Construction

details

Part 3 . Gonstructiondetails

Contents Preliminary
remarks Roofconstructions includediffusion-tightlayers
wherenecessary.In the othercasesthe details
Flatroof Masonrycontinuesto be the mostpopular employdiffusion-resistant membranes. The use
Parapetto warm deck formof construction in CentralEurope,espe- of roofingfeltssufficiently
opento diffusion
ciallyfor housing.Withits diversearchitectur- meansthata membrane on the insideis no
Shallowpitchedrodf al optionsand rich varietyof differenttypesof longernecessary,providedthe layersof the
Parapetto cold deck construction,masonryis justas fashionable construction belowthethermalinsulation, e.g.
as ever.Indeed,its goodbuildingscience chipboard, plasterboard,forman adequate
Pitchedroof propertieshaveincreasedthe vocabularyof barrierto diffusion.However,it shouldnot be
Eaves its architectural
manifestations. The following forgottenthatthe necessarydegreeof airtight-
Vergewithoutroofoverhang chapter,"Construction Details",illustrates
the nessmuststillbe guaranteed.
Vergewith roofoverhang diverseapplicationsof masonry.Threediffer-
Vergewith masonryparapet enttypesof wallwerechosenfor the details: The detailsshowndo not relateto specificcon-
Junctionwithwall structionprojectsbut instead,in conjunction
Chimney . A single-leafrenderedwall withthe explanatory texts,are intendedto draw
attentionto possibleproblemzonesand illus-
Floorjunction . A partial{illcavitywall (outerleafof facing tratefeasiblesolutions.Theirsuitabilityfor the
masonry, air space,insulation, innerload- respective climaticconditions mustbe
Openings bearingleaf) checkedin eachindividual case.Detailswhich
Windowheadand revealswithoutshoulder onlyvary as a resultof the differenttypesof
Windowfittedbehindshoulder . A full{illcavitywall(outerleafof facing wallconstruction areshownschematically in
Windowwithperipheralsheetmetallining masonry) the overview of the details.
Doorheadandjambswithoutshoulder
Doorheadand jambswith shoulder A schematicoverviewof the detailspresents
Doorto terrace the mostimportantbuildingdetailsfor the
threedifferenttypesof wall.The detailsshad-
Balconies ed greyareshownenlargedat a scaleof
1:10in the subsequent catalogue.
Junctionwithterrace In designing thesedetails, the primeobjec-
tivesweredependable engineering qualities
Plinth and archiiectural claritv.
Energy-eff icientbuilding demandsalternative
Stairs typesof wall construction with everbetter,
everthickerthermalinsulation. Therefore,
Specialdetails cavityinsulation in conjunction withan inde-
Re-entrant
corner pendentouterleaf240 mm thickwas includ-
Corner ed in the catalogueof detailsas thisformof
Free-standingwalls wallconstruction is becomingincreasingly
widespread. lt provides- in masonry - a reli-
ableformof construction in termsof building
sciencebut stillpermitsallthe optionsof fac-
ing masonryin the designof the actual
masonrvskin.

204
 Overview

3.1. Flat roof 3.2. Flat roof Flat roof

Parapetto warmdeck Parapetto warm deck Parapetto warmdeck

withsheetmetalcapping with precastconcrete with steelsection
coping

Single-leafrendered
masonry

365mm masonry
ooooo ooo oo ooooooooo

Partial-fillcavity wall

115mmouterleafof facing
brickwork
trtr 'n'n ^i- ^^^^^
uu ililil dil opqvE
oooooooo oooooooo
80 mm insulation
240mm innerleaf

Full-fillcavitywall

240mm outerleafof facing

brickwork
135mm insulation ooooo oooo oo
175mm innerleaf U..ooooo

m5
Construction
details

Shallowpitched roof Pitched roof Pitchedroof

Parapetto cold deck Eaves Verge

withsheetmetalcapping withoutroofoverhang

Single-leafrendered
masonry

365 mm masonry

Partial-fillcavity wall
.1
15 mm outerleafof facing
brickwork
55 mm air space
80 mm insulation
240mm innerleaf

Full-fillcavity wall
240mm outerleafof facing
brickwork
135mm insulation
1 7 5m m i n n e rl e a f

206
 Overview

3.7 Pitchedroof Pitched roof Pitched roof 3.10 Pitchedroof

Verge Verge Junctionwith wall Chimney

with roofoverhang with masonryparapet

/i\------Z-'.-
t.,-

3.9.3

207
Construction
details

3.1'l Floorjunction 3.12 Openings 3.13 Openings

Window head and reveals Windowheadand reveals

withoutshoulder withoutshoulder
withrollerblind

Single-leafrendered
masonry

365 mm masonry

Partial-fillcavity wall

115 mm outerleafof facing

brickwork
55 mm air space
II
80 mm insulation
240mm innerleaf It
ll
l'

Full-fillcavity wall
3.11.2 I o. |1.2

240mm outerleafof facing

brickwork
135mm insulation
1 7 5m m i n n e rl e a f

3.11,3

208
 Overview

3.14 Openings 3.15 Openings 3.16 Openings 3.17 Openings

Windowfittedbehind Window Doorheadandjambs Doorheadandjambs

shoulder withperipheral
sheet withoutshoulder withshoulder
metallining

3.17.2

209
Construction
details

3.18 Openings 3.19 Balconies 3.2O Junction with terrace

Doorto terrace Outeredge

Single-leafrendered
masonry

365 mm masonry

Partial-fillcavity wall

115mm outerleafof facing

brickwork
55 mm airspace
80 mm insulation
240mm innerieaf
oooooooooo

3.19.2

Full-fillcavity wall
240mm outerleafof facing
brickwork
135mm insulation
1 7 5m m i n n e rl e a f

3.19,3

210
 Overview

3.2'l Plinth 3.22 Stairs 3.23 Special details

Masonrybasement lnternalstairs corner

Re-entrant
Junctionwith plinth Entrance to building Corner
Stairsto basement walls
Free-standing

,,]i
';.;,,1;
*
..:.:..::..':.. : ]

A
. ...,):':.
,:..1..:l::.::a:...':,..::.:.

J,Z | .Z

cooo

3,21.3
Construction
details

Flat roof
Parapetto warmdeck

3.1.2 Parapetwithsheetmetal.capping on
furin-leaf
masonry
3.2.2 Parapetwithstonecopingon twin-leaf
-l masonry
3.3.1 Parapetwithsteelsectionon single-leaf
oc cc co masonry
3.3.2 Parapetwith steelsectionon twin-leaf
masonry

The mostcommonfinishto the top of a mason-

ry wallis the cappingof sheetmetal- copper,
titanium-zinc or galvanized steel.Thisis usual-
ly fittedovera suitablysizedand shapedtim-
ber section,whichshouldbe fixedonlyto the
loadbearinginnerleafand may nottransfer
any loadto the outerleafof facingbrickwork,
Thecappingshouldbe designedwitha fall
towardsthe roofsurface.In architectural terms
it is primarily
the heightof thevisiblefrontlipof
the cappingwhichis relevant, as thisformsthe
upperboundaryof thefacade.lt is alsopossi-
bleto providea weltededgeat thispoint,
althoughthis doesdeviatefromthe stipulations
of the DINstandard.
J.t.z

Finishingthe top of a wallwith a prefabricated

copingcreatesa distinctboundary,oftenof a
d ifferentcolour.Prefabricated elementsoffer
diversearchitectural optionsin termsof shape
and material- froma simpleprecastconcrete
2
6 .10 copingto dressednaturalstone.
3 Whenprovidinga prefabricated copingto a i
COCOOCO CCOO( )CC') twin-leafwall,it mustbe ensuredthat it is fixed j
4
onlyto the loadbearing 240mm wall;it mustbe
ableto slidewhereit bearson the outerleaf.lt l
is advisable for the copingto havea fallto the
inside.Theexpansion lointsbetweenthe indi-
vidualcopingelements mustbe designedand
carefullybuiltso that no watercan penetrate
throughto the masonry, A steppedjointor a
dampproofcoursebeneaththe copingis
advisable.
To reducethe thermalbridgeeffect,it is rec-
ommendedto use masonryunitswith a low
grossdensity(thermal conductivity)
for build-
inn iha naranat

Pleasereferto "Part2 . Fundamentals"

for
detailsof the ringbeam.

212
 Flatroof

Theinclusion of a steelsectionaddsa special

emphasisto the edge of a flat roofon a mason-
ry building.Thetop of thewallis highlighted
and,withan appropriate choiceof colour,can
contrastwiththe wall below.However,this
detailis notwithoutits problems.
A steelsectioncan be fixed directlyto the top
of a single-leaf, renderedmasonrywall,How- tc 10
ever,it mustbe ensuredthatthe steelsection oooAcoo oOOO(
includesexpansion jointsandthatthe fixings
can accommodate the movement.The move-
mentjointbetweena steelsectionand a ren-
deringstop bead mustbe sealedwith a per-
manentlyelasticcompoundto preventmois-
turefrompenetrating throughto the masonry.
It is essentialto providea coveringto the steel
sectionto stopwaterenteringthe expansion
jolnt,The detailproposedherewith UV-resis-
tantsheetingand a clampingbar fittedto the
steelsectionolacesoarticular demandson the
sealing.Greatcare mustbe takento ensure
thatthe connection to the clampingbar is
properlyexecuted.

lf the parapeton a buildingemploying twin-leaf

wallconstruction (withfacingbrickwork)is to
be terminatedwith a steelsection,thenthe
detailmustbe carefully adaptedto suit(3.3.2).
First,caremustbe takento ensurethatthe fix-
ingof the steelsectionto the loadbearing leaf 3.3.1
permitsadjustment(elongatedhole)and that
the sectioncan accommodateexpansion.
Theremustbe no directconnectionwiththe
outerleaf.Thisjointmustbe watertight,i.e.a
dampproofcoursemustbe carefullybonded
to the top of the outerleafand the steelsection
mustbe ableto slideon this.Thesteelsection
mustbe coveredas describedfor detail3.3,1.
lnsteadof UV-resistant sheeting,an additional
sheetmetalcappingcan be used,butthisis a
considerably moreelaborateand costlydetail
(see"Builtexamplesin detail",example'12).

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
8 Diffusiontightmembrane
I Roofingfelt
.10
Stonechippings
11 Sheetmetalcapping
12 Profiledtimbersection
13 Steelsection
14 F o i ls l i pj o i n t
15 Uv-resistantroofing felt
16 C l a m p i n gb a r
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement 3.3.2

213
Construction
details

Shallowpitched roof
Parapetto cold deck

3.4.2 Parapetto cold deck on partial-fill

cavitywall
3.4.3 Parapetto cold deckon full-fill
cavitywall

Terminating a non-loadbearing outerleafinthe

formof a parapetto a cold deck requirespro-
visionto be madefor adequateventilation of
boththe outerleafand the roofconStruction.
However,it shouldbe ensuredthatthe lastwall
tie for the outerleafis fixedto the loadbearing
structureas nearas possibleto the top edge
of the outerleaf.The detailshownhereaoplies
to sectionsof roofwhichfall onlya shotldis-
tance.lf the parapetneedsto be higher,thenit
shouldbe builtas a twin-leafconstruction to
anchorthe outerleafproperly,

3.4.2

The parapetto a full-fillcavitywall is shownin

detail3.4.2.In this case it is not necessaryio
stabilizethe outerleaf.The requiredcross-
sectionfor ventilationof the cold deck
dependson the pitchof the roof.The roofcov-
eringof sheetmetalwith double-welted seams
is possiblefor a pitch> 7'. The metalroofcov-
eringis givenmoreelaboratetreatmenthereto
providebetterprotectionagainstdrivingsnow.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
C tr^^i^^ hrinkuinrk

e Air cna^a

4 Walltie
q Ran.l6rin^

6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
8 membrane
Diffusion-tight
9 Roofingfelt
11 Sheetmetalcapping
11 Fnil slin inini
17 Ring beam, or ring beam reinforcement
21 Timberboardingof cold deck
22 Roofcoveringof metalsheetingwith standingseams
23 Rafter
24 Gutter
25 Rooftiles
lb HooflngTert,open to ornusron
27 Wall plate (eavespurlin)
26 rmoer ooarorng
29 Roofingfelt, diffusion-resistant
30 Tilingbattens
e1 Clamninn har

3.4.3 3 7 I n s e c ts c r e e n

214
 Pitchedroof

Pitchedroof - eaves

3.5.1 Eavesdetailfor single-leaf

masonry
3.5.2 Eavesdetailfor twin-leaf
masonrv

Theeavesdetailfor a single-leaf, rendered

masonrywall makesuse of facingbrickworkto
concealthe ring beamand wall plate.An over-
hangingroofr'equires the renderingto continue
up to the top edge of the rafters.Witha para-
petto the gablewall(seedetails3,8.1and
3.8.3),the vergeguttershoulddischargeinto
the eavesgutter.
Onthe insideit mustbe ensuredthatthereis
an airtightconnectionbetweenthe diffusion-
resistantroofingfelt and the masonry.The
exampleshownhereemploysa clampingbar.

Thewall plateof the roofconstructionin detail

3.5.2is placedon the outsideedgeof the
loadbearing leaf.Masonryunitsare laidon top
of the ring beamto concealthe wall plateand
providea consistentsubstratefor the plaster,
Thereader'sattentionis drawnto the airtight
connectionbetweenthe diffusion-resistant
roofingfelt and the masonry(tuckedintothe
plaster).The remainingcross-section of the
rafterabovethe outerleafmustbe sufficientfor
fixingthetimberboarding. Theouterleafis
ventilated at the eaves.Theventilationopening
mustincludea screento protectagainstinsects.
Witha parapetto the gablewall (seedetails
3.8.1and 3.8.3),the vergeguttershoulddis-
chargeintothe eavesgutter.
As the outerleafformsthe actualweatheroro-
tection,the roofdoes not needto overhangthe
wail,

215
Construction
details

Pitched roof - verge

3.6.1 Single-leafmasonry withrooftile

beddedin mortar
cavitywallwithvergetile
3.6.2 Partial-fill
3.6.3 FullJillcavitywallwithmetaltrim
3.7.1 Single-leafmasonry withbargeboard
and roofoverhang

Thedetailin whichthe rendering is takenright

up to the underside of a rooftilebeddedin
mortarhas becomelesscommon.However,it
stillremainsa typicalmasonrydetailand mere-
ly requiresa good standardof workmanship in
orderto be successful.lt is importantthatthe
rooftileat the edgeis solidlybeddedin mortar
(mortargroup ll) and thatthe roofingfelt is
fixedto this.On the outside,the individual
masonryunitsmustbe properlyjointedwith
moharin orderto providea solidsubstratefor
therendering.
Detail3.6.1is suitablefor low-rise buildings
thatdo notrequirea ringbeam.

3.6.1

The useof a vergetile permitsthe creationof

an almostflushjunctionwiththistwin-leaf
masonrywail.
A numberof variationsmay be employedfor
the top courseof the outerleaf(comparedetail
3.8.3).lf the topmostcourseof masonryunits
is to be cut off at an angleto matchthe pitchof
the roof,this can be partlyconcealedby the
vergetile. However,ventilation for the outer
leafmuststillbe guaranteed. Thelasttiling
battencan be fixedto the boardingcantilever-
ing beyondthe lastrafter.Thisdetailcan also
be usedin a similarwayfor single-leaf, ren-
deredmasonrywalls.

3.6.2

216

-;
 Pitchedroof

A foldedmetalorofilecreatesa neattermina-
tionto the edge of a tiled roofas it conceals
the edgesof the rooftiles.The metalprofile
actsas a sortof "mini-gutter" and slipsunder
the lastrow of tiles.lt alsoconcealsthe top
edgeof the uppermost courseof facingbrick-
work,which is cut to matchthe pitchof the
roof.
Themetalprofilemustincludea drip posi-
tionedclearof the face of the masonry.
As it acts as a gutter,the metalprofilemustbe
ableto dischargeintothe eavesgutter.

3.6.3

Themostcommonvergedetailwith a timber
bargeboardcan be usedwith differentlengths
of roofoverhang.lf the overhangis large,then
a robustsupportingconstruction withtail
beamsis calledfor.
Thesoffitboard(s)can be fixedto battens
attachedto the purlinsand/ortail beams.But
theseare not installeduntilafterthe rendering
is complete.Detail3.7,1is suitablefor low-rise
buildingsthatdo notrequirea ringbeam.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwerk
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
8 Diffusion{ightmembrane
11 Sheetmetalcapping
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
23 Rafter
25 Rooftiles
26 Roofingfelt,open to diffusion
28 Timberboarding
29 Roofingfelt,diffusion-resistant
30 Tilingbattens
31 C l a m p i n gb a r
81 Bargeboard 3.7.1

217

,_.__- . _=....., ,.*"il

Construction
details

Pitched roof - verge

masonrywithmasonry
3.8.1 Single-leaf
parapetand sheetmetalcapplng
3.8,3 Twin-leafmasonrywith masonryparapet

II
I

{
j
i
,lj
The masonryparapetwith internalsheetmetal :|
gutteris a well-established means
architectural
for achievinga plainedge to the roof.Thetop
i
I

of the renderedoaraoetcan be finished witha l

sheetmetalcappingor with precastconcrete I
or natural stone copings.
Themasonryparapetshouldbe at least175mm
thick.
The metalgutterbehindthe masonryparapet j
mustbe ableto dischargeintothe eavesgutter
( s e ed e t a i3l . 5 . 1 ) . :
:

3.8.1

Finishing thetop of thewallwitha brick-on-

edgeor soldiercoursecan be accomplished
onlywith an outerleafof facingmasonry
24Omm thick.ln this casethe coursesof brick-
work belowthe soldiercourseshouldbe cut
back so thatthe metaldrip belowthe soldier
courseoverhangsthe internalsheetmetalgut-
ter. No furtherflashingsare necessary,pro-
videdthe work is carriedoutto a good stan-
dard of workmanship and all jointsarefully
filledwith mortar(if necessarywithwater-
repellentmortar).lt is alwaysthe bricksbelow
the brick-on-edge or soldiercoursewhichare
cut to matchthe pitchof the roof.

3.8.3

218
 Pitchedroof

Pitchedroof - junction with wall

3.9,1 Junctionwithsingle-leaf
masonrywall
3.9.2 Junctionwithtwin-leaf
masonrvwall

Details3.9,1and 3.9.2illustrate junctiondetails

for buildings
withdifferent numbersof storeys,
or whichare offsetwith respectto eachother.
Greatcaremustalwaysbe exercisedat any
wall-roofjunction.Thepositionof the edgetiles
mustbe coordinatedwiththat of the tilesat the
eaves.The startof the gutterand its flashing
shouldthe alignedwiththe end of thewallfor a
facadeof varyingheight.On a renderedwall,
the guttermustterminateat the baseof the
rendering, Therendering shouldbe isolated
fromthe gutterby meansof a stop bead and
nearthe junctionwiththe roofshouldbe of a
typesuitablefor useon groundlevelplinths
(mortar groupll).
Thewallconstruction shouldbe chosensuch
thatthe continuousslotfor the gutterdoes not
impairthe structuralstability
of thewall. 3.9.1

In detail3.9,2the outerleafof facingbrickwork

is supported on a continuous bracket.ln this
casethe facingbrickworkcan followthe pitch
of the roofexactly.lt is recommended to con-
structthe basecourseas a brick-on-edge or
one-brickcourseand to cut the bricksof the
nextcourseto matchthe pitchof the roof.This
recommendation alsoapoliesto detail3.9.3
(seep. 207).In thatcasethe lowerjunctionbe-
hindthe quttercouldalsobe castin concrete.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
8 Diffusion-tight membrane
11 Sheetmetalcapping
12 Profiledtimbersection
16 C l a m p i n gb a r
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
23 Rafter
24 Gutter
25 Rooftiles
26 Roofingfelt,open to diffusion
28 Timberboarding
29 Roofingfelt, diffusion-resistant
30 Tilingbattens
31 C l a m p i n gb a r
32 Metaldrip
33 Steelangle bracket 3.9.2

219
Construction
details

Pitchedroof - chimney

3.10.1Top of chimneywithmetalflashings
3.10.2 Rooftilesbeddedin mortar

Chimneys passingthroughpitchedroofsmust
be flashedto preventingressof waterintothe
roofspace.ldeally,chimneysshouldbe posi-
tionedto passthroughthe ridgein orderto
avoidformingan acuteangleon oneside.This
preferred detailis shownin 3.10.1. Thechim-
neywithrefractory clayfluelining,insulation
and flue blockspassesbetweentrimmers
incorooratedin the timberroofconstruction.
Theflueblocksarealsoavailable withcorbal
bricksfor the facingbrickwork,whichmeans
thatthe facingbrickworkonly needsto con-
tinuedownto just belowthe trimmers.The
metalflashingsand roofingfelt are easierto
attachto the facingbrickworkwhenthe corres-
pondingcoursesarecut backapprox.30-
40 mm.Theroofingfeltand metalflashings
withdripabovecan be neatlyfixedand sealed
in the resultingrecessin the masonry. A pre-
cast concretecap protectsthe top of the chim-
ney.

lf thetop of the chimneyis to havefacing

brickwork240mm thick,the rooftilescan be
beddedin mortarin a recesson all sides,pro-
videdthe climaticconditions allow.A fibre-rein-
forcedmortaris recommended. The240mm
facingbrickworkcan then be easilylaidon the
115mm masonrybelowowingto the bondlaid
in a ringaroundthe chimney.

3,10.2

220
 Floorjunction

Floorjunction

3.11.1Junctionbetweenreinforced concrete
floorand single-leaf masonry
3.11.2Junctionbetweentimberjoistfloorand
partial-fill
cavitywall
3.11.3Junctionbetweenreinforced concrete
floorandfull-fillcavitywall

Allfloorjunctionsshouldbe constructedin
sucha way that an adequatethermalbreakis
assured. ln the caseof single-leaf,
rendered 3.11.1
masonry (3.11.1), the closingbricksealingthe
edgeof thefloorslabshouldalwaysbe made
fromthe samematerialas the restof the wall.
Thiscreatesa consistentsubstratefor the ren-
dering.A stripof compressiblematerialat the
insideedge of the floorsupportprotectsthe
cornerof the topmostcourseof masonryunits
belowtheflooragainstexcessive bearing
pressure.

in the partial-fill
Theinsulation cavitywall
(3.11.2)
automaticallycreatesthe necessary
thermalbreak.Thisdetailalsoapolieswhen
usingfacingmasonryfor the inner,loadbear-
ingleafas well.

A timberfloorrequiresthe timberjoiststo bear

onthe masonryviaa separating membrane. ln
addition,
air bricksmustbe builtintothewall
adjacentthe endsof thetimberjoists.

3.11.2

.l
Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcretesiab
I Diffusion{ightmembrane
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
25 Rooftiles
26 Roofingfelt,open to diffusion
28 Timberboarding
29 Roofingfelt, diffusion-resistant
30 Tilingbattens
31 C l a m p i n gb a r
32 Metaldrip
34 Refracloryclay flue lining
35 Flueblock
36 Trimmer
38 Precastconcretechimneycap
39 lmpactsound insulation
40 Floatingscreed
41 Compressibleplasticstrip
42 Timberfloorjoist
43 A i rb r i c k 3.11.3
Construction
details

Openings
Windowheadand revealswithoutshoulder

3.12,1Linteloverwindowin single-leaf
masonry
3.12,2Linteloverwindowin partial{illcavity
wall,withlouvreblind
3,12,3Linteloverwindowin fullJillcavitywall
3.13.2Linteloverwindowin partial-fill
cavity
wall,withrollerblindbox

It is possibleto installwindowswithouta step

or shoulderin theopening,butspecialatten-
tionshouldbe paidto achieving a goodsealto
the peripheraljointbetweenwindowframeand
structure.Variousprefabricated lintelsare
available frombuildingmaterials suppliers.All
the detailsrequirethe inclusion of adequate
thermalinsulation. Detail3.12.1showschannel
blocksfilledwith(reinforced) concreteanda
layerof insulation, Thechannelblocksmustbe
madefromaeratedclay.Windowdetailswith-
out stepor shoulder willbecomeincreastngly
problematic as thethermalinsulation regula-
tionsaretightened further.

3.12.1

Twin-leafmasonry(3.12,2) enablesa sun-

shade(inthiscasea louvreblind)to be in-
corporatedin the cavitybetweenloadbearing
eaf and facingbrickwork.Caremustbe taken
to ensurethatthe reinforcedconcretelintelis
adequately insulated; shouldbe
the insulation
protectedby a sheetmetalcover,The operat-
ng mechanism for the blindshouldcertainly
be motorizedwiththistype of detail.Thefacing
brickworkouterleafcan be supportedby means
of a camberedarchfor spansup to 2 m; larger
spansrequirethe useof steelsections.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab

]lffil'."*.
47 Shallowlintel
48 Precastconcretelintel
49 Prefabricatedlintel

51 Woodenlining
52 Rollerblindwith box
3.12.2 53 Windowwith woodenframe

222
 Openings

A windowdetailwithoutstepor shoulderin a
full-fill
cavitywall(3.12.3)is bestachievedby
positioningthewindowin the planeof the insu-
lation.A prefabricated shallowlintelcan be
usedas the lintelsuppofting the innerleaf.
Specialattentionmustbe givento achievinga
goodjunctionwiththe insulationat the frame.
Thesolutionillustratedherepresupposesthat
afterinstallingthe subframe,the gap between
the cavityinsulationand the windowframeis
filledwithinsulation(polyurethane foam)and
theopeningclosedwitha continuous profiled
strip.Thewindowrevealis clad with plaster-
board.

J. IZ.J

Therollerblindindustryprovidesboxelements
whichcomplywithallthethermalinsulation
requirements.
Forsingle-leafmasonry thereis a rollerblind
boxwith a renderingsupportalongits outer
edge.Rollerblindboxesareavailable for all
thecommonwallthicknesses.
Intwin-leafmasonrythe rollerblindbox should
be positionedbehindthe outerleafof facing
brickwork.
The detailshownhereassumesa concretelin-
tel leftexposed,whichbearson the masonry
on bothsidesof theopening.
Theouterleafhasto be ventilatedabovethe
rollerblindbox.A damp proofcoursemustbe
providedat the baseof the cavity.

o. I J.Z

223
Construction
details

Openings
Windowfittedbehindshoulder

3 . 1 4 . 1S i n g l e - l em
a fa s o n r y
3.14.2 Twin-leaf masonry

Windowsfittedbehinda stepor shouldercan

be sealedeasierand morereliably. Thejoints
to be sealedcan be hiddenand arenotvisible
fromthe outside.Thesubframemayneedto be
suitablyenlargedif an identical widthof frame
on all sidesis desiredon theoutsideface,
The lintelarrangement shownin detail3.14.1
mayemploya shallowlintel,providedthespan
is nottoo large.lt is necessaryto ensureade-
quateinsulationbetweenthe lintel/masonry and
the concretelintelon the insideface.Thewood
finishto the windowrevealshownin thisdetail
coversthethermalinsulation on the insideof
thewindow.Theexternal windowsill,in this
caseof sheetmetal,couldalsobe madeof
precastconcreteor naturalstone.

Detailat end of sheet

metaiwindowsill
3,14.1

Fora twin-leafmasonry wall(3.14.2),thewin-

dow is installed to detail3.14.1.lf the
similarly
openingis nottoowide,thena camberedarch
may be usedto supportthe outerleaf;spans
> 2 m requireadditional supportin theformof
steelsections.Ventilation(openperpends)to
the outerleafmustbe providedabovethe
bricksof the arch.
Thewindowsillin detail3.14.2is shownas a
precastconcreteelement.However,a brick-
on-edgecoursecouldbe usedinstead.

Detailat end of
precastconcrete
windowsill

3.14.2

224
 Openings

Openings
Windowwithperipheral
sheetmetallining

3 . 1 5 . 1S h e e m
t e t a l i n i n gi n s i n g l e - l e a f
masonryfor windowfittedin frontof
shoulder
3.15.2Sheetmetalliningin twin-leaf masonry
for windowopeningswithoutshoulder

Windowsopeningoutwardsor at leastfittedon
theoutsidearecommonand indeedadvisable
in northernEurope.However,adequateprotec-
tionagainstdrivingrainmustbe guaranteed,
especiallyfor the detailat the headof the
frame.Detail3.15.1showsa peripheral sheet
metallining,whichat the sametimefunctions
asthewindowsill.In single-leaf masonrycare
mustbe takento ensurethatthe windowis
positioned in the planeof the insulation behind
theouterlintel.lt is importantto providea care-
fullydetailedpermanently elasticjoint,in-
corporating a stop bead,at the junction
between rendering and sheetmetallining,

3.15.1

Thesheetmetalliningin a twin-leafmasonry
wall(3.15.2)fulfilsthe samerequirements as in
detail3.15.1.Detail3.15.2showsan arrange-
mentwithouta steoor shoulderin thewindow
opening. Onceagain,the sheetmetallining
alsoacts as the windowsill,projectinga suffi-
cientdistancebeyondthefaceofthe outer
leaf.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
39 lmpactsound insulation
40 Floatingscreed
41 Compressibleplasticstrip
42 Timberfloorjoist
43 Air brick
44 Open perpend
46 Masonrylintel
47 Shallowlintel
51 Woodenlining
53 Windowwith woodenframe
54 S h e e tm e t a l i n i n g 3.15.2

225
Construction
details

Openings
Doors

3.16.2 Dooropeningwithoutshoulderin
twin-leafmasonry
3.17.1 Doorfittedin frontof shoulderin
cinnla-laaf ,m,a,c-n,n- ,, r y
3.17,2 Doorfittedbehindshoulder
in twin-leaf masonry
3.18.2 Openingin twin-leaf masonry
for door
to terrace

Dooropeningswithouta shoulderaresubject
to similarconditions to windowopenings with-
out a shoulder. Thedooris bestpositioned
flushwiththe outsidefaceof the loadbearing
leafin orderto providea neatjunctionwiththe
floor.The edge of the floorconstruction is fin-
ishedwith a steelsection,whichalsofunctions
as the weatherbar at the bottomof the door.
The brick-on-edge courseformingthe thresh-
old requiresitsownsupport.Theinsulation is
coveredby a woodenliningfixedon the out-
sideto the sidesandtop of the opening.

z
ooo
A camberedmasonryarch may be usedas the
lintelfor normaldoorwidths.Ventilation
perpends)
(open
for theouterleafis requiredabove
thearch.The damo oroofcourseabovethe
into
theouter
,eaf
3162 ;ffi*?$:I;;1ffi:::-

A doorfittedin frontof a shoulder(3.17.1)

requirescarefuldetailingto provideprotection
againstrain,especially at the headof the door
(asfor details3.15.1and 3,15,2), Theperipher-
al sheetmetalliningprovidesthe necessary
protection,whileactingas threshold and
weatherbar.Therefore, thissheetmetalshould
be thickenoughto withstand beingwalked
upon.
In twin-leaf
masonrythe sheetmetallining
shouldbe seoaratedfromthe outerleaf.This
meansthat a gap can be formedto permit
ventilation
of the outerleaf.

3.17.1

226
 Openings

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
14 Foilslip joint
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
19 Precastconcretecapping
39 lmpact sound insulation
40 Floatingscreed
41 Compressibleplasticstrip
42 Timberfloorjoist
43 Air brick
44 Open perpend
46 Masonrylintel
47 Shallowlintel
49 Prefabricatedlintel
51 Woodenlining
54 Sheetmetallining
55 Wooden door with weather bar
56 Woodendoor openingoutwards
57 Steel section as weather bar
6a Dcrrina t^ +6rre^a

60 Glazeddoor with woodenframe

64 Drainagechannelwith grating

Detail3.17.2showsa masonryarchlintel
240mm thick.The masonryat the sidesof the
openingremainsexposed.The doorframeis
positioned behindthejambsandthe lintel.In
thisdetailcaremustbe takento ensurethat
the lintelis adequatelyinsulatedand that a
dampproofcourseis incorporated. 3.17.2

Doorsleadingto outsideterracesoftenincor-
poratesteps.However,detail3.'18.2showsan
arrangement wherethe outsideterraceis at the
samelevelas thefloorinsidethe building.The
structuralflooris steppedat this point.This
detailshowsonlythe formof the transitionat
theopening,
Theouterleafof the twin-leafwall is carriedon
a continuousbracketabovethe insulationon
top of the concreteslab supportingthe terrace.
Thetransitionfromthe dooropeningto the
terraceincludesa drainagechannelcovered
by a grating;thisis connected to the drainage
sysrem.

Slngle-leaf,renderedmasonry,as shown
schematically , p. 210,may be
in detail3.18.1
builtdirectlyon the concreteslab.
fhe 24Omm outerleafof a full-fillcavitywall is
alsosupportedon a continuousbracket(see
detail3.18p . 3. 2
, 10).

3.18.2

227
Construction
details

Balconies

3.19.1 Continuous
balconyf loorslab
3.19.2Balconyfloorslabwiththermalbreak

Balconies whoseloadbearing construction is

7./a77aa integral withthefloorslab insidethe building
arealwaysa problem.In buildingscience
termsit is betterto providethe balconycon-
structionas an independentitemln frontof the
externalwall.
However, in the caseof single-leaf masonry,
the floorconstruction oftencontinuesthrough
thewallto the outside.lf thisis done,thenthe
floorslabinsidemustbe adequately insulated
( 3 . 1 9 . 1 aA) .s u f f i c i e n t w i d(tm
h i n . 5 Om0 m )o f
insulation mustbe providedacrossthefull
widthof the slabwhereit passesthroughthe
wallin orderto reducethermalbridgelosses.
It shouldbe noted,however,thatthis causes
the surfacetemperatures at the junction
betweenfloorand wallto drop by about2 K
(2'C). Thedetailcan be substantially
improvedby extendingthe thermalinsulation
20 mm intothe externalmasonry.Similarposi-
tive effectscan be obtainedby placinga strip
3 . 19 . 1a of insulation approx.100mm widevertically in
the masonrybeneaththe floorslab.
A slipjointshouldbe providedbetweenfloor
slab and masonryto allowfor the differential
deformation.
Openings(3.19.1b) shouldbe treatedsimilarly.
ln doingso,the outerlintelshouldalsobe of
masonryin orderto achievea consistentsub-
stratefor the rendering, Thislintelmustbe
properlyinsulated. A smallstepfrominsideto
outsideis unavoidable in thisdetail;elaborate
measures arerequiredto avoidsucha step
(by way of differentfloorslabthicknesses). At
the sidesof theopening,the dampproofmem-
branebelowthe balconyfloorfinishmust 1
extendup the wall as far as the bottomedgeof
'
the rendering. Thedampproofmembrane is
thencoveredwith a plinthof the samematerial
as the balconyfloorfinish

3.19.1b

228
 Balconies

A betterdetailfor the balconyfloorjunctionis

onewithan intendedthermalbreak(3.'19.2a).
Oneof the advantagesof thistype of construc-
tionis thatthe balconycan be formedas a
prefabricated unitwith an integralsurfacefin-
ish.lt is usefulto matchthe thicknessof the
balconyfloorslabto the slzeof the masonry
unitsin the caseof twin-leafmasonry.
Theouterleafshouldbe supportedon a con-
tinuousbracketand shouldnot beardirectlyon
thebalcony.Likewise, thereshouldbe a com-
pressiblejointbetweenthe top courseof
bricksbelowthe balconyandthe underside of
thebalconyfloorslab,At an opening(3.19.2b)
the masonrylintelshouldalso be separated
fromthe balcony.Here,the bricksare carried
on a steelsection,which is supportedat the
sidesof the opening.
It is advisableto positionthe windowin the
planeof the insulation in orderto avoidcold
bridges. Thesheetmetalthreshold shownin
detail3.19.2bshouldbe madefromhofdip
galvanised steelof adequatethickness(4mm).
Theremustbe a good seal belowthisthresh-
old,connectingbalconyfloorslabto bottom
railof doorframe.

Thedetailshownherehas a considerable
differencein levelbetweeninsideand outside
and is thereforenot suitablefor disabled
persons. 3.19.2a

'l
Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
-t4
Foilslip joint
1 7 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
qtaal.n^la
33 hr..L6t

39 lmpactsound insulation
40 Floatingscreed
4 1 Compressibleplasticstrip
44 Open perpend
59 Reinforcedconcretebalconyfloorslab
60 Glazeddoor with woodenframe
ol Balconyfloorfinish
62 Thermal insulationincorporated in formwork
63 Reinforcement, with thermalbreak 3.19.2b

229
Construction
details

- -777 Junction with terrace

a
l-tr,---Z--Z--Z--
1e Outeredge of terrace
777777777) 3.20.2 Masonryparapetabovepartial-fill
cavitywall
3,20,3Balustrade cavitywall
fixedto full-fill

oooooooo The detailat the outeredge of a terracesup-

portedon twin-leafmasonrycan be the same
as thatfor a flat roofparapet.DeIail3,20.2
showsa masonrywall (i.e,parapet)formingthe
boundaryto the terracebecauseit not possible
to fix a balustradeto the facingbrickwork-
whichis shownin detail3.20.3.Themasonry
parapetshouldbe at least
175mm thick- 240mm is better.Thetop can
be finishedwith a precastconcreteor natural
stonecoping,or a soldiercourse(seedetail
3.8.3,p. 218).A compressible jointshouldbe
incorporatedbetweenthe masonryparapet
andthe facingbrickwork. Thisjoint- a "pre-
determined breaking point" - shouldbe
sealedwitha permanently elasticcompound.
lf, for architecturalreasons,sucha specialjoint
is notdesirable, to build-
thereis no alternative
ing the entireparapetin twin-leafmasonry
(similar to detail3.2.2,p. 212).
3.20.2 Adequateinsulationmustbe incorporated
betweenthe edge of the floorslab and the
outerleaf.Openperpendsareincludedbelow
thisinsulation to ensureventilation.
Thewaterproofsheetingmustbe extendedup
the side of the oarapetto a levelat least
150 mm abovethe waterrun-offlayer(inthis
casegravel). The peripheral metalsheetwith
itsfixingand the metaldripcouldbe incorpo-
ratedsomewhatmoreattractively - but at high-
er cost- by cuttingout a recessin the masonry
similarto detail3.8.3.

)c ta ))ooo)) Theterraceedgedetailshownin 3.20.3calls

for a firm bond betweenthe edge of the water-
l
proofsheetingwhereit joinsthe masonryand I;
the too of the outerleafabovethe levelof the
concreteslab supportingthe terrace.Care
mustbe takento guaranteethatthe paving
slabsformingthe floorof the terraceand the
slabson top of the outerleaf- whichmustbe
securelyfixed- finishat the samelevel.

3.20.3

230
 Junctionwithterrace' Plinth

Plinth

3.21.1 Masonrybasement
3.21.2 Plinthdetailfor twin-leafmasonry

In principle,masonrybasements mustcomply
withthe protectivemeasuresfor non-pressur-
izedwaier- a situationwhichoccursin most
construction projects- as laid down in DIN
18195part5. Thisis accomplished by using
bondedwaterprooflayersof bitumenor plastic
sheeting or thickbitumencoats(see"Parl2. oooooo
Fundamentals"). The horizontallayerof water-
proofingmustbe properlyjoinedto the vertical
layer.In orderto provideextraprotection,a
secondwaterprooflayercan be incorporated
horizontallyabovethe secondcourseof
masonry.Onlyrenderingmadefrom pure
cementmortarof mortargroupll may be used
in contactwiththe groundand on the water-
prooflayers.Thisrenderingshouldextendat
least150mm abovegroundlevel.The lime-
cementmortarrenderingabovethis shouldbe
separatedby.aslit cut with a trowel,ln twin-
leafwall constructionthe waterprooflayer
shouldextendoverthe foundationand as far
as the top ofthe secondcourseof masonry.
Theouterleafcan then be builton the founda-
tion.The basecourseof the outerleafmust J,Z t,I

includeopenperpendsto allowmojstureto
drainaway.Ventilation of the outerleafis guar-
anteedby way of open perpendsin the third
courseabovegroundlevel;a horizontaldamp
proofcourseshouldbe includedbelowthe
nnon nornanrlc

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
5 Rendering
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
8 Diffusion{ightmembrane
I Roofingfelt
10 Stonechippings ooooo
13 Steelsection
14 Foilslip joint
17 Ring beam,or ring beam reinforcement
58 Pavingto terrace
65 Waterproofing
66 Protectivemat
67 Horizontaldamp proof course/membrane
68 Cementmortarrendering
69 Lime-cementmortarrendering
70 Concavefillet
71 Concretefoundation
73 Reinforcedconcretegroundslab 3.21.2

231
Construction
details

Stairs

3.22.1 Internal
stairs
to building
3.22.2Stairsat entrance
3.22.3Stairsto basement

Masonrystairsinsidebuildingsmaybe con-
structedusingvariouscombinations of mason-
ry unitformatsdependingon the pitch.
ln principle,the supporting construction can
makeuseof loadbearingmasonrywallswith
segmentalarches,precastconcreteelements
or reinforcedconcretestairs.The stairtreads
arethenplacedon this.Detail3.22.1shows
treadsformedfrom DF unitslaid horizontallv
and alsoon edge.
Thisexampleshowsprecastconcretesteps
whichare incorporated withoutsoundinsula-
tion at the ends.To satisfysoundinsulation
requirements, it is recommended to usea
continuousreinforcedconcretestairflightwith
3.22.1 soundinsulation at the supports.

Masonryentrancestairscan be constructed as
a solidblock locatedcompletelywithinthe
width betweenthe revealsof the dooropening.
Thesizeof the landingdependson the nature
of the entrancedoorand the designof the
entrance.
The examoleshownhereincludesa modest
Iandingjust490 mm deepin frontof an en-
trancedooropeninginwards.lt is essentialto
providean adequatelysizedfoundationto the
stairblock,if necessaryseparateto the load-
bearingconstruction of the basement.The
internalfloorfinishterminates at a steelsection,
whichalsofunctionsas the weatherbar for the
ooor.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
3 Air space
4 Walltie
6 Thermalinsulation
7 Reinforcedconcreteslab
39 lmpact sound insulation
40 Floatingscreed
44 Openperpend
55 Wooden door with weather bar
57 Steel section as weather bar
74 Brick-on-edgecourse
75 Reinforcedconcretetreads
76 Reinforcedconcretestairflight
77 Insulatingmasonryunit
78 lvlasonryunits laid in bond in formwork

232
 Stairs' Re-entrant
corner

f-

EEEENEI
EEEEI
Themasonryexternalbasementstairsshown
in detail3.22.3aresupportedon a reinforced
concretestairflight.This is cast againstthe soil
as a self-supportingflightspanningfromtop to
bottom.Normally,the basementwallsand the
wallon the otherside of the stairsseparating
themfromthe soilare constructedindeoen-
dentlyfromthe stairs.
Theexternalwallto the basementin this exam-
plemakesuseof Englishbondand is at least
240mm thick.Thefacingbrickworkto the con-
cretewallon the oppositesidefacingthe soil
can be constructedsimilarly.The stairsare
thenconstructedindependently betweenthe
twowalls.Thejointsat the sidescan be left
open. 3.22.3

Re-entrantcorner

3.23.1 Re-entrant
cornerwith masonrvsoffit

Themasonryre-entrantcorneris not unknown

in masonryconstruction. Hogerand Schu-
macherhaveusedthis oarticularfeatureon
manyoccasions. Thisdetailincreasingly
appearsin re-entrant facades,offsetstoreys,
arcadesand coveredpassagesor driveways
in the examplesof modernmasonryconstruc-
tion.A one-brick-thick skinis builtin a proper
bondin the botiomof the formworkfor the rein-
forcedconcreteslab and anchoredto the rein-
forcedconcretewith mechanicalfixings.The
reinforcement is then positionedand the con-
creteslab cast on top of the brickwork.To
avoida cold bridge,it is necessaryto con-
structthe basecourseof the loadbearingleaf
abovethe floorslab usinginsulatingmasonry
units.The damp proofcoursein the cavityis
builtintothe outerleafabovethe concrete
slab.

3.23.1
Construction
details

Corner

3.23.2 Horizontalsectionthroughexternal
cornerof twin-leafmasonry

The provisionof movementjointsat building

cornersis relevantonlyfor the 115mm outer
leaf.The separationof the outerleafat the
cornerwhichis normallycarriedout reveals
the thinnessof the outerleafand hencedemon-
stratesthe - often- wallpaper-like
qualityof
the cladding.

However,the cornercan also be builtin a

properbond.A movementjointmustthenbe
incorporatedintothe mainbodyof the wall,
Whendoingso, it shouldbe ensuredthatthe
distancebetweenthe cornerand the jointdoes
not exceedhalfthe maximumrecommended
jointspacing.lf thisruleis observed,thenthe
jointcan be locatedsatisfactorilywithinthe
wall.
Thejointmay be verticalor may zigzag(veriic-
ally)followingthe jointsin the masonry.

In contrastto this,an exampleof a negative

cornerincorporating a steelsectionis also
shown.Thisemphasizes the corner.Thesteel
sectionmustbe carefullyfixedto the cornerof
the loadbearing leaf.

3.23.2
Free-standingwalls

thetopsof free-standing
3.23.3Finishing
masonrywalls

Free-standing masonrywallsof facingbrick-

workare usuallytopped by a precastconcrete
coping,or a brick-on-edge or soldiercourse.
Good-quality workmanship withjointsfullyfilled
with mortar(if necessarywater-repellentmor-
tar) makesany furtherprotectionunnecessary.
Sheetmetalcappingssimilarto thoseusedon
masonryparapets(seedetail3.1.1)are,in the
opinionof the authors,notsuitablein thissitu-
ation.

1 Loadbearingmasonry
2 Facingbrickwork
J Air space
4 Walltie
o Thermalinsulation
19 Precastconcretecapping
79 Movementjoint
3.23.3 80 Steelangle as cornerprofile

24