What does the Eurocode 6 concentrated load check do?

The Eurocode 6 concentrated load check verifies the local compressive resistance of a masonry wall or pier under a concentrated vertical load, such as a beam or lintel bearing. Using EN 1996-1-1 Annex J, it compares the applied design load with the design resistance based on masonry strength, bearing length and dispersion through the wall thickness.

Which parameters are most critical for masonry concentrated load resistance?

The most critical parameters are the design compressive strength of masonry fkd, the wall thickness, the bearing length of the load, and the effective width of wall engaged. Increasing wall thickness or bearing length, or using stronger masonry, significantly increases the local compressive resistance.

Can this calculator replace a full Eurocode 6 design?

No. The calculator is intended as a quick design aid for the concentrated load check only. A complete Eurocode 6 design must also verify global stability, slenderness, shear, in-plane loads, and detailing requirements according to EN 1996-1-1 and the National Annex. Always have critical designs reviewed by a qualified structural engineer.

Eurocode 6 Concentrated Load Calculator

Check the local compressive resistance of masonry walls and piers under concentrated vertical loads according to EN 1996‑1‑1 (Eurocode 6) Annex J.

Input Data

Design compressive strength of masonry, f_kd (N/mm²)

Use f_k/γ_M from EN 1996‑1‑1 or National Annex.

Wall thickness, t (mm)

Overall thickness of the masonry wall or pier.

Bearing length, b (mm)

Length of the concentrated load in the load direction (e.g. beam bearing).

Effective wall width, w_eff (mm)

Width of wall engaged by the load (often panel width or pier width).

Partial factor for masonry, γ_M

Used only if you enter characteristic strength f_k instead of f_kd. Leave as 1.5 if unsure.

Partial factor for actions, γ_F

Typical value for permanent actions; adjust to your load combination.

Applied characteristic concentrated load, N_k (kN)

Optional. Enter if you want an automatic utilisation check.

Dispersion factor, η_d (-)

Accounts for load dispersion through thickness. Often between 1.0 and 2.0.

Results

How the Eurocode 6 concentrated load check works

Concentrated vertical loads on masonry, such as beam or lintel bearings, can cause high local compressive stresses and potential crushing of the masonry. Eurocode 6 (EN 1996‑1‑1) provides rules in Annex J for checking the local compressive resistance under such loads.

Design model used in this calculator

The calculator uses a simplified bearing model consistent with Annex J:

Effective bearing area

\( A_\text{eff} = b \cdot t \cdot \eta_d \)

Design resistance

\( N_\text{Rd} = f_{kd} \cdot A_\text{eff} / 1000 \) (kN)

b – bearing length of the concentrated load (mm)
t – wall thickness (mm)
η_d – dispersion factor accounting for load spread through the thickness
f_kd – design compressive strength of masonry (N/mm²)

If you enter a characteristic load N_k, the calculator converts it to a design load \( N_\text{Ed} = \gamma_F \cdot N_k \) and compares it with N_Rd to give a utilisation ratio.

Choosing the dispersion factor η_d

Eurocode 6 allows for dispersion of the concentrated load through the masonry thickness. In practice, η_d is often taken between 1.0 (no dispersion) and 2.0 (favourable dispersion). Conservative checks may use η_d = 1.0; more refined checks can use values from Annex J or national guidance.

Typical workflow for designers

Determine the design compressive strength f_kd from material tests or tables in EN 1996‑1‑1.
Measure wall thickness t and the actual bearing length b of the supported element.
Estimate the effective wall width w_eff engaged by the load (often the full panel or pier width).
Select an appropriate dispersion factor η_d based on Annex J and detailing.
Enter the characteristic load N_k and partial factor γ_F for the governing combination.
Check that N_Ed ≤ N_Rd and that utilisation is comfortably below 100%.

Limitations and good practice

This tool checks local compression only. Global stability, slenderness, shear and in‑plane loads must be checked separately.
Always verify detailing: minimum bearing lengths, edge distances, and reinforcement if required.
Use project‑specific partial factors and material strengths from the relevant National Annex.
For critical structures, have the design reviewed by a qualified structural engineer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use characteristic strength f_k instead of f_kd?

Yes, if you only know f_k, you can obtain f_kd by dividing by the masonry partial factor: \( f_{kd} = f_k / \gamma_M \). Enter the resulting value in the calculator. The default γ_M = 1.5 is typical but must be confirmed in your National Annex.

What if the utilisation is slightly above 100%?

If utilisation exceeds 100%, the design does not satisfy the simplified check. You can:

Increase bearing length (e.g. longer padstone or bearing plate).
Use stronger masonry or concrete padstones.
Increase wall thickness or effective width engaged.
Reduce the applied load (e.g. redistribute reactions).

Is this calculator valid for all masonry types?

The method is intended for masonry designed to Eurocode 6, including clay, calcium silicate, concrete and autoclaved aerated concrete units. Always ensure that the material properties and detailing comply with EN 1996‑1‑1 and the relevant product standards.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for educational and preliminary design purposes only. It does not replace a full Eurocode 6 design or professional engineering judgement.