Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1:2008
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
University of Newcastle
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Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Jointly published by Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001 and Standards
New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6020
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee BD-026, Masonry Units, Pavers, Flags and Segmental Retaining Wall Units, to
supersede, in part, AS/NZS 4455:1997, Masonry units and segmental pavers.
The objective of this Standard is to provide users and specifiers with a specification for all
masonry units, except unfired earth units, to facilitate design and purchasing.
This Standard addresses
(a) the essential properties common to all units covered by the scope of the Standard;
(b) more stringent requirements that might need to be complied with, such as strength,
precision, colour and texture, that would best be specified by the prospective
purchaser as needed; and
(c) test methods consistent with Items (a) and (b).
This Standard is intended to provide the minimum requirements for masonry units covered
by the scope. More stringent requirements may be imposed as contractual requirements.
Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables and figures are deemed to be
requirements of this Standard.
The terms normative and informative have been used in this Standard to define the
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application of the appendix to which they apply. A normative appendix is an integral part
of a Standard, whereas an informative appendix is only for information and guidance.
3 AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
CONTENTS
Page
APPENDICES
A DEMONSTRATION OF COMPLIANCE FOR STRENGTH ................................... 15
B MEANS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD ..... 16
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BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 22
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008 4
1.1 SCOPE
This Standard specifies requirements for masonry units for walling built in accordance with
AS 3700 and NZS 4230.
The masonry units covered by this Standard include those made of the following materials:
(a) Autoclaved aerated concrete.
(b) Calcium silicate (sand-lime).
(c) Concrete (dense or lightweight).
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1.2 APPLICATION
Testing to Section 2, which references AS/NZS 4456.3, AS/NZS 4456.4 and
AS/NZS 4456.10 is required for compliance with the Standard.
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1.4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
1.4.1 Block
See masonry unit.
1.4.2 Brick
See masonry unit.
1.4.3 Characteristic value
The value that is exceeded by at least 95% of the units in the lot.
1.4.4 Compressive strength
See unconfined compressive strength.
1.4.5 Dimensional changes
1.4.5.1 Coefficient of residual curing contraction
The estimated long-term permanent contraction strain, in millimetres per metre, determined
in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.12.
1.4.5.2 Coefficient of drying contraction
The value of drying shrinkage strain, in millimetres per metre, determined in accordance
with AS/NZS 4456.12.
NOTE: The coefficient of drying contraction is a laboratory value determined for the purposes of
masonry design in accordance with AS 3700 and NZS 4230.1. It is not a direct measure of the
shrinkage of masonry construction.
1.4.5.3 Coefficient of expansion
The calculated 15 year growth strain (expressed as an e m value in millimetres per metre),
determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.11.
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1.4.17 Should
Indicates a recommendation.
1.4.18 Standard deviation
The unbiased standard deviation, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.2.
1.4.19 Unconfined compressive strength
The failure stress in compression, converted by the application of an aspect ratio factor to
account for platen restraint, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.4.
1.4.20 Web
Any lateral connector joining face shells in a hollow masonry unit (see Figure 1).
NOTE: Lateral connectors flush with the ends of a masonry unit are regarded as webs for testing
purposes and not as face shells.
1.4.21 Work size
The size of a unit specified for its manufacture, from which deviations are measured.
1.5 NOTATION
The following notation is used in this Standard:
n = number of specimens in the test sample
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AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
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FIGURE 1 (in part) CONFIGURATION OF AND TERMS APPLIED TO MASONRY UNITS
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FIGURE 1 (in part) CONFIGURATION OF AND TERMS APPLIED TO MASONRY UNITS
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
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FIGURE 1 (in part) CONFIGURATION OF AND TERMS APPLIED TO MASONRY UNITS
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SEC T I O N 2 P R O D U CT RE Q U IRE M E N T S
2.1 GENERAL
Dimensional deviation, unconfined compressive strength, integrity and durability of
masonry units shall comply with the requirements of this Section.
Compliance with the requirements for strength shall be determined in accordance with
Appendix A.
NOTE: Additional means of demonstrating compliance with this Section are given in
Appendix B.
The suppliers of masonry units shall make available the
(a) work sizes, including face-shell width (for hollow units); and
(b) characteristic unconfined compressive strength ( f uc ) .
2.2.2 Methods
AS/NZS 4456.3 sets out the two following methods for measuring the dimensions of
masonry units:
(a) Determination of cumulative dimensions.
(b) Determination of dimension of individual units.
The manufacturer shall select the method appropriate to the manufacturing process and the
operating quality assurance program.
2.2.3 Deemed to satisfy
Measurement of dimensional deviations shall be carried out in accordance with
AS/NZS 4456.3 and declared by the supplier. Categorization of dimensional deviations of
masonry units shall be in accordance with Table 2.1.
Additionally, the following requirements apply:
(a) All masonry units, excluding those listed in Items (b) and (c) below, shall comply
with category DW1 unless otherwise specified by the supplier, or agreed between the
supplier and purchaser.
(b) Units intended for dry stack construction or those with thin bed joints shall have
tighter tolerance in accordance with DW3.
(c) Where the intended character of the masonry product is an overall irregular or rough
surface, the units shall comply with category DW0. Where it is intended that only the
face or faces of a unit are irregular, units shall comply with DW1, except that
dimensional deviations shall not apply to the width of the unit if the average width is
not less than 90% of the work size, determined for any plane parallel to its bed.
NOTE: Typical overall irregular units are dry or wet tumbled and sandstock type. Typical
rough-face units are split face, profiled, textured and rock-face.
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AS/NZS 4455.1:2008 12
TABLE 2.1
DIMENSIONAL DEVIATIONS OF MASONRY UNITS
Work size dimensions, mm
Category
Under 150 150 to 250 Over 250
DW0 No requirement
DW1 (see Note 1) 50 90 100
DW2 (see Note 1) 40 60 70
DW3 Values declared by the supplier or by agreement between
the supplier and purchaser
DW4 (see Note 2) Standard deviation of not more than 2 mm and a difference
between the mean and the work size of not more than 3 mm
NOTES:
1 For DW1 and DW2 refer to the AS/NZS 4456.3 test method for
determination of cumulative dimensions. The values given are measured
over 20 units.
2 For DW4 refer to the AS/NZS 4456.3 test method for determination of
measurements for individual units.
separate deliveries of units of the one type and the subject of a single order shall not differ
by more than 40 mm.
2.4 INTEGRITY
2.4.1 Performance requirement
Masonry units shall have sufficient integrity so that they
(a) can be handled, transported to the site and laid; and
(b) are capable of performing their required function in the finished structure.
NOTE: Integrity does not include aesthetic characteristics.
2.4.2 Deemed to satisfy
2.4.2.1 Solid or cored masonry units
For solid or cored masonry units, the requirement for integrity is deemed to be satisfied if
the characteristic unconfined compressive strength is at least 3 MPa for solid or vertically
cored units and 2.5 MPa for horizontally cored units.
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TABLE 2.2
MINIMUM AVERAGE WIDTH OF SECTION OF HOLLOW UNITS
Minimum average width of section (W)
2.5 DURABILITY
2.5.1 Performance requirement
Masonry units shall have sufficient durability to perform their required function in the
finished structure without deteriorating under the action of the environmental conditions of
intended use.
NOTES:
1 Minimum requirements for salt attack resistance grade in various exposure environment are
set out in AS 3700 and NZS 4210.
2 In locations where resistance to freeze-thaw or to chemical attack is required, additional
specifications may be needed.
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2.5.2 Method
Units shall be categorized as
(a) exposure grade;
(b) general purpose grade; or
(c) protected grade,
in accordance with Table 2.3 and declared by the supplier.
Where the salt attack resistance of masonry units is to be determined by test, it shall be
determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4456.10.
TABLE 2.3
SALT ATTACK RESISTANCE GRADE
Salt attack resistance
Requirement/Description
grade
Exposure (a) Suppliers experience, according to which it is possible to demonstrate
that the product has a history of surviving under saline environmental
conditions similar to those existing at the site considered
or
(b) <0.4 g mass loss in 40 cycles in AS/NZS 4456.10, Method B, for materials
other than sandstone or porous limestone
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or
(c) <1% mass loss in 15 cycles in AS/NZS 4456.10, Method A, for sandstone
or porous limestone
General purpose (a) Suppliers experience, according to which it is possible to demonstrate
that the product has a history of surviving under non-saline environmental
conditions similar to those existing at the site considered
or
(b) <0.4 g mass loss in 15 cycles in AS/NZS 4456.10, Method B, for materials
other than sandstone or porous limestone
or
(c) 1% mass loss in 15 cycles in AS/NZS 4456.10, Method A, for sandstone
or porous limestone
Protected Units not complying with the requirements for general purpose of exposure
grades (see Note)
NOTE: Units in protected grade could be expected to suffer substantial and early failure when tested in
accordance with AS/NZS 4456.10.
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APPENDIX A
DEMONSTRATION OF COMPLIANCE FOR STRENGTH
(Normative)
A1 GENERAL
Acceptable methods for demonstrating compliance with the strength requirements of this
Standard shall be in accordance with Paragraphs A2 and A3.
NOTE: Appendix B gives guidance on additional means for demonstrating compliance with the
Standard.
Where a sample, taken from a lot, fails to conform to the specified requirements, that lot
may be sorted, resampled at random and retested.
Where a lot does not meet a required performance level, that lot may be reclassified.
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APPENDIX B
MEANS FOR DEMONSTRATING COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD
(Informative)
B1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out the following different means by which compliance with this
Standard can be demonstrated by the manufacturer or supplier:
(a) Evaluation by means of statistical sampling.
(b) The use of a product certification scheme.
(c) Assurance using the acceptability of the suppliers quality system.
(d) Other such means proposed by the manufacturer or supplier and acceptable to the
customer.
B2 STATISTICAL SAMPLING
Statistical sampling is a procedure which enables decisions to be made about the quality of
batches of items after inspecting or testing only a portion of those items. This procedure
will only be valid if the sampling plan has been determined on a statistical basis and the
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B3 PRODUCT CERTIFICATION
The purpose of product certification is to provide independent assurance of the claim by the
manufacturer that products comply with the stated Standard.
The certification scheme should meet the criteria described in HB 18.28 (SANZ HB18.28)
in that, as well as full type testing from independently sampled production and subsequent
verification of conformance, it requires the manufacturer to maintain effective quality
planning to control production.
The certification scheme serves to indicate that the products consistently conform to the
requirements of the Standard.
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APPENDIX C
DETERMINATION OF CHARACTERISTIC VALUE
(Informative)
C1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out the method for evaluating the characteristic value (when required)
of a group of test results.
where
n = number of test results in the set used to evaluate f
f = characteristic value for the type of masonry represented by the set of
specimens
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C3 COEFFICIENT OF VARIATION
For the purpose of calculating the characteristic value factor (k k) the value of the coefficient
of variation (V) is assessed as follows:
(a) Where n < 30:
V = a value estimated for that particular type of masonry unit or obtained from a
sufficiently large supplementary body of data (containing not less than
30 relevant test results) that is representative of that type of masonry unit.
Unless otherwise substantiated by analysis of actual test data, the value
estimated for V should not be less than the following:
(i) For compressive strength ......................................................................... 0.15.
(ii) For lateral modulus of rupture .................................................................. 0.30.
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TABLE C1
CHARACTERISTIC STRENGTH FACTOR
Characteristic value factor (kk )
Number of
test results Coefficient of variation (V)
(n)
0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50
1 1.00 0.72 0.52 0.37 0.27 0.19
2 1.00 0.77 0.59 0.46 0.35 0.27
5 1.00 0.84 0.71 0.60 0.51 0.43
10 1.00 0.91 0.82 0.74 0.67 0.61
20 1.00 0.94 0.87 0.81 0.75 0.69
50 1.00 0.96 0.92 0.88 0.84 0.80
100 1.00 0.97 0.94 0.92 0.89 0.86
200 1.00 0.98 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.90
500 1.00 0.99 0.97 0.96 0.95 0.94
1000 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
NOTES:
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APPENDIX D
PURCHASING GUIDELINES
(Informative)
D1 SCOPE
This Appendix offers guidance for, but does not purport to fulfil all of the requirements of,
a purchasing agreement for masonry units. It gives recommendations on contractual matters
that are outside the scope of the Standard proper but are intended to ensure compliance with
it.
D2 ORDERING
In ordering units to this Standard, the purchaser should quote the work size or the relevant
manufacturers product identification, any other property requirements and the number of
this Australian/New Zealand Standard, i.e., AS/NZS 4455.1.
D3 IDENTIFICATION
The manufacturer should record the product identification on delivery dockets.
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D4 VERIFICATION
D4.1 Quality records
Manufacturers of units complying with this Standard should carry out regular testing of
their product as part of their quality system. It is recommended that the purchaser, instead
of being put to the expense of sampling and testing individual deliveries of units, take
advantage of the manufacturers quality system.
The manufacturers should be prepared to
(a) supply, on request, relevant data on unit properties from quality records; or
(b) make such records available for inspection by an independent inspector, acceptable to
both the purchaser and manufacturer.
D4.2 Additional verification testing
Where additional verification is required by a purchaser, sampling and subsequent testing of
the lot in accordance with this Standard should be carried out by a laboratory experienced
in carrying out the appropriate test.
NOTE: Laboratories accredited by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA),
Australia or IANZ, New Zealand are acceptable for this purpose.
The cost of units required for testing and the cost of sampling and testing should be borne
(a) by the purchaser, if the units conform to limits specified by the purchaser in his or her
order or when particular limits have not been specified; or
(b) by the supplier, if the units do not conform to limits specified in the contract.
If the sample taken from the lot fails to conform to the specified requirements, the lot may
be sorted, resampled at random and retested at the expense of the supplier.
In respect of Item (b), the lot would be liable to rejection.
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APPENDIX E
TESTING FOR ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES
(Informative)
If the following properties are specified, they should be determined in accordance with the
methods set out:
(a) Determining potential to efflorescence ..............................................AS/NZS 4456.6.
(b) Determining core percentage and material thickness ..........................AS/NZS 4456.7.
(c) Determining moisture content, dry density and ambient density .........AS/NZS 4456.8.
(d) Determining coefficients of expansion ............................................ AS/NZS 4456.11.
(e) Determining coefficients of contraction........................................... AS/NZS 4456.12.
(f) Determining pitting due to lime particles......................................... AS/NZS 4456.13.
(g) Determining water absorption properties ......................................... AS/NZS 4456.14.
(h) Determining lateral modulus of rupture ........................................... AS/NZS 4456.15.
(i) Determining permeability to water .................................................. AS/NZS 4456.16.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
AS
1199 Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes
1199.0 Part 0: Introduction to the ISO 2859 attribute sampling system
1199.1 Part 1: Sampling schemes indexed by acceptance quality limit (AQL) for lot-
by-lot inspection
AS/NZS
4456 Masonry units, segmental pavers and flagsMethods of test
4456.7 Method 7: Determining core percentage and material thickness
Method 8: Determining moisture content, dry density and ambient density
4456.8
4456.14 Method 14: Determining water absorption properties
4456.15 Method 15: Determining lateral modulus of rupture
4456.16 Method 16: Determining permeability to water
4456.17 Method 17: Determining initial rate of absorption (suction)
ISO 9001 Quality management systemsRequirements
ISO 9004 Quality management systemsGuidelines for performance improvements
HB18 Conformity assessment
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NOTES
AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
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AS/NZS 4455.1:2008
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NOTES
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