Category: Masonry Construction

Brickwork should be systematically done keeping in view the bonding, jointing and finishing. The laying of brick masonry is practically the same for all types of constructions. But some special considerations have to be given to each case. Mortar of 10 cm thickness is first spread. Bricks soaked in water (so as to prevent absorption…

Table 16.2 gives a comparison of English and Flemish bonds. Table 16.2 Comparison of English and Flemish bond

It is the process of arranging bricks in courses to ensure that vertical joints do not come one over the other. A wall built without any continuous vertical joint shall distribute the load properly and shall also be more strong and durable. 1. Stretcher Band In this type of bond, all courses are laid as…

Bricks and mortar are the materials used. Bricks may be of first, second, third or fourth class depending on the type of work. As a general rule, the strength of a mortar need not be more than that of the bricks. Plasters should be more plastic and made of fine sand. Sand for mortar should…

Main tools used for brick laying are trowel, plumb bob, bolster, tri-square, lime and pins, sprit level, and brick hammer. Figure 16.3 shows the above tools and is explained below. Figure 16.3 Common brick laying tools 1. Trowel Brick trowel is usually about 30 cm long with a steel blade and a handle. The blade has…

Some of the terms which are used in brick masonry are defined below. 1. Header A brick laid with its breadth or width parallel to the face or direction of a wall. 2. Stretcher A brick laid with its length parallel to the face or direction of the wall. 3. Bed The lower surface of…

As bricks are comparatively small in size, they can be handled easily. Further, brick being uniform in size can be arranged systematically and bonded together with mortar to form a homogeneous mass, which is called brick masonry. The materials used for brick masonry are bricks, mortar and specially shaped bricks. Mortar helps to bind the…

As per the old convention, masonry is a term used to indicate the art of building structures in stones using mortar and stone. But in a simplified form, it may be defined as construction of building units bonded together with mortar. The building units may be brick, stone, concrete, hollow blocks, etc. The selection of…