Brick Masonry
Brick masonry is an important element of the structure of a building done using bricks and cement mortar. Brick masonry is done in construction with different quality of bricks with different mix proportional of cement mortar as required.
It is used in different parts of the building as per the requirement /architectural design of the building.
In brick masonry, bricks are defined as the placement of bricks according to the design bond to form a suitable bonding and wall together. Which can safely withstand a large amount of pressure coming from the structure of the building.
The construction of brick masonry can be found in some ancient architectural works around the world, from the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China.
What Is Brick Masonry?
Brick masonry is the process of laying bricks on a mortar bed. The wall is formed as an element in the structure of the building. Which can safely transfer the load from the superstructure to the foundation.
Lime and cement mortar is used in brick masonry in permanent types of construction. But in some cases, mud mortar is used in temporary brick masonry.
A ratio of 1: 3 is usually used for cement mortar in brick masonry. This means that one part of cement is mixed with 3 parts of sand for the preparation of cement mortar. In which 70% of the weight of cement for mortar is added to the water mixture.
Types of Brick Masonry
1. Cement Mortar Used in Brick masonry
Cement brick masonry involves laying bricks on a bed of cement mortar. Cement brick masonry has three classifications as shown below.
1.1. First Class Brick Masonry in Mortar 1:4
Brick masonry is done in mortar in a 1: 4 ratio of cement and sand. This mortar has high strength in brick masonry. The following construction works are recommended first-class brick masonry.
- In earthquake zones
- Heavyweight /load-bearing walls
- Brick pillars
- Multi-story buildings
- Brickworks used for drainage
- Partition or 4.5 inch thick walls
- Brickworks used for drainage
1.2. First Class Brick Masonry in Mortar 1:4
Second-class bricks and 1:4 proportion cement mortar are used in second-class brick masonry. These second-class bricks are not very regular or in shape.
Second-class brick has a minimum crushing strength of 70 kg per square meter. Which should not be used for load-bearing walls in two-story buildings.
1.3. Third Class Brick Work
Third-class bricks and cement mortar are used in third-class brick masonry. In any government work, third-class brick is not done in brick masonry. This type of brick masonry is usually done for temporary work in the private sector.
2. Brick Masonry in Mud
Mud is used as a mortar in brick masonry is temporarily work. In this masonry work, the thickness of the mortar joint is 12 mm.
This type of brick masonry is the cheapest masoanry. Mud mortar is used in the construction of walls for a maximum height of 4 meters.
Brick Masonry Construction
Materials and Equipment Used of Brick Masonry Construction
- Tape measure
- Hose, level, or theodolite
- Mortar Mix or Mason Mix Bricks
- Hammer
- Trowel Level
- Jointer
- Wheelbarrow
- Goggles
- other Equipment.
Brick Masonry Construction Preparations
First, check the soil level at the site using theodolite or transparent level tube. Set the alignment according to the layout plan of the structure of the building.
The wall layout is marked according to the layout plan of the building using gypsum powder, chalk. Bricks are distributed in various stacks at the project site to reduce time and effort during brick masonry.
The bricks are wetted with water a few hours before work. Which avoids the brick absorbing water from the mortar. Therefore, the strength of the mortar is improved.
Also Read :Â What Is Rat Trap Bond? | Construction of Rat Trap Bond | Advantages & Disadvantages of Rat Trap Bond in Masonry Work
Brick Masonry Construction Procedure
Mortar mix properly in water. Therefore, it can be used in simple and plastic mortar brick masonry.
Then, using a trowel, place the mortar evenly along the line of the foundation in a 25mm thick.
Calculate the layer of brick for proper brick masoanry height. Next, check the plumb and level of bricks of each layer constructed of brick masonry.
Place in a mortar line for the layer of brick masonry of the second course corresponding to the first course. Then, start the construction of brick masonry in the second course.
For structural purposes of brick, masoanry is done using two half bricks at the beginning of the second-course layer. After laying the brick in the second course of brick masonry, a plumb and level check should be done.
In the construction of brick masonry walls, like the first course in the third and fifth layers, the stretcher and the fourth course start with a single header, then the brick masoanry is formed by repeating the stretcher and header.
Point to Consider in Brick Masonry Construction
The following points should generally be supervised in the construction of brick masonry,
- The verticle of the wall should be confirmed by frequent inspections with a plumb-bob during brick masonry work.
- It should have masoanry work using good quality bricks.
- A minimum of brick bat should be used in brickwork.
- In brick masonry work the joints are kept to a depth of 12 to 20 mm. Which can be used as a key for plastering or pointing.
- In a day mason will be prevented from doing walls of more than 1.5 meters height.
- Brick masoanry work should be cured regularly for 2 weeks.
- The layer of the brick course should be checked perfectly horizontally.
- In brick masonry construction the thickness of the bed made of mortar should be 10 mm.
- When the brick masoanry construction stops working, the brick layer should be left with serrated ends.
Brick Masonry in the Foundation
The brick masonry work in the foundation is constructed to transfer the load of the superstructure to the ground. The width of the brick masonry in the foundation is designed according to the load placed on it.
The load of the superstructure is made in the foundation below the plinth level by various steps in brick masoanry. Brick masonry for the foundation should be made according to the drawing and design.
Brick Masonry in Superstructure
Brick masonry work above plinth level is known as brick masoanry in the super structure. The brick masoanry made in the superstructure safely transfers the load of the RCC beams and slabs to the base of the walls.
In the super structure, openings are kept in the brick masonry for the arrangement of doors, windows, and ventilators. In addition, brickwork is used to divide the required room in the building. Brick masonry in exterior walls is used for the elevation of the building.
Brick Masonry in the Parapet
The brick masoanry built on the roof slab on the terrace is known as the parapet walls. Parapet walls are built to protect homeowners from falling using terraces.
The parapet wall also enhances the beauty of the building through various designs.
Brick Masonry in Partition Walls/half Brick Walls
Partition walls are used to divide the space into different sizes according to the design of the building. This type of brick wall has a thickness of 4.5 inches. Due to the thin part of the wall in the building, space can be used sparingly.
These types of walls usually do not transfer any load of the super structure, so the room can be easily changed when the building needs an alternative. Thin walls are used economically in a building.
Advantage of Brick Masonry
- The opening for doors and windows can be easily made in the construction of brick masonry.
- Since the bricks used in brick masoanry have the same shape and size, they can be easily shaped in construction.
- Brick masonry construction can be done for thin walls.
- Brick masoanry usually has 25 mortar joints. Which uses less mortar than stone masonry.
- Brick masonry has more fire and weather resistance than stone masoanry.
- Since brick is light in weight, in brick masonry, its installation can be done easily.
- Brick-like material is easily found around cities. Brick masonry reduces the transport cost of bricks
- Brick masonry various of mortars can be used as needed. Mud mortar can be used in Brick masonry for unimportant schemes.
- It is possible to break the brick masonry easily. Therefore, its renovation is easier, less time-consuming.
Disadvantage of Brick Masoanry
- Brick masonry has less strength than stone masonry made from natural stone.
- The rough surface of brick masonry requires plastering. Brick masonry has to incur periodic maintenance costs.
- Brick masonry absorbs water in the rainy season. Therefore, the room is likely to dampness.
- Brick masonry cannot offer more natural architectural effects than stone masonry.
What Is Brick Masonry Used For?
Brick masonry is a sturdy form of construction where bricks are systematically placed in a mortar to create a solid structure. Brick is one of the most durable and versatile building materials used for both commercial and residential homes.
How Many Types of Brick Masonry Are There?
The four types are brickwork in mud, brickwork in cement or lime mortar – I class, II class, and III class.
What Is Brick Masonry Explain Various Types of Brick Masonry?
Brick masonry is defined as the placement of bricks in a systematic manner using mortar to bind the bricks together and create a solid mass that can withstand a great deal of pressure. Different types of bricks and mortars are used to construct brick masonry.
What Are the Materials Used in Brick Masonry?
Masonry materials include clay, concrete, and calcium silicate in which a wide variety of unit sizes, forms, and colors are produced. Mortars are usually cement/sand with either lime or a plasticizer added to improve workability.
What Is Brick Masonry Construction?
Brick Masonry Definition; It is a very highly durable form of construction. It is constructed by placing a brick in mortar in such a systematic way to construct a solid structure, that withstands applied burdens. The bond between two bricks in brick masonry, which adheres bricks together.
What Is the Use of Brick Masonry?
Brick masonry is defined as the placement of bricks in a systematic manner using mortar to bind the bricks together and create a solid mass that can withstand a great deal of pressure.
Why Is Brick Masonry Preferred Over Stone Masonry?
Brick masonry is more fire-resistant than stone masonry. Good ornamental work can be cheaply and easily done in plaster in the case of brick masonry, but it is not possible in stone masonry. Being uniform and regular in shape, the proper bond can be easily obtained in the case of bricks as compared with stones.
What Are the Types of Masonry Work?
In simplicity, there are two main types of masonry work, veneer, and solid masonry. Veneer masonry is usually put to use for aesthetic purposes as opposed to creating a sturdy structure. This type of masonry includes pasting together materials to the outside of another structure, which provides the base for support.
What Is the Measurement Unit for Brick Masonry in Superstructure?
The main brickwork is measured in cubic meters, and brickwork in partition i.e., one brick thickness is measured in square meters specifying its thickness. Brick masonry in the foundation and up to plinth is included under one item and the brickwork in superstructure is measured separately.
What Is a Brick Masonry Structure?
Brick masonry is a highly durable form of construction. It is built by placing bricks in mortar in a systematic manner to construct a solid mass that withstands exerted loads. The bond in brick masonry, which adheres bricks together, is produced by filling joints between bricks with suitable mortar.
Which Should Be Avoided in Brick Masonry?
Vertical joints
What Are the Disadvantages of Brick Masonry?
- Not as strong as other materials such as stone.
- Not as durable compared to stone.
- Brick masonry needs plastering done to finish a project which can raise
- construction costs.
- Brick absorbs water which will cause dampness and damage over time.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Stone Masonry Over Brick Masonry?
Stone masonry doesn’t need them and hence maintenance cost is more in brick masonry. Brick masonry absorbs water and there is possibility of dampness. There is no such problem in stone masonry. More architectural effects can be given in stone masonry compared to that in brick masonry.
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