Subhead 6.0: Masonry Work

Subhead 6.0 covers the specifications and requirements for masonry work. Below is a detailed explanation of each section along with examples.

6.0 Terminology

Bond: The arrangement of bricks in successive courses to tie the brick work together both longitudinally and transversely. The arrangement ensures no vertical joint of one course is exactly over the one in the next course above or below.
Bed Joint: Horizontal joint in brick work or masonry.
Closer: Any portion of a brick used in constructing a wall, to close up the bond next to the end brick of a course.
Coping or Weathering: The cover applied over or the geometrical form given to a part of the structure to enable it to shed rainwater.
Corbel: A cantilever projecting from the face of a wall to form a bearing.
Cornice: Horizontal or ornamental feature projecting from the face of a wall.
Course: A layer of bricks including bed mortar.
Cross Joint: A joint other than a bed joint normal to the wall face.
Efflorescence: A powdery incrustation of salts left by evaporation.

Example: Using a corbel to support an overhanging section of a wall.

6.1 Bricks/Brick Tiles/Brick Bats/Mechanized Autoclave Fly Ash Lime Brick

6.1.1 Bricks: Bricks should conform to IS 1077 and be either hand-moulded or machine-moulded, properly burnt, and free from cracks and flaws.
6.1.2 Mechanized Autoclave Fly Ash Lime Bricks: These should conform to IS 12894.

Example: Using machine-moulded bricks for a consistent and high-quality finish in a residential building.

6.2 Brick Work

6.2.1 Classification: Brickwork is classified according to the class designation of bricks used.
6.2.2 Mortar: Mortar should conform to accepted standards. Lime should not be used where reinforcement is provided.
6.2.3 Soaking of Bricks: Bricks should be soaked in water before use to ensure proper adhesion with the mortar.
6.2.4 Laying: Bricks should be laid in English bond unless specified otherwise. Joints should be fully filled with mortar.

Example: Laying bricks in English bond for a robust and visually appealing wall.

6.3 Brick Work in Arches

6.3.0 General: Includes masonry for both gauged and plain arches.
6.3.1 Circular Arches: Built in half brick concentric rings with break joints or gauged arches with bricks cut to shape.
6.3.2 Flat Arches: Gauged arches with a slight camber.
6.3.3 Centring and Shuttering: Strong enough to bear the load of the arch during construction.

Example: Constructing a circular arch over a doorway using gauged bricks for precise fit.

6.4 Half Brick Work

6.4.0 General: Done in the same manner as full brickwork but laid in stretcher bond.
6.4.1 Reinforcement: 2 Nos. M.S. bars of 6 mm dia. should be embedded in every third course.

Example: Constructing a half-brick partition wall with reinforcement for additional stability.

6.5 Brick Tile Work

6.5.0 General: Similar to brickwork but using brick tiles.

Example: Using brick tiles for cladding the exterior of a building to achieve a rustic look.

6.6 Honeycomb Brick Work

6.6.0 General: Done with specified class of brick, laid in specified mortar with flush joints.

Example: Constructing a decorative honeycomb brick wall for a garden boundary.

6.7 Joining Old Brick Work with New Brick Work

6.7.0 General: Joining should be done such that there is no hump or projection at the joint.
6.7.1 Rectangular Recesses: Cut in the main walls to bond new cross walls.

Example: Extending a building by joining new brickwork to the existing structure without visible seams.

6.8 Moulding and Cornices

6.8.0 General: Made with bricks as specified for brick work.
6.8.1 Projection: Cornices should not project more than 20 cm without metal cramps.
6.8.2 Corbelling: Finished with metal templates while mortar is still green.

Example: Adding decorative cornices to a heritage building restoration project.

6.9 Brick Work under Water and Foul Conditions

6.9.0 General: Brickwork in or under water/liquid mud or foul conditions should be measured and paid separately.

Example: Constructing a basement wall below the water table with appropriate materials and techniques.

6.10 Exposed Brick Work

6.10.1 Facing Bricks: Should be free from cracks, flaws, and nodules of free lime.
6.10.2 Dimensions and Tolerances: Specified sizes with permissible tolerances.
6.10.3 Sampling: As per specified standards.
6.10.4 Physical Requirements: Class designation 75 unless otherwise specified.

Example: Building an exposed brick facade with machine-moulded facing bricks for uniform appearance.

6.11 Cavity Wall

6.11.0 General: Brickwork in cavity walls with specified dimensions and procedures.

Example: Constructing a cavity wall for better thermal insulation in a residential building.

6.12 Gypsum Partition Panels

6.12.0 General: Specifications for gypsum partition panels used in masonry work.

Example: Installing gypsum panels for internal partitioning in an office space.

6.13 Brick Edging

6.13.0 General: Laid in cement mortar with bricks parallel and butting the plinth protection.

Example: Creating a neat and durable edge for a garden pathway.

6.14 Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Block Masonry Work

6.14.1 Terminology: Definitions for autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry work.
6.14.2 Dimensions & Tolerances: Specific dimensions for blocks and tolerances.

Example: Using autoclaved aerated concrete blocks for constructing lightweight and energy-efficient walls.

Fri Jul 19, 2024

Subhead 6.0: Masonry Work