Durability
- Location affects Risk of Corrosion[1]
Durability RULES
NCC 2022 V6
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 B1D4, F3D5, H1D5, H2D4, & HP 5
[2019 B1.4, 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5-3.3.6]
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 5.2
NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCCAS 3700:2018, 5.2
- Tables & map below for durability class ofNCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- Masonry
- Mortar
- Built-in components (eg. Ties & Lintels)
- Environments
- Mild
- ≥ 50km from the coast and not industrial
- Variations due to climate, refer to map
- Moderate
- ≤ 50km from the coast
- ≥ 1km from non-surf coast
- ≥ 10km from surf coast
- Light industrial pollution
- Industrial
- ≤ 1km from districts emitting acidic pollution
- Marine
- 1km to 10km from a surf coast
- 100m to 1km from a non-surf coast (Salt lake or harbour)
- Severe Marine
- ≤ 1km from a surf coast
- ≤ 100m from a non-surf coast (Salt lake or harbour)
- Sides of the Wall
- Internal
- Above DPC & housed within the building
- Interior leaf of Cavity or reverse Brick Veneer
- Exterior Coated
- Above DPC & protected by building elements such as roof, eaves or coping, and weather-resistant coated
- Below DPC or in touch with the ground and shielded by an impermeable membrane
- Aggressive environments
- Type SR cement should be used where there is risk of sulfate attack from the groundwater
- Contact with freshwater or non-saline weathering considered as Marine
- Contact with salt or contaminated water considered as Severe Marine
- Tool all joints to give a dense water shedding finish
AS 3700:2018, 5
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)
Sill FlashingNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)
- ≥ 150mm beyond openings
- Turn up at ends of reveal opening & Brickwork beyond
NCC 2022 HP, 8.2.2 (b)
Framing Overview (Light Steel)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3) (a)
CMAA 2019 CM01, 13
Industry Recommendation
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)
Head FlashingNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (3)
- ≥ 150mm beyond openings
- Turn up at ends of reveal opening & Brickwork beyond
- Drip line over openings
- Not required if protected from weather
Industry Recommendation
CMAA 2019 CM01, 1.1
Rod Dimensions
- Modular height of MasonryCMAA 2019 CM01, 1.1
- 600mm universal height
- 76mm Brickwork 7 courses
- 190mm Blockwork 3 courses
Tools™ Best Practice
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)
Flashings / DPC
- ≥ 150mm lap with sealant[1]
- Edge must be visible from outside[2]
- Pre-folded corner flashing[3]
Damp Proof Course RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 5.7.3 & 5.7.4 [2019 3.3.5.7 & 3.3.5.8]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)
- Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCCNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
- Continuous through the wall & visible from the outermost surface finishNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)
- Continuous damp proof barrier separatingNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)
- Walls to concrete slabs
- Walls & piers below suspended floors
- Walls passing through roof space
- External wall abutting a roof
- Top & bottom of windows
DPC Ground CLEARANCE
NCC 2022 V4
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 HP 5.7.4 [2019: 3.3.5.8]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)
Industry Recommendation
Wall ties
- ≤ 600 x 600mm spacing[1]
- ≤ 300mm from openings, control joints, ends[2]
Cavity & Veneer Wall Tie RULES
NCC 2022 V5
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (c) (i)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.5 (a)
Best Practice DURABILITY
NCC 2022 V1
Wall Tie at Movement Joint RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)
AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (i)
AS 3700:2018, 4.10 (d) (ii)
Movement Joints
- 10mm nom Joint with backing rod & sealant[1]
- ≥ 15mm Mortar cover to Ties[2]
- Concrete Masonry shrinks, Brickwork expands over time
Contraction Joint RULES
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022, H1D5, B1D4, F3D5
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.2 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.2.1 (e)
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
Articulation Joint RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022, B1D4, F3D5, H1D5 & 5.6.8
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.4 (i)
AS 4773.1:2015, 13.3 (a)
Wall Tie at Movement Joint RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.5
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.10]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (a)
AS 3700:2018, 4.11.3.1 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (a)
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.7 (b)
Expansion Joint RULES
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022, H1D5, B1D4, F3D5
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (e)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (b)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (f)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (d)
AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
- Masonry to be designed & constructed to NCCAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2 (b)
- Unreinforced Clay Brickwork
- Material expands over time
- ≤ 15mm joint closing movementAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.2
- ≥ 5mm ultimate design width
- Brickwork expansion properties vary by style & manufacturer
- Joint spacing as per manufacturer's recommendationAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)
- Joints required
- ≤ 4.5m from all cornersAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (e)
- > 20% increase in wall heightAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (b)
- Wall thickness changes (excluding Engaged Piers)AS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (c)
- > 25% Chase depthAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (f)
- Change in material or masonry typeAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1 (d)
- Aligned with Construction or Control JointsAS 3700:2018, 4.8.3.1
- Joints not required below a DPC if
- ≤ 600mm Wall height at the Joint locationNCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
AS 3700:2018, 5.9.3 (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.8 (2)
Weepholes
- ≤ 1.2m spacing[1]
- Clear of building debris[2]
- Proprietary insert[3]
Bushfire RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 G5, H7D4, & S1
[2019 G5, 3.10.5, Sch 5]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, G5
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4
- Building elements within Bushfire-Prone Areas to be Bushfire Attack Resistant to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, G5NCC 2022 Vol 2, H7D4
- Proprietary insert of stainless steel or other appropriately BAL rated product
Weephole RULES
NCC 2022 V3
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 H1D5 & HP5.7.5
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.9]
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 4.7.2
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.5 (1) (b)
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.14
AS 3700:2018, 12.4.14
Cavity
- ≥ 25mm Veneer[1]
- ≥ 35mm Masonry[2]
- Install clean Bricks
- Clear of debris[3]
Cavity Clearance RULES
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.7.2
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.6]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (3)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (1) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.2 (2) (a)
AS 4773.2:2015, 9.1
Finished ground
- Dampcourse flashing
- ≥ 150mm to earth[1]
- ≥ 75mm to hardstand[2]
- ≥ 50mm to sheltered hardstand[3]
Damp Proof Course RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 1 & 10
NCC 2022 5.7.3 & 5.7.4 [2019 3.3.5.7 & 3.3.5.8]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)
- Building elements in Wet Areas to be Waterproof or Water-resistant to NCCNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
- Continuous through the wall & visible from the outermost surface finishNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (b)
- Continuous damp proof barrier separatingNCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (1) (a)
- Walls to concrete slabs
- Walls & piers below suspended floors
- Walls passing through roof space
- External wall abutting a roof
- Top & bottom of windows
DPC Ground CLEARANCE
NCC 2022 V4
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 HP 5.7.4 [2019: 3.3.5.8]
May 2023
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (i)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (d) (ii)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (a)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (b)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.7.4 (2) (c)
Brick Dimensions
Mortar
- 10mm nom joints[1]
- Mix composition to achieve durability class[2]
Mortar DURABILITY
NCC 2022 V6
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 H1D5, HP 5.6.3, & 5.6.4
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6]
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, E7
AS 3700:2018, E5
Manufacturer's Recommendation
NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCCAS 3700:2018, E7
- Densely pack materials when measuring volume
- Use Water Thickener in accordance with Manufacturer's InstructionsAS 3700:2018, E5
- Scratch test mechanically, using a "Scratch Tool"Manufacturer's Recommendation
- ≥ 3 test areas, agreed by parties concerned
- 0.5 to 10m² area per scratch test
- Replace tip after 200 tests, keep records
- 5 measurements per test area with the average depth calculated
- Report to includeNCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- Date of construction & location
- Test date
- Mapping and identification of each measurement
- Scratch measurements indicated individually
- Computed Scratch index per joint
AS 3700:2018, 1.4.1 (c)
AS 3700:2018, 11.4.3
Lintel
- ≥ 100mm bearing if opening ≤ 1m[1]
- ≥ 150mm bearing if opening > 1m[2]
- ≤ 25mm Masonry Overhang[3]
Lintel RULES
NCC 2022 V5
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 H1D5 & 5.6.7
[2019 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.5-3.3.6, 3.3.5.12]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 2, H1D5
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iv)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7
AS 2699.3:2020, 1
Lintel DURABILITY
NCC 2022 V1
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (A)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (v) (B)
NCC 2022 HP, 5.6.7 (b) (iii)
Tolerance
- ≤ 10mm from plumb in 1 storey[1]
- ≤ 25mm from plumb in total wall height[2]
Masonry TOLERANCE
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 B1D4, F3D5, H1D5, H2D4, & HP 5
[2019 B1.4, 3.3.1-3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5-3.3.6]
May 2023
AS 3700:2018, 12.5.3
NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- Masonry to be designed & constructed to the NCCAS 3700:2018, 12.5.3NCC 2022 Vol 1, B1D4 (.)
- ≤ 25mm from plumb in total Wall height
- ≤ 15mm deviation from cavity width
- ≤ 15mm Slab Edge overhang
- ≤ ± 3mm deviation from Mortar bed thickness
- ≤ ± 5mm deviation from Perpend thickness
AS 3700:2018, 12.5.1
AS 3700:2018, 12.5.1
Framing Overview (Timber)
Masonry Durability
Joint Location & Spacing

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