12/10/2018 Brick Basement Wall- Construction Procedure, Practical Consideration

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Brick Basement Wall- Construction Procedure, Practical Consi

 Brick Basement Wall- Construction Procedure, Practical Consideration

Brick masonry walls are not commonly used as a basement wall but it can be constructed to
purpose. Brick basement wall must be built according to design specifications and drawings s
resist both imposed lateral loads from backfill and vertical loads of superstructure.

Proper construction practices adequate and accurate wall alignment setting and covering unf
shall be considered to prevent future problems.

Brick basement wall should be covered with a waterproof or damp proof coating to help prev
from penetrating the masonry walls. Materials used in the construction of basement masonry
properly protected at construction site to prevent the influence of harmful substances.

Table of Contents 

Brick Basement Wall Construction Procedure

Practical Consideration
Preparation Work
1. Wet bricks one day before brick are to be used by placing a hose on the pile of brick until the
pile. In extremely warm weather, place hose on pile several hours before brick are to be used.

2. Cleaning reinforcement before being placed, remove loose rust, ice and other coatings
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Excavation Work
1. Initially, review the approved stake survey.

2. Make sure that correct perimeter excavation line is maintained to achieve accurately aligned

3. Remove loose, degradable, and unstable material and ll it with granular ll.

4. Place layer of aggregate on the oor to protect brick units from dirt and mud

5. Provide access for material delivery

Fig. 1:
Excavation
for
Basement
Wall
Construction

Basement Wall Foundation Construction

1. After excavation work, place foundation reinforcement

2. Pour concrete as soon as possible to prevent excess moisture due to rain and snow.

3. Foundation alignment shall be ensured so as to match brick center with foundation centerlin

4. Roughen foundation surface to improve its bond with st course of brick basement wall.

Brick Installation
1. Make sure that the top of foundation is clean and free of dirt

2. Lay brick plumb and true to lines.

3. Lay with completely lled mortar joints.

4. Butter ends of brick with su cient mortar to ll head joints.

5. Rock closures into place with head joints thrown against two adjacent brick in place.

6. Do not pound corners and jambs to t stretcher units after they are set in position.
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7. Where an adjustment must be made after mortar has started to harden, remove mortar and
mortar.

Fig. 2:
Brick
Placemen
t

Placing Reinforcement
1. Position metal reinforcement accurately.

2. Secure against displacement

3. Hold vertical reinforcement rmly in place by means of frames or other suitable devices.

4. Horizontal reinforcement may be placed as brickwork progresses.

Pour Mortar
The Brick Industry Association (BIA), recommends that Type M mortar be used in brick maso
with earth. Type S mortar is recommended for use in reinforced and unreinforced masonry w
flexural strengths than Type N are required.

Suitable grouting techniques is used to pour the grout, and then provide enough time to cure
wall gain sufficient strength.

Fig. 3:
Mortar

Back lling
Do not place backfill material before concrete block walls have been properly cured and brac
system is in place. Brace the wall till the sub-floor system is constructed. Backfilling shall be
installation of drainage and waterproofing system is finalized.

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Backfilling should take place in several lifts using material which is free of large stones, froze
materials or construction debris. Finally, care must be taken not to damage the drainage sys
coating or exterior insulation during backfilling.

Fig. 4:
Back llin
g Work

Coating of Basement Wall

Brick basement wall should be covered with a waterproof or damp proof coating to prevent g
penetration and rising damp. This coating should extend above finished grade.

damp proofed is used if hydrostatic pressure is not occur and waterproofed is employed if hy
exist. Hydrostatic pressure may exist due to a high water table or poorly draining backfill.

Perforated pipe or drain tiles can be used to facilitate drainage. Drainage and waterproofing
thoroughly inspected before backfilling.

Fig. 5:
Basemen
t Wall
Coating

Wall Flashing
It is also important to use a through-wall flashing at the base of the wall above grade so tha
penetrating the walls above grade will not enter the top of the foundation walls. Preferably, t
lap over the top of the waterproof or damp proof coating.

Recommendation for the Protection of the Work

At construction progression, cover top of wall with strong waterproof membrane at end of e

Cover partially completed walls when work is not in progress. Extend cover minimum of 610
sides and hold it securely in place. 

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Use windbreaks when wind is in excess of 15 mph.

Load Application Practice

Prevent the application of uniform oor or roof loading for at least 12 hr. after building mas

Avoid the application of concentrated loads for at least 3 days after building masonry wall

Construction Tolerances
1. Maximum variation from plumb in vertical lines and surfaces of, walls is 6.4 mm in 3 m, 9.6 m
not to exceed 6 m, or 12.7 mm 12 m or more.

2. Maximum variation from plumb for external corners, expansion joints and other conspicuou
any story or 6 m maximum, 12.7 mm in 12 m or more.

3. Maximum variation from plan location of related portions of walls 12.7 mm in any bay or 6 m
more.

Quiz

Brick can be used for basement wall construction?

True

False

Why is it necessary to wet bricks before brick basement wall const

To increase its bearing strength

To Prevent the absorption of mortar moisture by dry bricks

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To clean bricks from dirt

Non of the above

How many days shall be allocated to allow brick basement wall to

strength before applying concentrated loads?

1 day

12 hours

3 days

7 days

Brick basement wall should be covered with a waterproof or damp

coating to prevent groundwater penetration and rising damp?

False

True

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About Madeh Izat Hamakareem (https://theconstructor.org/author/madeh-izat-hama
Madeh is a Structural Engineer who works as Assistant Lecturer in Koya University. He is the author, editor an
theconstructor.org.

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