Overview of the Standard
This Australian Standard sets out acceptable construction practices for clay, concrete or calcium silicate masonry in small buildings such as houses and garages (being typically Class 1a and Class 10 structures) – however, it may extend to small commercial warehouses and the like.
This standard supplements, and is a companion document to, AS4773.1:2015 Masonry for Small Buildings (Design).
This Standard does not though cover masonry constructed from autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, bricks, or units which is captured by a separate Australian Standard AS 5416.
What does it include?
AS 4773.2:2015 is broken into 12 sections (with illustrations and tables) consisting of:
- Section 1 deals with the scope of the standard, references and the definitions / explanations of components and systems, including limitations of building geometries
- Section 2 deals with the specifics of masonry unit sizes and construction types, and the durability requirements in different proximity zones
- Section 3 deals with mortar components and mixes; and durability requirements according to different proximity zones
- Section 4 deals with the use of grouting to cover reinforcement or fill masonry cores
- Section 5 deals with built-in components in masonry, such as wire-ties, lintels and flashings, including durability requirements according to different proximity zones
- Section 6 deals with required sub-floor construction outcomes, including ventilation, according to different climate zones
- Section 7 deals with control joint specifics in masonry construction, such as articulation, contraction and expansion joints
- Section 8 deals with the support and installation of lintels and the construction of arches
- Section 9 deals with the construction of masonry veneer walls, where the masonry is non-structural: including flashing and allowances for sub-frame shrinkage
- Section 10 deals with the minimum construction requirements of cavity masonry walls, including duty ratings for cavity wall ties and roof anchorage details
- Section 11 deals with the construction requirements of unreinforced single-leaf masonry walls
- Section 12 deals with reinforced masonry walls, either grout-filled (cores or cavities) or damp-proof reinforcing methods. This section typically applies to concrete block construction methods
The standard also contains 2 informative appendices consisting of:
- Appendix A informs drawing and specification requirements for masonry units per AS4773.1
- Appendix B is an outline for cleaning masonry with cleaning compounds / methods, or acids
Is the Standard referenced in NCC or other legislation?
Yes. This standard is a primary referenced document for masonry work under the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume Two as a Deemed-to-Satisfy means of complying with the NCC.
Who is the Standard for?
The primary users of this standard are bricklayers, blocklayers, structural steel installers, brick and/or block manufacturers and suppliers, builders, and site supervisors.
Related Australian Standards
- AS 1170 Structural Design Actions series
- AS 1316 Masonry cement
- AS 1478 Chemical admixtures for concrete, grout and mortar series
- AS 2699 Built-in components for masonry construction series
- AS 2904 Damp-proof courses and flashings
- AS 3660 Termite Management series
- AS 3700:2018 Masonry Structures
- AS 4455.1:2008 Masonry units, pavers, flags and segmental retaining wall units (Masonry Units)
- AS 4773.1:2015 Masonry in small buildings (Design)
Related HIA information sheets
- HIA resource on AS 1684.2-2010 Residential timber-framed construction, Part 2: Non-cyclonic areas
- HIA resource on AS 1684.3-2010 Residential timber-framed construction, Part 3: Cyclonic areas
- HIA resource on AS 1684.4-2010 Residential timber-framed construction, Part 4: Simplified-Non-Cyclonic Areas
- HIA resource on AS 2870 Residential slabs and footings
- HIA resource on AS 3660.1 Termite management
- HIA resource on AS 3700 Masonry Structures
Getting a copy of the Standard
An electronic copy of this Australian Standard can be purchased through the Digital Australian Standards webpage.