BRITISH STANDARD BS 5628-1:

1992
Incorporating
Amendments Nos. 1
and 2

Code of practice for use

of masonry —
Part 1: Structural use of unreinforced
masonry
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
 Section 2 BS 5628-1:1992

Table 1 — Requirements for mortar

Mortar Type of mortar (proportion by volume) Mean compressive
designation strength at 28 days
Cement : lime : Masonry Cement : sand Preliminary Site
sand cement : with plasticizer (laboratory) tests
sand tests
N/mm2 N/mm2
(i) 1 : 0 to ¼ : 3 — — 16.0 11.0
(ii) 1 : ½ : 4 to 4½ 1 : 2½ to 1 : 3 to 4 6.5 4.5
3½
(iii) 1 : 1 : 5 to 6 1 : 4 to 5 1 : 5 to 6 3.6 2.5
(iv) 1 : 2 : 8 to 9 1 : 5½ to6½ 1 : 7 to 8 1.5 1.0
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Direction of change in properties is shown

by the arrows

© BSI 9 August 2002 7

 BS 5628-1:1992 Section 3

The partial safety factor for loads, (¾f) should be applied to all earth and water loads unless they derive
directly from loads which have already been factored in alternative ways to those described in clause 21
and clause 22, in which case the loads should be derived to achieve equilibrium with other design loads.
When applying ¾f, no distinction is made between adverse and beneficial loads.
20.3 Accidental forces
In addition to designing the structure to support loads arising from normal use, there should be a
reasonable probability that it will not collapse catastrophically under the effect of misuse or accident. No
structure can be expected to be resistant to the excessive loads or forces that could arise due to an extreme
cause, but it should not be damaged to an extent disproportionate to the original cause.
Furthermore, owing to the nature of a particular occupancy or use of a structure (e.g. flour mill, chemical
plant, etc.), it may be necessary in the design concept or a design appraisal to consider the effect of a
particular hazard and to ensure that, in the event of an accident, there is an acceptable probability of the
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

structure remaining after the event, even if in a damaged condition.

Where there is the possibility of vehicles running into and damaging or removing vital loadbearing
members of the structure in the ground floor, the provision of bollards, walls, retaining earth banks, etc.
should be considered.
20.4 During construction
The designer should consider whether special precautions or temporary propping are necessary to ensure
the overall stability of the structure or of individual walls during construction.
21 Loads
Ideally, the characteristic load on a structure should be determined statistically.
Since it is not yet possible to determine loads in this way, the following should be used as characteristic
loads.
a) Characteristic dead load. The characteristic dead load Gk is the weight of the structure complete with
finishes, fixtures and partitions and should be taken as equal to the dead load as defined in and
calculated in accordance with BS 6399-1 and BS 6399-3.
b) Characteristic imposed load. The characteristic imposed load Qk should be taken as the imposed load
as defined in and calculated in accordance with BS 6399-2.
c) Characteristic wind load. The characteristic wind load Wk should be taken as the wind load calculated
in accordance with BS 6399-2.
For the purposes of this standard, worst credible earth and water lateral loads, Eu, should be obtained in
accordance with BS 8002 (see also clause 22).
22 Design loads: partial safety factor, ¾f
When using the design relationship for the ultimate limit state given in sections 4 and 5, the design load
should be taken as the sum of the products of the component characteristic loads multiplied by the
appropriate partial safety factor, as shown below. Where alternative values are shown, that producing the
more severe conditions should be selected.
a) Dead and imposed load
design dead load = 0.9Gk or 1.4Gk
design imposed load = 1.6Qk
design worst credible earth and water lateral load = 1.2Eu

b) Dead and wind load

design dead load = 0.9Gk or 1.4Gk
design wind load = 1.4Wk
design worst credible earth and water lateral load = 1.2Eu
In the particular case of freestanding walls and laterally loaded wall panels, whose removal would in no
way affect the stability of the remaining structure, ¾f applied on the wind load may be taken as 1.2.

10 © BSI 9 August 2002

 Section 3 BS 5628-1:1992

c) Dead, imposed and wind load

design dead load = 1.2Gk
design imposed load = 1.2Qk
design wind load = 1.2Wk
design worst credible earth and water lateral load = 1.2Eu

d) Accidental damage (see 37)

design dead load = 0.95Gk or 1.05Gk
design imposed load = 0.35Qk except that, in the case of buildings used predominantly for storage,
or where the imposed load is of a permanent nature, 1.05Qk should be used
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

design wind load = 0.35Wk

For all these cases:
Gk is the characteristic dead load;
Qk is the characteristic imposed load;
Wk is the characteristic wind load;
Eu is the worst credible earth and water lateral load (see clause 21); and the numerical values are the
appropriate ¾f factors.
Where other than worst credible earth and water lateral loads are used, such as nominal lateral loads
determined in accordance with Civil Engineering Code of Practice No.2 1951, the appropriate safety
factor ¾f for design worst credible earth and water lateral load determination is 1.4.
In design, each of the load combinations a) to d) should be considered and that giving the most severe
conditions should be adopted.
In certain circumstances, other values of ¾f may be appropriate, e.g. in farm buildings. Reference should be
made to the relevant British Standards, e.g. BS 5502-22.
23 Characteristic compressive strength of masonry, ƒk
23.1 Normal masonry
The characteristic compressive strength, ƒk, of any masonry may be determined by tests on wall specimens,
following the procedures laid down in A.2.
For normally bonded masonry, defined in terms of the shape and compressive strength of the structural
units and the designation of the mortar (see Table 1), the values given in Table 2 inclusive may be taken
to be the characteristic compressive strength, ƒk, of walls constructed under laboratory conditions tested
at an age of 28 days under axial compression in such a manner that the effects of slenderness may be
neglected. Linear interpolation within the tables is permitted, facilitated by the graphs [Figure 1a),
Figure 1b), Figure 1c) and Figure 1d)].
Table 2a) applies to masonry built with standard format bricks complying with the requirements of
BS 187, BS 6073-1 or BS 3921.
Table 2b) applies to masonry built with structural units with a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension
of 0.6.
Table 2c) applies to structural units, other than solid concrete blocks, with a ratio of height to least
horizontal dimension of between 2.0 and 4.0, and makes due allowance for the enhancement in strength
resulting from the unit shape.
Table 2d) applies to solid concrete blocks, i.e. those without cavities, with a ratio of height to least
horizontal dimension of between 2.0 and 4.0, and makes due allowance for the enhancement in strength
resulting from the unit shape.

© BSI 9 August 2002 11

 Section 3 BS 5628-1:1992

Table 2 — Characteristic compressive strength of masonry, ƒk, in N/mm2

a) Constructed with standard format bricks
Mortar designation Compressive strength of unit (N/mm2)
5 10 15 20 27.5 35 50 70 100
(i) 2.5 4.4 6.0 7.4 9.2 11.4 15.0 19.2 24.0
(ii) 2.5 4.2 5.3 6.4 7.9 9.4 12.2 15.1 18.2
(iii) 2.5 4.1 5.0 5.8 7.1 8.5 10.6 13.1 15.5
(iv) 2.2 3.5 4.4 5.2 6.2 7.3 9.0 10.8 12.7
b) Constructed with blocks having a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension of 0.6
Mortar designation Compressive strength of unit (N/mm2)
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

2.8 3.5 5.0 7.0 10 15 20 35 or greater

(i) 1.4 1.7 2.5 3.4 4.4 6.0 7.4 11.4
(ii) 1.4 1.7 2.5 3.2 4.2 5.3 6.4 9.4
(iii) 1.4 1.7 2.5 3.2 4.1 5.0 5.8 8.5
(iv) 1.4 1.7 2.2 2.8 3.5 4.4 5.2 7.3
c) Constructed with hollow blocks having a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension of between 2.0 and 4.0
Mortar designation Compressive strength of unit (N/mm2)
2.8 3.5 5.0 7.0 10 15 20 35 or greater
(i) 2.8 3.5 5.0 5.7 6.1 6.8 7.5 11.4
(ii) 2.8 3.5 5.0 5.5 5.7 6.1 6.5 9.4
(iii) 2.8 3.5 5.0 5.4 5.5 5.7 5.9 8.5
(iv) 2.8 3.5 4.4 4.8 4.9 5.1 5.3 7.3
d) Constructed from solid concrete blocks having a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension of between 2.0 and 4.0
Mortar designation Compressive strength of unit (N/mm2)
2.8 3.5 5.0 7.0 10 15 20 35 or greater
(i) 2.8 3.5 5.0 6.8 8.8 12.0 14.8 22.8
(ii) 2.8 3.5 5.0 6.4 8.4 10.6 12.8 18.8
(iii) 2.8 3.5 5.0 6.4 8.2 10.0 11.6 17.0
(iv) 2.8 3.5 4.4 5.6 7.0 8.8 10.4 14.6
23.1.3 Walls constructed in modular bricks
For 90 mm wide × 90 mm high modular bricks complying with the requirements of BS 6073-1 or as detailed
in DD 34 or DD 59, the values of ƒk in Table 2a) may be multiplied by the following factors:
a) masonry thickness equal to width of brick: 1.25;
b) other thicknesses: 1.10.
23.1.4 Walls constructed of wide bricks
When walls are constructed with bricks having a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension of less
than 0.6, the value of ƒk should have been obtained from wall tests carried out in accordance with A.2.
23.1.5 Hollow block walls
When walls are built of hollow blocks having a ratio of height to least horizontal dimension of between 0.6
and 2.0, the value of ƒk should be obtained by interpolation between the values given in Table 2b) and
Table 2c).
23.1.6 Solid concrete block walls
When walls are built of solid concrete blocks, i.e. those without any cavities, having a ratio of height to least
horizontal dimension of between 0.6 and 2.0, the value of ƒk should be obtained by interpolation between
the values given in Table 2b) and Table 2d).

© BSI 9 August 2002 15

 BS 5628-1:1992 Section 3

[Link] Special category

Special category of construction control may be assumed where the requirements of the normal category
control are complied with and in addition:
a) the specification, supervision and control ensure that the construction is compatible with the use of
the appropriate partial safety factors given in Table 4a);
b) preliminary compressive strength tests carried out on the mortar to be used, in accordance with A.1,
indicate compliance with the strength requirements given in Table 1 and regular testing of the mortar
used on site, in accordance with A.1, shows that compliance with the strength requirements given in
Table 1 is being maintained.
27.3 Values of ¾m for normal and accidental loads
The value of ¾m to be used in clause 32 and clause 34 should be obtained from Table 4a). The value of ¾m
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

to be used in clause 36, except where otherwise stated, should be obtained from Table 4b). When
considering the probable effects of misuse or accident (Section 5), the values given in Table 4a) and Table
4b) may be halved, except where otherwise required in 37.1.1.
Table 4a) — Partial safety factors for material strength — Compression, ¾m
Category of construction control
Special Normal

Category of manufacturing control of Special 2.5 3.1

structural units Normal 2.8 3.5

Table 4b) — Partial safety factors for material strength — Flexure, ¾m

Category of construction control
Special Normal
2.5 3.0

Where wall tests in accordance with A.2 and A.3 have been carried out, the ¾m factors to be applied to the
characteristic strengths determined in accordance with A.2 and A.3 may be taken as 0.9 times the values
given in Table 4a) and Table 4b), provided the masonry conforms in all respects to the recommendations
given in this code.
27.4 Values of ¾mv for shear loads
The partial safety factor for masonry strength in shear, ¾mv, should be taken as 2.5 when mortar not
weaker than mortar designation (iv) is used. When considering the probable effects of misuse or accident
(Section 5) the value of ¾mv may be reduced to 1.25.
27.5 Values of ¾m for use with ties
The partial safety factory to be applied to the strength of wall ties (36.2) should be 3.0. When considering
the probable effects of misuse or accidental damage, this value may be halved.

20 © BSI 9 August 2002

 BS 5628-1:1992 Section 4

28.3.1 Effective height

[Link] Walls
The effective height of a wall may be taken as:
a) 0.75 times the clear distance between lateral supports which provide enhanced resistance to lateral
movement; or
b) the clear distance between lateral supports which provide simple resistance to lateral movement.
[Link] Columns
The effective height of a column should be taken as the distance between lateral supports or twice the
height of the column in respect of a direction in which lateral support is not provided.
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

[Link] Columns formed by adjacent openings in walls

Where openings occur in a wall such that the masonry between any two openings is, by definition, a column,
the effective height of the column should be taken as follows.
a) Where an enhanced resistance to lateral movement of the wall containing the column is provided, the
effective height should be taken as 0.75 times the distance between the supports plus 0.25 times the
height of the taller of the two openings.
b) Where a simple resistance to lateral movement of the wall containing the column is provided, the
effective height should be taken as the distance between the supports.

Column Single-leaf wall Cavity wall Walls stiffened by piers

Single-leaf Cavity
Plan shapes

Effective thickness
t or b, t the greatest of: t×k the greatest of:
depending on
a) 2/3 (t1 + t2); or a) 2/3 (t1 + Kt2); or
direction of
bending b) t1; or b) t1; or
c) t2 c) Kt2
where K is the stiffness coefficient from
Table 5
Figure 3 — Effective thickness of columns and walls

22 © BSI 9 August 2002

 Section 4 BS 5628-1:1992

[Link] Piers
Where the thickness of a pier is not greater than 1.5 times the thickness of the wall of which it forms a part,
it may be treated as a wall for effective height consideration; otherwise the pier should be treated as a
column in the plane at right angles to the wall.
NOTE The thickness of a pier, tp, is the overall thickness including the thickness of the wall or, when bonded into one leaf of a cavity
wall, the thickness obtained by treating this leaf as an independent wall.

28.3.2 Effective length

The effective length of a wall may be taken as:
a) 0.75 times the clear distance between vertical lateral supports or twice the distance between a support
and a free edge, where lateral supports provide enhanced resistance to lateral movement;
b) the clear distance between lateral supports or 2.5 times the distance between a support and a free edge
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

where lateral supports provide simple resistance to lateral movement.

28.4 Effective thickness
The effective thickness of a wall, column or pier is given in 28.4.1 and 28.4.2 and is illustrated in Figure 3.
28.4.1 Walls and columns not stiffened by piers or intersecting walls
For single leaf walls and columns the effective thickness is the actual thickness.
For cavity walls and columns the effective thickness should be taken as two-thirds the sum of the actual
thicknesses of the two leaves or the actual thickness of the thicker leaf, whichever is the greater.
28.4.2 Walls stiffened by piers or intersecting walls
Where a wall, which may be one leaf of a cavity wall, is stiffened by piers, the effective thickness, tef, of the
wall, or leaf of a cavity wall, is:
tef = t × K

where
t is the actual thickness of the wall or leaf;
K is the appropriate stiffness coefficient taken from Table 5.
For a wall stiffened by intersecting walls, the appropriate stiffness coefficient may be determined from
Table 5 on the assumption that the intersecting walls are equivalent to piers of width equal to the thickness
of the intersecting wall and of thickness equal to 3 times the thickness of the stiffened wall.
Table 5 — Stiffness coefficient for walls stiffened by piers
Ratio of pier spacing (centre to centre) Ratio tp/t of pier thickness to actual thickness of wall to
to pier width which it is bonded
1 2 3
6 1.0 1.4 2.0
10 1.0 1.2 1.4
20 1.0 1.0 1.0
NOTE Linear interpolation between the values given in Table 5 is permissible, but not extrapolation outside the limits given.

© BSI 9 August 2002 23

Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Table 6 — Selection of wall ties: types and lengths

© BSI 9 August 2002

Section 4
Permissible type of tie
Least leaf thickness Nominal cavity Tiea length Shape name in accordance with BS 1243 Type number in accordance with DD 140-2b
(one or both) width
mm mm mm mm
75 75 or less 200 Butterfly, double triangle or vertical twist
90 76 to 90 225 Double trianglec vertical twist or
90 91 to 100 225 Double triangled vertical twist or Types 1, 2, 3 or 4, selected on the basis of the
design loading and design cavity width.
90 101 to 125 250 Vertical twist
Prescriptive rules for selection, and a model
90 126 to 150 275 Vertical twist calculation, are given in DD 140-2.
90 151 to 175 300 Vertical twist
90 176 to 300 a Vertical twist stylee
a This column gives the tie lengths, in 25 mm increments, that best meet the performance requirement that the embedment depth will be not less than 50 mm in both leaves, after
taking into account all building and material tolerances, but also that the ties should not protrude from the face. For cavities wider than 180 mm, calculate the length as the
structural cavity width plus 125 mm and select the nearest stock length. The designer may vary these in particular circumstances, provided that the design requirements
continue to be met.
b The strength and stiffness of masonry/masonry ties in accordance with DD 140 ranges from type 1, the stiffest, to type 4 the least stiff. For ties to BS 1243 the vertical twist is the
stiffest and the butterfly the least stiff.
c The minimum length requirement exceeds the maximum length specified under BS 1243 but 225 mm double triangle format ties, which otherwise comply with the requirements
of BS 1243, should be suitable.
d Double triangle ties of shape similar to those in BS 1243, having a strength to satisfy type 2 of DD 140-2, are manufactured. Specialist tie manufacturers should be consulted if
225 mm long double triangle format ties are needed for 91 mm to 100 mm cavities.
e BS 1243 only covers tie lengths up to 305 mm but longer ties, which otherwise comply with the standard, have been found to give adequate performance in up to 300 mm wide
cavities.

BS 5628-1:1992
25
 Section 4 BS 5628-1:1992

Table 7 — Capacity reduction factor, ß

Slenderness ratio Eccentricity at top of wall, ex
hef/tef Up to 0.05t (see note 1) 0.1t 0.2t 0.3t
0 1.00 0.88 0.66 0.44

6 1.00 0.88 0.66 0.44

8 1.00 0.88 0.66 0.44
10 0.97 0.88 0.66 0.44

12 0.93 0.87 0.66 0.44

Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

14 0.89 0.83 0.66 0.44

16 0.83 0.77 0.64 0.44

18 0.77 0.70 0.57 0.44

20 0.70 0.64 0.51 0.37
22 0.62 0.56 0.43 0.30

24 0.53 0.47 0.34

26 0.45 0.38
27 0.40 0.33
NOTE 1 It is not necessary to consider the effects of eccentricities up to and including 0.05t.
NOTE 2 Linear interpolation between eccentricities and slenderness ratios is permitted.
NOTE 3 The derivation of ß is given in Appendix B.

32.2.2 Design vertical load resistance of columns

The design vertical load resistance of a rectangular column is given by:
ßbtf k
--------------
gm

where
b is the width of the column;
t is the thickness of the column;
all other symbols are as given in 32.2.1. The value of ß should be chosen as follows:
a) when the eccentricities about the major and minor axes at the top of the column are less than 0.05b
and 0.05t respectively, from the second column of Table 7, basing the slenderness ratio on the value of
tef appropriate to the minor axis;
b) when the eccentricities about the major and minor axes are less than 0.05b but greater than 0.05t
respectively, from Table 7, using the values of eccentricity and slenderness ratio appropriate to the
minor axis;
c) when the eccentricities about the major and minor axes are greater than 0.05b but less than 0.05t
respectively, from Table 7, using the value of eccentricity appropriate to the major axis and the value
of slenderness ratio appropriate to the minor axis or from Appendix B deriving additional eccentricities
about both axes;
d) when the eccentricities about the major and minor axes are greater than 0.05b and 0.05t
respectively, from Appendix B, deriving additional eccentricities about both axes.

© BSI 9 August 2002 29

 BS 5628-1:1992

where
Fm is the mean of the maximum loads carried by the two test panels;
A is the cross-sectional area of each panel;
cm is the reduction factor for strength of mortar given in Table 15;
cu is the unit reduction factor for sample structural units.
The factor 1.2 is introduced to relate the characteristic value to the mean value.
Where the height of wall between flat ends exceeds 20 times the thickness, it is possible that slenderness
effects may significantly reduce the test results from those that would be expected from a wall in the
recommended height range. This effect can be approximately assessed by measuring the lateral deflection
of the wall at mid-height under test.
If yu is the deflection measured just before the point when the ultimate load is attained, it will be
Licensed Copy: Sheffield University, University of Sheffield, 11 December 2002, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

appropriate to increase the test value of Fm/A by (t/(t–yu)), where t is the thickness of the wall. The increase,
however, should not be greater than 15 %.
Table 15 — Reduction factor, Ò m , for mortar strength
Strength of mortar used for test panels Reduction factor, Òm
Ratio = ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specified minimum site compressive strength
1.0 to 1.5 1.00
2.0 0.93
2.5 0.88
3.0 0.84
3.5 0.81
4.0 0.78
NOTE Linear interpolation between values is permitted.

A.3 Determination of characteristic flexural strength of masonry

A.3.1 Test procedure
Characteristic flexural strengths for the two orthogonal directions may be determined by testing wallettes
built of masonry units and mortars representative of those to be used on site.
Blocks should be immersed in water for 5 min to 6 min and allowed to drain prior to building the wallettes.
The wallettes should be built within 1 h of the blocks being removed from the water. Bricks having a suction
rate of more than 1.5 kg/(m2·min) may be docked or the water retentivity of the mortar may be adjusted.
The method of conditioning the bricks should be recorded in the test report.
Immediately after building, each wallette should be pre-compressed with three courses of bricks laid dry,
or by the equivalent uniformly distributed mass. The wallette should then be cured3) and maintained
undistributed until testing.
The wallette should be tested in the vertical attitude under four-point loading (see Figure 9). The
equipment should accommodate variations of plane. Suitable precautions should be used at the contact
area of the bearings to ensure that contact is provided over the full width of the masonry, e.g. a hollow
rubber bolster of at least 7 mm wall thickness and 10 mm bore containing 8 mm diameter steel rod or a
hydraulic bolster consisting of 18 mm o.d. polyester-reinforced PVC hose filled with water and sealed.
The outer bearings should be about 50 mm from the edge of the wallette. The spacings of the inner bearings
may be varied to suit the format of the masonry but should be between 0.4 and 0.6 times the spacing of the
outer bearings. The inner bearings should be located so that they are, as far as practicable, midway
between the nearest mortar joints which are parallel to the bearings.
The base of each wallette should be free from frictional restraint, e.g. by setting it on two layers of
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or on ball, needle or roller bearings.
The rate of increase in flexural stress should be between 0.3 and 0.4 N/(mm2/min).
The replicates should be tested in each format at an age of 28 ± 1 days.

Generally, close covering until testing with a material that does not permit water vapour penetration is most satisfactory; this
3)
was the method used to derive the figures in Table 3.

56 © BSI 9 August 2002