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9.20.4.3.(1)
ApplicationIntent
OH1OS2OP2OS1OH4OS3
ObjectiveOS2 Structural Safety
Attribution
[F20-OS2.1]
[F20-OS2.3] Applies to elements that support or are part of an environmental separator or are exposed to moisture.
Application
Application 1: 
Mortar joints of hollow concrete blocks used in unreinforced masonry and masonry veneer, in buildings to which Part 9 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.3.(1) of Division A for application of Part 9], used in:
  • above-ground, unreinforced masonry and masonry veneer walls and nominally reinforced masonry where vertical joints in adjacent courses are aligned [see Article 9.20.9.1.]:
    • where the wall height above the foundation wall does not exceed 11 m, and
    • in which the roof or floor system above the first storey is not of concrete construction,
  • interior masonry foundation walls not subject to lateral earth pressure [see Sentence 9.15.4.10.(1)],
  • in regions where the spectral response acceleration Sa(0.2) is greater than 0.55, loadbearing masonry elements of buildings more than 1 storey in building height [see Sentence 9.20.1.2.(1)]:
    • where the wall height above the foundation wall does not exceed 11 m, and
    • in which the roof or floor system above the first storey is not of concrete construction, and
  • in regions where the spectral response acceleration Sa(0.2) is greater than 0.35 and less than or equal to 0.55, loadbearing masonry elements of buildings 3 storeys in building height [see Sentence 9.20.1.2.(2)]:
    • where the wall height above the foundation wall does not exceed 11 m, and
    • in which the roof or floor system above the first storey is not of concrete construction.
Exceptions: 
except as stated in:
  • Sentence 9.20.1.1.(2), which applies to buildings other than described above, or where the masonry is designed for specified loads on the basis of ultimate and serviceability limit states,
  • Sentence 9.20.6.4.(4), which applies to masonry veneer individually supported by the structural backing,
  • Sentence 9.20.6.6.(1), which applies to slab facings and precast concrete panel facings, and
  • Sentence 9.20.9.5.(3), which applies to the securing of masonry veneer individually supported by masonry or wood-frame backing.
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Intent
Intent 1: 
To limit the probability of discontinuity in mortar joints at either interior or exterior faces of hollow masonry units, which could lead to inadequate tensile and compressive strength of mortar joints.
This is to limit the probability of compromised structural integrity, which could lead to:
  • structural failure of masonry construction,
  • where masonry construction is part of an environmental separator, the excessive deformation, displacement or failure of required environmental separation elements, which could lead to deterioration, which could lead to further compromised structural integrity, or
  • in assemblies exposed to moisture or the exterior, damage and deterioration, which could lead to further compromised structural integrity.
This is to limit the probability of harm to persons.
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