Brick veneer is a type of building construction where a thin layer of bricks is applied to the exterior surface of a building . In Australia, brick veneer is a common construction method used in both residential and commercial buildings.

Relevant Australian Standards

The following Australian Standards are relevant to brick veneer construction in Australia:

•  AS 3700: This standard sets out the design and construction requirements for masonry structures, including brick veneer .
•  AS/NZS 4456: This standard outlines the test methods required for the determination of the brick and masonry units .
•  AS 1684: This standard provides the requirements for timber framing, which is often used in conjunction with brick veneer construction .

BCA Requirements

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires that brick veneer construction meets certain standards, including:

•  Discontinuous construction: The BCA requires that impact-rated walls be constructed using discontinuous construction methods, which includes brick veneer .
•  Roof tie-down: The BCA requires that roof tie-downs over openings more than 1200 mm wide in masonry construction be specifically designed in accordance with relevant material and structural standards .
•  Masonry veneer walls: The BCA requires that masonry veneer walls not be greater than 8.5 m in height when measured above the adjacent finished ground level .

Compliance with Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is responsible for writing Australia's standardized building requirements, including the National Construction Code (NCC), WaterMark, and CodeMark . Compliance with the ABCB's requirements is essential for ensuring that brick veneer construction meets the necessary building standards in Australia.