BS 5628 provides comprehensive technical recommendations for the structural use of masonry. Published in three parts by the British Standards Institution, the code addresses unreinforced, reinforced, and prestressed masonry construction. Part 3, issued in March 1985, focuses on materials, components, design, and workmanship for brick and block masonry. Engineers, architects, and contractors rely on this framework to ensure stability, durability, and compliance with structural safety requirements.
BS 5628-3:1985 gives recommendations for the design and execution of brick and block masonry. The standard addresses multiple performance dimensions including stability, accommodation of movement, exclusion of moisture, and durability. Fire resistance, thermal and acoustic properties, and constructional details are also covered. On-site procedures receive equal attention: the code specifies requirements for storage, batching and mixing of mortars, laying of bricks and blocks, and protection against damage during construction. The document cites BS 5395-2:1984, which covers design of helical and spiral stairs, demonstrating its integration within the broader UK building standards ecosystem.
The scope is deliberately practical: engineers use BS 5628 to select materials, design structural elements, and specify execution standards that meet both mechanical and environmental performance criteria. BS 5628 places specific requirements on mortar composition and chloride content to prevent durability failures. Masonry mortars are categorised by designation, and the code limits chloride content in mixes to reduce the risk of corrosion in reinforced elements.
On-site execution standards cover batching, mixing, and laying procedures. Protection against damage during construction is mandatory; improper handling of masonry units or inadequate curing of mortar joints can compromise structural integrity and long-term durability. The code's prescriptive approach reflects the need to control variability in site practice, which has historically been a source of defects in masonry construction.
Durability recommendations vary by construction type. BS 5628 addresses exposure conditions, moisture ingress, and material selection to mitigate deterioration over the service life of the structure. Fire resistance criteria are integrated with structural design; masonry's inherent thermal mass and non-combustibility provide passive fire protection, but designers must still verify compliance with performance criteria in building regulations. Thermal and acoustic properties are likewise specified.
