing failure, or
Design by refined calculation (Refined Design), which permits the assessment of
compressive capacity based on eccentricities of load and fixity (degree of restraint)
determined by either of two methods; the assumption of eccentricities or their
calculation by an equivalent-frame approach.
Design by the Simplified Method is usually more conservative than the Refined Method.
The Simplified Method is commonly used in practice to overcome the difficulties of estimating
load end eccentricities. The charts in this manual were developed using the Simplified Method.
Designers may refer to AS3700: Clause 7.3.4 for the Refined Method if needed.
Legend and Symbols Used in Vertical Loads Design
= capacity reduction factor equals to 0.45 for compressive loads.
Ab = bedded area (mm), full bedded for solid units and face shell bedded for hollow (refer
Table 3.5 for the product bedding type and face shell thicknesses)
Fd = the design compressive force (MPa)
H = the height of the wall between supports or the overall height. (m)
L = the length of the wall between supports or the overall length. (m)
t = wall thickness (m)
kt = a thickness coefficient for piers, Refer to Table 4.2 in Section 4
av = a height slenderness coefficient.
ah = a length slenderness coefficient:
Fd = design compression capacity of wall (MPa)
Fo = basic compressive capacity of wall (MPa)
uc = the characteristic unconfined compressive strength of masonry units. (MPa)
m = the characteristic compressive strength of the masonry. (MPa)
kc = a strength factor for grout in compression. (1.2 for Alphalite units)
Ac = design cross-sectional area of grout. (mm)
c = the characteristic compressive strength of grout at 28 days. (MPa)
cg = the design characteristic strength of grout, usually <20MPa (calculated as 1.3 uc)
Austral Masonry
Section 7,
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Design based on the Simplified method:

Basic compressive capacity
The basic compressive capacity (Fo) for uniaxial bending and compression on uniform
symmetrical members is the crushing strength of a stocky masonry member.
For both the simplified and refined methods, AS3700 states that the basic compressive capacity
of the cross-section (Fo) shall be taken as:
For ungrouted masonry:
For grouted masonry:
Fo = m Ab
_______
Fo = ( m Ab + kc ( cg /1.3) Ac )
Note that the later equation allows for the further capacity of the grout. However, the
compressive strength of the units and grout can not be simply added. As the grouts lateral
expansion under compression is higher than that for masonry, which will tend to burst the
surrounding shell.
Design Compressive Capacity:
AS 3700, Clause 7.3.3.2 states that a member shall be designed so that:
Fd < k Fo
Where k is a reduction factor for slenderness and eccentricity (a function in wall slenderness
ratio Srs).
The support conditions of wall panels as well as their dimensions determine their buckling shape.
The Simplified Design Method expresses the slenderness ratio of a member in terms of the
effective member height divided by the equivalent member thickness. The method utilizes
tabulated coefficients for different end supports, refer to AS3700: Table 7.1. It clearly
distinguishes between three particular buckling modes; for a wall or pier supporting a concrete
slab bearing on the top; for a wall or pier supporting other systems that bear on the top; and for
a wall or pier supporting a load applied at the face of the masonry
(a) For other than a wall that is laterally supported along one or both of its vertical edges
Srs = av H
kt = t
(b) For a wall that is laterally supported along one or both of its vertical edges, the lesser of:
Srs = av H
kt = t ; or
________
Srs = 0.7/ t av H ah L
Where
av is a height slenderness coefficient, equal to:1.0 for walls with lateral support at top
Austral Masonry
Section 7,
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2.5 for walls with no lateral support at top

ah is a length slenderness coefficient
1.0 for walls with lateral support at both sides (vertical ends).
2.5 for walls with lateral support at one side only
Control joints (with no adequate ties or connecters) and vertical mortar joints (with no
intersecting masonry bonding or adequate tying) in walls should be regarded as unsupported
ends.
Chases, holes and recesses shall be taken into account in calculating the design properties of
the member. The design charts in this manual assume the full thickness of the blocks (no
allowance for chasing).
Design of Cavity Walls
No mutual support should be considered between the two leaves with respect to buckling
resistance due to vertical compression, as stated by AS3700: Clause 7.3.1.
In design using the simplified method, the AS3700 requires that the thickness of the loaded leaf
be not less than 100mm, the sum of the two thicknesses of the two leaves shall be not less than
200mm, and the wall ties to be at 300mm centres maximum at the lines of lateral supports (Eg:
tying to the edge of a floor slab). Where this is not the case, check using the Refined Method.
Where both leaves are loaded, each leaf should be designed as an independent member to
transmit its share of the total compressive loads, taking into account leaf properties, differential
movements and rotational effects from floors and beams. Special care should be taken in
calculating the load-sharing of each leaf if they are made from different types of units.
Alternatively, the stronger leaf shall be designed to withstand the whole compressive strength,
as stated by AS3700: Clause 7.8.
Effect of Engaged piers
The existence of piers increases the buckling resistance of a wall, by increasing the section
modulus of gyration. The stiffening effect of engaged piers depends on the piers thickness
spacing and width. For the stiffening effect to take place, a full engagement of the piers is
required, as stated by AS3700: Clause 4.11.
Where the load is applied directly on an engaged pier, a further check for the capacity of the
pier under concentrated load should be carried out.
Effect of Concentrated Loads
In this case, the concentrated load is assumed to disperse at an angle of 45o from the perimeter
of the bearing area of the load. The basic compressive capacity should be calculated
considering the area within the load dispersion only. Designers should take into account any
overlap in the load dispersion zones between concentrated loads as per AS3700: Clause 7.3.5.
A further check for crushing immediately under the loads (for example beneath the load plate)
should be carried out as follows.
Fd kb Fo
Austral Masonry
Section 7,
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Where, kb is an enhancement factor as follows:

For solid, cored or grouted masonry, taken as the lesser of;
Kb = 0.55x (1+a1/2L)/(Ads/Ade)0.33 or
Kb = 1.5+ a1/L
For hollow ungrouted masonry
Kb = 1.0
Design Examples:
Example 1
Determine the capacity of a 6m long and 2.8 high 110 + 110 cavity wall. The wall is laterally
supported at its four ends and supports a concrete slab. Masonry units are Alphalite 12-01 which
are 190mm high with 25mm face shells. Mortar is M3 and 10mm thick.
Procedure using AS3700:2001
Unreinforced loaded leaf thickness t = 110mm
Both cavity thickness = 110 + 110 >200mm
Use the Simplified Method
Calculation of basic compressive capacity Fo:
Characteristic unconfined compressive strength of masonry units 'uc = 15 MPa
Km = 1.6 for face shell bedding (from Table 3.1)
Characteristic compressive strength of masonry prism mb = Km 'uc
= 1.615
= 6.2 MPa
Unit height /mortar thickness = 190/10
= 19
Kh = 1.3 (from Table 3.2)
Characteristic compressive strength of masonry m = Kh x mb
= 1.3 x 6.2
= 8.06MPa
Basic compressive capacity of wall Fo = m Ab
= 0.45x 8.06x 0.05x 1000
= 181kN/m length of wall
Where Ab = 2 face shells x 0.025m x 1m
= 0.05m2/m for face shell bedded masonry,
Use the Simplified Method to calculate the slenderness ratio Srs and the reduction factor k:
for laterally supported walls at the four edges, av = 1.0 & ah =1.0
kt = 1.0 for no engaged piers
Srs = av H
kt t;
= 1x 2.8/(1.0x 0.11)
= 25.45
_________
= 0.7/0.11 x (1.0x2.8x1.0x6)
= 26.08
Srs = 25.45
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Section 7,
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For walls supporting concrete slabs,

k = 0.67 - 0.02 (Srs - 14) or 0.67, whichever is less.
= 0.67 - 0.02 (25.45 - 14)
= 0.441
0.441 < 0.67 so, k = 0.441
Fd k Fo = 0.441 x 181
= 79.82kN/m length of wall
Procedure using Brick and Block Design Charts
From chart V-I-4, for 110mm wall for 6m length and 2.8m height, interpolate between curves to
find the capacity of the wall equal 80kN/m length of wall.
Example 2
Determine the capacity of a 90mm thick, hollow single leaf wall with engaged piers, 390mm
wide at 3.9m centres The wall overall thickness is 290 at engaged pier locations. The wall is 9 m
long x 4 m high, supports a concrete slab and is restrained at both sides. The masonry units are
(Alphalite 10-01); 190mm high with 25mm face shells in M3 mortar with 10mm joint thickness.
Procedure using AS3700:2001
Unreinforced loaded leaf thickness t = 90mm
Use the Simplified Method for preliminary design only
Calculation of basic compression capacity Fo;
Characteristic unconfined compressive strength of masonry units 'uc = 15MPa
Km = 1.6 for face shell bedding (from Table 3.1)
Characteristic compressive strength of masonry prism mb = Km 'uc
= 1.615
= 6.2 MPa
Unit height/mortar thickness = 190/10
= 19
Kh =1.3 (from Table 3.2)
Characteristic compressive strength of masonry m = Kh x mb
= 1.3 x 6.2
= 8.06MPa
Basic compressive capacity of wall Fo = m Ab
= 0.45 x 8.06 x 0.05 x 1000
= 181kN/m length of wall
Where Ab= 2 face shells x 0.025m x 1m
= 0.05m2 /m for face shell bedded masonry.
Note: The bedded area of the engaged pier was ignored in the calculations.
Using the Simplified Method to calculate the slenderness ratio Srs and the reduction factor k:
Overall wall & pier thickness (twp)/ wall thickness (tw) = 290/90
= 3.2
Spacing (Sp)/ pier width (tP) = 3.9/ 0.39
= 10
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Section 7,
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From Table 4.2 (Table 7.2 in AS3700), kt = 1.4

For walls supported laterally at the four edges, av = 1.0 & ah =1.0
Srs = av H ;
kt t;
= 1 x 4/(1.4 x 0.09)
= 31.75
_______
= 0.7 x (1.0 x 4 x 1.0 x 9) / 0.09
= 46.67
Srs = 31.75
For walls supporting concrete slabs, k = 0.67 - 0.02 (Srs - 14)
= 0.67 - 0.02 (31.75 - 14)
= 0.315
Fd k Fo
= 0.315 x 181
= 57.02kN/m length of wall
Procedure using Brick and Block Design Charts
From chart V-IV -4, for 90mm wall with 390mm wide engaged piers at 3.9 centres, for length of
9m and height of 4m, the wall capacity is 57kN/m
Note:
Whether using charts or AS3700 procedure for Simplified Method, it is required by AS3700 to
carry out a further check using the Refined Method as the wall thickness is less than 140mm.
Austral Masonry
Section 7,
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How to use the charts

Assumptions
M3 mortar is used and the mortar bed joint thickness is 10mm
bed joints are fully bedded for solid units and face shell bedded for hollow units
Grouted blocks are filled completely with concrete grout.
Limitations
AS3700 states the following limitations when applying the Simplified Method and recommends
the use of the Refined Method for other cases.
For single leaf walls, the minimum thickness is 140mm.
For cavity walls, the minimum thickness of the loaded leaf is100mm, the sum of the
thicknesses of the two leaves is not less than 200mm.
Step 1
Select the relevant chart: If the wall supports a concrete slab select group I. If the wall is not
supporting a concrete slab and the load is applied to the face select group III, otherwise select
group II. Group IV is for walls with engaged piers that support concrete slabs.
Step 2
Choose the relevant chart based on the masonry unit type, core-filling and restraints on the
wall.
Step 3
Austral Masonry
Section 7,
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Use the chart to find the compressive load capacity for a given wall size or to find the maximum
wall size for a given load.
List of Charts
Group I: Design of walls supporting a concrete slab for vertical compressive loads.
Walls laterally supported at both sides and top, or at one side and top.
Chart V-I -1
Chart V-I -2
Chart V-I -3
Chart V-I -4
Chart V-I -5
Chart V-I -6
Chart V-I -7
Chart V-I -8
Chart V-I -9
Chart V-I -10
Chart V-I -11
Chart V-I -12
Chart V-I -13
Chart V-I -14
90mm thick hollow masonry: 10-01

90mm thick solid masonry: 10-31
110mm thick cored masonry: 12-01C
110mm thick cored masonry: Twinbrick
140mm thick hollow masonry: 15-01 or 15-42
140mm thick small-core masonry: 15-401
140mm thick core-filled masonry: 15-42
140mm thick core filled masonry: 15-48
190mm thick core-filled masonry: 20-42 or 20-48
Page --11
Page 12
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Page --24
Walls spanning vertically, supporting a concrete slab.

Chart V-I -15
Chart V-I -16
Chart V-I -17
Chart V-I -18
Chart V-I -19
Austral Masonry
90mm thick: 10-01 hollow & 10-31 solid

110mm thick: Twinbrick, 12-01 & 12-01C
140mm thick: hollow, small-core and core-filled
190mm thick: hollow, small-core and core-filled
290mm thick: hollow and core-filled 30-48
Page 25
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Page 26
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Page --27
Section 7,
Page
Group II: Design of walls supporting vertical loads OTHER THAN a concrete slab
Chart V-II -1
Chart V-II -2
Chart V-II -3
Chart V-II -4
Chart V-II -5
Chart V-II -6
Chart V-II -7
Chart V-II -8
Chart V-II -9
Chart V-II -10
Chart V-II -11

90mm thick solid masonry: 10-31
110mm thick cored masonry: 12-01C
110mm thick cored masonry: Twinbrick
190mm thick hollow masonry: 20-01, 20-42 or 20-48
Page 28
Page 29
Page --30
Page 31
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34
Page 35
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Page 37
Page 38
Walls spanning vertically (unsupported sides).

Chart V-II -12
Chart V-II -13
Chart V-II -14
Chart V-II -15
Austral Masonry
90mm thick: 10-01 hollow & 10-31 solid

110mm thick: Twinbrick, 12-01 & 12-01C
140mm thick: hollow and core-filled
Page 39
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Page 40
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Section 7,
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Group III: Design of walls-for vertical compressive loads applied to the face, walls are NOT
supporting concrete slab
Chart V-III -1
Chart V-III -2
Chart V-III -3
Chart V-III -4
Chart V-III -5
Chart V-III -6
Chart V-III -7

190mm thick hollow masonry: 20-01, 20-42 or 20-48
190mm thick core-filled masonry: 20-42 or 20-48
Page 41
Page 42
Page 43
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Page 45
Page 46
Page --47
Walls spanning vertically.

Chart V-III -8
Chart V-III -9
Austral Masonry

Page 48
Page --48
Section 7,
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10
Group IV: Design of walls with engaged piers, supporting a concrete slab for vertical
compressive loads.
Chart V-IV -1
Chart V-IV -2
Chart V-IV -3
Chart V-IV -4
Chart V-IV -5
Chart V-IV -6
Chart V-IV -7
Chart V-IV -8
10-01 hollow masonry units, 90mm thick wall with

390x190mm engaged piers at 2.4m centres.
10-31 solid masonry units, 90mm thick wall with
10-31 solid masonry units, 90mm thick wall with
20-42 or 20-48 hollow masonry units (core filled),
190mm thick wall with 390x190mm engaged piers at
2.4m centres.
20-42 or 20-48 hollow masonry units (core filled),
190mm thick wall with 390x190mm engaged piers at
3.9m centres.
Page 49
Page 50
Page 51
Page 52
Page 53
Page 54
Page 55
Page 56
Walls spanning vertically.

Chart V-I -9
Chart V-I -10
Austral Masonry
90mm masonry leaf with engaged piers

190mm masonry leaf with engaged piers
Page 57
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7: WALLS SUBJECT TO VERTICAL LOADS

Design based on the Simplified method:

2.5 for walls with no lateral support at top

Where, kb is an enhancement factor as follows:

For walls supporting concrete slabs,

From Table 4.2 (Table 7.2 in AS3700), kt = 1.4

How to use the charts

90mm thick hollow masonry: 10-01

Walls spanning vertically, supporting a concrete slab.

90mm thick: 10-01 hollow & 10-31 solid

90mm thick hollow masonry: 10-01

Walls spanning vertically (unsupported sides).

90mm thick: 10-01 hollow & 10-31 solid

140mm thick hollow masonry: 15-01 or 15-42

Walls spanning vertically.

140mm thick: hollow and core-filled

10-01 hollow masonry units, 90mm thick wall with

Walls spanning vertically.

90mm masonry leaf with engaged piers

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