Structural capability of clay brickwork
The high compressive strength of fired clay bricks has been exploited for millennia to build structures ranging from single-storey huts to massive public buildings and enormous bridges and viaducts.
Clay brickwork walls can support relatively high loads such as suspended concrete slabs. Clay brickwork is commonly used in four-storey construction and with suitable detailing can be used for loadbearing walls in much higher buildings.
AS 3700 also provides the means of determining the strength of clay brickwork walls when subjected to horizontal loads resulting from wind, earthquake or fire. Clay bricks are manufactured under close controls to the requirements of AS/NZS 4455 Masonry units and segmental pavers.