Brick Work

Brick work in foundation

Brick work in foundation is done to transfer the load of super structure to the ground. The width of the brick work in foundation is taken according to the load coming on it. The load of super structure is divided into various steps of brick works in foundation below plinth level. Care may be taken that all steps should accommodate in the ground. The foundation should be made according to the drawing and design.

Brick work in super structure

Brick work above plinth level is called brick work in super structure. Brick work in super structure transfer the load of RCC beam and slabs to the foundation of the walls. Doors, windows and ventilators are accommodated in this part of brick work. This part of the building is used to divide the space into required room etc. Outer walls may be used for ornamental design of the building.

Brick work in parapet

Brick wall constructed on roof slab on terrace is called parapet walls. Parapet walls are necessary to protect persons using terrace from falling. It is also necessary to construct parapet wall for the safety of the joints of outer wall and RCC slab. It also adds to the beauty of the building.

Brick tiles masonry

For enhancing the beauty of buildings, the exterior/exposed surface of wall is constructed with the brick  tiles according to the architectural drawings. For making this design brick tile masonry is done on required walls which is  shown in the elevation of drawings.

Brick jali

Brick Jali is constructed to enhance the beauty of the building. In veranda brick Jali gives extra air and light and protects from rain up to some extant. It saves the cost of the walls.

Brick Jali

This Picture is Contributed by "Ashish Batra")

(To read a post on "Brick Jali" by Ashish Batra visit http://www.gharexpert.com/a/ashishbatra/1687/BRICK-JALI-0.aspx )

Brick work in arch

Arch is constructed to beautify the building. These are provided in openings to save the cost of RCC lintel.

(This Picture is Contributed by "Ahmed")

Brick work according to cement mortar ratio

1. First class brick work in cement sand mortar 1:4

Brick walls constructed with cement sand mortar 1:4 ratio means 1 part of cement and 4 parts of sand.  This mortar is of high strength and is recommended for following construction works.

• Multi storey buildings
• Heavy weight /load bearing walls
• In earth quake zones
• Brick pillars
• Where there is more vibration due to heavy traffic or factory.
• Boundary wall, courtyard wall parapet wall and other free end walls
• Partition or 4.5 inch thick walls
• Brick works used for drainage

2. First Class Brick Work in cement sand mortar 1:6

Brick walls constructed with cement sand mortar 1:6 ratio means 1 part of cement and 6 parts of sand. This mortar is of medium strength and is recommended for following construction works.

• Three storey buildings
• Load bearing walls 
• Heavy and frequent rainy zones
• Foundation of multi storey buildings

3. First Class Brick Work 1:7

Brick walls constructed with cement sand mortar in the ratio of 1:7 means 1 part of cement and 7 parts of sand. This mortar is low in strength and is recommended for following works.

• Toe walls
• Single storey buildings
• Temporary structures
• Light weight walls having no load of beams etc.

Common defects in brick work and cement mortar

1. Raw materials like brick, sand, cement and water are of sub standard quality without qualifying any test.
2. Bricks are not soaked in water properly.
3. The joints in brick works are thicker, unfilled properly.
4. Raking of mortar is not done when the mortar is green.
5. Bricks bats are used in masonry work.
6. Mortar is not mixed properly on platform.
7. There is improper mixing of cement mortar
8. There is excessive water content in mortar
9. Brick work is not in plumb, level and straight line.
10. Mortar is not according to the structural requirements.
11. There are gaps between door/window frame and masonry.
12. The holes of scaffolding are not filled in with mortar properly.
13. Vertical joints in brick work are hollow.
14. There is high suction of brick and less water retention of mortar
15. There are uneven joints in brick works
16. There are voids in vertical joints
17. There are disturbances of brick works just after the layout
18. Over thick joints reducing the strength of brick work.

Precautions in brick work

1. The length and width of the walls should be according to the drawings.  
2. The quality of bricks should be good having required strength and should not show any efflorescence (salt on face).  
3.  The sand should not have fine grains and be free from silt etc. The sand used for brick mortar should be of required FM (Coarser) with no silt.
4. The mixing of mortar should be proper with required quantity of water. It should not be dry or liquid.
5. The opening of doors and windows should be left simultaneously, not by dismantling.
6. During the brick work in a building the Rain water and Sanitary pipes should be fixed during the brick work other wise the brick work would have to be dismantled to fix the pipes.
7. The bricks are soaked in water before use otherwise these will absorb water from the mortar and the bonding will be weak
8. The water should penetrate to the core of the brick but the brick should be skin dry i.e. from outside when it’s used in actual.
9. The frog or depression side of the brick should be upwards.
10. Minimum number of bats is used.
11. Bricks are absolutely aligned horizontally and in a straight line. This can be checked by a stretched string across the face.
12. The bricks are vertically aligned which can be checked with a plumb bob.
13. The courses or layers of bricks are level. This can be checked with a spirit level.
14. The thickness of joints is not more than 1 cm.
15. The joints should be filled with mortar fully without any gaps.
16. The joints are pushed inside when cement mortar is still wet so that later plastering can be done effectively.
17. Brick work should be kept wet for seven days so that the mortar may gain its full strength.
18. There are no continuous vertical joints
19. Bricks, sand and cement used in  brick work should be according to their specifications

Tools recommended for brick work

1. Wooden setting out square
2. Spirit level
3. Water level
4. Boning rod
5. Plumb rule
6. Laying trowel
7. Brick hammer
8. Lump hammer and bolster chisel.
9. Double end comb hammer
10. Straight edge
11. Brick work gauge rod
12. Checking the accuracy of spirit plumb level