Masonry Bed Joint Reinforcement PDF (NHBC, 2024)

Technical guidance - 6.1/16 Masonry bed joint reinforcement (February 2024) (Second issue - supersedes March 2021) The Technical Guidance Notes are produced by NHBC as guidance solely for our builder customers as to how to interpret the technical requirements in relation to the warranty cover...

Technical guidance - 6.1/16 Masonry bed joint reinforcement (February 2024) (Second issue - supersedes March 2021) The Technical Guidance Notes are produced by NHBC as guidance solely for our builder customers as to how to interpret the technical requirements in relation to the warranty cover provided by NHBC under its Buildmark, Buildmark Choice, Buildmark Link, Buildmark Solo, Buildmark Connect or any similar product from time to time. It has not been created or intended for distribution or use outside of that purpose. The information contained in this Technical Guidance Note does not constitute advice and is not to be relied upon by any third party. Nothing in this Technical Guidance Note is intended to, nor should it be taken to, create any legal or contractual relationship. Any third party who chooses to rely upon the information contained in the Technical Guidance Notes shall do so entirely at their own risk and NHBC accepts no duty of care or liability, however caused, in connection with its use or reliance by any third party. Question Where bed joint reinforcement is used in a masonry wall does this reduce the need for movement joints? Considerations z  he extent to which a masonry wall is likely to crack due to movement depends on a variety of factors, including: T – the length of the wall – the length to height ratio of the wall panel – the position and size of openings in the wall Movement joints are provided to control movement and reduce cracking. z  ed joint reinforcement can be provided to accommodate stresses in certain critical locations, e.g. under B window openings. It is normally provided in addition to and not instead of movement joints. PD 6697 Recommendations for the design of masonry structures to BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2 gives guidance on movement joints and bed joint reinforcement. z  here bed joint reinforcement is used to reduce the number of movement joints or increase spacings between W joints, the design should be in accordance with PD 6697. Answer The provision of bed joint reinforcement will not generally reduce the need for movement joints. If movement joint spacings are to be increased, walls should be designed by an engineer in accordance with PD 6697 and manufacturers recommendation. NHBC, NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK5 8FP Tel: 0344 633 1000 Web: nhbc.co.uk National House-Building Council (NHBC) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for carrying on insurance business and insurance distribution activities. NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK5 8FP. Note that only certain parts of our products and services are within the scope of UK financial services regulations. For more information on our products and services, please see our website nhbc.co.uk or your NHBC product documentation. HB2851 02/24 W010S