Brick work | Brick Masonry | Brick work advantages and distadvantges

 Brick work | Brick masonry

Brick masonry is a long-lasting building material. It is constructed by systematically putting bricks in mortar to form a solid mass that can sustain applied loads. There are many different types of bricks and mortars that can be used to build brick masonry. The link between bricks in brick construction is created by filling joints between bricks with sufficient mortar. Because mortar has such a big impact on the performance and durability of a masonry structure, extra consideration should be used when mixing and applying it.

Class of brick

1.       First class

·         Lime mortar cement is utilised.

·         Bricks have a sharp surface and edges.

·         The thickness of mortar joints is limited to 10mm.

2.       Second class

·         The bricks are ground moulded.

·         The bricks are rough and uneven in shape.

·         The mortar joint has a thickness of 12 mm.

3.       Third class

·         Bricks have a rough surface with a twisted shape and are not firm.

·         Temporary buildings are made with this material.

·         When there isn't a lot of rain, this is a good option.

Types of Brick Masonry Work

1.       Mud Brick Masonry Work

The mud is used to fill up the gaps between the bricks in the masonry job.

The mortar joint has a thickness of 12 mm.

It is the most cost-effective type of brick masonry used to build walls up to 4 metres tall.

2.       Cement Brick Work

This sort of brick masonry is built by putting bricks in cement mortar rather than mud, as is the case with mud brick building.

 

Bricks of Various Types

·         Bricks of several sorts are used in the construction of brick masonry, including:

·         Common Burnt Clay Bricks

·         Concrete Bricks

·         Engineering Bricks

·         Other Brick Types include bullnose, channel, coping, cownose and hollow bricks.

·         Sand Lime Bricks (Calcium Silicate Bricks)

·         Fly ash Clay Bricks.

Brick Masonry Construction

Materials and Equipment Used in Brick Masonry Construction

·         Trowel Level

·         Wheelbarrow

·         Goggles

·         Jointer

·         Mortar Mix or Mason Mix Bricks

·         Tape measure

·         hammer

·         Hose, level, or theodolite

·         And other equipment according to project ans personal preferences

Preparations for Brick Masonry Building

Using a level, theodolite, or transparent hose level, check the level of the ground.

1.       Organize the structure's layout.

2.       Creating a masonry structure's plan

3.       Mark the foundation trenches with gypsum powder, chalk, or something similar to trace the building's axis and wall alignment.

4.       After that, build a foundation wall and allow it to dry for at least two days before starting the brick masonry.

5.       To save time and work later, distribute bricks in multiple stacks along the project site.

6.       Several hours before the work, wet the bricks. This not only prevents excessive water absorption from the mortar, but it also improves brick and mortar adhesion.

Building a Brick Masonry Structure

1.       To begin, combine the mortar with water and blend until you have a smooth, plastic mortar.

2.       Then, using a trowel, uniformly distribute the mortar along the foundation line (25mm thickness and one brick wide is recommended for laid mortar).

3.       Then, in the mortar, place the first course of stretcher bricks. Begin with the second brick, applying mortar to the head joint end of each brick. Next, firmly push the bricks into position, squeezing the mortar out of all sides of the joints.

4.       Examine the course using a level to ensure that it is the correct height. Check to see if the bricks are plumb and level.

5.       Begin laying the second course by laying another mortar line alongside the first.

6.       Begin the second course with the two half bricks to ensure that the first two courses are structurally staggered.

7.       Lay three header bricks to complete the second course of the lead, making sure they are plumb and level.

8.       Stretchers identical to those used in the first course are used in the third and fifth courses. The fourth course starts with a single header and then moves on to stretchers. Use the level to ensure that the lead on each course is accurate. Finally, this brick-laying technique is followed until the desired height is achieved.

Points to Keep in Mind When Supervising Brick Masonry Projects

The following considerations should be made when constructing brick masonry:

·         Make use of high-quality brickwork.

·         Check to see if the brick courses are completely horizontal.

·         The wall's verticality should be checked often with a plumb-bob.

·         When work is completed, the toothed end of the brick masonry should be left.

·         Brick bats should be avoided at all costs.

·         It is forbidden to raise barriers by more than 1.5 metres in one day.

·         Raise face joints 12 to 20mm deep to serve as a key for plastering or pointing.

·         Brick masonry should be cured for two weeks on a regular basis.

·         Both horizontally and vertically, mortar joints must be 10 mm thick.

Masonry Construction Benefits

·         All forms of masonry units (brick, stone, or concrete blocks) have these general advantages:

·         Because masonry is non-combustible, it helps to safeguard the building and its occupants from fire. For the same reason, masonry fireplaces are popular.

·         Masonry is extremely resistant to rot, vermin, weather, and natural calamities like hurricanes and tornadoes.

·         Masonry buildings can give a home or building a rustic or exquisite aspect, depending on the materials used and the expertise of the builders.

·         Mansory is a robust and resistant material that can handle significant compressive weight pressures.

·         Masonry units boost a building's thermal mass.

·         Buildings made of masonry have a longer lifespan than those made of other materials.

·         The use of masonry in a building increases its resale value.

·         Masonry will not deteriorate, and insects such as ants and termites will not be able to demolish it.

·         When compared to wood, this form of construction is less expensive in terms of labour and supplies.

Masonry Construction Constraints

·         Heavy materials like bricks, stone, and concrete blocks are used in masonry construction. These items cannot be delivered in standard vehicles, and in some situations, like as stones, they must be ordered from specialised catalogues.

·         The foundation is fully responsible for the stability of masonry constructions. Cracks are likely to form if the foundation settles, and they must be fixed to prevent moisture ingress and damage.

·         Masonry work cannot be done in heavy rain or freezing temperatures because mortar will be seriously harmed.

·         Masonry work necessitates a significant amount of time and careful project planning. Specialized personnel may be required depending on the type of masonry.

Now that we've established the fundamental benefits and drawbacks of masonry, let's look at the pros and cons of the most widely utilised materials: brick, stone, and concrete blocks.

Brick work

Pros: Because the shape and size of the masonry units are standardised, brick masonry does not require highly specialised labour. Bricks are also lighter than stones and concrete blocks (lower dead loads), easier to handle and transport, and less expensive. Brick walls are thinner, and depending on structural needs, units can be bonded with various types of mortar. Bricks make it simple to create door and window openings, and the joints are thinner, lowering expenses.

 

Cons: Bricks are susceptible to seismic damage due to their limited resistance to stress and torsion loads. Bricks are also less sturdy and durable than stone and concrete blocks, and come in fewer sizes and colours. As a finishing touch, plasterwork is necessary, which enhances building expenses.

Stone work

Pros: Due to the natural durability of the material, stone masonry is the most robust, strong, and weather resistant. Because stone can not flex or dent, it is ideal for structures with a lot of foot activity. One of the most appealing features of stone is its aesthetic appearance, which comes in a wide range of colours, sizes, and textures, allowing for unlimited design options. Finally, because to its endurance, stone masonry requires less upkeep and repairs.

Cons: Stone walls are solid and hefty, limiting the amount of floor area available. It also has a high self-weight, despite having limited flexural, tensile, and seismic resistance. Stone masonry takes time and requires trained craftsmen because it cannot be readily altered, repaired, or relocated. A thorough placement of stone masonry will make the finished structure safer for residents.

Concrete Block Masonry

Pros: Concrete blocks are weather, pest, mould, and fire resistant. Concrete blocks can be costly to transport, but in most circumstances, this material can be purchased nearby. Concrete blocks come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colours. Concrete blocks can also be customised to fulfil specific project requirements, and some are created from recyclable resources. Concrete blocks also provide excellent heat, sound, and moisture insulation characteristics.

Cons: Large concrete blocks are heavy and difficult to handle, necessitating the use of additional workers. In reinforced cement concrete constructions, concrete blocks also increase the amount of steel necessary. Concrete blocks are priced differently based on the region, cement pricing, and availability. Because plumbing problems can cause internal flooding in a concrete masonry structure, they are more difficult to resolve. In this instance, concrete blocks must be cut open, resulting in material waste and costly repairs. When working with concrete block masonry, having a good drainage system is crucial.