AS 3700:2018 Masonry Structures
Standards Australia
Supersedes: AS 3700-2011 Masonry structures
Supersedes: AS 3700-2011 AMDT 1 Masonry structures
Supersedes: AS 3700-2011 Amd 2:2015 Masonry structures
Draft Designation: DR AS 3700:2017The objective of this Standard is to provide minimum requirements for the design and
construction of unreinforced, reinforced and prestressed masonry, including built-in
components.
The principal changes from the 2011 edition of the Standard include the following:
(a) Increased capacity reduction factor for compression in hollow masonry with wide
spaced reinforcement.
(b) Inclusion of provisions for stack bonded masonry.
(c) Compressive strength of grouted masonry.
(d) Compression design of reinforced masonry.
(e) Concentrated loads in reinforced masonry.
(f) Minor changes to ensure consistency with AS 4773.
(g) New Appendix I on the relationship between ISO 9223 corrosivity categories and
durability class. Also includes solutions for wall ties, connectors and accessories, and
lintels and shelf angles, as provided in AS/NZS 2699.1, AS/NZS 2699.2 and
AS/NZS 2699.3 respectively.
(h) Changes to Table 10.3 to align with changes made to AS 1170.4.
The following are excluded:
(i) Thermal performance.
(ii) Acoustic insulation.
Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables and figures are deemed to be
requirements of this Standard.
The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the
application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.
Originated in part as AS CA32-1963. Previous edition AS3700-2011. Fifth edition AS 3700:2018.
This Standard sets out minimum requirements for the design and construction of masonry of
the following types:
(a) Unreinforced, reinforced and prestressed masonry using manufactured units of clay or
concrete laid in mortar.
(b) Unreinforced masonry using manufactured calcium silicate units laid in mortar.
(c) Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry laid in thin-bed mortar.
(d) Square-dressed natural stone laid in mortar.
This Standard does not provide for the following:
(i) Design values or material properties for the design and construction of masonry
incorporating square-dressed natural stone. The wide variations in properties of
natural stone require that each case be considered individually for the determination
of relevant design values.
(ii) Specific requirements for prefabricated masonry panels or masonry in composite
action with steel or concrete structural members; however, the principles of this
Standard may be used for such types of construction.
(iii) Specification for design and construction of AAC laid in other than thin-bed mortar;
however, for masonry so constructed the principles of this Standard may be used.
NOTE: This Standard assumes the structural design of masonry is entrusted to experienced
structural engineers or similar appropriately qualified persons, and that the execution of such work is carried out under the direction of appropriately qualified persons who are experienced in masonry construction and who understand the structural requirements specified herein.
Contents:
Section 1 Scope And General
Section 2 Requirements For Design
Section 3 Design Properties
Section 4 General Design Aspects
Section 5 Design For Durability
Section 6 Design For Fire Resistance
Section 7 Structural Design Of Unreinforced Masonry
Section 8 Structural Design Of Reinforced Masonry
Section 9 Structural Design Of Prestressed Masonry
Section 10 Design For Earthquake Actions
Section 11 Materials
Section 12 Construction
Appendix A: Assessment Of Strength Values From Test Results
Appendix B: Determination Of Characteristic Value
Appendix C: Method Of Test For Compressive Strength
Appendix D: Method Of Test For Flexural Strength
Appendix E: Durability Testing
Appendix F: Method Of Measurement Of Bow
Appendix G: Strength Testing Of In Situ Masonry
Appendix H: Guidance On The Use Of Masonry In Restoration Work And Masonry Constructed Using Square-Dressed Natural Stone
Appendix I ISO 9223 Corrosivity Categories And Relationship To Durability Class
Masonry Structures.
BD-004
Australasian (Iron and Steel) Slag Association; Australian Building Codes Board; Australian Institute of Building Surveyors; Building Designers Association of Australia; Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia; Concrete Masonry Association of Australia; Consult Australia; Engineers Australia; Galvanizers Association of Australia; Housing Industry Association; Master Builders Australia; Queensland University of Technology; Steel Reinforcement Institute of Australia; Think Brick Australia; University of Adelaide; University of Newcastle.
