BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

BRICK MASONARY

By:
Ms. Snigdha Roy
Assistant Professor,
GSA, Hyderabad
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Brick Masonry
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A brick is rectangular in shape and of size that can be conveniently handled with one hand.

density of brick range= 2.5 –2.8 g/cm3

.

Modulus of elasticity = 5-30 N/mm2

.

Size of brick = 19 x 9 x 9 cm or 19 x 9 x 4 cm.

An indent called frog 1-2 cm deep is provided

Size of frog = 10 x 4 x 1 cm.

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Ingredients of good brick earth

Sr no Ingredients Limit (%)
1 Silica 50-60%
2 Alumina 20-30%
3 Lime 10%
4 Magnesia < 1%
Ferric Oxide <7%
Alkalis <10%
5 Carbon Dioxide
Sulphur trioxide Very small percentage
Water 4
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Function of Various Ingredients
Silica
It enables the brick to retain its shape, impart durability, and prevent shrinkage and warping. Excess of silica makes the
brick brittle and weak on burning.
Alumina
Absorb water and renders the clay plastic. If it present in excess, it produce crack in brick on drying.
Lime
Reduces the shrinkage on drying
Causes silica in clay to melt on burning and thus help to bind it
In carbonated form, lime lowers the fusion point.
Excess of lime causes the brick to melt and the brick looses its shape.
Magnesia
Affects the color and makes the brick yellow. In burning, it causes the clay to soften at slower rate than does lime and
reduces warping.
Iron
Gives red color on burning when excess of oxygen is available and dark brown or even black color when oxygen
available is insufficient. However, excess of ferric oxide makes the brick dark blue.
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Classification of Clay Bricks
Based on field practice

Clay bricks are classified as first class, second class, third class and fourth class based on physical and mechanical
properties.
First clay bricks
Thoroughly burnt and are of deep red, cherry or copper color

Surface should be smooth and rectangular, with parallel, sharp and straight edges and square corners.
Should be free from flaws, cracks and stones
Should have uniform texture
No impression should be left on the brick when a scratch is made by finger nail.

A metallic or ringing sound should come when two bricks are struck against each other.

Water absorption should be 12-15% of its dry weight when immersed in cold water for 24 hours.
The crushing strength should not be less than 10 N/mm2
.
These bricks recommended for pointing, exposed face w ork in masonr y
structures, flooring and reinforced brick work.
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Second Class Bricks

Are supposed to have the same requirement as the first class bricks except that

Small cracks and distortions are permitted

A little higher water absorption of about 16-20% of its dry weight is allowed.

The crushing strength should not be less than 7.0 N/mm2

.

These bricks are recommended for all important or unimportant masonry works
and centering of reinforced brick and reinforced cement concrete structures
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Third Class Bricks

These are under burnt. They are soft and light-colored producing a dull sound when

struck against each other. Water absorption is about 25% of dry weight.

it is used for building temporary structures.

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On strength

On the basis of use : Common bricks, Facing Bricks, Engineering Bricks

On the basis of finish: Sand-faced bricks, Rustic Brick

On the basis of Manufacture: Hand Made, Machine Made

On the basis of Burning: Pale Bricks, Body Bricks, Arch Bricks

On the basis of types: Solid, Perforated, Hollow, Cellular

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Brick Masonry
Brick masonry is made of brick units, bonded together with mortar. Two essential components

of brick masonry are therefore.

I.
Bricks
II.
Mortar
Mortar acts as a cementing material and unites the individual brick units together to act as

a homogeneous mass. Following types of mortar may be used in brick masonry.

1. Cement Mortar

2. Lime Mortar

3. Lime-Surkhi Mortar

4. Mud Mortar

5. Lime-Cement Mortar
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Cement mortar are used for high-rise buildings, where strength is of prime importance.

Lime mortar and lime-surkhi mortars are used for all types of construction

Mud mortar is used only for low-rise building which carry light loads.

Lime cement mortar known as guarded mortar or gauged mortar is made by mixing cement and lime. The advantages are

increased water retentivity, workability, bonding properties and frost resistance. The mortar gives good and smooth

plaster finish.

The chief properties of hardened mortar are strength, development of good bond with building units, resistance to

weathering and those of green mortar mixes are mobility, playability and water retention. In addition, the mortar should

be cheap and durable and should not affect the durability of building units in contact. The joint made with

mortarshould not develop cracks.

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Some Definitions
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Stretcher : A stretcher is the longer face of the brick (i.e. 19 cm x 9 cm) as seen in

the elevation of the wall. A course of brick in which all the bricks are laid as stretchers on facing is known as a stretcher

course or stretching course

Header : A header is the shorter face of the brick (i.e. 9 cm x 9 cm) . A course of bricks in which all the bricks are laid as
header on the facing is known as header course or heading course.

Lap : Lap is the horizontal distance between the vertical joints of successive brick courses.

Perpend: A perpend is an imaginary vertical line which includes the vertical joint separating two adjoining bricks.

Bed: Bed is the lower surface (19cm x 9cm) of the brick when laid flat
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Closer : It is a portion of a brick with the cut made longitudinally,

and is used to close up bond at the end of the course. A closer helps in preventing the joints of successive sources

(higher or lower) to come in vertical line. Closer may be of various types, defined below.
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Queen Closer: it is a portion of a brick

obtained by cutting a brick lengthwise

into two portions. Thus a queen closer is a brick which
is half as wide as full brick. This is also known as queen
closer half. When a queen closer is broken into two
pieces, it is known as queen closer quarter. Such as
closer is thus a brick piece which is one quarter of the
brick size.
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King Closer
It is the portion of a brick which is so cut that the width
of one its end is half that of a full brick, while the
width at the other end is equal to the full width. It is
thus obtained by cutting the triangular piece
between the center of one end and the centre of the
other side. It is half header and half stretcher face.
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Beveled Closer

It is a special form of a king closer in which the

whole length of brick (i.e. stretcher face) is
beveled in such a way that half width is
maintained at one end and full width is
maintained at the other end
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MitredCloser

It is a portion of a brick whose one end is cut

splayed or mitred for full width. The angle of
splay may vary from 45° to 60°.

Thus one longer face of the mitred closer is of full

length of the brick while the other longer face
is smaller in length.
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Bat : it is the portion of the brick cut across the width. Thus, a bat

smaller in length than the full brick. If the length of the bat is equal to
half the length of the original brick, it is known as half bat. A three quarter bat is the one having its length equal to

three quarter of the length of a full brick. If a bat has its width beveled, it is known as beveled bat.
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Arris: it is the edge of the brick

Bull Nose: it is a special molded brick with one edge rounded (single bull nose) or with two edge round
(double bull nose). These are use in copings or in such positions were rounded corners are preferred to
sharp arises.

Splays: these are special molded bricks which are often used to form plinth. Splay stretcher (plinth
stretcher) and splay header (plinth header)
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Dogleg or angle : it is also special form of molded bricks which are

used to ensure a satisfactory bond at quoins which are at an angle

other than right angle. The angle and lengths of the faces forming the dogleg vary
according to requirements. These are preferred to mitered closer.

Quoin: it is a corner on the external angle on the face side of a wall.

Generally, quoin are at right angles. But, in some cases, they may be at angle greater than
90°also.
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Frog orkick

A frog is an indentation in the face of a brick to form a key for holding the mortar. When frog is only on one face, that
brick is laid with that face on the top. Sometimes, frog are provided on both the faces. However, no frogs are provided
in wire cut bricks. A pressed brick has two frogs and a hand made brick has only one frog.
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Racking Back: It is the termination of a wall in a fashion stepped

Toothing: it is the termination of the wall in such a fashion that each alternate course at the end projects in order to
provide adequate bond if the wall is continued horizontally at a later stage.
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Bonds in Brick Work

Bond is the interlacement of bricks, formed when they lay (or

project beyond) chose immediately below or above them. It is the

method of arranging the bricks in courses so that individual units are tied together and the vertical joints of the
successive courses do not lie in same vertical line. Bond of various types are distinguished by their elevation or face
appearance. Bricks used in masonry are of all of uniform size.

If they are not arranged properly continuous vertical joint will result. An unbonded wall, with its continuous vertical
joints has little strength and stability. Bonds help in distributing the concentrated loads over a larger area.
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Types of Bonds
Stretcher Bond Header Bond
English Bond Flemish Bond
Facing Bond English Cross Bond
Brick on edge bond Dutch Bond
Raking Bond Zigzag Bond
Garden wall bond
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Stretcher Bond
In this bond all the bricks are laid as stretchers on the faces of walls. The length of the bricks
are thus along the direction of the wall. This pattern is used only for those walls which have
thickness of half brick, such as those used in partition walls, sleeper walls, division walls or
chimney stacks. The bond is not possible if the thickness of the wall is more

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Header Bond
Header bond is the one in which all the bricks are laid as headers

on the face of walls. The width of the brick are thus along the
direction of the walls. The pattern is used only when the thickness of the wall is equal to one brick. The overlap is

kept equal to half the width of the brick. This is achieved by using three-quarter brick bats in each alternate courses

as quoins. This bond does not have strength to transmit pressure in the direction of the length of the wall. As such it

unsuitable for load bearing walls.

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English Bond
This is the most common used bond, for all wall thickness. This bond is considered to be the strongest. The bond

consist of alternate courses of header and stretchers. In this bond, the vertical joints of the header courses come over

each other. Similarly, the vertical joints of the stretcher courses also come over each other. In order to break the vertical

joints in the successive courses, it is essential to place queen closer after the first header (quoin header) in each heading

course. Also, only header are used for hearting of thicker wall.
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 1,3,5… Course 2,4,6 …
Course

Plan for I brick thick wall 1,3,5… Course 2,4,6 …

Course

Plan for I ½ brick thick wall

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Essential Features
1. Alternative courses will show either headers or stretchers in

elevation

2. Every alternate header comes centrally over the joint between two stretchers in course below.

3. In the stretcher course, the stretchers have a minimum lap of 1/4th their length over headers.

4. There is no continuous joint

5. Wall of even multiple of half bricks (i.e. 1 brick thick wall, 2-brick thick wall, 3- bricks thick wall)
present the same appearance on both faces. Thus a course showing stretchers on the front face
will also show stretchers on the back face.
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5. Wall of odd multiple of half bricks (i.e. 1 ½ brick thick wall, 2 ½

brick thick wall etc.) will show stretchers on one face and header on the other face.

6. The hearting (middle portion) of each of the thicker walls consist entirely of header.

7. At least every alternate transverse joint is continuous from face to face.

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8. A header course should never start with queen’s closer, as it will get displaced. The queen’s closer
should be placed just next to the quoin header. Queen’s closers are not required in stretcher courses.

9. Since the number of vertical joints in the header course are twice the number of vertical joints in the
stretcher course, the joint in the header course are made thinner than the joints in the stretcher
course.
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Flemish Bond
In this type of bond, each course is comprised of alternate headers and

stretchers. Every alternate course starts with a header at the corner

(i.e. quoin header). Quoin closer are placed next to the quoin header in alternate courses to develop the face

lap. Every header is centrally supported over the stretcher below it.

Flemish bond are of two type.

Double Flemish Bond

Single Flemish Bond

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In the double Flemish bond, each course presents the same appearance both in the
front face as well as in the back face. Alternate headers and stretcher are laid in
each course. Because of this, double Flemish bond present better appearance than
English bond
H Q H H
S S S
H Q H H
S S S
H Q H
H
S S S
H Q H H
S H S H S S

Fig- Double Flemish Bond (Elevation)

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Special Features of Double Flemish Bond

1. Every course consists of headers and stretchers placed alternately

2. The facing and backing of the wall, in each course, have the same appearance

3. Quoin closer are used next to quoin headers in every alternate course.

4. In wall having thickness equal to odd multiple of half bricks, half bats and three quarter bats
are amply used.

5. For walls having thickness equal to even multiple of half brick, no bats are require. A header or
stretcher will come out as header or stretcher on the same course in front as well as back
faces.
Double Flemish Bond
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Single Flemish Bond

Single flemish bond is comprised of double flemish bond facing and English bond backing and hearting in each

course. This bond thus used the strength of English bond and appearance of flemish bond. However this

bond can be used for those walls having thickness at least equal to 1 ½ brick. Double flemish bond facing is

done with good quality expensive bricks. However cheaper bricks can be used for backing and hearting.
 1,3,5 -----Course 2,4,6 -----Course
H S

S B3
H
Q B3
S S B2 S S H S H S

S = Stretcher
Q= Queen’s Closer
B2 = Half Bat
B3 = ¾ Brick; B1 = Quarter Bat
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Comparison of English Bond and Flemish Bond

1. English bond is stronger than Flemish bond for wall thicker than 1

½ brick.

2. Flemish bond gives more pleasing appearance than the English

bond

3. Broken bricks can be used in the form of bats in Flemish bond. However, more mortar is required.

4. Construction with Flemish bond requires greater skill in comparison

to English bond.
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Facing Bond
This bond is used where bricks of different thickness are to be used in

the facing and backing of the wall. In this bond, a header course is
provided after several stretcher course. Since the thickness of bricks are different in the facing and backing, the

vertical distance between the successive header course is kept equal to the least common multiple of the

thickness of backing and facing bricks. Thus, if the nominal thickness of facing bricks is 10 cm and that of

backing bricks is 9 cm, the header course is provided at a vertical interval of 90 cm. this type of bond is not

structurally good and load distribution is not uniform.

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English Cross Bond

This is a modification of English bond, used to improve the

appearance of the wall. This bond combines the requirements of beauty and strength. Special features

of the bond are as follows:

1. Alternate courses of header and stretchers are provided as in English bond

2. Queen closer are placed next to quoin headers

3. A header is introduced next to the quoin stretcher in every alternate stretcher course.
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Brick on Edge Bond

This type of bond uses stretcher bricks on edges instead of bed. This bond is weak in strength, but is

economical. Hence it is used for garden walls, compound walls etc. Bricks are kept standing vertically

on end. The bricks are arranged as headers and stretchers in such a manner that headers are placed on

bed and stretchers are placed on edge thus forming a continuous cavity. Due to this, the bond

consumes less number of bricks.

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Dutch Bond
This is another modified form of English Bond. In this bond the corners of the wall are
strengthened. Special features of this type of bond is as follows.

1. Alternative courses of headers and stretchers are provided as in English bond.

2. Every stretcher course start at the quoin with a three-

quarter bat.

3. In every alternate stretcher course, a header is placed next to the three-quarter brick bat
provided at the quoin.
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Raking Bond
This bond is used in thick wall. In this type of bond, the bonding bricks are kept at an inclination to the direction of
the wall. Due to this, the longitudinal stability of thick wall built in English bond is very much increased. This bond
is introduced at certain intervals along the height of the wall. Special feature of raking bond is

1. The bricks are arranged in inclined direction, in the space between the external stretchers of the wall

2. The raking or inclination should be opposite direction inalternate courses of raking wall.

3. Raking bond is not provided in successive courses. It is provided at a regular interval of four to eight
courses in the height of awall
4. The raking course is generally provided between the two stretcher courses of the wall having thickness equal to
even multiple of half- bricks, to make the bond more effective.
Raking bonds are of two types:
Diagonal bond Herring-bone bond
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Zig Zag Bond

This bond is similar to herring-bone bond, except that the bricks are laid in zig-zag fashion. This
bond is commonly used for making ornamental panels in the brick flooring
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As the name suggests, this type of bond is used for the construction of garden walls, boundary walls,
compound walls, where the thickness of wall is one brick thick and the height does not exceed two
meters. This type of bond is not so strong as English Bond, but is more attractive. De to this reason,
it is sometimes used in the construction of outer leaves of cavity walls. Garden wall bonds are of
three types:

Garden wall English bond

Garden wall Flemish bond
Garden wall Monk bond
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Junctions

Junctions is that connection which is formed at the meeting of one (subsidiary) wall at same intermediate position

of another wall. When both these walls meet at right angles, we get a tee- junction, we have a cross-junction

or intersection. However, if the subsidiary wall meets the main wall at some intermediate point, and if the

angle formed between the two is other than a right angle, a squint junction isformed.
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Junctions are of the following types:

(a) Right angled junction

i. Tee Junction
ii. Intersection or cross junction
(b) Squint junction
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Tee Junction
(a) External and Internal walls in English Bond
Tee junction is formed when the internal walls at its end meets external wall at some
intermediate position. Tee-junctions can be either in English bond or in Flemish bond
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Figure shows a one-brick thick external

wall and a half brick thick internal wall

(partition wall), both walls being

constructed in English bond. Bond is

obtained by making alternate courses of

internal wall entering into the stretcher
course of the main wall. Due to this, lap of
half brick is obtained through the brick (shown
shaded). Alternate courses of both the walls
remain unbonded
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Figure shows the tee junction

between 1 ½ brick thick external wall

and one-brick thick internal (cross) wall, both

the walls being constructed in English bond.

Here, the header course of internal wall centers

the stretcher course of the main through half of

its width. Due to this, lap of quarter –brick is

obtained through the tie-brick, which is placed

near the queen closer (Q). Alternate course of

both the walls remain unbonded.

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It shows the Tee-junction between 1

½ brick thick external wall and 1 ½

brick thick internal wall, both the walls being
constructed in English bond. In alternate
courses, the header brick at the junction enters
the stretcher courses of the main wall. The tie-
brick (shown shaded), placed near the queen
closer (Q) furnishes a lap of quarter brick.
Additional courses of both the walls remain
unbonded.
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Figure shows the Tee-junction between 2- brick thick

main wall and 1 ½ brick thick cross wall, both the
walls being constructed in English bond. Here the
header course of internal wall enters the stretcher
course of the main wall through half of its width.
Due to this, lap of quarter brick is obtained through
the tie- brick (header brick) which is placed near
the queen closer (Q). Additional lap is obtained in
the same course, through placing a ¾ brick bat.
Here also, alternate courses of both the walls
remain unbonded.
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External wall in Flemish bond and internal wall in English

bond
It shows the Tee-junction for a brick

thick external wall in Double Flemish

bond and one brick thick internal wall in English

bond. The header course of internal wall enters into

the main wall, thus getting a lap of one- quarter

brick. The tie-brick (header course) is placed

adjacent to a queen closer. Alternate courses of both

the walls remain unbonded.

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Figure shows the Tee-junction for 2 brick thick

external wall in Double Flemish bond and 1 ½
brick thick internal wall in English bond. Here
also, the header course of the cross wall (internal wall)
enters the main wall, thus getting a lap of quarter
brick. The tie brick (header brick) is placed next to a
queen closer. Additional lap is obtained through the
stretcher brick of the same course of the internal wall,
which is placed adjacent to a ¾ brick bat of the main
wall. The alternate courses of both the walls remain
unbonded.
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Both external and internal walls in double Flemish bond

Figure shows the Tee- junction for a 1-brick thick main wall and ½ brick thick cross wall, both being constructed in
Double Flemish bond. The stretcher bricks of alternate courses of the cross wall enter into the main wall through
half brick length. Due to this, it is necessary to place a half-brick bat adjacent to it, in the main wall. The alternate
courses of each wall remain unbonded.

B2 = Half Brick
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Figure shows the Tee-junction for a

1 ½ brick thick main wall and one-

brick thick cross wall, both being constructed in

double Flemish bond. In alternate course, the

stretcher bricks of the cross wall enter into the

main wall through quarter brick. A queen closer

(Q) is placed next to it in the main wall.

Alternate courses of both the walls remain

unbonded
B2 = Half Brick
Q= Queen Closer
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F i g u re shows the Tee-junction for

two-brick thick main wall and 1 ½

brick thick cross-wall. Bonding is obtained
through a lap of one- quarter brick. It is
essential to use a queen closer and a ¾ brick
bat in the main wall, at the alternate courses
in which both the walls are bonded.
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Cross Junction or Intersection
A cross-junction is formed when two
internal walls cross each other at right
angles. One of the walls may be called as the
main wall while the other of lesser thickness as
cross wall.

Figure (a) shows a cross junction between 1 ½

brick thick main wall and 1 brick thick cross-
wall, both being constructed in English bond.
The header course of cross- wall enter into the
main wall: the tie bricks thus give a lap of
quarter brick on both sides. Alternate courses
of both the walls remain unbonded.
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Fig. (b) shows a cross junction

between two walls, each of 1 ½ brick thick
constructed in English bond. A lap of quarter
brick is obtained through header courses, on
both the sides. Alternate courses thus remain
unbonded.
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Fig. (c) shows a cross junction

between a 2 brick thick main wall

and 1 ½ brick thick cross wall. A quarter brick

lap is obtained on both sides thick main wall

and 1 ½ brick thick cross wall. A quarter brick

lap is obtained on both sides through the

header course. Additional lap is also obtained

through ¼ stretcher brick on one side and ¾

stretcher brick on the other side. Alternate

courses of both the walls remain unbonded.

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Squint Junction
A squint junction is formed when an internal wall meets an external continuous wall at an angle
other than 90°. Usually, the angle of squint is kept at 45°, though squint junctions are not very
common in brick work.
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Fig. show a squint junction between

1 ½ brick thick external wall and a 1

brick thick internal wall, both being constructed

in english bond. The header courses of the cross-

wall is taken inside the main wall, thus getting

the required bond. Alternate courses of both the

walls remain unbonded.

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Fig. (b) shows a squint junction between two

walls each of 1 ½ brick thickness and
constructed in English both. The header bricks
are taken inside the main wall.
Alternate courses remain unbonded.
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bond
Fig. Shows the squint junction for the walls
constructed in Double Flemish bond. These
junctions are quit difficult to be
constructed.
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Load Bearing Walls

Load bearing walls are those which are designed to carry super-imposed loads (transferred
through roofs etc.,) , in addition to their own weight (self weight). Non-load-bearing walls
carry their own load only. They generally serve as divide walls or partition walls. The external
non-load bearing wall, commonly related to framed structure is termed as panel wall.
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Load bearing walls may further be divided into following steps

a) Solid masonry wall

b) Cavity wall

c) Faced wall

d) Veneered wall

Solid Masonry Wall

It is one most commonly used. These walls are built of individual blocks of material, such
as bricks, clay or concrete blocks, or stone, usually in horizontal courses, cemented
together with suitable mortar. A solid wall of the same type of building units throughout its
thickness. However, it may have opening for doors, windows etc.
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Cavity Wall
A cavity wall is a wall comprising two leaves, each leaf being built of
structural units and separated by a cavity and tied together with metal ties
or bonding units to ensure that the two leaves act as one structural unit.
The space between the leaves is either left two leaves act as one structural
unit. The space between the leaves is either left as a continuous cavity or
is filled with non-load-bearing insulating and water proofing material
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Faced wall
• It is a wall in which the facing and backing are of two different materials which are bonded
together to ensure common action under load

• Veneered wall

• It is a wall is a wall in which the facing is attached to the backing but not so bonded as to
result in a common action under load.
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In order to carry vertical loads, the wall has to be continuous

from top to bottom. Ideally, openings should be rather narrow and in-line vertically, rather

than wide or haphazardly located on the elevation.

Since walls rely on intersecting with each other to provide some of their stability,

continuous vertical openings would turn the wall into a series of isolated piers. This layout

would only be efficient if the floors each served to tie the separate piers together at each

level.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Stability of load bearing walls

In order to resist the horizontal loads, walls rely on either

their own thickness, or the support provided when two walls

meet at right angles. In modern buildings there is no need to use the very thick walls
and adequate stability can usually be achieved either by having a lot of intersecting
walls or by articulating the wall itself to provide both strong modelling and stability.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

The principal vertical loads acting on any wall will be its own weight, and if it is load
bearing, also the loads from parts of the building's floors and roofs. It must be able to
support these loads.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

An external wall will be subjected to horizontal wind loads. It must be able to resist the
effect of the wind, which will be either to overturn the wall as a unit, or to bend a
panel of walling inward or outward between its supports. In this respect, a load bearing
wall is stabilized to some extent by the effect of the vertical load on top of it. Because
of being attached to a floor or roof structure at the top of the wall, it also is stabilised
more than a freestanding wall would be.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Multi-storey load bearing buildings

Buildings up to 10 or 12 storeys have been constructed from loadbearing brickwork, both in Australia and overseas. In
these cases the structural requirements become more severe, both because of the additional load of the building, and
also because of the increased effect of wind loads. Usually the strength of the bricks and of the mortar have to be
increased, and it is common for the lower storeys to require full-brick (230mm) thick walls, at least in parts.

Many brickworks can and do produce high-strength bricks, but if they are required to test and certify them at a particular
strength, the cost will increase, and the range of colours and finishes might be reduced. Testing and certification of the
mortar strength and the techniques of laying (such as ensuring full bed joints) might also add something to the cost.
On the other hand, in a multistorey building with an appropriate plan layout, the use of loadbearing brick walls can
save the cost of a separate structural frame, and of stretcher on the same course in front as well as back faces.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Non-Load bearing Walls

The base of the walls in large nineteenth-century buildings were quite thick

(up to a meter or more), because of the heavy loads to be carried and, before
the use of cement mortar, the low strength of the joints. Modern masonry walls can be made to carry

considerable loads by the use of high-strength bricks and mortar, but often a framed structure allows

more freedom in the design of the facade as well as in the planning of the interior.

A structural frame of reinforced concrete or steel can support the loads of the floors and roof, and also of

the non-load bearing walls. The external walls then perform all the 'enclosure' functions. Each wall

panel also carries its own weight and resists wind and seismic loads, but only those that act on

the panel itself.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Brick Panel Walling

A wall panel is single piece of material, usually flat and cut

into a rectangular shape, that serves as the visible and exposed

covering for a wall. Wall panels are functional as well as decorative,
providing insulation and soundproofing, combined with uniformity of
appearance, along with some measure of durability or ease of replacability.
While there is no set size limit for a piece of material fulfilling these
functions, the maximum practical size for wall panels has been suggested to
be 24 feet by 8 feet, to allow for transportation
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Use of wall panels can reduce construction costs by providing a

consistent appearance to the paneled surface without requiring
the application of paint or another finishing material. Wall panels may
be finished on only one side, if the other side is going to be

against a brick or concrete wall, or a comparable

structure. Alternately, the panels may, if assembled to an

appropriate framework, substitute for having any other kind of

wall at all. Holes may be cut or drilled into a wall panel to
accommodate electrical outlets and other devices coming out of

the wall.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Reinforced Masonry
Reinforced brick work is the one in which the brick masonry is

strengthened by the provision of mild steel flats, hoop iron, expended mesh or bars. It is

adopted or used in the following circumstances:

1. When the brick work has to bear tensile and shear stresses

2. When it is required to increase the longitudinal bond.

3. When the brick work is supported on soil which is susceptible to large settlement

4. When the brick work is supposed to act as a beam or lintel over opening.

5. When the brick work is to resist lateral loads, such as in retaining walls etc.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

6. When the brick work is to carry heavy compressive loads.

7. When the brick work is to used in seismic areas, since it can also resist lateral loads.

Reinforced brick work uses first class bricks with high compressive strength. Dense cement
mortar is used to embed the reinforcement. The reinforcing material may be

(i) hoop steel bars, (ii) mild steel bars (iii) mild steel flats

(iv) Expended metal. The reinforcement is laid either

horizontally or vertically.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Horizontal Reinforcement
Horizontal Reinforcement for wall

consists of either (i) wrought iron flat bar, known

as hoop iron, or (ii)

steel mesh.

Fig shows hoop iron reinforcement for a brick wall.

Generally, two strips of hoop iron are used per
header brick and one hoop iron per stretcher
brick i.e., one strand of hoop iron for each half
brick thickness of wall
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Mild steel flats may also be used in

place of hoop iron. It is usually to

reinforce every 6th course (width 22 to 32 mm
and thickness 0.25 to 1.6mm). Protection
against rust is provided by dipping the bars in
hot tar; these are then at once sanded to
increases the adhesion of the mortar.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I
Another form of horizontal r/f, which is more
commonly used, is the provision of steel meshed
strips called Exmet (Expended Metal). It is
provided at every third course. Sizes available
are (width 65 mm, 178 mm and 230 to 305 mm,
with thickness of 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm and 1 mm). To
prevent the corrosion, the metal in the coil
form is coated with oil and then dipped in
asphaltum paint. Cement mortar is first
trowelled on the bed and the Exmet is uncoiled
and pressed down in the mortar. Another form of
meshed r/f, called bricktor, is made of a number
of straight tension wires (1.4 mm) interlaced
with binding wires (1.1 mm). One such strip is
provided for every half-brick thickness of wall.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Horizontal reinforcement is also used

for brick lintels as shown in fig.

Generally mild steel bars (6mm to 12 mm) are

provided, through the vertical joint, all along the

span of lintel. If the lintel carries heavy loads,

resulting in heavy shear force, 6mm dia. Steel wire

stirrups are provided at everya 3rd

vertical joint. The longitudinal steel

bars (main reinforcement) should

extend 150 mm beyond the jambs.

 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Vertical reinforcement
Vertical reinforcement, in the form of mild steel
bars, is provided in brick

columns, brick walls and brick

retaining walls. In such a

circumstances, special bricks, with

one or two holes extending upto the face, are used.

Vertical mild steel bars are then placed in the holes.

These bars are anchored by steel

plate or wire-tie bars at some
suitable intervals.
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Brick retaining walls are often reinforced

since such a work is cheaper than the RCC,

when the height of the wall is upto 3 m. Vertical

reinforcing bars are placed vertically near each face, in

addition to steel meshed stris at every fourth course.

The bricks opposite each bar are purpose made, having

a groove. The size of the groove is kept slightly more

than the diameter of the bar so that it may be grouted

in with cement mortar, to prevent corrosion. Steel wire

ties may be provided at every fourth course.

 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

In all type of reinforced brick work, it is essential to embed the steel reinforcement in rich
cement mortar (usually 1:3), with proper cover so that reinforcement is not corroded.
Corrosion will result in expansion of the joint and consequent cracking. The bricks should
also be of high quality, possessing high compressive strength so that optimum use is made
of all the materials (i.e., bricks, mortar and reinforcement).
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

[Link]

[Link]
 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - I

Assignment:
1. Sheet work- Types of brick cut
2. Sheet work- 115 mm thick wall English bond or
Flemish bond
3. Sheet work- 230 mm thick wall English bond or
Flemish bond
4. Sheet work- Stretcher bond & Header bond
5. Model - Types of bonds