Earth block masonry

In recent years, the industrialisation of earth block production has led to further technical development of earth block masonry.

Earth block masonry is made from earth blocks bonded by earth mortar.

Regulatory framework

Depending on the application area, requirements relating to stability, health and environmental protection, thermal and sound insulation and/or fire safety may apply to earth block masonry.

Earth blocks are manufactured in accordance with DIN 18945; earth mortar in accordance with DIN 18946. These rules will be introduced as Technical Building Rules with MVV TB 2026/1 and can then be marked with the national conformity mark on this basis.

For the design and execution of earth block masonry (construction technique), DIN 18940 will then apply in accordance with MVV TB Nr. A 1.2.8.8.

DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ) for earth blocks and earth masonry mortars that are not covered by, or significantly deviate from the standard.

There is no standard for the design and execution of earth block masonry with non-standardised blocks or earth thin-layer mortar. For these cases, DIBt grants general construction technique permits (aBG).

Using earth blocks in non-load-bearing masonry is permitted and does not require a construction technique permit.

- DIN 18940 – Load-bearing earth block masonry - Construction, design and execution

- DIN 18942-100 - Earthen materials and products - Part 100: Conformity assessment

- DIN 18945 - Earth blocks - Requirements, test and labelling

- DIN 18946 - Earth masonry mortar - Requirements, test and labelling

National procedure

To prepare an abZ/aBG for your construction product, we need an application from you. We recommend that you contact us prior to doing so. Feel free to send us your enquiry informally via email to dibt(at)dibt(.)de or to the competent technical contact listed in the top right.

For a first assessment, please send us the following information:

  • Description of the construction product and its intended field of use
    • e.g. material, configuration, number of sizes, variants, dimensions
    • e.g. use in walls, ceilings, interior construction, building services
  • Description of the construction technique and its field of application
    • e.g. design of walls, ceilings, elements, etc., and interaction of components
    • e.g. application in foundation engineering, reinforced concrete construction, building insulation; as load-bearing or non-load-bearing component; under static and quasi-static loading; fire exposure; other environmental exposures
  • Information regarding impact on regulatory concerns
    • in particular structural integrity, fire protection, health and environment protection, sound insulation as well as thermal performance
  • Explanation of need for an abZ/aBG
  • Contact details
    • preferably email address and/or telephone number, as well as name, organisation/company, and postal address

We will then contact you to clarify the next steps.

If you already hold a DIBt approval and/or construction technique permit and wish to apply for an amendment, supplement, or renewal, please use the form provided below.

Z
new decision
E
supplement
Ä
amendment
V
renewal
G
valid until
Subject concerned Applicant Decision no. Validity
from / to
Lehmsteine - bezeichnet als GIMA Lehmziegel LZ - für Lehmsteinmauerwerk im Dünnbettverfahren GIMA GIRNGHUBER GmbH Ludwig-Girnghuber-Str. 1 84163 Marklkofen Z-17.6-1306 Z: 27.03.2025
G: 27.03.2030
Lehmsteinmauerwerk Conclay im Dünnbettverfahren KIMM GmbH & Co. KG Waberner Str. 39 34590 Wabern-Udenborn Z-17.6-1325 Z: 18.11.2025
G: 18.11.2027