Warning This information has been archived because it is outdated and no longer relevant.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

9.20.4.3.(1)
OH1OS2OP2OS1OH4OS3
ObjectiveOH1 Indoor Conditions
Attribution
[F20-OH1.1,OH1.2,OH1.3] Applies to elements that support or are part of an environmental separator and to masonry used in chimneys and fireplaces.
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.
Top of Page
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:
  • excessive moisture transfer through masonry units, or
  • deformation or cracking, which could lead to:
    • where masonry units support or are part of an environmental separator, the excessive deformation, displacement or failure of required environmental separation elements, or
    • where masonry is used in chimneys and fireplaces, compromised integrity of chimneys or fireplaces.
This is to limit the probability of:
  • condensation,
  • precipitation ingress,
  • moisture ingress,
  • excessive heat transfer,
  • pollutant ingress, or
  • compromised thermal performance of components intended to resist heat transfer.
This is to limit the probability of:
  • an inadequate control of temperatures in interior spaces, drafts, relative humidity or water accumulation,
  • the generation of pollutants from biological growth or from materials that become unstable on wetting,
  • deterioration, which could lead to further compromised integrity of environmental separators, or
  • where masonry is used in chimneys and fireplaces, the leakage of combustion products.
This is to limit the probability of:
  • negative effects on the air quality of indoor spaces,
  • the inadequate thermal comfort of persons, and
  • contact with moisture.
This is to limit the probability of harm to persons.
Top of Page