Location ~ specifically in positions of high stress.
Reinforcement ~ expanded metal or wire mesh (see page 328).
Mortar Cover ~ 13 mm minimum thickness, 25 mm to external faces.
Openings~
600 mm minimum
door
opening
blockwork
wall
bed joint
reinforcement
lintel
Concentrated Load ~
padstone load bearing beam
bed joint
reinforcement
stepped in
three courses
Suspended Floor~
bed joint reinforcement
in first two courses
of blockwork
upper floor subject
to deflection
(also direct bearing
ground floor that
may settle)
Differential Movement ~ may occur where materials such as steel,
brick, timber or dense concrete abut with or bear on lightweight
concrete blocks. A smooth separating interface of two layers of
non-compressible dpc or similar is suitable in this situation.
Reinforced Bed Joints