Topcrete - JPA TL

1 TopcreteDense aggregate concrete blocksCI/SfBFf2 November 199732 Topblock TopcreteThis brochure describes Topcrete dense aggregateconcrete blocks manufactured inthe UK by Tarmac physical characteristics ofTopcrete blocks make themparticularly suitable for a widerange of applications in bothloadbearing and non-loadbearingconstructions where good soundinsulation, durability and all roundstrength are blocks are made in allthree types defined in BS 6073: Precast concrete masonry units as: solid cellular (voids closed at one end) hollow (voids open both ends)All three types are available inStandard grade and Paint Quality,whilst solid units are also availableas SPW (Special Party Wall).Standard grade units are suitable forrender or plaster finishes whilst thefiner surface texture of PaintQuality units is ideal for wallsintended to receive a direct paintfinish.

2 SPW units are intended forthe construction of solid slenderparty blocks are available incompressive strengths of , , , , and blocks are all available inface sizes of 440mm long 215mmhigh and in thicknesses from 75 to215mm. A range of blocks with facesizes of 390 190mm can bemanufactured to blocks are available 440mmlong 65mm high 195mm Topcrete blocks are made for coursing and for forming reveals. Coursing bricks are availablesolid, Standard grade or PaintQuality in strengths of ,and measure 215 65 100mm. Reveal blocks are available solid,Standard grade or Paint Quality,in strengths to match theappropriate regular to allow reveals to beconstructed without cutting, theyare L shaped and available inthicknesses of 100 or 140mm withcavity returns of 40 or blocks are also available in a range of colours: see the Topblock Fair Face brochure for aggregate concrete blocksQualityTopcrete products areBSI Kitemarked to BS 6073and are manufactured undera Quality Assurance Schemecomplying with BS EN ISO9002.

3 They conform to the Special Category ofManufacturing Control requirements specified inBS 5628: Part 948BS 6073 Pts. 1 & 2 ApplicationSt. James Park, Newcastle United Football Club utilising TopcreteTopblock TopcreteTopcrete blocks are suitable for Walls and partitions above ground:Standard grade & SPW for finishing with render, cladding, plaster or drylining. Paint Quality for direct below ground:Standard grade & SPW for internal andexternal use including sulphate soil and block flooring:Standard grade for ground floors and intermediate floors in engineering:Standard grade for earth retaining and sound absorption blocks are available insolid, hollow and cellular units have voids open bothends, whilst cellular units havevoids closed at one and cellular blocks providea good strength-to-weight ratiomaking them suitable for manywalling TopcreteTechnical DescriptionAverage compressive strength (N/mm2) Solid block Cellular & hollowNominal dry density, (kg/m3)StandardgradePaint QualitySpecial PartyWall (SPW) , , , , , , 1900 Thermal conductivity at 3% moisture content (W/mK) shrinkage to BS 6073.

4 Part 1 (%) resistivity (MNs/gm)100 150100 150 Thermal movement (m/K)10 x 10-610 x 10-6 Specific heat capacity (kJ/kgK) 2000 15010 x propertiesBlock thickness (mm)Standard gradeUnit weights (kg)7590100140150190195* SolidCellularHollowPaint QualitySolidSPWS olid Unit sizes & weights (face size 440 215mm)Notes *SPW blocks have a face dimension of 440 x 65mm Unit weights, which are given for design purposes, are approximate only and based on 3% moisture content. Tolerance to BS 6073: Length +3/-5mm, Height +3/-5mm, Thickness +2/-2mm. The availability of Cellular and Hollow Paint Quality blocks should be checked with a Regional Sales blocks start the runningbond in each course and aresupplied in pairs: each block is215mm high and a pair will provide 450mm of wall TopcreteLaid weights including mortar (kg/m2)Wall thickness(mm)Standard grade75901001401501901951481771982752953 74 155204 210 180 187262281356 SolidCellularHollowPaint QualitySolid 400215423 285403 SPWS olidLaid weightsThicknessCavity returnNotes Laid weights are approximate and taken at installed equilibrium moisture lengthFull lengthBlock Thickness (mm) Cavity return (mm)Full length 440mmHalf length215mm100 65140 40140 weight (kg)Unit sizes and weights of reveal blocksFull & half length reveal blocksNotes *Reveal blocks are available in higher strengths if requiredFireTopcrete blocks are non-combustible and conform to class Orating for the surface spread offlame.

5 The fire resistance valuesshown are in accordance withBS 5628: Part 3 or based on firetests carried out in accordance with BS 476. The tabulated valuesare applicable to Standard gradeand Paint Quality blocks of anystrength. The application of finishes will generally improve the fire resistance. Further detailsare available. Thermal resistanceThe thermal performance of eachsize and type of Topcrete block isshown according to its thermalresistance (measured in m2K/W).These values should be used whencalculating the U-value ofwalls built with Topcreteblocks. For convenience theU-values of a range oftypical wall constructions are featured in the Designsection of this brochureunder External walls .6 Topblock TopcretePerformanceThermal resistance (m2K/W)Block thickness (mm)Standard grade solid cellular Quality hollow resistance valuesFire resistanceMinimum thickness (mm) without finishLoadbearing single leafSolid blocksNon-loadbearing single leafCellular & hollow blocksLoadbearing single leaf1 hour90100(150)(150)75100 (75)150 (140) 200 (150)100100 Non-loadbearing single leaf140 (100) 140 (100)150 (tied together with metal ties unless noted)Double-leaf collar jointed with solid blocksLoadbearing2 x100mm2 x100mm2 x100mm2 x100mmNon-loadbearingNotes Figures in brackets in Solid Blocks section denote the fire resistance of Topcrete blocks utilising Class 1 Limestone aggregates during manufacture.

6 These are available from certain factories only, and should be specified when their use is essential in meeting the required fire resistance. * Blocks tied together with BRC Bricktie x90mm*2 x90mm*2 x90mm*2 x90mm*2 hours4 hours6 hoursFire resistance of wallsNotes All thermal resistance values are based on 3% standard moisture content. The values for cellular and hollow blocks have been calculated in accordance with the Combined Method given in the CIBSE Guide A3 Thermal properties of building structures AcousticAn assessment of the soundinsulation performance of Topcretewalls is given in decibels in termsof the weighted sound reductionindex, Rw. The index covers thefrequency range of 100 to blocks laid with a suitablemortar in accordance with BS5628: Part 3 are durable inexternal and internal walls aboveand below ground.

7 More detailedadvice on the use of Topcreteblockwork in exposed andaggressive conditions may befound in a separate brochure, the Topblock Design Guide . Whendesigned and laid in accordancewith the relevant codes of practiceTopcrete blockwork will have anormal service life equivalent tothe life of the tomoistureMoisture in Topcrete block wallsdoes not adversely affect theirstrength. Provision must be madeagainst water penetration of the wall and against rising damp asrequired by Building Regulationsand TopcreteAlpha (UK) Ltd, Milton Keynes utilising TopcreteSound reduction valuesFinishWeighted sound reduction index, Rw (dB)75mm solid90mm solidNo finish44100mm solid140mm solid150mm solid190mm solid215mm solid100mm cellular140mm cellular or hollow215mm hollowNotes Finishes to walls are assumed to be applied to both faces.

8 The performance values of walls with finishes is applicble to Standard grade and Paint Quality blocks. The performance of walls with no finish assumes the use of Paint Quality leaf wall464748484748494850515251515252525354 545454555555454647464651525150535453 Lightweight plasterDense plasterDryliningFull design details for the completerange of Topblock products can befound in the Topblock DesignGuide . The following points applyspecifically to the Topcrete wallsIn cavity walls Topcrete may beused for either leaf, normally with aminimum leaf thickness of used for the outer leaf, Topcrete should be rendered orclad. When the cavity is not to befilled with insulation a clear cavityof nominal 50mm width should bemaintained, excluding the thicknessof any a single leaf wall the minimumthickness of Topcrete , with orwithout rendering may be selected from BS 5628: Part insulationTopcrete can be used in many ways to meet the thermal insulation requirements of building opposite are several ofways of achieving wall U-values or better.

9 The U-valuesapply to solid and cellular further advice on this subject,including a more extensive range of U-values, refer to the TopblockDesign Guide .Data on insulation material iscorrect at time of publication butmay be subject to change. Pleasecontact manufacturers for Headquarters, York utilising TopcreteTopblock Topcrete9 Topblock TopcreteU-Values (W/m2K) Surface finish65mm Crown Dritherm batts65mm Rockwool cavity wall batts70mm blown mineral wool = Paint Quality BlocksDenseplasterLightweightplasterDryl ining on cavity fill brickwork outer leaf insulation 100mm Topcrete surface finishU-Values (W/m2K) Surface finish29mm CelotexCW200040mm Wallmate CWNo Paint Quality BlocksDenseplasterLightweightplasterDryl ining * cavity fill brickwork outer leaf cavity insulation 100mm Topcrete surface finishNotes *25mm of Celotex required40mm Gyproc Thermal BoardSuper (R= )50mm Gyproc Thermal BoardPlus (R= )U-Values(W/m2K)

10 Cavity brickwork outer leaf cavity 100mm Topcrete surface finishU-Values (W/m2K)33mm CelotexCW200050mm Wallmate * Rockwool steel cladding steel cladding insulation 100mm Topcrete surface finishNotes *29mm of Celotex requiredFull cavity fillPartial cavity fill Clear cavityBrickwork outer leaf(or rendered Topcrete )Insulation100mm TopcreteSurfacefinishInsulated dry liningBrickwork outer leaf(or rendered Topcrete )InsulationInsulationSteel cladding100mm Topcrete100mm TopcreteSurfacefinishSurfacefinishBrickw ork outer leaf(or rendered Topcrete )100mm TopcreteProfiled steelcladding50mm residual cavityBlock thicknessThermal bridgingApproved Document L requiresprovision be made to reducethermal bridging around windows,doors and other wall openings. Oneway of achieving this is to close thecavity with blockwork and aninsulated DPC or provides a substantialbackground to which door andwindow frames can be fixed.