Brick Masonry is the process of laying bricks and to bond them properly

with mortar to form a desired structure which can transmit the super-
imposed load safely to the foundation.

In case of permanant construction lime and cement mortar are used for
brick masonry, but in case of temporary construction mud mortar can
also do the work.

The standard size of brick is 19*9*9 millimeters

Generally, the cement mortar prepared for brick work is in the ration of
1:3 for cement grade of M7.5. This ratio means for the preparation of
cement mortar one bag of cement is mixed with 3 bags of sand. 70 % of
the water of the weight of the cement is used in mixing
In brick construction we use the 1:6 cement sand ratio -that means 1 cement bag
should be mixed with with 6 bags of sands and the water cement ratio is normally
taken as the half of cement.

BRICK MASONRY UNIQUENESS

• Fire resistance
• Size
• Durability
• Workability
• Economical

the properties of bricks which represents the importance of bricks in

construction. i. Hardness ii. Compressive strength iii. Absorption
CHARACTERISTICS
1. The bricks should be table-moulded, well burnt in kilns, copper-coloured, free
from cracks and with sharp and square edges. The colour should be uniform and bright.
2. The bricks should be uniform in shape and should be of standard size.
3. The bricks should give a clear metallic ringing sound when struck with each
other.
4. The bricks when broken or fractured should show a bright homogeneous and
uniform compact structure free from voids.
5. The brick should not absorbs water more than 20% by weight, for first class
bricks and 22% by weight for second class bricks, when soaked in water for a period of 24
hours.
6. The bricks should be sufficiently hard. No impression should be left on brick
surface, when it is scratched with finger nail.
7. The bricks should not break into pieces when dropped flat on hard ground from a
height of about one meter.
8. The bricks should have low thermal conductivity and they should be sound proof.
9. The bricks, when soaked in water for 24 hours, should not show deposits of white
salt when allowed to dry in shade.
10. No bricks should have the crushing strength below 5.50 N/mm

ADVANTAGES OF BRICK MASONRY:

1. Brick masonry are cheaper than stone masonry.
2. The bricks are of similar size.
3. Brick blocks do not require any dressing.
4. Bricks are very light in weight.
5. No complicated lifting equipment is required for brickwork.
6. There is no problem in its availability.
7. They do not require transportation for long distances.
8. Brick can be made with less skilled labourers.
9. The bonding strength is very good and the brickwork is more durable.
DISADVANTAGES OF BRICK MASONRY:
1. Time-consuming manufacturing process.
2. Brick masonry cannot be used in a high seismic zone.
3. Bricks have very low tensile strength.
4. Since bricks absorb water easily, it causes fluorescence when not exposed to
air.
5. A rough surface of bricks can cause mould to grow if not cleaned properly.
FOLLOWING POINTS REQUIRE FOR GOOD BRICK
MASONRY:
• A good brick masonry should be used in areas where sound, hard, well-burnt and
hardened with uniform colour, shape and size.
• The bricks should be compact, homogeneous, pores free, cracks, defects, air bubbles
and stone lumps.
• These bricks can soaked in water for at least two hours before the use.
• In brickwork, bricks should be placed on their beds with frogs.
• The brick course should really focus on horizontal and truly vertical joints.
• Brick walls should be raised evenly with a proper bond,the height of brick masonry
construction should not exceed 1.5 meters in a day.
• Finished brickwork is cured for a period of 1 to 2 week.
• A good brick should have a fine, compact and uniform texture.
• Good brickwork should have compressive relative strength and durability.
• It should have maximum resistance to weathering.
• Good brickwork should be fire-resistant.
•

COMMON TERMS USED IN BRICK MASONRY:

Course: A course is a horizontal layer of brick in a wall.

Joint: It is the junction of two or more bricks in construction.
Header: It is a brick for masonry work with its largest length at the right angle.
Stretcher: It is brick with its longest side parallel to the face of the masonry work.
Frog in brick masonry: A small depression purposely formed on one side of the brick
is called a frog.
The frog is made for two purposes:

1. The name of the brick maker may be incised in a frog.

2. The frog forms a key between two courses of brickwork, it is completely filled
with mortar when laying bricks.
Face: The surface of a wall exposed to the weather is called a face.
Facing: The material used in the face for the wall is facing.
Back: The internal surface of the wall that is not exposed to the weather is called back.
Backing: The material that makes up the back is known as backing.
Bed: The lower surface of a brick when it is levelled is called a bed.
Hearting: The part of the wall between the facing and the backing is called the hearing.
Closer: At the end of the work of brick courses, a piece of wick placed to close the
bond in the construction of masonry is called closer.
Lap: It is defined as the horizontal distance between vertical joints; if the lap length is
1/4, the bond construction is good.
Bats: It is defined as a brick portion when widened.

The below mentioned terminologies are used to express different forms of cut bricks used
in brick masonry construction.

1. CLOSER
It is the portion of the brick cut along the length in such a way as one long face remains
intact.
2. QUEEN CLOSER
When a brick is cut along its length, making it two equal halves then it is called queen
closer. Thus a queen closer is a broken brick portion whose width is half as wide as the
original brick. This is also called as queen closer half.

3. QUEEN CLOSER QUARTER

If a queen closer is broken into two equal pieces then it is known as queen closer
quarter. Such a closer is thus a brick piece which is one quarter of the brick size.

Different forms of Queen closer

4. KING CLOSER
If a brick is cut in such a way that the width of one end becomes half that of a full brick,
while the width at the other end is equal to the full width, then it is called as king closer. It
is obtained by cutting out a triangular portion of the brick between the centre of one end
(width side) and the centre of the other end (lay side). Thus it has half header and half
stretcher face.

5. BEVELED CLOSER
It is a form of king closer in which the whole length of the brick (i.e. stretcher face) is
chamfered or beveled in such a way that half width is maintained at one end and full width
is maintained at the other end.

6. MITRED CLOSER
It is a portion of a brick whose one end is cut splayed or mitred for full width. The angle of
splay may vary from 450 to 600. Thus one longer face of the mitred closer is of full length of
the brick while the other longer face is smaller in length.
 King
closer – Beveled closer – Mitred closer

7. BAT
When a brick is cut across the width, the resulting piece is called bat. Thus a bat is smaller
in length than the full brick.

8. HALF BAT
If the length of the bat is equal to half the length of the original brick, it is known as half
bat.

9. THREE QUARTER BAT

It is a form of brick bat having its length equal to three quarter of the length of a full brick.

10. BEVELED BAT

A brick bat is called beveled bat, when its width has beveled.

Different forms of brick bat

TYPES OF BONDS IN BRICK MASONRY

Brick masonry is built with bricks bonded together with mortar. For temporary sheds mud
mortar may be used but for all permanent buildings lime or cement mortars are used.

The various types of bonds generally used in brick masonry are

1. Stretcher bond
2. Header bond
3. English bond and
4. Flemish bond
 1. STRETCHER BOND
A stretcher is the longer face of the brick as seen in the elevation. In the brick of size 190
mm × 90 mm × 90 mm, 190 mm × 90 mm face is the stretcher. In stretcher bond masonry
all the bricks are arranged in stretcher courses as shown in Fig-1. However care should be
taken to break vertical joints. This type of construction is useful for the construction half
brick thick partition wall.

Fig-1 Stretcher Bond

Longer narrow face of the brick is called as stretcher as shown in the elevation of figure below.
Stretcher bond, also called as running bond, is created when bricks are laid with only their stretchers
showing, overlapping midway with the courses of bricks below and above.

Stretcher bond in the brick is the simplest repeating pattern. But the limitation of stretcher bond is
that it cannot make effective bonding with adjacent bricks in full width thick brick walls. They are
suitably used only for one-half brick thick walls such as for the construction half brick thick partition
wall.

Walls constructed with stretcher bonds are not stable enough to stand alone in case of longer span
and height. Thus they Then need supporting structure such as brick masonry columns at regular
intervals.

Stretcher bonds are commonly used in the steel or reinforced concrete framed structures as the
outer facing. These are also used as the outer facing of cavity walls. Other common applications of
such walls are the boundary walls, gardens etc.

2. HEADER BOND
A header is the shorter face of the brick as seen in the elevation. In a standard brick it is 90
mm × 90 mm face. In header bond brick masonry all the bricks are arranged in the header
courses as shown in Fig-2. This type of bond is useful for the construction of one brick
thick walls.
 Fig-2
Header Bond

Header is the shorter square face of the brick which measures 9cm x 9cm. Header bond is also
known as heading bond. In header bonds, all bricks in each course are placed as headers on
the faces of the walls. While Stretcher bond is used for the construction of walls of half brick
thickness whereas header bond is used for the construction of walls with full brick thickness
which measures 18cm. In header bonds, the overlap is kept equal to half width of the brick. To
achieve this, three quarter brick bats are used in alternate courses as quoins

3. ENGLISH BOND
In this alternate courses consist of headers and stretchers. This is considered to be the
strongest bond. Hence it is commonly used bond for the walls of all thicknesses. To break
continuity of vertical joints a brick is cut lengthwise into two halves and used in the
beginning and end of a wall after first header. This is called queen closer. (Refer Fig-3).
Fig-3 shows typical one brick and one and half brick thick wall with English bond.

Fig-3 English Bond

English Bond English bond in brick masonry has one course of stretcher only and a course of header
above it, i.e. it has two alternating courses of stretchers and headers. Headers are laid centered on
the stretchers in course below and each alternate row is vertically aligned. To break the continuity of
vertical joints, quoin closer is used in the beginning and end of a wall after first header. A quoin close
is a brick cut lengthwise into two halves and used at corners in brick walls.

4. FLEMISH BOND
In this type of bond each course comprises of alternate header and stretcher [Fig-4].
Alternate courses start with stretcher and header. To break the vertical joints queen
closers are required, if a course starts with header. Every header is centrally supported on
the stretcher below it.
Flemish bonds may be further classified as

▪ Double Flemish Bond

▪ Single Flemish Bond.

In case of double flemish bond, both faces of the wall have flemish look, i.e. each course
consist of alternate header and stretcher, whereas single flemish bond outer faces of walls
have flemish look whereas inner faces have look of English bond [Fig-4 (a), (b)].

Fig-4 Flemish Bond

Construction of flemish bond needs greater skill. It gives more pleasing appearance. But it
is not as strong as English bond. If only pointing is to be used for finished wall, flemish
bond may be used to get good aesthetic view. If plastering is going to be used, it is better
to use English bond.

Flemish Bond For the breaking of vertical joints in the successive courses, closers are inserted in
alternate courses next to the quoin header. In walls having their thickness equal to odd number of
half bricks, bats are essentially used to achieve the bond.

Flemish bond, also known as Dutch bond, is created by laying alternate headers and stretchers in a
single course. The next course of brick is laid such that header lies in the middle of the stretcher in
the course below, i.e. the alternate headers of each course are centered on the stretcher of course
below. Every alternate course of Flemish bond starts with header at the corner.
 The thickness of Flemish bond is minimum one full brick. The disadvantage of using Flemish bond is
that construction of Flemish bond is difficult and requires greater skill to lay it properly as all vertical
mortar joints need to be aligned vertically for best effects. For the breaking of vertical joints in the
successive courses, closers are inserted in alternate courses next to the quoin header. In walls having
their thickness equal to odd number of half bricks, bats are used to achieve the bond.

Flemish bonds have better appearance but are weaker than English bonds for load bearing wall
construction. Thus, if the pointing has to be done for brick masonry walls, then Flemish bond may be
used for better aesthetic view. If the walls have to be plastered, then it is better to use English bond.

SOURCES OF DEFECTS IN BRICK MASONRY

There are 4 primary reasons that cause defects in brick masonry work. These are as
follows.

1. Sulphate Attack
2. Crystallization of Salts from Bricks
3. Corrosion of Embedded Iron or Steel
4. Shrinkage on Drying

1. SULPHATE ATTACK
The common forms of defects due to sulphate attack are

▪ Chipping and spalling of bricks and

▪ Formation of cracks in joints and rendering

These types of defects happens when sulphate salts present in brick work

▪ react with alumina of cement in case of cement mortar or

▪ react with hydraulic lime in case of lime mortar

This reaction causes increase in the volume of mortar and consequently leads to cracks,
chipping and spalling of brick work.

Spalling of brickwork
These defects are commonly found in following situation;

▪ exposed boundary wall

▪ parapet wall
▪ manhole and retaining walls (where they come in contact with moisture)

This type of defects can be prevented by adopting suitable construction detail and good
quality materials that prohibits entry of moisture into the body of brick work.

2. CRYSTALLIZATION OF SALTS FROM BRICKS

Efflorescence of Brick
Defect formed due to crystallization of salts from brick are known as efflorescence.
Presence of excessive soluble salts in the brick is the primary cause of this type of defect.
When these brick come in contact with water, the soluble salts present therein gets
dissolved and comes to surface in the form of whitish powder.

Due to this defect the wall looks dull and losses it aesthetic look.
The only way to cure this defect is by repeatedly brushing and washing the wall surface.

3. CORROSION OF EMBEDDED IRON OR STEEL

Formation of cracks in brick work falls in this category.
Dampness in building causes corrosion of embedded iron or steel. Corrosion of steel
results in increase in the volume of metal and thereby leads to crack in brick work.

The defect due to corrosion of steel or iron can be prevented by encasing the
reinforcement in thick and impermeable cement mortar and providing a cover of 15 to 25
mm around the embedded member.

4. SHRINKAGE ON DRYING
Formation of cracks in masonry joints is one form of defect due to shrinkage.

As brick are porous material it has tendency to absorb water. When it absorbs water it
swells and when this absorbed water evaporates brick starts to shrink. This shrinkage of
brick creates cracks in brick masonry joints.
 Shrinkage crack in brick masonry
The formation and type of crack occurs is dependent upon type of mortar used in brick
masonry. Where lean mortar is used in brick masonry crack get distributed over large
number of joints and where thick mortar is used cracks are few but wider.
Shrinkage cracks do not affect the structural strength of brick work and it can be easily
prevented

▪ by using good quality of brick and mortar

▪ by protecting masonry from moisture

COMMON DEFECTS IN BRICKWORK NOTICED AT SITE

DEFECTS IN BRICKWORK
The followings are some of the common defects in brickwork that are found at construction
site.

1. The bricks used were of substandard quality compared to the quality specified in
the contract.
2. No tests were carried out to find out the efflorescence level and water absorption
in the bricks
3. The bricks were not soaked in water properly. Water was only lightly sprinkled on
the stack of bricks. The bricks were dry inside.
4. Joints in the brick masonry were thicker than specified in the contract
specification.
5. Joints in brickwork below ground level were not finished properly as the
contractor assumed that these joints would not be seen once earth is filled back.
6. Vertical joints in brick work were hollow.
7. The mortar had not gained strength. On scratching by a screw driver, the mortar
could be raked out completely with ease.
8. Raking of joints was not done when mortar was green.
9. Brick bats were used as fillers and closers.
10. Mortar was not mixed properly on a platform or in a machine.
11. The brick layers were uneven and not truly horizontal.
12. The brick work was not in plumb.
13. The brick work was done in weaker mortar and not as per structural requirement.
14. The brick courses on edge were not done where needed.
15. Gaps existed between door frames/window frames and masonry.
16. Heavy efflorescence was observed in the brickwork.
17. The brick masonry in long partition walls was not done without reinforcement.
18. The holes in the brick work which were left for supporting scaffolding were filled
with dry bricks without proper mortar around it and superficially plastered which later
became the source of dampness in the building.

Types of Tests On Bricks for Construction Purpose

Following tests are conducted on bricks to determine its suitability for
construction work.

1. Absorption test
2. Crushing strength test
3. Hardness test
4. Shape and size
5. Color test
6. Soundness test
7. Structure of brick
8. Presence of soluble salts (Efflorescence Test)

1. Absorption Test on Bricks

Absorption test is conducted on brick to find out the amount of moisture
content absorbed by brick under extreme conditions. In this test, sample
dry bricks are taken and weighed. After weighing these bricks are placed in
water with full immersing for a period of 24 hours. Then weigh the wet
brick and note down its value. The difference between dry and wet brick
weights will give the amount of water absorption. For a good quality brick
the amount of water absorption should not exceed 20% of weight of dry
brick.

2. Crushing Strength or Compressive Strength Test on Bricks

Crushing strength of bricks is determined by placing brick in compression
testing machine. After placing the brick in compression testing machine,
apply load on it until brick breaks. Note down the value of failure load and
find out the crushing strength value of brick. Minimum crushing strength of
brick is 3.50N/mm2.if it is less than 3.50 N/mm2, then it is not useful for

construction purpose.

3. Hardness Test on Bricks

A good brick should resist scratches against sharp things. So, for this test a
sharp tool or finger nail is used to make scratch on brick. If there is no
scratch impression on brick then it is said to be hard brick.

4. Shape and Size Test on Bricks

Shape and size of bricks are very important consideration. All bricks used
for construction should be of same size. The shape of bricks should be
purely rectangular with sharp edges. Standard brick size consists length x
breadth x height as 19cm x 9cm x 9cm.

To perform this test, select 20 bricks randomly from brick group and stack
them along its length , breadth and height and compare. So, if all bricks
similar size then they are qualified for construction work.
5. Color Test of Bricks
A good brick should possess bright and uniform color throughout its body.

6. Soundness Test of Bricks

Soundness test of bricks shows the nature of bricks against sudden impact.
In this test, 2 bricks are chosen randomly and struck with one another. Then
sound produced should be clear bell ringing sound and brick should not

break. Then it is said to be good brick.

7. Structure of Bricks
To know the structure of brick, pick one brick randomly from the group and
break it. Observe the inner portion of brick clearly. It should be free from

lumps and homogeneous.

8. Efflorescence Test on Bricks

A good quality brick should not contain any soluble salts in it. If soluble salts
are there, then it will cause efflorescence on brick surfaces.

To know the presence of soluble salts in a brick, placed it in a water bath for
24 hours and dry it in shade. After drying, observe the brick surface
thoroughly. If there is any white or grey color deposits, then it contains
soluble salts and not useful for construction.

Types of Bricks used in Masonry Construction

Based on the manufacturing process, bricks are broadly classified into two
types, 1. Sun-Dried or unburnt bricks 2. Burnt bricks

1. Sun-Dried or Unburnt Clay Bricks

Sun-dried or unburnt bricks are less durable and these are used for
temporary structures. Unburnt bricks preparation involved in 3 steps they
are preparation of clay, molding and drying.

After molding, bricks are subjected to sunlight and dried using heat from
sun. So, they are not that much strong and they also have less water
resistance and less fire resistance. These bricks are not suitable for

permanent structures.

2. Burnt Clay Bricks

Burnt bricks are good quality bricks but however they also consist some
defected bricks. So, burnt bricks are classified into four types and they are

• First class bricks

• Second class bricks
• Third class bricks
• Fourth class bricks

CLASSIFICATION OF BRICKS

 FIRST CLASS BRICKS :-  This are table moulded.  Surface & edges are sharp,
square ,smooth , straight.  Well brunt & have uniform texture ,metallic ringing when struck
against each other.  Used for superior work.
  SECOND CLASS BRICKS :-  This are ground moulded brick.  Surface are rough. 
The quality of this bricks are inferior.

 THIRD CLASS BRICKS :-  The surface & edges are rough.  Does not create any
metallic sound.  Used for temporary & unimportant structure.

 FOURTH CLASS BRICKS :-  This bricks are over brunt.  Irregular shape & dark
colour.  Used in floor , foundation, roads.

Reinforcement in construction is to provide tensile strength to

the concrete structures. Ordinary brick masonry cannot
withstand tensile stresses because bricks get pulled apart at
the mortar joints, in such situations, brick masonry is reinforced
by steel flats, steel bars or expanded bars
Brick work strengthened by introduction of mild steel flats, hoop iron, expanded
mesh or bars is termed as reinforced brick masonry. This reinforced brick
masonry is capable of resisting both compressive as well as tensile and shear
stress. On account of its ability to resist lateral forces, reinforced brick masonry is
extensively used in seismic areas. It is essential to use first class bricks (having
crushing strength of 140 kg/sq. cm or more) and rich and dense cement mortar in
the reinforced brick work. The reinforcement should be effectively bedded and
surrounded with mortar cover of 15 to 25 cm. This is necessary to protect the
reinforcement against corrosion.

Types of bonds in brick masonry wall construction are classified based on laying and bonding style of
bricks in walls. The bonds in brick masonry is developed by the mortar filling between layers of bricks
and in grooves when bricks are laid adjacent to each other and in layers in walls. Mostly used
material for bonds in brick masonry is cement mortar. Lime mortar and mud mortar are also used.

Types of Bonds in Brick Masonry Wall Construction : The most commonly used types of bonds in
brick masonry are: 1. Stretcher bond 2. Header bond 3. English bond and 4. Flemish bond

1. Stretcher bond
2. Header bond

3.

4.