COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Fundamentals of Structural Integrity in Masonry Construction course. This training is designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge necessary to construct structurally sound masonry systems that meet regulatory standards and ensure long-term performance. Whether working on residential, commercial, or retaining structures, a deep understanding of structural integrity is critical to safety, durability, and client satisfaction.
This course begins by defining structural integrity and examining its role in preventing failures such as cracking, collapse, or movement in masonry structures. The section also outlines the key responsibilities of masonry professionals in meeting both contractual obligations and legal duties under building codes and work health and safety laws.
To ensure masonry work complies with legal and technical expectations, it is vital to understand the applicable standards. This section introduces AS 3700 and AS 4773, and explains how they interact with the National Construction Code (NCC), architectural drawings, and engineer specifications. These documents form the basis for compliant construction practices and inspection criteria.
There are many types of masonry systems used across projects. This section explains the differences between load-bearing and non-load-bearing systems, cavity wall construction, veneer walls, and solid wall designs, along with the structural roles played by columns, piers, and retaining structures.
All masonry walls must be designed to resist applied loads. This section explores dead, live, and wind loads, how they travel through the masonry into the foundation, and the importance of understanding load paths and points of concentration to prevent structural stress.
A stable footing is essential to support brick and block systems. This section discusses different footing types, including slab-on-ground and reinforced strip footings, how to match footing design to wall type, and what to look for when checking for poor compaction, cracks, or signs of movement in the foundation.
Not all bricks and blocks are structurally rated. This section focuses on the compressive strength, moisture absorption, and durability characteristics required for load-bearing masonry, and compares materials such as clay bricks, concrete blocks, and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).
Mortar composition plays a vital role in wall strength. This section details correct mortar mixing ratios, the function of cement, lime, and sand in structural performance, and how issues like over-watering or improper batching can reduce the compressive capacity of the wall.
For load-bearing walls to perform properly, good construction practice is non-negotiable. This section outlines the significance of bonding patterns, lapping, perpend alignment, and ensuring walls are level and plumb to meet tolerances and structural expectations.
Reinforcement adds essential strength to certain masonry systems. This section explains the use of reinforcement in core-filled blocks, bond beams, and control zones, including how to place and secure horizontal wire mesh, steel bars, and grout to avoid voids and honeycombing.
Movement is inevitable in building materials. This section identifies the causes of movement—thermal changes, moisture shrinkage, and settlement—and explains where to place expansion joints and how to treat them with appropriate fillers and flexible sealants.
Openings in walls must be properly supported. This section covers the structural function of lintels above windows and doors, bearing requirements, and how to prevent cracking by combining structural support with effective moisture management using flashings.
Proper bonding and anchoring ensures continuity and strength. This section looks at how to securely connect masonry walls to structural steel, slabs, or other walls using wall ties, anchors, and appropriate detailing for dissimilar materials to prevent future separation or cracking.
Vertical and horizontal accuracy is a hallmark of structural quality. This section explains tolerances for plumbness and level as outlined in AS 3700, and outlines how to use profiles, string lines, and levels to ensure walls are consistently aligned.
Some walls require core filling and reinforcement for structural stability. This section explains when and where core-filling is used, how to prepare blocks for filling, and best practice techniques for grout consolidation and inspection.
Piers, return walls, and buttresses provide lateral stability. This section details their placement, function, and integration with main walls, particularly in retaining structures and areas exposed to wind or soil pressure.
Tie-down systems are critical in regions prone to high winds or cyclones. This section outlines how to install tie rods, wall anchors, and cyclone straps in coordination with roof framers to meet code requirements for wind-resistant construction.
To verify structural compliance, site inspections and tests are mandatory. This section introduces slump tests, mortar cube testing, and daily inspections of workmanship to ensure quality outcomes. It also explains the importance of maintaining records for audit and certification.
Recognising defects early prevents long-term issues. This section helps identify structural defects such as step cracking, bulging, separation, or deflection, and provides guidance on how to distinguish between cosmetic and structural concerns, along with reporting responsibilities.
Compliance doesn’t end with the build. This section addresses tolerances for joint thickness, wall alignment, and finishes, while reinforcing the importance of recording and verifying compliance through checklists and photographic evidence.
Maintaining structural durability into the future requires the right finish and care. This final section introduces breathable coatings, maintenance strategies, and how tradespeople can pass on critical knowledge to apprentices and team members to preserve the structural performance of the masonry over time.
By the end of this course, you will have a strong understanding of how to build and assess structurally compliant masonry installations, helping to uphold safety, quality, and long-term durability on all brick and blocklaying worksites.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Structural Integrity in Masonry Construction
- Definition and significance of structural integrity
- Importance of sound construction in safety and durability
- Regulatory and contractual responsibilities of masonry professionals
2. Australian Standards and Compliance Requirements
- Overview of AS 3700 and AS 4773
- Relationship between NCC and masonry performance
- Working within engineer and architect specifications
3. Types of Masonry Construction Systems
- Load-bearing vs non-load-bearing masonry
- Cavity wall, veneer wall, and solid wall systems
- Structural role of piers, columns, and retaining walls
4. Understanding Structural Loads in Masonry
- Dead loads, live loads, and wind loads
- Load paths through wall systems and footings
- Impact of load concentration and transfer
5. Foundation and Footing Requirements
- Matching wall systems to correct footing type
- Slab-on-ground, strip footings, and reinforced footings
- Identifying and reporting foundation failures
6. Brick and Block Selection for Structural Use
- Properties of structural-grade units
- Compressive strength and dimensional stability
- Differences between clay bricks, concrete blocks, and AAC units
7. Mortar Composition and Strength Considerations
- Mixing ratios and their effect on compressive strength
- Role of lime, cement, and sand in mortar behaviour
- Avoiding over-mixing and improper water content
8. Construction of Load-Bearing Walls
- Bonding patterns for strength
- Aligning perpend joints and lap requirements
- Maintaining vertical and horizontal alignment
9. Reinforcement in Masonry Construction
- Purpose and types of masonry reinforcement
- Horizontal joint reinforcement and vertical steel bars
- Installing reinforcement in filled cores and bond beams
10. Control of Movement and Expansion
- Causes of movement: thermal, shrinkage, settlement
- Locating control and expansion joints
- Using joint fillers and sealants properly
11. Lintels and Openings in Structural Walls
- Selecting steel or concrete lintels for spans
- Bearing lengths and load distribution
- Flashing and moisture control above openings
12. Bonding Walls to Structural Elements
- Wall ties and connectors to steel and concrete frames
- Interlocking masonry at corners and intersections
- Expansion joints at dissimilar material junctions
13. Ensuring Wall Plumbness and Level
- Acceptable tolerances under AS 3700
- Using profiles, string lines, and spirit levels
- Correcting deviations during the build process
14. Core-Filled and Reinforced Block Construction
- When core-filling is structurally required
- Grout mixes, consolidation, and clean-out holes
- Avoiding honeycombing and segregation
15. Structural Role of Piers, Buttresses, and Return Walls
- Lateral stability and support functions
- Correct sizing and placement
- Integrating with primary wall systems
16. Roof Tie-Down and Wall Anchorage
- Cyclonic and wind-resistant construction requirements
- Installing tie-down rods, straps, and brackets
- Coordinating with roof framers and structural engineers
17. Inspection and Testing for Structural Compliance
- Site inspections by engineers or certifiers
- Slump tests, compressive strength testing of mortar
- Maintaining inspection records and sign-off sheets
18. Identifying Structural Defects and Failures
- Cracks, bowing, separation, and efflorescence
- Diagnosing structural vs cosmetic issues
- Reporting procedures and rectification requirements
19. Construction Tolerances and Quality Assurance
- Horizontal and vertical alignment limits
- Ensuring thickness consistency in walls and joints
- Verifying compliance during and after construction
20. Promoting Long-Term Structural Durability
- Importance of maintenance and repair over time
- Using breathable sealers, avoiding trapped moisture
- Educating apprentices on correct structural practices
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.