| About 90% of the housing built in the UK today
is still constructed with a masonry load supporting
structure consisting mainly of blockwork. New
advances in block technology have enabled key
producers to manufacture blocks in many forms
with multiple uses. Blocks have the advantage
they are easily laid and cut. Some blocks have
excellent water resistance and can be used both
below and above ground. Prefabricated brick elements
such as arches and chimneys have improved quality
and reduced contruction time.
The Traditional Housing Bureau was
set up to promote the advantages of masonry construction. This
bureau aims to promote the advantages of traditional
brick and block building techniques. Significant
advances in brick and block structure and thermal
insulation properties mean this type of building
complies with the latest thermal insulation standards
of 0.35W/sq cm. The THB is a keen promoter of
the advantages of solid walls and floors as they
reduce sound transmission and provide a strong
structure for fixings. Sound masonry structures
have excellent weather resistance and are virtually
indispensible for below-gound applications.
New
building techniques have also emerged in
recent years to complement the advances in
building block properties. It
is now possible, for example, to build up
to first floor level in one day using new
rapid hardening thin bed mortars (3cm instad
of 10cm) and special oversize blocks. Mortar
setting within 30 minutes is possible.
Mortar requirements can be reduced by up
to 70%.
Building regulations Part
E and Part L
Changes in the Building
Regulations that came into force in 2002
significantly affected masonry construction.
There is now a requirement to show that structures
actually meet performance requirements. It
is no longer sufficient to show that the methods
and materials used comply with regulations.
Full details concerning these changes are available
from the Government's
new Planning Portal. Our section on Robust
Details has more information about Part E.
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