3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

WALLS

Wall is one of the most essential components of a building. The primary function of a
wall is to enclose or divide space of the building to make it more functional and
useful. Walls provide privacy, afford security and give protection against heat, cold,
sun and rain. Walls provide support to floors and roofs.

LOAD BEARING WALLS

Load bearing walls are those which are designed to carry superimposed loads
(transferred through roofs, etc.), in addition to their own weight.

1. Load-bearing walls may be subjected to a variety of loads, viz., live loads

(superimposed loads), dead loads, wind pressure, earthquake forces, etc.
2. Almost all the walls should be provided with foundations.
3. Load bearing walls are taken deep into the subsoil for foundation.
4. Walls are usually constructed with bricks and stones.
5. A load bearing wall should have a minimum thickness of 200mm.
6. A load bearing wall when once constructed shall remain in position and should
never be dismantled in full or part.
7. Too many openings are restricted in this type of construction.

NON-LOAD BEARING WALLS

Non-load-bearing walls carry their own-load only. They generally serve as divide
walls or partition walls. The external non-load-bearing wall, commonly related to
framed structures is termed as panel wall.

They rest either on flooring concrete or on beams spanning between the main walls.
They are generally carried either for the full height or just above the eye level at 2 to
2.5m above the floor level.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

FRAMED STRUCTURES

These structures are units of columns and beams inter connected with each other so as
to form a grid of the beams and girders. In order to carry various floor loads, the slabs
are built monolithically. The foundations underneath the columns can be either
isolated type or combined or a raft depending upon the sub soil conditions. In framed
structure the wall are not a structural members. A network or frame made up of
columns and beams carried by the slab.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

MASONRY

Masonry may be defined as the construction of structures either it may be from stones
or bricks. When buildings are constructed by using the stones, then masonry called as
stone masonry. When buildings are constructed by using the bricks, then the masonry
is called as brick masonry.

Masonry is normally used for the construction of foundation, walls, columns and
other similar structural components of the buildings. The masonry performs the
following functions:

i) Supporting loads

ii) Subdividing space

iii) Providing thermal and acoustic insulation

iv) Affording fire and weather protection etc.

MAIN ATTRIBUTES OF MASONRY CONSTRUCTION

Aesthetic Variety:

Masonry units come in a variety of materials, sizes, colours, textures, and shapes. This
gives architects the opportunity to design beautiful and personalized structural
elements. Architectural masonry units offer a natural appearance that is striking in
urban applications, while blending in rural areas. In both cases, the appearance of
masonry complements the surrounding environment.

Sustainability:

Masonry walls have a high thermal mass, minimizing temperature swings, and
shifting heating and cooling loads to off-peak hours. This results in energy savings,
since buildings are capable of reducing their overall heating and cooling costs, while
providing a comfortable environment for occupants. Besides an efficient thermal
performance, masonry offers acoustic insulation, which contributes to a quiet and
comfortable atmosphere.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

Durability and Safety:

Masonry units offer fire resistance, in addition to durability and strength. Masonry
systems have demonstrated great resistance against the forces of nature, such as wind
gusts and earthquakes. For this reason, masonry is a common building technique used
in resilient design. Masonry structures have been tested and improved throughout the
years, always searching for improvements that promote structural integrity and
occupant safety.

Wide Range of Applications:

Masonry can be found in almost all building categories, but is very popular in
commercial applications. Masonry units have been used throughout the years to create
buildings like government offices, residential buildings, schools, universities,
hospitals, libraries, etc. Masonry can balance modern engineering with traditional
design, offering many possibilities for designers and builders.

Maintenance Costs:

Masonry does not shatter, rust, dent, warp or rot. For this reason, masonry buildings
have lower maintenance costs. Also, masonry units do not require any repainting or
deep cleaning to remain in proper conditions. As mentioned before, masonry has high
strength, which makes it suitable for walls that are exposed to frequent contact or
possible impact from other objects.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

The features of masonry include design flexibility, various textures, structural

strength, durability, simple maintenance needs and competitive cost.

Points to be kept in Mind while Supervising Stone Masonry Work.

Following points have to be keep in mind while supervising the stone work:

1. The stone to be used should be strong, tough, hard and confirm to the specifications
of the work.

2. The stones should be free from defects such as cracks, flaws, cavities, veins, etc.

3. The stones are well watered before use, and they do not absorb the water of the
mortar.

4. All the stones should be laid on their natural bed.

5. The stones are properly dressed as per specification requirements.

6. Bond should be properly maintained. Formation of vertical joints should be

avoided.

7. No tensile stresses should be allowed to develop in the masonry.

8. The stone masonry should be as per specifications of the work.

9. The mortar should be of good quality with proper proportion.

10. Masonry work should be raised uniformly. But when this is not possible or when a
cross-wall is intended to be inserted after sometime, the steps or toothings or recesses
should be provided.

Points to be kept in Mind while Supervising Brick Masonry Work.

Following points to be observed while supervising brick masonry

1. The bricks to be used should confirm to the specification requirements of the work.

2. The bricks should be sound, hard, tough and well burnt.

3. The bricks should have uniform size, shape and colour.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

4. The bricks should be saturated with water to prevent absorption of moisture from
the mortar.

5. The bricks should be laid on bed properly with the frog uppermost.

6. The mortar should completely cover the bed and sides of bricks.

7. The brick work should be caried out in proper bond.

8. The brick work should comply with the specification requirements of the work.

9. The mortar should be of high quality with proper proportions as specified.

10. The brick work should be raised uniformly.

TECHNIQUES USED IN MASONRY WORK

Masonry wall Strengthening using RC Jackets:

Reinforced concrete (RC) jackets technique for strengthening of masonry structure
consists of application of jackets on one or both sides of masonry walls. This method
is used for brick masonry as well as for stone masonry walls. For using reinforcement
jackets, first the plaster is removed from the walls. Mortar joints between bricks are
cleaned. In case of any cracks in masonry walls, those are first grouted. Anchor ties
are are inserted in pre-drilled holes. The surface of drill is cleaned, moistened, and
cement slurry is spread on the masonry surface and in drills. The concrete is applied
in two-layers with reinforcement mesh in between them. The reinforcing mesh on
both sides of wall is connected with the help of steel anchors. These anchors are
welded with the mesh or tied using tying wire. The usual total thickness of RC jackets
varies from 30mm to 100mm. The thickness depends on the method for application of
concrete layers.

Rules for Strengthening of Masonry Walls by Reinforced Concrete Jacketing:

• The minimum horizontal and vertical reinforcement should be 0.25% of the

jacket section.

• The minimum horizontal and vertical reinforcement should be 0.25% of the

jacket section.

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3rd Semester Construction Techniques CODE: 20CE33P

• The minimum reinforcement with which the ends of the wall are strengthened
should be 0.25% of jacket section.

• The diameter of the ties at the well ends should not be less than 8 mm with a
maximum spacing of 150 mm.

• The jacket must be anchored to the old concrete with dowels spaced at no
more than 600 mm in both directions.

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