Masonry detailing for earthquakes by Electronic Blueprint

BCA 2008, which will come into force 1 May 2008, will incorporate the new earthquake loading standard AS 1170.4-2007 and an amendment to the masonry structures standard, to account for design and detailing masonry for earthquake loads, AS 3700 Amendment 3. The key to good design of masonry in multistory construction is:

• Provide suitable gaps to isolate stiff masonry walls from the a ductile reinforced concrete frame (or similar ductile lateral force resisting structure), and
• Simultaneously provide support to prevent masonry walls from being displaced by the horizontal earthquake inertia forces.

The following details are similar to those that will be included in AS 3700 Amendment 3. They provide guidance to structural engineers, to ensure that masonry walls have the required separation and/or support for suitable earthquake performance. Details must be properly designed and adapted by the Engineer and communicated accurately by the Builder. Clause references are to AS 3700.