| Standard | Title | Reference Tools | Reference Table |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1996-1-1 | General rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry | - | - |
| EN 1996-1-2 | General rules - structural fire design | - | - |
| EN 1996-2 | Design considerations, selection of materials and execution | - | - |
| EN 1996-3 | Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry | - | - |
What this standard covers
EN 1996 (Eurocode 6 - Design of masonry structures) covers unreinforced, reinforced, prestressed and confined masonry built from clay, calcium silicate, concrete, stone and other units.
EN 1996-1-1 gives the general rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry: the characteristic compressive strength of masonry derived from the unit and the mortar, resistance of walls to vertical load allowing for slenderness and eccentricity, resistance to lateral load such as wind on a panel, and shear. EN 1996-1-2 covers fire, EN 1996-2 selection of materials and execution, and EN 1996-3 simplified methods for unreinforced masonry.
Masonry strength is not a property of the unit alone: it is derived from the unit strength and the mortar together, so specifying a strong block with a weak mortar does not give a proportionally strong wall. Slenderness and the eccentricity of the applied load are usually what govern a loadbearing wall, rather than the compressive strength of the masonry itself.
What you will find in it
- Masonry compressive strength
- Characteristic strength of the masonry derived from the unit strength and the mortar class, together with the unit groups that affect it.
- Vertical load resistance
- Resistance of a wall to vertical load, reduced for slenderness and for the eccentricity of the load at the top, middle and bottom of the wall.
- Lateral load resistance
- Design of wall panels spanning between supports under wind, using flexural strength parallel and perpendicular to the bed joints.
- Shear resistance
- In-plane shear on walls, including the contribution of the vertical precompression that holds the wall together.
- Reinforced masonry
- Masonry with reinforcement placed in bed joints or pockets, designed for bending and shear in a manner analogous to reinforced concrete.
- Detailing and movement
- Wall ties, bearing, chases and recesses, and the movement joints that accommodate expansion, shrinkage and thermal movement.
When to use this standard
Use EN 1996 for loadbearing and laterally-loaded masonry - loadbearing walls, panel walls resisting wind, retaining and basement walls, and reinforced or confined masonry. Cladding that carries only its own weight and wind is still designed for lateral load under this part.
How it fits with the other standards
Loads come from EN 1991 and combinations from EN 1990. Foundations under masonry walls use EN 1997, and seismic design of masonry buildings is covered by EN 1998.
What each part covers
- EN 1996-1-1
- The general part for reinforced and unreinforced masonry: characteristic compressive strength from unit and mortar, resistance of walls to vertical and lateral load, shear, and reinforced masonry.
- EN 1996-1-2
- Structural fire design. Fire resistance of masonry walls, including tabulated data by wall thickness and material.
- EN 1996-2
- Design considerations, selection of materials and execution. How masonry is specified and built, including the durability of units and mortar in given exposure conditions.
- EN 1996-3
- Simplified calculation methods for unreinforced masonry. A shortened route for structures within defined limits, avoiding the full analysis of Part 1-1.