Introduction to the Dutch Masonry Code - TGB Masonry Structures

Since 1972 a Dutch code for the structural design of masonry structures is available. The last version of this code before the withdrawal in favor of Eurocode 6, NEN 6790 'Technical principles for building structures — TGB 1990 — Masonry structures' has been revised in 2005 [2]. The informal name of the code is TGB Masonry. In this article an introduction to this code is given. In 2005 the code is revised to obtain a one to one relation with the European product standards for masonry products after the withdrawal of the national product standards. Simultaneously, several elements of Eurocode 6 were introduced. The code is only applicable for unreinforced masonry structures which are predominately statically loaded. In the code, masonry is defined as a material that is made from bricks, blocks or elements joined together with mortar. This can be general purpose mortar as well as thin layer mortar. The terms bricks, blocks and elements refer to different sizes of masonry units.
The code gives requirements for the ultimate limit state of masonry structures. It is stated that when the ultimate limit state requirements are satisfied, it may be assumed that the serviceability limit state also are fulfilled.
For the description of materials use has been made of the European product standards and test standards. Some elements that were part of the national product standards were introduced in the TGB Masonry.