Skip to main content

CROSS Safety Report

Building control and the design of a free-standing wall

Report ID: 163 Published: 1 April 2011 Region: CROSS-UK

This report is over 2 years old

Please be aware that it might contain information that is no longer up to date. We keep all reports available for historic reference and as learning aids.

Overview

A reporter raises concerns over the design of a 2m high freestanding garden wall.

Key Learning Outcomes

For civil and structural design engineers:

  • Careful consideration is required for the design of cantilevered brick walls, particularly in the temporary stage because there is no redundancy and relatively small loads at the tip can precipitate failure

  • Consider what reasonably foreseeable loads could be applied beyond the code minimum values on elements such as freestanding walls

Full Report

Find out more about the Full Report

Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others. If you would like to know more, please visit the reporting to CROSS-AUS page. 

A client wanted a garden wall 2m high, and a reporter referred to the OPDM leaflet which states that for the region in question the height of a freestanding wall should be brick 328mm thick to resist wind loads. The reporter therefore recommended that a 328mm brick wall should be built, but the client appointed another engineer who obtained approval for a wall of 140 block + 103 brick (i.e. 243 thick).

The reporter advised building control in the city of the situation and asked them to produce calculations to justify the design which they declined to do. The reporter believes that building control engineers have an obligation to comply with guidance, both on the grounds of individual integrity and public protection.

Expert Panel Comments

Find out more about the Expert Panel

An Expert Panel comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-AUS Expert Panel page.

CROSS has reported numerous cases of collapsed walls including cases where they have caused death. The cumulative evidence is that many walls are not designed to proper standards but there is no requirement for these types of boundary walls to be compliant with building regulations if they do not form part of a building. Nevertheless, there is good guidance available to meet a duty of care for example in the DCLG advice mentioned by the reporter.

Submit a report

Your report will make a difference. It will help to create positive change and improve safety.

Our secure and confidential safety reporting system gives professionals the opportunity to share their experiences to help others.