Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Masonry: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009 define masonry, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

On this page

Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

Add to Harth agentView as markdown

Direct answer

Masonry is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Masonry. The code's own words are: “A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 54 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Wall Construction (IRC 2009), Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.

What does this term mean?

Masonry — IBC 2009, Masonry:

A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Masonry: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009 define masonry, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Masonry is defined once in this corpus, in the Masonry chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.

Where masonry is used in the code

The term appears in 54 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Masonry	IBC 2009	602
Wall Construction	IRC 2009	384
Fire and Smoke Protection Features	IBC 2009	164
Chimneys and Fireplaces	IRC 2009	159
Foundations	IRC 2009	115
Soils and Foundations	IBC 2009	113
Building Planning	IRC 2009	98
Wall Covering	IRC 2009	82
Wood	IBC 2009	68
Fuel Gas	IRC 2009	57
Definitions	IBC 2009	55
Structural Tests and Special Inspections	IBC 2009	45

42 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

How the code actually writes about masonry, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

This chapter shall govern the materials, design, construction and quality of masonry.

— IBC 2009 §2101.1

Braced wall line sills shall be anchored to concrete or masonry foundations in accordance with Sections R403.1.6 and R602.11.1.

— IRC 2009 §R602.11

Thickness of protection for concrete or masonry reinforcement shall be measured to the outside of the reinforcement except that stirrups and spiral reinforcement ties are permitted to project not more than 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) into the protection.

— IBC 2009 §704.7

The terms masonry is built out of

The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what masonry covers:

Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
Mortar — IBC 2009: A plastic mixture of approved cementitious materials, fine aggregates and water used to bond masonry or other structural units.

Masonry: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.

Check	Where	Confirmed
Read the definition in the adopted IBC	Masonry
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Masonry (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Wall Construction (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Chimneys and Fireplaces (IRC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Building
Confirm the dependent definition	Approved
Confirm the dependent definition	Mortar
Local amendment to any of the above	Jurisdiction's amendment list

A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

Source links

Frequently asked questions

What is the code definition of masonry?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Masonry as: “A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

Which parts of the code depend on masonry?

In this corpus the term is used across 54 chapters, led by Masonry in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

What is considered a masonry building?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

What is the code for masonry?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Masonry: “A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

Related pages

The AI-powered workspacefor architects.

Get started for free Continue in Harth