COMMUNITIES DIRECTORATE
STREETSCENE SERVICES
RULES AND STANDARDS FOR THE ERECTION OF MEMORIALS
In order to control standards of workmanship and health and safety practices, the Council requires that all monumental masons undertaking work in its cemeteries shall be registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM). No work will proceed on site without the attendance of a certified fixer.
The BRAMM Scheme aims to establish a network of nationally accredited businesses and registered fixers that will ultimately replace individual Registration Schemes.
Primary aims:
- To establish a recognised uniform standard of workmanship and business practice throughout the UK
- To promote BRAMM Accredited Business and Registered Fixers
- To ensure all Businesses, Fixers and Burial Authorities on the BRAMM Register follow the current health and safety guidelines to protect both the public and their employees
- To ensure that BRAMM business give a guarantee of the stability of their memorial
- To ensure the Scheme will be effectively policed ensuring that acceptable le standards of fixing are maintained
- To encourage on-going training and education within the memorial masonry industry
- To promote a closer working relationship between Memorial Masons and Burial Authorities
To gain a permit:
- Prior to any work commencing, all new memorials and adjustments to existing memorials must be approved by the Director of Environmental and Planning Services or his representative. On payment of the relevant fee, a permit will be issued to allow entry to the Council’s grounds to undertake the works specified. The permit should be available for inspection at all times and if it is not produced the Monumental Mason shall be asked to leave the cemetery grounds, and shall do so.
- All measurements shall be taken from the surrounding ground level where the stone is to be laid. Ground level shall be clearly identified on the submitted design, with materials and fixing methods indicated. All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with relevant British Standards and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- All memorials shall be designed to withstand a minimum pull/push force of 70kg exerted at its apex. (This is a proof force. Fixing methods shall be tested to at least 100kg load when testing a system that is designed to fall slowly and at least 150kg when testing a system that is designed to stand rigidly.) Memorials shall be proportioned correctly to assist stability.
- Full grave memorials shall be laid level and all headstones shall be laid in line with marked site lines.
- All applications forwarded to the Burials Officer shall be signed by the grave owner or their direct descendents, with a drawing or sketch of the proposed memorial, indicating dimensions and a copy of all inscriptions, both back and front.
- Entry to the cemeteries will only be permitted during normal cemetery working hours. No work will be permitted on Weekends and Bank Holidays.
- To ensure a record of all workmen at each site, the stonemason must notify the Burials Officer before 4.00 p.m. the day prior to the required visit to a cemetery.
- The final work shall be inspected by the Cemeteries Superintendent to check compliance with the approved design and alignment. Should there be any unacceptable deviation to the original design, then the Monumental Mason shall be instructed to amend the construction, and it shall be amended.
The section and number of the grave must be etched clearly onto the reverse of the memorial. The name of the firm supplying or erecting the memorial may be etched into the reverse or side of the plinth, to be no larger than 15mm in height.
- Upon completion of work, all waste shall be removed and the ground cleaned and made good to its original condition.
Where there is a need to remove an existing memorial, the monumental mason must ensure that all materials and headstones are taken away from the site until such time as the headstone is able to be re-erected.
- The monumental mason shall take responsibility for all 1materials and the workmanship of the memorial for a period of 10 years from the time of fixing.
- The Council may take down and remove any memorial which has been placed within the cemetery without the required permission, or which has in the Council’s opinion become dangerous or unsightly.
- Persons purchasing a memorial must be offered the option to take out an ALL RISKS insurance cover for the proposed memorial, and evidence of this shall be provided to the Council.
- Under the Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the Council has a responsibility for the safety procedures undertaken at all cemetery sites, in their control. The cemetery staff, as representatives of the Council, has a duty to ensure all works at each site adhere to safe working practices.
- All council employees and visiting contractors/tradesmen must ensure that the individuals during all risk-related operations wear protective clothing and footwear. All monumental masons are obliged to ensure that all their operatives comply with the Councils’ standards of Health and Safety, during their time spent within the cemetery grounds.
- Should a monumental mason fail to comply with the above conditions, then it may result in disciplinary action and a report to BRAMM.
With lawn memorials up to 1200mm in height, The National Association of Monumental Masons recommends the following foundations: -
Type of foundation |
Time foundation laid |
Min. size on plan |
Min. thickness |
Min. depth |
|
Can be when memorial is erected |
Always larger than the memorial base but never more than 50mm (2”) showing at ground level around the base |
65mm (2.5”) |
375mm (15”) |
|
Can be when memorial is erected |
75mm (3”) |
375mm (15”) | |
|
At least 14 days prior to the memorial being erected |
Min. size of concrete blockHeight 212mm (8.5”)Width 212mm (8.5”)Depth 375mm (15”) | ||
|
At least 14 days prior to the memorial being erected |
350mm (14”) | ||
If bricks or concrete blocks are used underground they shall conform to the relevant British Standards (B.S.) and be of the appropriate durability designation, in accordance with the principles of the relevant B.S.
Memorial Masons should satisfy themselves that foundations used are suitable for local conditions.
For memorials up to 500mm (20”) in height; a ground support system need not necessarily be used. However, the base must be doweled to the foundation using 2 solid threaded stainless steel or fully galvanised dowels. Galvanised to B.S. 729 (1971) and the number and size of dowels and dowel hole must be the same as the minimum for fixing memorial plate to memorial base.
Where memorials are over 500mm (20”) in height; NAMM recommend that a ground system is used that is suitable to the height and material of the memorial. If a ground support system is not used, the base must always be doweled to the foundation using the correct size dowels.
Where a ground anchor fixing system is used an asterisk (*) should be etched onto the reverse of the memorial, beside the number of the grave.
Size of dowels and dowel holes: -
Plate - Size |
Dowels - Size |
Dowel Holes – Min. Diameter | |||||
Height |
Min. thick |
Min. dia. |
Total length |
Length in plate |
Length in memorial base |
In plate (up to 4mm larger than dowel dia. |
In memorial base – (i.e. up to 8mm larger than dowel dia. |
|
Upto 63mm (2.52”) Over 63mm (2.5”) |
12mm 16mm |
100mm (4”) |
50mm (2”) |
50mm (2”) |
16mm 20mm |
20mm 24mm |
601mm (over 2’) to 900mm (3’) |
Over 63mm (2.5”) |
16mm |
150mm (6”) |
75mm (3”) |
75mm (3”) |
20mm |
24mm |
The minimum thickness for these heights of memorial will depend on the type of stone being used. However, generally, the minimum thickness for any stone (other than slate) should be as shown.
Joggles create weaknesses and stress levels are therefore not recommended unless also adequately doweled.
Bolting Method
As an alternative a ‘bolting method can be used to fix plate to base. It is recommended that threaded dowels (rods) and nuts must be of different grades of stainless steel (e.g. dowels could be A4 grade, nuts A2) to prevent the possibility of their binding together.
Dowels should be as detailed below:-
Height of memorial |
Type of dowel |
Diameter of dowel |
Length of dowel into memorial plate |
|
Up to 750mm (2’6”) |
Threaded stainless steel |
10mm |
Minimum – 75mm (3”) Maximum – 100mm (4”) |
The dowels shall be fixed into the memorial plate in the workshop and the dowel holes should be dust free and dry when fixing takes place. The total thickness of washer per bolt should be a minimum of 3mm and the diameter should be 50% bigger than the dowel hole size but no more than twice the diameter of the dowel. Either the nuts and washer shall be counter-sunk in the base or sufficient provision shall be made in the foundation slab for them to be accommodated.
Minimum recommended torque:
- Up to 12mm – 40Nm (30lb/ft)
- Up to 16mm – 90Nm (65lb/ft)
Care shall be taken not to over-tighten the nuts and a suitable membrane shall be placed between plate and base to prevent movement and impact damage to both.
Each section (i.e. the cross and each of the steps) should be doweled to the next section and the cross should be both doweled and fully bedded to the top step and the dowel holes should be used in order to prevent twisting.
Where a cross has been joggled, one dowel in the centre is sufficient. In other cases two dowels should be used in order to prevent twisting. Each step should then be independently doweled to the step below, with dowels, and the bottom step should be doweled to the foundation.
Dowel size:
To determine the size of the dowel between the cross and the first block/tier, measure the height of the cross with the first block/tier and refer to the dowel size table.
For all dowels between the other blocks, the minimum recommended size is 100mm (4”) in length and 12mm (1/2”) in diameter. As for all memorials, the foundation used shall be appropriate to both the size, weight and design of the cross and the prevailing ground conditions.
The amount of memorial plate below ground level shall be equivalent to at least 25% of that above ground level. These memorials shall be fixed either by setting securely into a concrete or hardstone shoe or doweled direct onto a concrete or hardstone foundation slab of the necessary thickness.
Type of foundation |
Minimum size of plan |
Minimum thickness |
Minimum depth |
Pre-cast concrete slab conforming to the relevant B.S. |
Always wider than the plate |
65mm (2.5”) |
300mm (12”) |
|
Other than above |
Always wider than the plate |
75mm (3”) |
300mm (12”) |
Where concrete foundations are over 900mm (3’), the slab should be reinforced.
Infilling: It is recommended that concrete infilling around the memorial should be used; such infilling to extend from the bottom of the stone to just below ground level.
Other below ground foundations:
Bricks: If bricks are used underground they shall:
- Conform to the relevant British Standards and
- Be of the appropriate durability designation in accordance with the principles of the relevant British Standards.
Concrete Blocks: If concrete blocks are used underground they shall conform to the relevant British Standard.
In addition to the fixings detailed below, an adhesive suitable for the purpose and conforming to the relevant British Standard shall be applied between the plate and the foundation.
Drilling of Dowel Holes: All dowel holes shall be drilled with great care to ensure the sides of the holes are not fractured in any way.
Filling of Dowel Holes: Attention shall be given to the careful filling and sealing of all dowel holes and a good quality adhesive or cement shall be used.
Number and Type of Dowels:
2 solid stainless steel dowels (smooth or threaded), or 2 solid fully galvanised dowels – galvanised to the relevant British Standard.
Where the memorial consists of a lawn memorial set as a separate entity within a kerb surround, the lawn memorial and the kerb surround shall be erected in accordance with previous recommendations.
Foundations:
Single grave space: The kerb surround shall be fixed on a suitable one-piece foundation which is at least slightly larger than the surround.
Multiple Grave Spaces – Sectional Foundations: For reasons of practicality, sectional foundations are usually necessary in the case of multiple grave spaces.
Fixing the sections: The sections shall be fixed securely, using solid stainless steel (grade 304 or higher), non-ferrous or fully galvanised dowels or cramps (galvanised to the relevant BS)
Dowel Sizes:
Minimum Diameter |
Minimum Total Length |
Minimum Length into each section being joined |
|
12mm (0.5”) |
150mm (6”) |
75mm (3”) |
Supporting the Joints: All joints must be fully supported by a suitable load-bearing foundation.
Sloping Ground: The fixing of kerb memorials on sloping ground requires special consideration as it is to some extent dependant upon site conditions. The general rules that foundations shall be of even thickness laid plumb across the contour and with a minimum of slope with the contour to allow effective drainage, to avoid problems of soil slip and erosion
Fixing Plate to Foundation: In addition to the fixings detailed below, an adhesive suitable for the purpose and conforming to the relevant B.S. shall be applied between the plate and the foundation. For details of the correct mixing and application of cement and resin.
The memorial plate shall be either: -
a) Fixed to the foundation using a ground support system which conforms to the standards laid down by this Recommended Code
Or, (where a one-piece foundation is being used,)
b) Doweled to the foundation (Dry dowels must not be used)
Fixing Kerbs and Posts: These shall be fixed securely, using solid stainless steel (grade 304 or higher), non-ferrous or fully galvanised dowels or cramps (galvanised to the relevant British Standard.).
Size of Dowels:
Minimum diameter |
Minimum Total Length |
Minimum Length into each component being joined |
|
10mm |
75mm (3”) |
Approx. 38mm (1.5”) |
Foundations: The fixing of kerb memorials on sloping ground may require special consideration, as it is to some extent dependant upon site conditions.
Single grave space: The kerb surround shall be fixed on a suitable one-piece foundation which is at least slightly larger than the surround. Sectional foundations are not recommended unless they are set on top of a suitable one-piece foundation. However, it is recognised that there may be a few situations where the design prohibits this.
Multiple Grave Spaces – Sectional Foundations: For reasons of practicality, sectional foundations are usually necessary in the case of multiple grave spaces
All other details to confirm to recommendations for Upright Memorials with Kerbs
Foundations and dowel sizes shall be as indicated for Lawn Memorial Foundations
Fixing Rest to Base:
Dowels |
Dowel Holes |
||||||
Height of memorial |
Diameter of dowel |
Total length of dowel |
Length of dowel in rest |
Length of dowel in base |
Dia. of dowel hole in rest |
Dia. of dowel hole in base |
Min. contact area between each rest & the base |
Up to 600mm (2’) |
16mm |
100mm (4”) |
50mm (2”) |
50mm (2”) |
20mm |
24mm |
75mm x 100mm |
Fixing Book/Tablet to Rests: Threaded stainless steel dowels and resin shall be used. This assembly must be completed in the workshop prior to fixing. Cement has been found to be insufficiently strong for this purpose and threaded dowels are used in order to give a proper key for the resin.
Fixing Book/Tablet to Rest(s):-
Dowel sizes - Minimum |
Dowel holes | ||||
Diameter |
Total length |
Length into book/plaque |
Length into rest |
Dia. In both rest and book/plaque |
Position |
12mm (if a thicker dowel is used the dowel hole may be increased accordingly |
60mm (2.5”) |
30mm (1.25”) |
30mm (1.25”) |
16mm (i.e. 4mm larger than dowel) |
Midway on the inclined face of the tick ore support rests or as near as possible) |
Where the memorial is on tick rests, the lip shall be at right angles to the slope of the rest and deep enough to support the memorials weight. Where support rests are used, a ‘V’; groove or channel shall also be cut into the surface of the base into which the bottom edge of the book can fit. This groove or channel shall be of sufficient depth as to prevent any forward movement of the book. Where low risers are used (i.e. the tablet is set at ground level but raised at a low angle by means of a riser), When fixed at an angle of more than 10o to the horizontal, two adjacent parts of the memorial should be doweled together.
Recumbent Tablets: Shall always be fixed on adequate foundations with a minimum of 10 0 slant and a drainage hole provided in the ground at the foot of the slope.
Wall Plaques: Fixed with stainless steel, non-ferrous or fully galvanised dowels that should slope at least 10o from the horizontal.
The back of the plaque shall be roughened and fixed to the wall with mortar or resin using a guide template for drilling the holes in the wall.
Exposed Surfaces:
Finish: The selected finish of the memorial shall be of an even character except when a natural or quarried face has been chosen
Scratches: Exposed faces of memorials shall be free from scratches. All natural surface holes shall be filled, if required.
Remove the Arris: If it is necessary to remove the arris, the chamfer formed shall be equal along its length and all corners and checks shall be properly squared, unless the design dictates otherwise.
Lettering:
Legibility & spacing: The inscription shall be legible and the letters spaced in a ratio suitable to their size. The edges of the letters shall be clearly defined (except when illegibility is caused by the style of lettering requested by the customer).
Paints & other applied finishes: shall be carefully chosen as being suitable for memorial work and shall be applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
Additional Inscriptions: shall be cut/engraved in a style compatible with the original
Tidiness: Memorials and surrounding areas shall be left in a clean and tidy condition.
Specification for memorial foundation concrete:
Concrete for memorial foundations shall be proportioned so as to remain strong and durable throughout the life of the memorial. Concrete should comprise the following constituents
Ordinary Portland Cement
Sharp sand
Aggregate
Water
Should any additive or admixture be included in the concrete mix, the manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed carefully.
The materials shall be combined in the following order and in the proportions set out below:
Mix cement and sand together 1 part cement/2 parts sharp sand
Add aggregate to san/cement mixture 4 parts aggregate
Add water to san/cement/aggregate mixture water/cement ratio: 0:4
Concrete should be mixed over a non-porous surface such as 1000-gauge polythene or painted timber board. Concrete should not be mixed when ambient temperature is near to or below freezing or if it is predicted that the temperature will fall below freezing within 12 hours of the concrete being mixed.
All materials should be weighed prior to mixing. Batching by volume should be avoided
Cement must be stored in dry conditions and must not be lumpy at the time of use.
Sand should be clean, washed, Zone 2 sharp concreting sand, containing no deleterious material. Aggregate should have a maximum particle size of 25mm.
Water should be adjusted were the sand or aggregate is already wet. It should be potable and at normal supply temperature.
Concrete should be placed within 1 hour of mixing. Concrete that begins to harden prior to placing should be discarded. Once placed the concrete should be fully compacted to remove entrapped air. This should be done either by using a poker vibrator or by tamping the surface until air bubbles cease to develop on the surface. If a towelled finish is desired, the surface must not be towelled in such a manner as to produce an excess of laitance.
Cement: When using cement to secure dowels, it is important that the dowel holes are properly filled. Precautions should be taken to ensure the cement is not allowed to come out of the holes during fixing. This may require the plate to be held upside down while the dowels are being inserted and until the cement has set.
Surfaces: All surfaces to be fixed shall be completely roughened to form a good key for lasting adhesion. This applies equally to the memorial plate, base and foundation/s. Except where the design of the fixing system being used dictates otherwise, all meeting surfaces shall be fully bedded. All joints shall be properly pointed.
N.B. When using porous stone (e.g. Portland and sandstone) the stone should be pre-wetted to avoid hydraulic shock
Resins: All the manufacturers’ instructions must be strictly adhered to and all surfaces to be joined must be clean, dry and free from dust. When using resin to secure dowels, it is important that the dowel holes are properly filled. Precautions should be taken to ensure the resin is not allowed to come out of the holes during fixing. This may require the plate to be held upside down while the dowels are being inserted and until the resin has hardened.
The following methods of fixing memorials to the ground have passed the criteria for testing laid down by NAMM
- NAMM’s Ground Support Fixing System
- Myatt & Leason’s Memorial Anchor System
- W. Burt’s Memorial Fixing System
- Fixing Directly into the Ground
When a memorial has to be dismantled or removed, either for additional work to be carried out or for a further interment, great care shall be taken to minimise the risk of damage to it and any other memorial in the vicinity. Unless exceptional circumstances are present, all materials, foundations and headstones should be removed from the site until such time as the memorial can be re-erected
PERMITTED SIZE OF MONUMENTS
`
Lawn Type Graves
This is where a burial plot is in a lawned area, where headstones are uniformly erected, with a maximum size of 750mm (30”) high x 600mm (24”) wide x 100mm (4”) thick set on a plinth with a maximum size of 750mm (30”) long x 300mm (12”) wide with a maximum of 100mm (4”) showing above surrounding ground level. Where the ground is sloping, the rear of the headstone is to be laid level with the surrounding ground, with any build up of the foundations to be at the front of the headstone.
Headstone and kerb
This is when a full grave memorial or kerbs are laid on the plot. The kerbs should be of maximum dimensions 1950mm (6’ 11”) length x 900mm (2’ 11”) width set on a base of maximum size 2100mm x 900mm (7’ x 3’). The Council has only a restricted number of this type of plot remaining, which are located at Blaenogwr, Bridgend, Gelliron, Glynogwr, Maesteg, Pencoed, Pwllypant, Porthcawl, Sarn and Cornelly Cemeteries.
As this form of memorial is dependent on local conditions, advice should be sought from the Burials Officer on any specific restrictions associated with cemetery conditions.
Sloping Tablet
Over a full grave a sloping flat tablet can be laid with a maximum size of 525mm (21”) length x 450mm (18”) width with a 100mm (4”) height reducing to 50mm (2”) over the length.
Where this memorial is laid for a cremation plot the size of tablet is restricted to maximum of 450mm (18”) height x 375mm (15”) width with a 100mm (4”) height reducing to 50mm (2”) over the length.
Open Book Memorial
Similar in layout to the Lawn Type Grave but where the size of memorial is restricted to 600mm (24”) width x 450mm (18”) height x 75mm (3”) thickness. The base is to be no greater than 675mm (27”) length x 450mm (18”) width and a maximum of 75 mm (3”) above ground level in the shape of an open book. Within some cemeteries the book stone must be laid flat.
Where this memorial is laid for a cremation plot the open book memorial size must be a maximum of 450mm (18”) length x 400mm (16”) height. The base is to be no greater than 500 mm (20”) length x 400mm (16”) width and a maximum of 50 mm (2”) above ground level which is in proportion to the available plot.
Alternatively, a wedge construction can be utilised with maximum dimensions 450mm (18”) length x 400mm (16”) height with a 75mm (3”) thickness reducing to 50mm (2”) over the height. The base is to be no greater than 500mm (20”) length x 400mm (16”) and a maximum of 50mm (2”) above ground level.
Cremation Plots
These are a reduced plot size, which will receive up to 2 caskets. The memorial stone is reduced to a maximum of 450mm (18”) height x 375mm (15”) width x 50mm (2”) thickness with a maximum base size 450mm (18”) length x 400mm (16”) width and a maximum of 50mm (2”) above ground level, which is in proportion to the available plot.
Cremation Tablet
A polished stone tablet 225mm (9”) by 300mm (12”) is laid flat or at a specified angle within the ground.
Children’s Garden of Remembrance – Laleston Cemetery
Burial Section
All memorials utilised for adult cremation plots will be permissible in this area.
Cremation Section
Cremation tablets 300mm (12”) width by 225mm (9”) depth laid flat, can be accommodated within the designated memorial area. In addition, any memorial vase or garden plaque and spike will be acceptable but details must be provided to the Burials Officer.
- Last Updated: 09/07/2009
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