Durable Masonry Specification Checklist
SCOPE
IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
When handling and using
cement or fresh concrete, avoid
skin contact. Wear suitable
protective clothing.
Cement
and Concrete
Association of
Australia
The Association is a non-profit
organisation sponsored by the
cement industry in Australia to
provide information on the many
uses of cement and concrete.
This Guide is distributed by the
Association for that purpose.
Since the information provided
is intended for general
guidance only and in no way
replaces the services of
professional consultants on
particular projects, no legal
liability can be accepted by
the Association for its use.
DECEMBER 2002 B3
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CONCRETE
This data sheet sets out items in the plans and
specification that the builder should review prior to
ordering materials and commencing construction of
any masonry. For guidance on construction practices
see Concrete Data ‘Constructing Durable Masonry’.
INTRODUCTION
Although the process of ensuring masonry elements
are durable and don’t suffer deterioration during their
life begins at the design and specification stages, it is
the construction phase that is crucial to achieving the
objective
REVIEW OF PLANS
Before commencing any construction on site, review
the information in the specification and on the
drawings. AS 3700 Masonry Construction requires that
particular information be included in the documents
(plans and/or specification). The list includes:
■ Category, type and work size of the masonry units
■ Salt-attack resistance grade of the units
■ Mix proportions of mortar
■ Finish to joints
■ Bond pattern for the masonry
■ Site control testing requirements
■ For reinforced masonry – grade and type of
reinforcement
■ For grouted masonry – the characteristic
compressive cylinder strength of grout at 28 days
■ The classification of wall ties.
data
If any of this information appears to be missing or
inconsistent with the location or the building use, then
the designer should be consulted to resolve the matter.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Materials used on the project should comply with the
requirements in the documents.
As a guide, the requirements for some materials for
common exposure environments are given in Tables 1
and 2.
Note that as shown in Table 1 the proportions of mortar
differ depending on the Type of cement, eg Type GP,
GB or Masonry, used. Therefore, it is recommended
that only one type of cement is used on a project to
avoid confusion.
It is important that the mortar mix and the unit type are
matched. Of the mixes shown in Table 1, all are
suitable for clay masonry; all M4 and M3 mixes, but not
M2, are suitable for concrete masonry; while only those
with water thickener are suitable for calcium silicate
masonry. The mortars shown are not suitable for use
with AAC units which should be laid in proprietary
thin-bed mortar.
‘Fire clay’ or ‘brickies loam’ should not be used as
these reduce the bond strength of the mortar. The only
additives or chemical admixtures that should be used
are those permitted by AS 3700. These must be added
with care as overdosing will also reduce the bond
strength.
CONCRETE

data Table 1 Mortar mixes for masonry (based on Tables 5.1 and 10.1 in AS 3700—2001 and Amendment No. 1—2002)

Mix proportions (parts by volume)

Type GP/Type GB Building Masonry

Exposure environment Mortar type cement lime cement Sand

Elements: M4 1 0–0.25 – 3
■ above dpc in interior environment but 1 0.5 – 4.5
subject to saline wetting and drying 1 + water thickener – – 4
– – 1 3
■ above dpc in severe marine environments (within
100 m of non-surf coast or 1 km of surf coast)
■ below dpc or in contact with ground in
aggressive soils
■ in saline or contaminated water including
tidal and splash zones

Elements: M3 1 1 – 6
■ above dpc in interior environments but 1 + water thickener – – 5
subject to non-saline wetting and drying – – 1 4

■ above dpc in marine environments

(100 m–1 km of non-surf coast or
1 km–10 km of surf coast)
■ below dpc or in contact with ground in
non-aggressive soils
■ in fresh water

Masonry: M2 1 2 – 9
■ above dpc in interior environments not subject
to wetting and drying
■ above dpc in other than marine environments
■ above dpc and protected by a waterproof coating,
Cement flashed junctions and top covering
and Concrete ■ below dpc or in contact with ground but protected
Association of from water ingress by waterproof coating
Australia

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CONCRETE

data Table 2 Durability requirements for masonry units, components and reinforcement (based on Table 5.1 in
AS 3700—1998)

Minimum salt-attack resistance Minimum durability Minimum cover to

Exposure environment grade of masonry units classification of components reinforcement (if reinforced)

Elements:
Elements:
•
■ above dpc in interior environment but subject

Elements:
to saline wetting and drying Exposure R4 20
• above dpc in interior environments but subject to non-saline wetting and drying
■ above dpc in severe marine environments (within
• above in marine environments (100 m-1 km of non-surf coast or 1 km-10 km of surf coast)
• 100 m of non-surf coast or 1 km of surf coast) Exposure below dpc or in contactR4
with ground in non-aggressive soils 30
■ below dpc or in contact with ground in
• in fresh water.
aggressive soils Exposure R4 20
General purpose
■ in saline or contaminated water including
General purpose
tidal and splash zones Exposure R5 30
General purpose

Elements:
■ above dpc in interior environments but
subject to non-saline wetting and drying General purpose R3 15
■ above dpc in marine environments
(100 m–1 km of non-surf coast or
1 km–10 km of surf coast) General purpose R3 15
■ below dpc or in contact with ground in
non-aggressive soils General purpose R3 15
■ in fresh water General purpose R3 20

Masonry:
■ above dpc in interior environments not subject
to wetting and drying Protected R1 5
■ above dpc in other than marine environments Protected R1 5
■ above dpc and protected by a waterproof coating,
flashed junctions and top covering Protected R1 5
Cement
and Concrete ■ below dpc or in contact with ground but protected
from water ingress by waterproof coating Protected R2 5
Association of
Australia

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