Brick masonry is an essential aspect of many construction projects. Whether you’re building homes, walls, or larger structures, brickwork requires attention to detail and adherence to specific standards to ensure stability and durability. Supervising brick masonry construction involves several key principles to guarantee the quality and longevity of the structure.
Below are the general principles to be observed while supervising brick masonry construction, which play a vital role in ensuring sound construction practices.
1. Selection of High-Quality Bricks
The foundation of strong brick masonry starts with selecting the right type of bricks. Bricks should fulfill the specific requirements laid out in construction specifications.
- Key Requirements:
- Bricks should be well-burnt, uniform in color, sound, and hard.
- The shape and size should adhere to IS 1077:1992 standards, ensuring consistency in construction.
- Avoid using bricks that are broken, unless necessary for maintaining a bond in the structure.
2. Proper Soaking of Bricks
Soaking bricks in water is critical to prevent them from absorbing water from the mortar, which could compromise the mortar’s strength.
- Soaking Time: Bricks should be soaked for at least two hours before use in brickwork to achieve optimal bonding.
- IS Standard: Following IS 2212:1991 for masonry guidelines ensures that bricks are properly prepared before being laid.
3. Ensuring Proper Brick Bonds
The correct bonding pattern strengthens the overall structure.
- Bonding Principle: Bricks should be laid in their proper bond, with the frog (indented surface) facing upward to ensure the mortar binds well with the bricks.
- Avoid Brick Bats: Using half or broken bricks (brick bats) should be minimized, as they can weaken the structure’s bond.
4. Maintaining Proper Joint Thickness
The joints between bricks play a critical role in the stability and appearance of the masonry.
- Standard Thickness: The thickness of the mortar joints should not exceed 13 mm to ensure consistent load distribution.
- Verticality of Walls: The vertical alignment of walls should be maintained using a plumb bob to ensure the structure is upright and balanced.
5. Uniform Construction Height
It’s essential to maintain uniformity in the construction height to avoid stress concentration in certain areas of the structure.
- Construction Limit: Brick masonry should not be raised more than 90 cm at a time in any part of the wall to maintain uniform construction.
- Proper Curing: After brickwork, the structure should be cured for a minimum of 7 days to strengthen the mortar bond and prevent cracking.
6. Avoid Overfilling Voids
Filling large gaps or voids in brickwork with mortar alone is inefficient and weakens the structure.
- Economical Use of Mortar: Fill voids using a combination of bricks and mortar rather than using only mortar, as this reduces costs and increases the structure’s strength.
7. Raking of Joints
For better plastering and pointing, it is important to rake out mortar from the joints to a specific depth.
- Depth of Raking: The facing mortar joints should be raked out to a depth of 13-19 mm when the mortar is still green. This step helps plaster adhere better to the surface.
8. Structural Attachments
When installing iron fixtures such as doors and windows, it’s crucial to enclose them properly in cement mortar.
- Enclosure of Fixtures: Ensuring that all iron elements are adequately covered with mortar prevents rusting and ensures a firm hold.
9. Proper Bond in Piers and Buttresses
For specialized masonry elements like piers, buttresses, and counterforts, maintaining a proper bond with the main wall is vital for stability.
- Construction Principle: These structural components should be built simultaneously with the main walls to ensure a strong and stable bond.
10. Control of Construction Height
Brick masonry structures should not exceed a certain height in one day.
- Daily Height Limit: Avoid constructing walls higher than 1.5 meters in a single day to prevent excessive settling, which can lead to cracks or instability.
11. Scaffolding for Higher Masonry
For higher structures, suitable scaffolding must be used to ensure worker safety and construction precision.
- Safety and Efficiency: Using scaffolding helps maintain the quality of masonry at higher levels and ensures that the walls are straight and properly aligned.
Relevant IS Codes for Brick Masonry
For those involved in supervising or constructing brick masonry, adhering to the following Indian Standards (IS Codes) is essential:
- IS 1077:1992 – Common Burnt Clay Building Bricks
- IS 2212:1991 – Code of Practice for Brickwork
- IS 2250:1981 – Code of Practice for Preparation and Use of Masonry Mortars
- IS 456:2000 – Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete
Conclusion🎯
Supervising brick masonry construction requires a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of these general principles. By following these guidelines, builders can ensure a strong, stable, and aesthetically pleasing structure. Ensuring the use of high-quality bricks, proper bonding, uniform construction, and adherence to IS codes will result in long-lasting masonry that stands the test of time.