🧱 Brick Masonry Work in Building Construction

🔹 Introduction

Brick masonry is one of the oldest and most widely used construction techniques. It involves laying bricks in a systematic manner with mortar to form walls, foundations, partitions, and other structural elements. The strength, durability, and quality of a building highly depend on the workmanship and method of brick masonry.





🔹 Types of Bricks Used

  1. First-Class Bricks – Uniform in size, well-burnt, sharp edges, high strength (≥ 10.5 N/mm²).
  2. Second-Class Bricks – Slightly irregular, used for internal walls or plastered surfaces.
  3. Third-Class Bricks – Poor quality, used for temporary structures.
  4. Fly Ash Bricks / AAC Blocks – Lightweight, eco-friendly alternatives.

🔹 Mortar for Brick Masonry

  • Common Mix Proportions:
    • 1:3 (Cement:Sand) → Load-bearing walls.
    • 1:4 or 1:6 → General wall construction.
    • Lime mortar → Traditional works.
  • Mortar should be workable, cohesive, and not too wet.

🔹 Technical Requirements for Good Brick Masonry

  1. Soaking of Bricks – Bricks should be soaked in clean water for at least 1–2 hours before use to avoid absorbing water from mortar.
  2. Laying Procedure –
    • Start from corners, then build up wall between them (known as quoining).
    • Maintain uniform thickness of mortar joints (10–12 mm horizontal, 10 mm vertical).
    • Joints should be fully filled with mortar (no hollowness).
  3. Bonding in Brickwork – Ensures proper load transfer and stability:
    • English Bond (strongest, used in load-bearing walls).
    • Flemish Bond (aesthetic, used in facing work).
    • Stretcher & Header Bonds (used in half-brick or one-brick thick walls).
  4. Line, Level & Plumb – Use plumb bob, spirit level, and string to maintain accuracy.
  5. Curing – Masonry should be cured for at least 7 days for strength development.

🔹 IS Code References

  • IS 2212:1991 – Code of practice for brick masonry.
  • IS 1077:1992 – Specification for common burnt clay building bricks.

🔹 Quality Checks on Site

✔ Bricks should be uniform in size and free from cracks.
✔ Drop test → A good brick should not break when dropped from 1 m height.
✔ Water absorption test → Should not exceed 20% by weight (after 24 hrs immersion).
✔ Ensure proper bonding pattern is followed throughout.

🔹 Advantages of Brick Masonry

  • High compressive strength.
  • Fire resistance and thermal insulation.
  • Cost-effective and durable.
  • Flexibility in design and aesthetics.

 

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