Fire ratings for brick walls

I often get questions from architects, masons or suppliers who need to prove to code authorities that their walls are properly fire rated. If you are using a brick veneer assembly, there are several U.L. assemblies that will satisfy the code guys. You can find information about these assemblies on the UL website (www.ul.com) or in a UL Fire Rating Manual.
U.L. U364
Brick on Wood Studs
1 hour rated
U.L. U356
Brick on Wood Studs
1 hour rated
U.L. 0418
Brick on Steel Studs
45 minute rated with 5/8” gyp board1-hour rated with 2 layers ∏” gyp board2-hour rated with 3 layers ∏” gyp board
U.L. U902
Brick on CMU
1 hour rated
I also tell people to use Table 720.1(2) of the 2003 IBC for fire ratings. This table will tell you how many inches of brick you need to achieve a given fire rating. If you are using 75% solid brick (brick with small round core holes) you should consult the fourth line of this table 1-2.1. If you are using structural brick (brick with large holes designed to carry rebar and grout), you would use the third line of the chart (1-1.3).